My best friend is a runner, an “I’m not stopping until I pass out type of runner”. Her slogan is “just keep going.” She has Bible verses written on her shoes. She ran at least one mile every day for 333 days (and most of those days she was pregnant). She has a Facebook group where she has become an inspiration for other runners. Most importantly, she is the reason I ran my first 6K and why I crossed the finish line.

I am NOT a runner. I quit junior high volleyball after one year because the coaches had us run too much. I would walk the mile for the presidential fitness in high school. And every time anyone has asked me to run, including my best friend, I have said no.

Then it happened. During her last trimester of her pregnancy, she could no longer “just keep going." I watched day after day as she ran at least one mile a day, and I couldn’t let her streak end. I suggested I would run when she couldn’t. Only problem, this non-runner failed after only two days.

I refocused, got back out on the road, and was determined to be a part of her passion. The next thing I know I’m registering for a local 6K, along with my best friend.

I ran the course every day for a month leading up to the race. I had to get through this, not just for myself but for this person that I failed a few months prior.

Each day got easier and easier, until finally race day came. And there we were at the starting line. 3.72 miles between me and the finish line. I got this! And then I heard GO!

One mile at a time and before long we were crossing the finish line together. We finished 24^th and 25^th overall, 1^st and 2^nd in our age group, and 3^rd and 4^th for females. It will probably be one of my all-time favorite things that I get to share with her.

In 3.72 miles, I learned that she is not only a runner, but she’s a motivator, a cheerleader, a spectator, and a coach.

In life and in running, JUST KEEP GOING!