My SERC Girls

Who can drag you out of bed at 5:00 AM for a 7-8 mile tempo/hill run?

Only my girls.













Many people feel running is a solo sport. But I am lucky to have finally found a niche where my social and competitive lives blend in perfect unison. On a tempo run we share our ups and downs and we revel in each others braveries and cowardice. When we face lifes demons we face them together. And watch out whoever stands in our path. We are tough and we are gritty but we aren't afraid of a breakdown. We come back stronger and tougher for the battles we face on and off the roads.

I have no idea how I ended up where I am, 24 years into life with the best running friends a girl could dream of. These ladies are fast, witty, outrageous, honest, forthright, and I love them. They never make me feel out of place, though I am the youngest in the crowd, they welcomed me into their family from day one and our friendship has only gotten stronger from there.

It is truly an honor to share in the lives of these ladies.

I'd do just about anything for my girls and I know they'd do the same for me and each other. They are true friends and inspiring mentors and I hope they realize what an impact they have made on me.

25 comments:

Lloyd said...

misery loves company, eh?

just yesterday I was out on the Towpath at 6am with a buddy. It feels so good to up, moving, and done so early.

OTOH, I've also had those same training partners banging on my front door at 6am while I'm still sound alseep...I dont like them as much then!

Cliff said...

true friends indeed :)

Cory said...

Not sure how much of your running is trail running or cross country or whatever you prefer to call it, but frankly, when I was watching the UAA (a div. 3 conference of NCAA that includes Case Western, btw) championships here in Pittsburgh, I was rather struck by the comraderie of it. And in XC, they have a team championship component, anyhow. It would be neat to be more aware of that sort of thing in road running. It is always pretty neat to have somebody to train with. Kind of adds credibility to the whole thing too.

Trisaratops said...

Ain't running friends the BEST??? So cute! I didn't "discover" running until 24, and joined Second Sole at 25....and met some of the most amazing people EVER in that group. Runners just rock. :) Wish I would have discovered this earlier!

Lynne said...

You gotta love having good friends, eh?

:) said...

I'm jealous...I need some "girls" too! (to run with...)

C-mo said...

Great blog. As a college coach, I have to say that I think your blog does a great job in promoting running and reasons why people run. Keep up the good work.

If you're ever training or racing in central Pennsylvania, check out www.centralpennsylvaniarunner.blogspot.com

Bolder said...

those girls could drag me out of bed ...

um, yah!

i need to find a running group exactly like that!

Chad said...

Cool. Running does have a way of bringing people together. 2 of my best friends are people I wouldn't normally hang out with. One is 47 and the other is 61 - I'm 37.

D said...

It is awesome to meet and train with people that love running and can relate to the training, racing, the highs and the lows, etc.

Backofpack said...

Yep, that's our running club too. The best. Ages range from 24 to 62. Cool, huh?

TriBoomer a.k.a. Brian said...

A good group of training partners is priceless.

Stay tuned...

Toasty said...

Love the Crazy song. Don't think you are crazy thou. I could be .....

I am happy you found that group and think they are lucky to have you as well.

Rae said...

You do have a great group! I'm always so jealous of all your group outings and competitions!!!

Michele said...

I much prefer to run with someone. Running is not a solo sport to me.

Anonymous said...

how awesome!

Unknown said...

Looks and sounds like a great group you have to run with. I am not sure running will ever be a solo endeavor for me again.

Neese said...

you are sweet. and truly blessed no doubt!

BuckeyeRunner said...

What a great post and picture! Don't you love finding people who don't think you are crazy for doing all the training and races that we do? They are one in a million!

Habeela said...

Yup. A gift indeed. You are definitely fortunate.

Lucky number 7 said...

I couldn't feel more the same about runnersusan and massoman!!
Well said!

Vickie said...

Doesn't it make it easier with a group of like-minded people out there running and enjoying life together? That is one of the things I remember and loved most when just running. You're lucky you have a great team to run with.

Mojo said...

I'm so glad you have such wonderful friends. All those positive feelings while training must make running so much fun.

They are also lucky to have you too!

CJ said...

Running buddies - I have a few and its great to go on long runs and just talk and talk with no interruptions.

Robin said...

This is so important -- friends of this caliber. And you can run with them to boot! :-)