Running brings people together

A busy life can sometimes tempt us not to make time to spend with people we should.

My best mate Marlz and I have had this problem over the last 15 years.

Even though we lived relatively close for ten of those years (I in Windsor, he 15 minutes away in Glossodia) we didn't see each other as much as you'd expect. For a couple of years we ran a business together, which meant we got to tool around a bit together, but since it failed (without a harsh word between us, which is testament to the depth of our friendship.

Several years ago Marlz split up with his wife and became a single dad, so it's hard for him to make time. His boys are about the same age as Em and Bop, and they get on well together, so over the year we have been able to coordinate a couple of good outings, but several months ago something really great happened.

Marlz took up running.

By the look of him he has lost about 20 kilos and he's in the best shape I've seen him in the 20 years I've known him.

He works in the suburb next to where I live, and on Fridays his mum has the boys, so Friday after work has become our training run. Just over an hour of quality time with Marlz, and another quality run in the schedule. I struggle to maintain his pace, so it's a good hard session for me and a bit of a pacing lesson for him.

I love this sport of running. Life is sweet.