we met at the parking lot, lured in with promises of beverages, snacks, and trail running. The friendship was implied.
This week me, Lonna, Nate, Maddy, Brian, and Riley, were joined by a new guy named Peter. Even though Riley was there, there was very little talk of dental history.
The conversation started in the parking lot before we even began. Nate, Maddy, and Lonna, and Peter, talked about their superior hats.
We normally try to keep our runs beginner friendly, but we decided to one that was kinda long-ish at a bit under 6 miles. Most of the uphill at the beginning, most of the downhill on the way back, as is Lonna’s modus operandi. We kept rotating the order.
I think I started in the back with Peter, who told me about the races he had done, and how he ended up back in the area after moving away. Nate helped me figure out that I was over pronating. When Riley ended up in the back with me, she was uncharacteristically quiet. Brian was near the back with me towards the end so we got to talk a little too.
We spent some time talking about what we know about air quality, and how serious it actually is.
In the parking lot, Lonna had brought beverages. Riley had twizzlers, and I brought fruit.
We talked about drinking in the parking lot, and how you might be able to get in trouble for it. Riley decided to be rebellious and drink, as long as someone else was willing to open it for her and split it with her.
Riley shared a story about getting threatened with being arrested for trespassing at Essentia where she worked. Brian shared a story about getting pulled over because a bike was on the median when he drove by.
We spent way too much time and effort debating whether a wooden staff is still a stick, like it was in its former life. Riley decided to lock herself in her trunk. Then apparently needed some help to get out, justifying wanting to get out as “missing us.” And began telling us stories of her days in the search and rescue.
By that time I had realized it was down to just me, Lonna, and Riley, as the rest had wandered off. I always look forward to these nights, but the inevitably always end, and this one did too. But there is always another one next week to look forward too again.
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