A love note

Have you noticed how many of my posts mention SuperAthlete J lately? She's been so encouraging, so level-headed, so motivational ... I have to devote a post to her and take a minute to appreciate everything she's doing for me right now.

I think it's safe to say that I wouldn't be attempting to train for a full marathon if it wasn't for her. And I probably wouldn't have gotten as far in the training without her, either. Now that I'm really in the thick of it, she's more important than ever -- and the support she gives me is only growing. We're doing more and more runs together: long ones, shorter ones and tonight, for the first time, I'll join her for intervals. She encourages me to do and try things that I wouldn't consider on my own. And she's given me an even deeper appreciation for the indescribable value of having a partner to run and work out with. But she's not just any partner: she's funny and engaging and easy to talk to. She's also a veteran marathoner and naturally a stronger and faster runner than me, which really gives me a lot to reach for. This sounds corny, but she's kind of a like a marathon mentor for me. A "running angel," if you will.

When the marathon has come and gone, I know I'm going to look back and remember SAJ at the very center of it -- and I'll have so much gratitude for her, just like I do now. I hate to say it, but this does feel like one of those times when someone enters the scene at just the right moment, for just the right reason, to serve a really important purpose. I don't generally buy into stuff like that, but this situation sure fills the bill. Thanks so much, SAJ.