Two runners talk about how their guide-athlete relationship turned into a friendship over many yearsand how COVID changed training.
Since our meeting all those years ago we have runbetween thetwo of usnineteen marathons, including an ultra-marathon together.
Weve shared laughs and tears throughout our training blocks, our races, and our day-to-day lives.
Whats unique about this partnership is that it goes beyond just the guide and athlete relationship.
Its rooted in a solid foundation offriendship, trust, and mutual respect.
This would only be temporary, though.
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Melissa phoned me up and asked me to be her guide for the October race.
We would finally reunite after a year apart.
Do you have a favorite running memory of us running together?
That is an easy one.
The North Face Endurance Challenge 50K (about 31 miles), at Bear Mountain, NY.
It is an ultra trail race, with no hardtop paved road.
Neither one of us had an easy day.
It took a lot of grit from both of us to finish the race.
Every emotion was experienced in that race.
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It was the most grueling and technical trail race I have ever done.
Do you have a memory of a challenging moment that we helped each other get through?
That is one memory I will never forget.
What has been the most challenging training apart, thousands of miles away from each other?
Physically not running next to each other.
It is tough training alone.
I miss our post-training coffee and girl talk after the long runs.
It was a lot easier to keep each other motivated when running with you.
What are you most looking forward to in running the Boston Marathon together?
We have been talking about the Boston Marathon for a long time.
Qualifying for this race has been a goal of mine, and I finally did it.
It is awesome to do this race with one of my best friends.
I am looking forward to a big hug and a celebratory beer after we cross the finish line together.
One more awesome memory with you to cherish, that I will have for the rest of my life.
Fun, laughter, friendship.
If you could choose our next race for 2022, what will it be and why?
Next is an Ultra Race somewhere in the western part of the country.
Id love to race on new terrain with amazing views.
I would also be open to an international marathon.
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