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Monday, November 18, 2013

B.R.F.

B.R.F. – Best Running Friend

This past weekend, I headed out for a long run with one of my BRF’s, Heather. We had cool weather all week but Saturday’s weather was (of course) warm, humid, and there was a light fog in the air.

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Since my last “long run” was several weeks ago, I decided not to push my luck and instead of 12 miles, we ran 10. Thankfully, I did not experience any knee pain or twinges and we completed the entire 10 miles! Yay!

I enjoyed catching up with Heather and we chatted every step of the way. I love running with people I connect with – sure helps the time pass!

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(I forgot to pause/stop my watch at the 6 mile GU break and after we finished running…whoops!)

They say that running is a way to relieve stress – I agree, but I also think that running with a good friend is not only a stress reliever, it’s also incredibly therapeutic.

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God sure knew what he was doing when he placed these two in my life! I’m very grateful for my BRF’s and the friendship we’ve developed.

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Four (almost five) years ago, I made the decision to step out of my comfort zone and join a running group (all by myself – I knew no one)!  I’m so glad I made that decision – not only did I join a running group, I had help and encouragement to train for and complete lots of half marathons, four full marathons, and I gained friendships along the way.  I can’t imagine where I would be today without my running group and the awesome friends I’ve made because of it.

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Do you have a B.R.F.? Who are they? Give them a shout-out or say something you love about them…awww… :0)

Hooray for BRF’s!

22 comments:

  1. I met my BRF at Marathon weekend this year in January. We found one another via a group on FB and we have been linked to one another ever since. She was running her first half; and I had done a few already, we decided to stick together and we talked the whole way. It was exhilarating to get her across the finish line. We have since met up for a few more races and we are training for Goofy's Challenge and headed there in 50 days to carry one another across the finish line yet again. CANNOT WAIT

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    1. Ok now that's a way cool story!! I can't wait to hear about your Goofy's Challenge weekend with your BRF! So exciting!

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  2. I LOVE my BRF's!!! Paige is my best BRF! We try to run most of our races together!

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    1. That's great, Mindy! It's so nice to have a friend to run races with! :0)

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  3. I have to say that my BRF is my mom ( I hope thats not lame..hha). I never have to worry about pace with her. If we run together, fine, if one of us is feeling good and wants to run ahead, thats fine too, no hard feelings. I've ran with a few friends before and it kinda was uncomfortable for me because we weren't always at the same pace. I felt bad when I was the one that was a little speedier and then I also felt bad if I wasn't as fast as others cus I don't want to feel i am holding them back. Ya know what I mean?

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    1. Not lame at all!! I totally know what you mean about having different paces. Kelli, Heather, and I have talked about it many times....if someone's having a good day, there's no hard feelings if they want to run ahead. Heather and I are very close in pace so we do well when we run together - it's easy to push each other so it works for us.

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  4. Yay for BRFs! My BRF is my husband. Although we don't always run together per se (he's much faster than I am), its great having his support, especially on bad weather days when we have to run on the treadmill. This weekend's long run was completed on the treadmill, and during my run I was in horrible pain. He kept telling me I could do it, and I'm not sure that I would have finished my 9 miles if it weren't for his support.

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    1. Support is SUCH a huge part of having a good running buddy so I understand where you are coming from! :0) I think it's great he helped you complete your run! 9 miles on a TM is no easy feat (I've done it once...haven't attempted it again)! Awesome job!!

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  5. I know I have told you this before but you are so lucky to have a running group and coach to push you! I wish we had something like that here! I don't do as well by myself without that accountability. I am way to good at talking myself out of things ha!

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    1. I know exactly what you mean!! Don't let me fool you, I tend to talk myself out of things as well... Hah! :0)

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  6. I DO have a BRF and she's moving away at the end of the month. Wahhhhh! :'-(

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  7. I don't have any B.R.F's, except my teenage son. We live in a rural area and I've tried to do internet searches for running groups the next town over, but cannot find any. I KNOW there are some b/c I have seen a group at a race, but I'm so painfully shy around people I don't know, going into new situations...gah!

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    1. I completely know how you feel...I'm shy as well and it's hard for me to open up to others. The only reason I stuck with my running group initially is because I was training for the WDW Half Marathon (my first) and knew I wouldn't do the long run training miles at home on my own. I spent 6 months going to my Saturday group meetings and running alone. It was only after I completed the Half that I began to make friends I could train with. Hang in there, you're doing great!! Can't wait for Princess! :0)

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  8. I have no idea what I'd do with out my BRF (also known as RRB: Rockstar Running Buddy). For almost 10 years we've covered so many miles, joys, tears, bad moods, injuries and laughs. He's become a father to me and is the best running buddy anyone could ask for!

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    1. I love it!! So glad you've found someone to connect with on a running level..and for 10 years, that's awesome!! :0)

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  9. aww wish I lived closer to more of my running friends. I had a best running friend in college, she hated running, but would still go with me, we had so much fun. I had my little sister for a while too last year. Till she went and moved again.

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    1. Bummer about not living closer! :0( That stinks!

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  10. I don't have any BRF's. However, after reading about your running group and others who are involved with running groups, I'm planning on checking out the local running group after the WDW Marathon. Plus, I see members from that running group at all of the local races. While I was waiting for the train to the RnRLA race, I got to chat with one of the runners in that group. She seemed to really like the group. It would be great to have others to run with.

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    1. That's awesome!! I hope everything works out and you make lots of new running friends! :0)

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  11. I love my BRF Brandi!! I have met so many amazing running friends this year thank I'm so thankful for

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    1. I know exactly what you mean! runDisney is a great place to connect with fellow runners as well. I'll admit, I'm slightly envious of the whole "Corral G" group! It looks as if they have a ton of fun!!

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