Cool Runners
Tonight Tom and I had a chance to connect with Nancy, Kent (aka Bowolf), and David (aka Running Hawkeye) for a quick victory lap around Gray's Lake to celebrate the launch of the Runners Lounge online community. With our work and family schedules, Tom and I hadn't the chance to step back, take a deep breath and say - "wow - we did it!" - so we invited a few friends to cover the 2 mile "victory lap" to celebrate the milestone. That pic on the left is us with Andy Priestley from DWebware - the best developers in the world - that gave life to www.runnerslounge.com. He brought us "her" birth certificate of sorts!
When Nancy stepped out of her car, dressed in her cavegirl outfit, swinging her club - BAM! (literally and figuratively) I was reminded why I run and why we built the Lounge
-- runners are cool! Nancy must one of the nicest, most generous, inspirational and just plain fun runners I have met in this journey. How many friends do you have that would dress in a cavegirl outfit to meet "online"/BRF's friends to wish them well?!?
And then Kent (aka Bowolf) came running over, looking fit and fast - just a few days away from from his first marathon. His weight loss story is such an inspiration and the his running is incredible to a back-of-the-packer like me. How he juggles family, volunteer and training/running for a marathon is amazing.
David was there when we finished our loop. As a friend and idea guy, David has been with us through all our little steps with the site but has also been a great running friend who endures both Tom and my stories about training, racing, injuries and what's next. All the while training for his first marathon in January. The pic on the left is all three of them with me and my son and daughter. (my husband is the invisible guy behind the camera!)
As I drove away, I realized I had missed one of the biggest reasons I run on my list last week....I run because of the people who run. Running may have started as a sport many moons ago, but has continued and grown into the passion it is because of the runners. Thanks for the run and inspiration!
If you haven't had a chance to meet up with a running friend in a while, make time to do it! It is such a great pick me up.
Nancy, Kent, David - you rock!
How awesome! You totally deserved that victory lap and what better way to celebrate than with some amazing BRFs!
Posted by: kate | October 17, 2007 at 05:41 AM
I consider myself fortunate as well to run with Tom, Amy, Nancy last night, and my pleasure talking with RunningHawkeye (David) as well. It is strange as Amy commented that you know people by their nickname or pseudonyms rather than the first name -- sort of like in the military where you only know people by their last name. I had a really good time, and it shows you that running is not necessarily lonely sport.
Posted by: Kent (Bowulf) | October 17, 2007 at 06:35 AM
That sounded like fun, thanks for sharing the pictures!
Posted by: Runnin' Ragged | October 17, 2007 at 07:48 AM
Oh thanks, Tom and Amy, this was SO fun. I am hoping to post on this later today. Thanks so much for putting this together and for putting up the Runner's Lounge. (I don't have speed so I have to hang on to the inspirational stuff! but thanks for the compliment) :D
Posted by: Nancy | October 17, 2007 at 09:06 AM
I agree 100% that runners tend to be really nice people. We are very supportive of our fellow runners and tend to be some of the most humble when it comes to whatever we are trying to accomplish. I think both you and Tom have done an amazing thing with the Runner's Lounge and that it will quickly grow. I am really impressed with all the different types of runners you have attracted from so many different places. The one thing we all have in common... We Are Runners.
Great pics by the way... that Cavewoman looks a little shady if you ask me.
Posted by: bill carter | October 17, 2007 at 09:10 AM
So cool! Can't wait to see you all in the Lounge on Sunday.
Posted by: Betsy | October 17, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Hey, that's a nice looking group of fellow runners! Keep rocking on! You are the best. And I enjoyed reading your previous post, i like to hear why others take to running everyday too, rain or shine.
Posted by: PNW Runner | October 17, 2007 at 10:38 AM
I've posted the official press release for the spotting of Cavegirl :D
Posted by: Nancy | October 17, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Wish I could have been there to celebrate with you guys! You both are awesome. Thanks for all you do for us runners.
Posted by: Andria | October 17, 2007 at 11:55 AM
How great! That is a good reminder to make time for running with friends. You guys are great!
Posted by: justrun | October 17, 2007 at 01:17 PM
Congratulations you two! Hard work, determination, running, imagination and friendship... you've got some of the best qualities people could have! :)
Posted by: Taryn | October 18, 2007 at 09:52 AM