Stuck in the Middle (Again): A Runner’s Reflection

Have you ever felt like this in a race? “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you.” That classic line from Stealers Wheel’s Stuck in the Middle with You perfectly sums up my running experience.

I’ve run too fast, and I’ve run too slow. And when I find myself somewhere in the middle, I look around and can’t believe who’s passing me. My mind races: Will they come back? How is this person faster than me? It’s a humbling, sometimes confusing place to be.

But that’s the beauty of running—it reflects our humanity. We are fickle creatures, always chasing something: a time, a place, a feeling. And yet, running remains one of the most human things we can do. Whether we’re fast, slow, or somewhere in between, we run with purpose—sometimes for health, sometimes for clarity, sometimes for a cause.

I’ve always found myself in that “sucker hole”—not fast enough to hang with the front pack, but quicker than the group behind. It can feel isolating. But it’s also where I’ve discovered the most about myself.

Because no matter the pace, I love to run. And as I age, every run becomes a gift. Every mile is a reminder that I’m still moving, still striving, still alive.

So yeah… maybe I’m stuck in the middle again. But honestly? It’s a pretty great place to be. If you have not heard the song check it out!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjoqBaW6OMk