For The Local Runners

On Sunday November 3 I ran 6.2 miles around the King Farm neighborhood of Rockville Maryland at the Montgomery County Road Runners Rockville 10k. It's a local fall favorite that attracts many runners; for the 10k and 5k road race and even the Kids 1 Mile Fun Run. I had originally dedicated the 10k to 2 runners but then it turned into 3. One of the dedications didn't like the idea so I respected the decision to drop that dedication. The 49th Running of the Rockville 10k was ran with Todd and Mary in mind and in spirit. Below are the stories of my friendships with Todd and Mary; both former (injured) runners who always do what's best for themselves and for those they care about most.

Todd
I met Todd back in the mid 2010s when we were members of the Montgomery County Road Runners and ran the Country Road Run 5 Miler that started and finished in the Olney Swim Center parking lot. The run took us from the parking lot of Olney Swim Center and Olney Manor Recreational Park onto Batchellors Forest Road where it was constant uphill and a few slight downhills for nearly 2.5 miles before turning around near Doctor Bird Road. It was sometime after the race; I assume Todd finished first because he's always been the faster runner, but we met at some point that morning as he was sitting on one of the park benches. We talked for a good amount of time and then ended up hanging out a lot. We hung out and also ran several Montgomery County Road Runner races together.  I don't remember what year it was that I went up to King Farm to cheer for Todd as he ran the Rockville 10k and totally crushed the course. I remember seeing the smile on his face when he finished, which was one that brought my eyes to tears. I beliee it was his first 10k and I was so proud of him. The next year Todd injured himself pretty bad when he was training for the Seneca Slopes 50k Trail Race in which he got to maybe the 5 or 6 mile mark. There's a lot to our story and our close bond but it's details I don't feel comfortable sharing. Just like most friendships we took a break for a while which was needed. In the past few months we reconnected after our time apart. When we get together these days; we'll go to Panera or Starbucks and sometimes take a walk. He hasn't run since so we'll walk and talk to get outside and move. Todd has always been the type of friend who can put a smile on my face when I need it most. He usually has his head stuck in his phone playing Pokemon Go! so I always have to remind him to put his phone in his pocket so we can spend a quality time together. I'll get a random text from Todd just wishing me a good day ahead in the early morning hours which always brings a smile to my face. I'm so happy that we have each other.

Mary

I met Mary under very different circumstances than running; but through getting to know Mary I learned how much she LOVED running when she was able. I could write so much about my sweet friend of so many years but I want to respect what I know about her. Mary is the friend who makes sure everyone she cares about is doing okay. She keeps her space when she needs but reaches out when able. We used to see each other weekly since we met; but times have changed so seeing each other often making sure we went to Panera for lunch and then made our way to Barnes & Noble to browse and keep each other from buying out the store. We would chat about everything; much about what happens to be the same and some of our differences. I remember when Mary came out to cheer me on when I ran the Montgomery County Road Runners Capital Crescent 5k. I stayed with her the night before the low-key race. Everything about the morning of the 5k I ran that Mary cheered me on at was perfect. I ran for her which is something which I never admitted to her. I know from that day many years ago and to this day; she misses being able to run and do so many other things she loves. Even though she lives not too far from me still; we don't talk often but we write notes and letters; we even text. I can't express what Mary means to me as a friend and a sister because family doesn't have to be blood. I'm looking forward to the next time Mary and I communicate; however and whenever it happens. 

I LOVE running for Todd and Mary; as they don't run anymore for their own reasons but I want them to know I'm always running for them as I am able to.