Old Friends

The running community is really a community of friends. Sometimes it's people you meet through training programs. Sometimes, it's people you encounter at races. You never know where your friends will come from.

I have many running friends. Some I have yet to meet, but I have known them virtually for over 12 years on The Motley Fool. Other friends I have worked with. Many are the people I train and work with from year to year.

Today has been an old home week. A group of ladies I fit for shoes each year came in today, and it was like I see them every week. Some are kids who I help each track season, and I am watching them go through school, from middle school to high school. Times like this allow me to catch up with these folks, who are always happy to see me, and we talk like old friends. In essence that is who we are - old friends.

This week I was reminded of the generosity of old friends. As readers know I have a boycott of long distance races in Chicago(i.e. RocknRoll and the marathon). One race I enjoy is the Soldier Field 10 Mile, put on by Fleet Feet Sports Chicago(my former employer). If you haven't run this race, you need to. It starts outside Soldier Field, home of Da Bears. You run south along Chicago's lakefront. Finally you finish on the 50 yard line inside Soldier Field. It is well organized, fun race.

I was graciously offered an invitation to run the race this year, in an effort to end my boycott of Chicago races. I happily accepted. Does this mean I will run other Chicago races? I have no plans to, but I will do this one. Who knows, maybe this will be the race to turn things around for me in Chicago?

I will run with running friends throughout the race, along one my favorite places to run - Lake Michigan. A good week, and old friends made it better.

Charlie