After the marathon we had plans to all go to brunch together. Several of our friends had run the half marathon and a few more ran Bianca in from the 19 or so mile point. So there was a large group of our running friends there to support one another. It's such a nice feeling!
I have no idea why Julie and Val aren't in this picture |
They really were there |
Anyway, there was a lot of hugging and congratulations for the marathon runners.
Bianca had so much love and support for her and it was pretty amazing.
All my friends were pretty awesome to Tracey too and I think she felt the love and congrats for a job well done.
All of these ladies are amazing. All wear so many hats and are still able to take time for themselves and kick butt running. I am so proud of all of them. Most of them set a PR at this race.
Val and I were really hungry waiting for our food. It's awfully rude to make the spectators wait so long for food. So I ate my weight in chips and complimentary queso. It was so so good.
Tracey enjoyed her post marathon Diet Coke. She and I both quit on January 2nd and vowed we wouldn't have a sip until after the marathon. I stayed strong and only drank water at brunch, but I did cave and have a Diet Coke later in the weekend. It wasn't that good. Yeah I said it... whatever.
I can not even begin to express what running has done for my life. I mean, clearly all the obvious things like being stronger and healthier, but so much more importantly all these wonderful people.
Without running I wouldn't have the relationship with these ladies that I do now. I wouldn't have the unconditional love and support I get from these friends.
I feel so lucky that somehow running came into my life, but I feel even luckier that it also brought me all these ladies and many more. I know it's sappy, but it's true. Tracey and I met at a soccer game for our kids, but running is what brought us together. She convinced me to run my first half and I know, without a doubt, that it is because of her that I continued on the running path I did.
Without ever having met Tracey, I would never have met these ladies either (with the exception of Val because we actually bonded of baseball and beer... she just happens to be a runner too). I saw Julie running one day and then later when seeing her at the kids' school asked her to join me in a run. Bianca's daughter and Ella sparked a friendship, but I don't know if Bianca and I would have developed our friendship without running. Bianca brought Karla into the group after a chance meeting in Walmart after overhearing a conversation about her running a marathon.
We are definitely all brought together by running, but all these girls are more than just running buddies to me. They're my TRUE friends. I miss each of you so much and hope that the miles will never keep us apart. Thanks for letting me take Tracey home with me. ;)
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and this time is no different. It was really hard for everyone to say goodbye.
What's with my spare tire??? I swear it's the shirt!!! |
Until we meet again my friends. Live to Run to Live!
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