RUN

Running seems to be a common thread between me&t and even our guest bloggers m&e.  I have always been an on again, off again exerciser.  And I've always dabbled in running ... well jogging actually.  I was stuck doing around two or three miles at a clip for a long time.  Then two summers ago something changed.  I started running with a friend.

I remember being so nervous the first time out together.  What would happen if I wasn't feeling it and needed to slow down or even stop.  The pressure, but I did it.  And we did it again and again and again for an entire year.  We had a standing date ... every Sunday morning at 8:00 am (give or take).

Here is what happened.  We got in shape.  We started increasing our distance.  Three miles became four and four miles became five.  We continued doing the five mile "Rails to Trails" loop for a long time.  We were able to talk and run.  Four miles felt like two miles.  Our runs went so fast and it was great!

Then last summer I fell off the wagon.  It got so hot so quickly I could barely run a mile. Humidity changes everything.  My friend and I had a hard time getting back in synch due to our crazy schedules.  But this spring I've made a really strong effort to start running again.  Another friend and I are meeting every Saturday morning before the girl's gymnatics class.  We started slow at a mile and a half and are now up to three miles.  

Here is why running with a friend works so well.  This past week we were around the two mile mark.  I was starting to feel blah.  I look out of the corner of my eye and think how strong my friend is running.  Shortly after I tell her this.  My friend looks at me and says oh my gosh, I was looking at you thinking the same thing.  You look so strong and I feel so blah.  Friends carry each other along. 

I had dinner with my old running pal the other night.  We made a date to start running together again ... I can't wait!

Tracy