Note to a special friend:

Sorry for being so distracted the other day. I took your note and stuffed it above the visor of my car before heading up to Lake Placid. Earlier this evening, Mike K. came in and looked at the set-up on my bike. “What are you going to put in your bento box?”, he said. He was staring at the top tube that also has a gel flask holder on it. “hmmm, I don’t know, I guess I don’t need it”.

Then I headed off to the Mandatory Athlete meeting. A lot of athletes don’t bother going as it is all about rules and regulations. I feel like I need to respect the race so off I went. As soon as I got there I got a terrible stomach ache and had Chon come back to get me. Just got home, not feeling great and remembered your card. Summoned Chon to get it and just opened it. I am honored. Speechless and now know what the bento box will hold.

(inside the card given to me by my friend was a lady bug charm that was given to her by a friend before she ran the Boston Marathon the year her father passed away)

On the way up Lake Placid on Wednesday, I told Mele the story about how I met you running on Main Street several years ago. I was struggling in a run and I saw you up ahead holding a quick pace. I was motivated to see who was moving so quickly (that I didn’t already know). We ran together for several minutes before the topic of the Boston Marathon came up and then your father. Your Dad had just recently passed unexpectedly, a picture of health and inspiration to so many. He was a seasoned triathlete, great cyclist and organizer of fun races and family events. I remember vividly how we both cried at the corner by the fountain, I had known you for about 10 minutes. I will never forget that time and how much love for your father you communicated in the few minutes we ran together. You are very special, he must have been equally so. Thank you for sharing his love and yours. it means a lot right now. I am carried by the strength of all of those around me and those that are watching over all of us.

Thank you again, my friend!

Megan