Let me get this out of the way right up front: The short of it is this morning I ran marathon distance for month number 18 in my marathon-a-month quest and my 37th marathon of all time. Yes, I include the marathons where I wing my own -- I include them because I would have run a marathon if there was an official one nearby. But let me tell you how lucky I am that there are not, because the experiences I have and the friendships earned is that much greater for it. So that's the short of it.<br><br>
The long of it...<br><br>
You want to know the definition of good running buddies turned even better friends? Well, I have several of them. One posts here a lot while another whines a lot but is seriously as solid a trouper as they come while yet another drives great distances just to keep company and share funnier-than-hell jokes. You know these hooligans too because me and LRR talk about them a lot. One is the Andyman. The other is the Warden's Husband. And the other (LRR) needs no introduction.<br><br>
So I plan a marathon distance run for my February marathon. I was supposed to run the Hyannis Marathon last weekend as the token run for the month, but due to a nasty boubt of the Flu, I had to back out. Once recovered enough to run again, I plotted a way to wing my own marathon over a certified course that conveniently has 8 5K loops (plus a mile to get marathon distance) because, well, I was not ready to give the streak a rest. So I ask folks to pick a day; all said they'd like to do Saturday. So Saturday it was. I plotted the course, nailed a schedule, and then solicited company. The reply was outstanding! Only, this was all before the weaterman forecasted an Alberta Clipper snow storm due to crash in early that morning and last through mid-day while dumping 6 inches of wet snow along with winds. I thought my company was doomed. I thought maybe I'd get a lone soldier to keep me company. I thought wrong.<br><br>
So here's how great friends these guys are: The Andyman and LRR, both with family obligations early morning, graciously decided to join me for the "early" shift so that they could log a few miles before attending to their kids. The meet up time was 5:20 am. I showed up at 5:23 am, and they were already there, waiting to get the party started. And it doesn't end there.<br><br>
We put our hats on, zip up our jackets, and finally gather beside our cars. The time was 5:25 am. Good old Lefty (LeftRightRepeat) kicked it off. In the early morning chilly air, with snow falling gently to the ground, he broke into song. Andy put his hand over his heart like a good patriot while I took off my ball cap and rested it up against my chest. And together, the three of us, sang an abbreviated version of the National Anthem. And it doesn't end there!<br><br>
I had joked a few days before the "event" that we would sing the National Anthem and perhaps, just maybe if we're lucky, even witness a flyover. The night before I searched the house for a jet fighter but, not having kids and extra toys laying around, came up empty. The flyover would have to wait until next time. But wait! Maybe not so... not when good friends are involved.<br><br>
Still standing in the early morning snow, we ended our anthem with, "...and the home of the brave." As soon as we finished, good old Lefty disappeared quickly but then came back in a flash. In his hand was a toy plane. With whooshing noises of rushing air coming from his mouth, the Air Canada toy plane made a flyover. We called out and jumped up and down for the pre-race festivites and then set out for the beginning of a long journey. A long journey for me, anyway. And that's just it. These guys came out to support friendship. How freak'n cool (and memorable) is THAT!<br><br>
Two laps later and the Warden's Husband joined in. What's special is that he drove down from New Hampshire to join in the fun and get in a run.<br><br>
Thanks guys... you seriously make it fun!
