Going by the old adage, “If you make friends with yourself, you’ll never be alone”, I love running long distances on my own.
Maybe I like the idea of not feeling obliged to try and keep up with someone else’s pace. It comes back to this innate fear of letting people down.
And while I’ve made great friends through running, I’ve never had a close buddy who shared the sense of adventure with me.
Until last Sunday’s 10 km Sydney Harbour Run.
Brenda – mah sistah from another mistah – has not only taken up running, but in a short year now loves it more than I ever have.
The crazy gal is running her first marathon this year.
While I could easily get jealous of that kind of tenacity and determination, it’s actually inspiring.
And then, there are the weird and wonderful things you discover on race day:
- For your pre-race jitters pee, you have a friend to run into the men’s toilets because the ladies’ line is as long as the Great Wall of China. Never mind the puzzled look from the users at the urinals, look down, run straight into the loo, do your thang, then run the hell out of there…giggling like stupid school girls.
- Throughout the entire 10kms, she was my cheering squad (“Come on G…just shuffle, shuffle, shuffle…”) and I hers, (“Go, B! Go, B! Go, B!)
- You can both share your love of being camera sluts, hogging every official race photographer with goofy grins and peace signs.
- The Negative Nellies inside your head will almost succeed in slowing you down in the freezing, blistering cold wind. But then your running sistah will make sure you “move those legs” and get to the finishing line under 65 minutes, damn it.
- You have someone to have jubilant, triumphant hugsies with at the finish line, pretending you just won gold at the Olympics. Then, promptly crash to reality when scolded by the Race Marshal to “Move along now! Don’t block the finish line!”
- She loves you for you. It’s not just about the run but the chance to share an adventure. No matter how much of a slow poke you are, she sticks to her word and crosses the line with you. Together.
Yup. Mah running sistah from another mistah.
Who’s your sistah from another mistah? What’s the most memorable adventure you’ve shared with them? Have you ever used the men’s toilets?
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Neets says
Running is an awesome way of making friends. Congrats on the run last weekend. x
Neets recently posted..Party In The Park And Win – Thomas Street Reserve
Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
Men’s toilets? Yes! I used to do that very frequently in my younger days when bands came to uni and the ladies line was too long. It’s all OK until you stop by their mirrors to apply the lippy, then they get a little “stage fright” and politely ask you to leave.
Running? No.
Sistah’s from other mistah’s? Yes. Many an adventure …
Well done to both of you!!!
I envy anyone who runs. It’s just not for me.
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Amy @ handbagmafia says
Men’s toilets at music festivals- way quicker! But only in the first half of the day- the second half it was a no-go!
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Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
Woo hoo – good job on finishing the 10k. I have never run with anyone and not sure I would like to. Too much pressure to keep up I think. Maybe one day I will build up my stamina and be able to run with someone, maybe even do an actual race!
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Lydia C. Lee says
Congrats on the 10km and even bigger congrats on finding such a great friend to share with….love the pic with the bling!
Lydia C. Lee recently posted..The enchantment of snow
Pinky Poinker says
You two look like you could get into a fair bit of mischief together. Congrats! What an effort. You’re looking fab Grace!
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natalie @ Our Parallel Connection says
Congrats Grace.. I love a 10km run.. no hang on what am I saying. I have done a few 10km runs but actually don’t fund them fun at all.. you looked like you smiled the entire way.
natalie @ Our Parallel Connection recently posted..So you are having a baby… let’s talk about some of these old wives tales
Bec @ The Plumbette says
This is such a lovely post. Yes, I have used the men’s toilets. I’ve even installed them! 🙂 as for running, I’d love to find a buddy to run with and I reckon it would help shift those stubborn kgs. Well done on finishing. X
Bec @ The Plumbette recently posted..Why having a margin is essential in life
Emily says
Gorgeous photos! Love the peace signs and camera love. I’m a plodder and am yet to find a running buddy. When I used to do bootcamp through work, we’d do a 10k run every Monday lunchtime. I’d set off at the same pace I’d run the whole time, and a friend of mine would bolt off. I’d catch him about seven minutes later, then he’d bolt off again. And so it would go until we finished – usually him in front of me because he’d time his last bolt for the unofficial finish line.
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Sarah @ tomfo says
Men’s toilets… Yep frequently, when you’ve gotta go, you’ve gotta go. Lol!
Awesome news on the run, and even better to find a friend who gets why you do it. I’m in awe of marathon runners, my sister is doing her first this year. Have a fab weekend x
Sarah @ tomfo recently posted..Keep Your Fork Free Printable
Nikki@WonderfullyWomen says
Congrats on your awesome effort, and I think you two could pass for sistas.
Nikki@WonderfullyWomen recently posted..How To Be Prepared For Tax Time Easily!
Tonia Zemek says
Congrats on that run Grace (and that friendship). I have the greatest admiration for runners. I’d love to master it but I still haven’t quite got round to it…this was a great, inspiring post. p.s. how gorgeous is that harbour….great backdrop.
Tonia Zemek recently posted..Sorry I snapped at your dog
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile says
Nothing better than a good buddy to share a passion with!!! Love this! Yep my sister in law is like my sister from another mister for sure!!!
Lucy @ Bake Play Smile recently posted..Fabulous Foodie Fridays #60
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
Oh you two are just so cute! Congratulations to both of you! What an achievement! 🙂
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Haidee@Maybe Baby Brothers says
Good for you! I totally wish I could run and enjoy it but I am just not made for it! The only time I ever run is if I am about to be run over 🙂
Haidee@Maybe Baby Brothers recently posted..How My Toddler Is Like A Woman With Extreme PMS
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I was like you, I used to only run on my own but lately, the hubster and I have started running together and it is so much fun! We did the Canberra 10k together and it was one of my favourite runs ever for all the reasons you said (although he wasn’t such a great toilet buddy!) Well done you two, that is such a great event and look at the bling! I was gutted that I missed it this year.
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Ashlea @ Glamour Coastal Living says
Well done that’s a massive accomplishment – I too am a nervous pee-er and am always caught out in long lines. The disabled toilets and mens toilets are always the shorter and better option in that case! So fabulous you have such a fun friend and years of friendship under yo belt – what a keeper!!!
Ashlea @ Glamour Coastal Living recently posted..For the Sweet Tooths: Raw Caramel Slice
Ai Sakura says
it’s really fantastic to have someone to sport and support you during the hard times when you just feel like giving up! I’m glad B took up running with you!! And yes, I don’t get why some ladies take sooooo long at the toilet and cause a long queue. Just piss and go!
Ai Sakura recently posted..Weekend Getaway | 8 Things to Do at The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore
Raych aka Mystery Case says
Congratulations that is a fantastic achievement. I’ve attempted running over the years but it’s just not for me or my knees. Walking on the other hand, is definitely more my style and when I’m at 100% with my health hubby has to jog to keep up with my pace.
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Kathy says
So great that you are running buddies and can share your achievements together – you girls rock. I’ve done the male toilet thing and you definitely need company for dutch courage. So beats waiting in the lineup though.
Kathy recently posted..My faults (in 50 words or less)
Brenda says
I love you and I love running with you. Let’s do it again!!! Xxxxxxx
Brenda recently posted..Confessions of a first time class parent
Mumma McD says
Oh I wish I was a runner but I just can’t do it, stupid arthritis in an old ankle injury means I have to keep things low impact. I love the look on runners’ faces, they always look so determined and zen!! Well done on the 10K, massive achievement 🙂
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Kaz @ Melting Moments says
Gotta love having a buddy to get up to mischief with. It sounds like you have a wonderful friends ship. Well done on another great run.
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Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum says
Such a great achievement Grace, well done! So great to also be able to share that with such a great friend too. If I was to ever take up running, I think I would definitely need a buddy x
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Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
Well done to you both! I’ve just started to learn to run. I’m still struggling to do a whole 5km without walking but I do enjoy the time out to think and ponder and be out of the house. Maybe, one day, I’ll be able to do 10km like you guys. Also, way to go running in that weather – you deserve another medal for that effort!
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Julie @ Off to the park says
That’s wonderful that you have a sistah to run with Grace, and can cheer each other on…and take a leak in the men’s toilets, bahahaha!!! Congrats on completing the race x
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Kristyn says
Yay you two!!! Inspiring biatches!
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liz says
I, like many others, am so impressed you did a 10km run! well done! I’m not a runner although I have tried.. It’s so lovely that your friend has taken up running. My bestie recently came to a yoga class with me and we are going to try and make that a regular thing. It is really nice to have a chance to catch up and have some fun – not sure we will get to have a fun trip to the men’s though 🙂
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Natalie says
Congratulations, it really does feel like you’ve won Olympic Gold once you reach the finish line! I ran my first race last year, only 5km, with two running partners, who were two mums from my kids school. We trained together every Saturday morning for abut 8 months. Was a lot of fun! You’ve inspired me to get back into it.
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Toni @ Finding Myself Young says
I don’t have a real sister or a fake one lol. Although my best friend would probably come close.
Toni @ Finding Myself Young recently posted..The Wild Collective is coming…
Cass says
I’ve wanted to be able to run for a long time. I’m pathetic. Huffery puffery falling over within a few minutes, but then I recover to normal breathing fairly quickly and my muscles are fine, so I think I might just be pathetic weak sauce and any real person would just keep running and get that ‘second wind’ thing. I never get that. I just fall over. I actually DREAM about running pretty regularly, and not in a ‘running from a scary thing’ way, but in a ‘joy of running’ way.
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Shannon @ Oh Creative Day says
That was a SUPER cold morning that run was held on, too! So extra “You’re-AMAAAAZING” points to you both for getting out of warm beds to lace up the runners! It’s a nice course that one. Congrats! I’ve always believed I was a solo runner (it’s hard enough running without stacking it, let alone whilst maintaining a conversation!!) but you’ve convinced me I may have to seek out a running buddy!
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Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life says
Congratulations on your run! I have used the odd men’s toilets on occasions when I’m in a hurry and the womens queue is miles long! I get strange looks but then several other women usually follow my lead!
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Robyna | The Mummy and the MInX says
What an amazing achievement – and so much more fun shared. You both look so great.
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Melanie greenhalgh says
I come and go from running. When I am doing it I enjoy the challenge, I don’t think I could ever do 10km though. I’m a little bit like The love child of Cliffy Young! Well done to you both! Mel xx #fybf
Deborah says
Is it hard with a running partner though to keep up with each other? What if one gets fitter and wants to start running faster. That’d worry me if I was holding them back and depress me if they were leaving me in their wake!
PS. Well done!!!!!
Deb
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Michelle@mySlowliVingadventure says
I have a little friend, who is about half my size and half my age, and we run exactly the same speed, always have. It’s such a great relationship which has also survived long periods of time where we haven’t been running too. Like when my kids were really little.
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Charlene says
Congrats on your achievement Grace! It is on my bucket list to run a marathon! One day I will get there. You and your ‘sistah’ are an inspiration!
Thanks for hosting, my first time linking up 🙂 Look forward to reading and following some new blogs.
Charlene recently posted..How I Feel About My Body (#TuesdayTen/#1Word)
mamagrace71 says
Thanks for linking, Charlene, welcome to #FYBF! 🙂
Lara at This Charming Mum says
I love these photos! Nothing like a bestie who enjoys the same things as you – and even better getting healthy and having a laugh together. Fantastic achievement! x
laura says
Sounds like she is a very good friend! Friends like that are hard to find…hang on to her.
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Emma @ Life, kids and a glass of red says
Yay for you and your running achievement! And gorgeous scenery to be enjoying while you’re running 🙂 I’m hoping to cross ‘run half marathon’ off my list of things to achieve, one day…
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indah nuria Savitri says
wooow…10K..I might not be that strong :)..but bravo for both of you :)_