Yesterday at lunchtime, Liz and I ran for about 50 minutes and we went about 4 miles. We talked the whole way. I could not have gone so far for so long without someone to talk to. Having a friend, especially Liz, is totally encouraging, challenging, distracting.

At the end of the run, when we neared Riverside Church, I slowed down, even though it was not time to walk — We’re still doing that five-minutes-run/one-minute-walk interval training. Liz said, “Is that it? Is that all you’ve got? We’ve got two more blocks.”

“Yes, that’s it. That’s all I’ve got,” I said, but then laughed and joined her again running the last two blocks.

I’m proud of myself. I am doing great. I am encouraged by my friends. Someday I will do a 5K, running the whole way.

It has been a stressful week. Chris has probably messed up Social Security Disability eligibility, which is really distressing and, likely, very costly. Running takes away some of the stress. Talking while running helps too. “I get by with a little help from my friends.”