Through running, Paul Balmer finds balance and community

What’s your earliest running memory? 

Run for the Arts in elementary school, a Portland Public Schools program that was basically a jogathon– family members would pledge a dollar or something for every lap you ran, and the proceeds went to support arts programming. My school would go over to the Washington High School field (now the field by Revolution Hall) and run laps. I didn’t really like it or run many laps…not properly motivated I guess. Too much pressure to raise funds for the new marimba? But another early running memory is sprinting the 2 blocks to my best friend’s house to play after school or have snacks. He and his family claim some (probably deserved) credit for my later running success. 

Any memorable running experiences that shaped your love for the sport?

My most memorable running experiences all revolve around being part of a team, spending time together, working towards goals together. I ran in high school and college, but wasn’t particularly fast or a standout or anything like that–but I loved competing as a team in cross country, spending hundreds (thousands?) of hours with my college teammates (who remain my closest friends), and constant sense of building towards something. My college team was never quite able to live up to our expectations of qualifying for nationals, which was heartbreaking for me, but I wouldn’t change any part of that experience. 

When I was living in the Bay Area for law school, I was able to train with a great group of guys who all happened to be similar paced, and we were able to recreate some of those cross country-type team tactics and pack running in road races–marathons are a lot easier if you can spend 13 to 18 miles stride for stride with your friends! The best example of this was when four of us showed up to run the Oakland marathon, which is not the most competitive field. We looked around on the start and realized one of us might be able to win it, so we set out to do it together. We ran the whole race together and crossed the line in first at the same time–the race organizers thought we were a relay team coming in to finish together, and weren’t really sure how to present us all with the first place trophy. Pretty fun. 

What inspired you to join RCTC?

I moved home to Portland in May 2020 and spent months training alone, like everyone. I’ve been a part of a running club wherever I’ve lived, but was having trouble taking the plunge to link up with one, just given where I’m at in life and with running. But–as mentioned–I love racing and being a part of that team camaraderie, and decided it was time to stop showing up to races alone. I’d seen some of the RCTC folks around the neighborhood and at Stumptown Cross, having a great time. I spent a lot of time on the website reading bios and descriptions of the team and was inspired by what RCTC was doing and trying to build, so I connected with Ryan Yambra and then Lauren Ross to learn more. Lauren let me throw on a Rose City singlet at a cross country race in November and I immediately felt so much better and more connected to the running community and enjoyed being out there as part of RCTC. I think the Rose City community is unique–it’s pretty cool to be welcoming to beginner runners but also support a number of women chasing the OTQ standard. I feel lucky to be a part of that. 

Split shorts or tights?

Split shorts, for sure. But the older I get, the longer my shorts are getting, and I did just get my first pair of half tights which have been great for cold rainy mornings. But if I’m racing, split shorts. 

Roads or trails?

Trails. If I could run on trails everyday I would. Though running the roads from my house is easy and I love the efficiency of running out my back door, nothing beats exploring some new single track or hitting a favorite Forest Park loop. 

Do you have a running philosophy? 

Not really. Over the years running has become a really important balance for everything else in my life, from a mental health and fitness standpoint. I’m less tied to my race results than I used to be, but I’ve realized that I’m going to have a better day, better weekend, better life–no matter what I’m doing–if I get out for a run first. And what keeps me coming back to training is the fulfillment and enjoyment in the sense of ascending and improvement that comes, one way or another, with every season. Being able to run a little bit faster than the week before, a little bit longer, provides a sense of progress even when other things in your life might be standing still. 

What’s your advice to someone looking to take their running to the next level?

I can’t overemphasize the importance of consistency and patience. I think more important than running some really great workouts or having a solid training block is just year-in, year-out of consistent running, without taking long breaks unless you really need to or have injuries. Having that solid base of fitness will make it much easier to get in shape for a track 5k or build for a marathon–the marathoners I know who have the greatest improvement have just kept at it with steady gains. The other piece is other people to train with, ideally folks a little bit faster than you, to keep pushing you in workouts. So my advice is: find some runners you like to spend time with, and make solid training a part of your week that just happens without too much thought. 

You’ve reached some significant milestones, most recently with fatherhood. How does it feel?

Yes–first baby coming in March! It’s going to be a big change, the biggest change I hear. We’re excited, but it’s been really hard to think about and plan for races and future running because we don’t know what our lives will look like. But increasingly I have lots of friends who are dads who are still able to run to a degree that makes sense for their families, so I’m sure I’ll be able to find a balance, even if it takes a while or looks different. It’s possible my days of chasing marathon PRs might (might!) be over, but there will be plenty of fun I can still have with the sport. Got the jogging stroller, got the treadmill for when the baby is napping at home or whatever–so I’m all set. Ready to be a runner dad!