Running partners...

I have always been nervous to run with someone. Afraid that I will slow them down, afraid that they will think I am foolish, afraid of what I will look like.... the list could go on and on. Throughout my running "career" I have found inspiration from friends, mainly on facebook. High school friends that run, relatives, strangers, whoever..... This weekend I decided to change my run to Saturday. There had been talk of snow coming on Sunday and I really didn't want to do 10 miles on the treadmill. And Saturday's forecast was beautiful!!!! I posted on FB that I was planning my run, and a HS friend said she would like to meet at some point. I got nervous and excited and we agreed to meet at a local pizza place. Sandra is a lifetime runner. And more importantly, one of the coaches (maybe the only) of track/cross country teams at Catonsville High School, the school we went to together. Simply put, she is awesome. Has two kids and looks FANTASTIC!!!!! We met up and started our loop around Arbutus. I wasn't sure how it was going to work, but I quickly discovered Sandra can talk while she runs! I found this amazing, cause I cannot. Lol. We talked.... well I take that back, she talked. I talked a little. My favorite thing.... Sandra said "I am a spitter" I said "Don't spit on me" She warned me to stay on her right. Ahhhhh..... We ran roughly four miles together. As we parted I missed her! I put my ear buds back in, but man she was such a motivator! I slowed down significantly and even walked a little. But in the end, I ran 10 miles in 1:43:52 and I learned a big lesson. Running with a partner rocks!!!! I hope to catch up with Sandra on future runs, and will soak up all her coaching!!!!!