Motivation Monday* - Grab a Friend and Go

   *Notes from a knitter who is attempting to run her first marathon.

Often running is a solitary activity for me.  I enjoy the peace and quiet of the trail, and the time to let my mind wander as I settle into my own pace.   Once in awhile though, I enjoy a little help from my friends.  When someone else goes with me, I am grateful for that extra motivation to get out the door.

My hubby has been kind enough keep me company on my longer runs so that I'm not alone on the more isolated trails.  He has no interest in running, which I consider a bonus as he can carry extra water on his bike.

Now we know of a new spot to go picking during fig season.

I snapped this pic of him just after he insisted I pause in my run to take a deep breath of the coconut-like aroma wafting off of this huge fig tree.  Enjoying the outdoors together more often has been a fringe benefit which I hope will continue after the race.

Karen is my weekend walking partner.  She has been motivating me to get out onto the river trail on Saturday mornings long before I decided to start running again.

It was a happy accident that we both showed up in our
Falling Leaves Hats on the day I wanted a photo for this post.

She's always up for a walk, even if it's rainy and cold.  I know I can meet her on the trail in my grubby exercise clothes and we can chat about our week.  There have been mornings when it would have been all too easy to stay on the couch except for the knowledge that she was waiting at the trailhead.  Thanks Karen!

Tera is my friend from Oregon who motivated me to run a marathon in the first place.

Here we are after a 16 mile run.
I hope we look this happy after our 26 mile run!

She recently drove down from Portland to run part of the actual marathon course with me.  Just as when we used to jog together in college, she motivated me to go that extra mile during our practice run.

I hope it doesn't stop there.  I mentioned in an earlier post that our teenager joined me in the Turkey Trot, and I sincerely hope we started a new tradition.   Also, since I started posting on the blog about running, Amber let me know she plans to run a half-marathon in the Spring.  So maybe we can go for a run sometime, that is, if I can keep up with her!   And anyone else reading this who is a local friend, and who wants to join in, just drop me a line.

I would encourage anyone who is looking for that little bit of extra motivation to find an exercise partner.  Whatever activity you enjoy, grab a friend and go!  You'll both be happy you did.