“I used to say I hated running while I sat on the couch with a sweet tea in my hand. Now, I say it while I’m running. I was not made for this. It doesn’t come easy. It’s hard.
“Just a little further. You can do it,” he said loudly over his music.
“You’re not my coach,” I snapped at him. Oh hey, so I’m also sort of angry when my legs are on fire. I smiled and made a mental note to thank him for cheering me on later (you know, when I could talk again).
We are a team. We run together. When I lag behind, he encourages me. When his body suffers, I support him. Some runs are easier than others, but most are long and hard with no end in sight.”