Last Sister Standing.

Look at this! Two blogs in less than 12 hrs! Shocking, I know...but I may have something to say.

Tonight was the reception for all DFMC 10k participants. My sister, Ashley, was my +1. As many of you may remember, Ashley, more so than many others, thought my marathon and fundraising obsession was a bit...excessive, if you will. Well, after tonight - I think she gets it. I introduced her to all of my running friends, and by that, I mean, the few running friends that she is not Facebook friends with quite yet. I included in my proud introduction that she will be: "Running with us next year." After a very nice reception, she and I headed to the car to drop things off before grabbing a drink. She said, kiddingly, "I guess I really have to run this now, huh?"

We get to Longhorns after the reception with the usual suspects for drinks, gossip, and who knows what. Ashley was there for it all. She had the chance to hear Lauren and I finish eachother's sentences, and said that we are the "same person even though we are so different." She watched how Tyler could pretend to listen to me and Lauren speaking our own language, then respond with some quick, random Tyler thought (which we somehow were able to connect into our conversation). Ashley received relationship advice from the one and only, Laurie. She witnessed the brainpower behind the forming of TNT, and even suggested that we host one of the weekend group runs out of Needham. Ashley heard how frequently I was called "Glutes" and joined in the fun. She wholeheartedly defended Matt when all the girls said he looked "stressed out." As we left the bar, she had Coach Jack tell her that he will help with a training plan soon to get her into long-distance running. My adorable and sarcastic sister fit in perfectly.

On our car ride home to BH, Ashley reviewed the entire evening, and placed particular emphasis on how my running friends are "so awesome." She then proceeded to talk about her past few runs, and how hard they have been for her. Ashley mentioned that on her 5 mile run, she knew that she had to "just keep running." ("Keep on Keeping On", perhaps?) She said she no longer gets tired on 3 mile runs, and believes she has it in her to run more, given that she was an endurance athlete in high school (my swimming little sister). In all honesty, I do not think anything but running related activities and people were discussed during our ride back from DFCI to Beacon Hill.

As I headed into my apartment after Ashley dropped me off, I smiled and realized what had just happened. She got it. She caught the beginnings of the running bug that had me hooked sometime after our first trip to Redbones.

Ashley - I love you so much and am glad you came with me tonight. Welcome to the club. Just make sure you Facebook everyone by the morning.

RW Quote of the Day

Life, and running, is not all about time but about our experiences along the way. -Jen Rhines