Spenser Fleming-Communitas

While I was running the Marathon I found after about the 10th mile a group had formed amongst me. I few of us who were all going at the same pace. Even though we were physically exhausted we talked to each other. Usually starting with "so do you actually like those shoes?" or "is this your first time". These same question I imagine are asked on pilgrimage trails. I made friends with these people while running for 4 hours. It was like a 4 hour crash course with the person next to you. This is what we have been discussing in class, communitas. You find things in common with others and you talk as if you have known them for years. When the race finished you congratulate them and then what? Well most were repeaters with the exception of myself, so most of them said "see ya next year". It was a good, accomplished feeling. I cannot wait to see them next year during the run. It makes the "race" seem almost as if it is not a race.