. . . I have made new friends.

This post is dedicated to my running SOLE mate . . . Nicole Schutte.  Nicole was an intern at ACS and sadly (maybe only for me and Helen!) went back to school on Wednesday.  On her first day, she was a timid college student anxiously awaiting a semester of free labor.  PS  She worked way to hard for free!  The first conversation I remember having with Nicole was about running.  It came up that I was running a half marathon as she too is a runner . . . much more avid and dedicated than I!  She was running a race the same weekend as my half . . . bummer!  I thought I would have a buddy!

Turns out . . . I did . . . and do!  Our conversations frequently ventured to the topic of running and like me, she understands running to be more than cardio exercise and putting one foot in front of the other.  After two ACL replacements, she isa runner even though doctors told her she shouldn't run.  A resident of Maine, she lived in Boston for the summer and frequently took to the streets in the wee hours of morning to squeeze in a daily run. 

Another early memory I have of Nicole Schutte is our initial training when we had to draw our personal story.  Turns out, she is a much better doodler than I!  We had to draw out something other's didn't know about us and she drew an awesome stick figure crossing a finish line.  She told our team, "I am a runner!"  I envied those words a little . . . at that point I didn't qualify myself as such. 

As the months went on Nicole became much more than an intern.  She was the most avid supporter of my running blog and helped me come up with ideas, talk out wacky connections, and understood my overanalytic self.  We compared notes, aches, pains, mileage, and sweat.  She inspired me, encouraged me, and believed in me.  For that, I am forever grateful!  At ACS, I found my SOLE mate and this summer marks the time that we both were inducted to the 13.1 club!  Watch out, our medals are pretty bad ass!

What Nicole probably does not know is that she was really the first new "friend" I met since moving here.  Sounds way third grade, right?!  But really . . . until Nicole and I began chatting about running, college, work, and life I really only interacted with family and Cooper.  This is not to say or suggest that those people aren't wonderful and I don't thoroughly enjoy the time I spend with them, but it was nice to feel like I was finally settling in here in Mass and able to connect with and meet new people!

I am eternally grateful that I had such a rock star intern, and now have an amazing friend!  While I am beyond bummed that Nicole is back in South Carolina for school, I am excited for a new vacation spot and an upcoming private tour of Maine!  On her last day, Nicole gave me a book titled, "To Be a Runner".  I am in love so far . . . here is why . . .

Martin Dugard says these things about running (mind you I am on page 3 of this book . . . that's right . . . I have only read the prologue!!!)

To be a runner is to learn continual life lessons . . . The very act of surpassing
personal limits in training and racing will bend the mind and body toward
a higher purpose . . . settling for mediocrity - settling for good enough - becomes
less and less of an option.  And with so many people in the world all too happy
to bask in mediocrity - settling instead of pushing - those who learn to be the
best version of themselves know the secret to a full life (Dugard, 2011, p. xv).

So Miss Nicole, thank you for embarking on my running journey with me.  More importantly, thanks for being a dear friend, supporter, and encourager.  Funny that the journey of running is really the journey of life!  I am so glad to have found a SOLE mate in you!  BECAUSE I RUN, I have made new friends and I am so glad that you are one of them!  Is it October 2nd yet?!  <3