I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

Let me tell you a bit about the people I choose to surround myself with. They are the definition of awesomeness. Each in their own way. Paul Childs, husband to the iconic Julia Childs, once said that his wife was “The butter to my bread” (OK, not sure if this is 100% accurate, but he said it in the movie Julie and Julia. You check out the historical accuracy and get back to me. I’m busy writing here!). Aside from the fact that I wonder if The Dude has ever used such an endearing phrase to describe me, this is how I think of my circle of friends. They are the butter to my bread. The glue that holds me together.

In my new quest to run a 5K and to achieve my ultimate goal of becoming a runner, they have all once again showed me their love and support. But what many of them do not realize is that, aside from their encouraging words, their actions and how they live their lives, is an inspiration to me. Let me tell you a bit about some of them:

Jaime –  Jaime took up running several years ago. She went from jogging a little bit to running 5K’s and then less than a year ago, she completed her first half marathon. She sent out an email several weeks before her race and asked people to send back inspirational and encouraging words for her to carry with her during her race. She got by with a little help from her friends.

Aunt Sue – Sue is my mothers younger sister. I will not divulge her age on this public forum for fear of a beating, but let’s just say she has two children, one out of college for a year (who also has started a kick ass career in the fashion industry) and another about to enter his junior year in college. Again, you do the math.  Sue and her husband have always stayed active and fit. Well, less than two years ago, Sue decided to do a little race. THE NEW YORK CITY MARATHON! Yes, that’s right. My ??something aunt ran one of if not the most famous marathons. 26.2 miles. I look at her and think “If she can do it, so can I!”  We have the same DNA for goodness sakes! Now granted, that is something that is YEARS away.  But she has truly been an inspiration to me and I aspire to accomplish what she has.

Jennifer – A couple of years ago, I had this great idea to get up before the kids and exercise. Yeah…that lasted for about a week. If that. But I shared this idea with Jennifer, who thought it was a great idea, and proceeded to do the same thing. And of course, she rock starred it! Jennifer got up religiously 5 mornings a week to exercise. She has a determination and willpower that amazes me over and over again. I marvel at her accomplishment.

Erin – Erin has only recently come into my life. Realtor guru by day. Cyclist and runner extraordinaire by night. Erin and her husband travel all over with their racing team competing in different races. Erin is currently training for a half marathon. Together, we are taking a 5K training clinic. I know Erin’s speed and endurance surpasses mine, yet sweet Erin stays by my side when we train together. What makes Erin even more stunning to me is what you don’t see. In 2003, at the age of 27, Erin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Less than a year later, she started her own charity, where every cent raised goes to MS research. Her racing team has grown and Erin’s Fight has raised over $150,000. She is a stunning woman in every capacity and I am honored to call her my friend. *To learn more about Erin’s Fight or to make a donation, please go to http://erinsfight.org/ *

The Dude – My backbone. My rock. Every time I fall down, he lifts me back up, dusts me off and encourages me to keep going. He supports me, encourages me, loves me and puts up with me. That in itself is a noble quality. ‘Nuff said.

These women are just a very small sprinkling of the people in my life that I treasure. Their strength, determination and perseverance give me that extra bit of will power that I need. They believe in me even when I may not. They give words of encouragement and support. I would be lost without them. When I lace up my sneakers and face that long, tiring road, I know I am being carried by the thoughts and strength of  my circle of friends.