New Year. New Friends. New Goals.

Cary, Kristi, Barbara, and I at a local 10K

 Life at age 50 is interesting.  No longer young, but not yet old.  Strong and healthy, but anticipating decline.  It is a wonderful time to decide which challenges are still within reach and set your priorities accordingly.  It's even better when you have company on your journey.

My long suffering husband (the Hubs) is always happy to work out with me-- whether it's running a few miles, cycling, or swimming.  However, we have different goals (his are far more sensible); and sadly, he is often away from home for something called W-O-R-K.  I never leave Covington for any of my three jobs, and I shudder at the thought of being gone 7-10 days at a time; something poor Hubs is familiar with.  So although I love training alone and with the Hubs, it is wonderful to have another option.

After having a wonderful time at Ironman Chattanooga, I turned my attention to two new friends-- Cary and Barbara-- and their goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon.  Those ladies and their friends are so much fun and full of such positive, happy energy, that whatever they want to do will undoubtedly be wonderful.  And so the training has begun.

Cary showing off her stylish hat!

I would not have undertaken this goal without these new friends.  First of all, I have minimal hope of actually achieving my goal of running under 3 hours and 55 minutes (sub-9:00 miles for 26.2 miles).  Second, running faster requires speed and tempo work-- not my favorite things.  I prefer toodling along through the woods with my dogs and barely acknowledging my pace at all.  It is a challenge to teach my body to run faster and hold that pace over 10, 15, or 20 miles.  It is uncomfortable.  I simply cannot do it alone.  

Cary, other Kim, and I after
the Columbus half marathon.

Cary and Barbara help me face this challenge; and I am doing the same for them.  We are a team, though sometimes at different paces.  We encourage, inspire, and cheer one another.  We have begun a weekly yoga practice to reduce risk of injury; and when Barbara injured her ankle while away on business, we swam together as part of her recovery.

As a cyclist, I learned the joy of riding with others.  It initially surprised me how group rides were such joyful, happy experiences, and how speed and endurance increased effortlessly.  The same is now happening with running.  This girl, who always thought of herself as a natural introvert thriving on alone time now looks with anticipation toward group runs and rides.  Who knew?

2019 New Year's Day ride with C4 folks.
Note the Hubs waving in the back.

It turns out that community is important.  As I get older, I want a group of wise and happy friends with me on my journey.  Alone is fine, but together is better.  

First 2019 Winter base ride with C4.

A fun run and Christmas gathering with
Covington's She Runs this Town ladies.