I tried to ditch my friends this weekend- again.  Jerks.  Running faster than me.  Looking like it was easy.  Patiently waiting for me and encouraging me along the route.  Jerks.  Didn't they know I've been sick?  Didn't they know I wasn't up for running?  Oh wait....it was my idea to get us all together....sigh.....Sometimes I forget how difficult it is when I take a break from running (this time because I was sick) to start-up again.  There are 7 of us who run train throughout the year.  Rarely are "all" 7 of us together, but at any given time, "some of us" are actively training for a specific race, keeping the others motivated to run.This weekend- we talked about fall races, all hoping our bodies would hold up to support our racing goals.Saw this YouTube video a few weeks ago- and it makes me laugh.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zoF4mxGjnkSometimes we forget.  We forget that our bodies are aging (hey...we aren't 20 years old anymore)..... We forget that we need to pace and push our bodies at the same time.  We forget to make sure to support our overall health with our nutrition in between runs.  We forget that staying up late at night impacts our ability to run to our potential the next day (yes, we have all "learned" this lesson many times).  We forget that it sometimes hurts when you are running- you legs, your lungs, shoulders (yes, I understand you don't "run" with your shoulders, but they are moving and yes, sometimes hurt).....But quickly....we remember that even though our bodies are aging, running helps to keep us healthy and I would argue "young."  We remember that we can push ourselves to run faster, and we will not simultaneously combust on the pavement.  Let's face it, none of us are running like lightening...so pushing a little we can do.  We remember to choose wisely when we eat (and drink) because we only have one body, and we need to take the best care of it we can!  We remember to go to bed early when possible, and say "no" to things that are unnecessary in our lives.  Sleep is essential for distance running.  And we remember that even if our bodies hurt for a while on a run, if we stick with it, the pains usually fade as our body compensates in the amazing ways it has been doing all our lives.I'm thankful this past weekend for my friends reminding me of all of the above.I couldn't decide between the 2 quotes I found, so I thought I'd include both....."Don't walk (or run) behind me.  I may not lead.  Don't walk (or run) in front of me, I may not follow.  Just walk (or run) beside me and be my friend."  Albert Camus. Ok, I added in the (run) part.  But how fitting for what the essence of running with friends, or having a friend, is in life.  Walk beside me, and be my friend.  Beautiful.And...."A friend is someone who knows all about you, and still loves you." Elbert Hubbard.Isn't that we all really want? To have someone/s who know who we really are, and still love us?Tonight, I am deeply thankful for Tanya (for pushing me when I wanted to ditch her and the others), Kristi, Aileen, Michelle and our new running friend Heda.....my world would be so much different if I hadn't found running, and all of you.....Peace and Happy Monday......