That's What Friends Are For

First I have to say I agree with most of you and your comments about the expectant mom who ran the Chicago Marathon at 39 weeks pregnant. I think it is great that she ran through her pregnancy. And since she had the go-ahead from her doctor and her husband was with her during the race, I think it is amazing. Just my $.02.

Now for what I really want to talk about. Tonight I am going to dinner with my friend Joyce. We have been friends for ten years. We have gone months at a time without talking to or seeing each other. Yet we can pick up the phone any time and talk like we just saw each other yesterday. She is the one friend I knew without a doubt I'd see at the hospital the nights my girls were born. And nothing could have stopped me from seeing her little guy the day he was born. Sometimes we celebrate each other's birthday months after they happen or exchange Christmas gifts in February, but life can get crazy and we both recognize that. I can tell Joyce anything and trust her like I trust very few people in this world.

I don't have a lot of people like Joyce in my life. I have reconnected with some high school friends through Facebook and stayed in touch via Christmas cards with friends from college, but most of my friends have come and gone. There just aren't a lot of friends that are worth the effort. And I truly believe a real, true friendship is one worth fighting to keep.

What made me start to think about my "friends" was my St. George Marathon race report. The comments I received on that post meant more to me than any of you will ever know. And I also realized how much many of you mean to me. Since I became a runner, I have made some friends that I will fight to keep. And I know most of you know exactly what I am talking about.


Maybe it's because as runners we are often at our most vulnerable or that you can't fake it when you are pounding the pavement. But really, I don't know what it is. All I know is that runners make some of the best friends.



Just like so many other times, your comments after the St. George Marathon were exactly what I needed to hear. You made me cry, smile and laugh. You said things only true friends would say.


Some of you I've met. Others I haven't. But whether I've hugged you in person or just wanted to while sitting in front of my computer, you inspire me. And not just to be a better runner. To be a better person. To be a better friend.


So thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I am honored and feel extraordinarily blessed to have such amazing friends in my life.