I Stand Corrected

Ever since I pushed "publish post" on my last entry, I've wanted to delete it. It just left a bad taste in my mouth that I've been wanting to get rid of. And I realized why this morning. I used to run alone and liked it just fine, but I don't think my love of running came until I started running with friends. Exercise and therapy are definitely the best medicine for me, so what I should have said was "I love my running partners!" They are amazing women and so great that I'm going to introduce you to them now:

During the week I run with my friend Melanie. We started running shortly after we moved here. I was convinced Melanie had been assigned to me. I figured the Relief Society President had felt sorry for me in a new place and asked Melanie to fellowship me through running. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful! We started running a few days a week, then worked up to 5 and have gradually been adding on mileage. I don't know many people who would run in the falling snow or heat of summer with me, but we're starting to blaze a path in our hilly little loop in the neighborhood. Mel's gotten me through a lot of little ups and downs and I realized the past 2 days that life just isn't the same without my daily dose of Mel.

One of the people I looked up to when I was younger was my older cousin Denise. I never thought of myself as her peer, but I'm lucky enough to do so now. We've been running together for about two years on the weekends and I've loved it. We've decided what's said on the road stays on the road and I feel like Denise and I have had some great chats about life and it's challenges and joys. I think it's great fun to run with a relative and I still look up to Denise with new respect now that I know her much better. She is also my inspiration on race days. She is such a strong competitor and knows how to put on her game face.

For the longest time I said that I run with my cousin and her friend on Saturdays. But over those same two years, it's become my two friends. Lisa is our other Weekend Warrior. Lisa, mother of 5 kids, is amazing!! I've learned a lot by watching her dedication, not to running - though she is very dedicated, but to her kids and husband. Lisa is a great mom and weekly makes me want to be better. Lisa has great endurance, and it's been fun to do so many races together. I guess that puts the count at 3 who would and have run in the snow and heat with me!

I wish I had pictures of these beautiful ladies to post, but frankly we don't look all that great in the mornings - ok I speak for myself. I'm happy that my love of running has allowed me to get to know them because they truly bring joy into my life. And now I DO feel better! Really I just want my toes back so I can get back to my social life!! Thanks for everything ladies!