Revisiting the 18 Mile Friendship Run

Anna, 3 years in SRLA – Camino Nuevo High School #2

Last Sunday morning, I grabbed my fanny pack, and stuffed it with my iPhone, sunglasses, and three Starbursts. For the third and last time, I’d take on the infamous, Friendship Run at Hansen Dam; but for some reason, I failed to remember how painstaking and dreadful two loops around Hansen Dam are. That same morning, I rediscovered the definition of pain and friendship.

The first loop around the dam is always the easiest. It’s the one loop where you confidently say, “It’s not that bad. I can quickly finish this.” Runners are in their prime, sprinting down the course and happily waving at others they recognize. The sun has generously hid behind a cloud, making the weather absolutely perfect! Heck, I can run three times around this Dam.

Then, the second loop came around and I, along with other runners, have started a rendition of The Walking Dead’s sixth season. I began to walk strangely, and experienced hip pain. The soles of my feet were aching, as if I stepped on a bed of nails.  At times, I found myself strangely sprinting to the generous teams of SRLA volunteers at the water stations. Thank God my friend, Genisis, and Coach DQ found me on the second loop; their support truly carried me on.

However, amidst all the body aching, I realized that this race brought together the idea of companionship, dedication, and triumph.  At mile 13, I started to limp and continued to walk even slower. Genisis soon noticed my injury and took my hand to guide me across the Dam. 

When I entered the Dam, my Spotify playlist on my iPhone could no longer play because of the internet connection. And so, when I could no longer resort to music for inspiration, I contemplated the 18 specific people I would dedicate my last run for.

For the last mile, I thought of Michelle, a cancer patient Coach DQ told us about that morning. I dedicated my last mile to her and the patients I met at Children’s Hospital. A little bit longer and I’d be done. I hope they get a little bit longer too.