I do a lot of my training alone due to different schedules and time constraints. I don’t mind it, and can usually stay on task pretty well. But this week, I needed someone. I’m not talking about the physical push; I really just needed the mental push. I needed someone to make me laugh and keep it light. That’s what gMoney Mike is for.
I met Mike in 2005 when I sent out an email on our N.ATL Triathlon listserv, asking if anyone else was going to Brazil for the Ironman. Mike may curse that fateful day when he emailed me back, because he hasn’t been able to get rid of me since! We had a blast in Brazil together, and he even tried to act tough when I cried on the beach before the Ironman, scared out of my mind for what we were able to do. Turns out he was more scared than I was! We’ve done a bunch of races together… and the road trippin’ ones are always the best. He rode his motorcycle down to Clearwater in 07 with Tooker to support my race, had a blast in Jekyll Island in 07, and we even roughed it in some ghetto hotel in Ensenada that I accidentally screwed us with for the Baja 70.3 in 06. Again, sorry about that one.
That’s me on the right, swatting Mike on the butt with my Polar strap as he crosses the finish line in Jekyll Island (07).
It’s been a great friendship, and he’s one of the most sincere, hilarious people I’ve ever met. I love him to death. AND LADIES, listen up . . . Mikey “Gmoney” is also SINGLE. SO- Giddy up… and send all applications my way!
Last Sunday’s debacle of a training day left me in a big mental slump. Since my efforts to ditch the next race were unsuccessful, I knew I just needed a good friend to get me through it. Mike met me a few times this week, to run with me off the bike and for a long run at race pace, and it never ceases to amaze me how much stronger we are with someone by our sides. I don’t usually train with other people, but when I do, I notice a huge benefit.
The biggest challenge is just not laughing while you’re running. He is constantly cracking me up.
Mike is my BADASS SPOTLIGHT because he’s a badass friend!! I honestly don’t care how fast he can run! Hope you all have a friend like Mike in your life. Thanks gMoney!!!!
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Badass Buddies are priceless.
BYW aren’t you recovering? What is your next race?
That brings a tear to my eye. Oh wait, is that the same Mikey that was supposed to ride with me at 8am this morning? What a lonely ride.