I'M LEAVING AS SOON AS WE'RE DONE EATING

SURFER GIRL SAYS, WE'RE GOING TO A BBQ.

Ugh, really?  You know I don't like meeting new people.

You can leave early, I'm sure I can catch a ride home.

Right behind us walks in a man I haven't seen for decades.  A college acquaintance, but at least it's a friendly face.  He hasn't changed.  Well, he's gray.  But man, he looks mahvalus!  Super fit.

GG?  

He looks at me, searching his memory.

It's Todd, Todd Brown.

Todd!...?

Yeah, we were in college together.

There we go, now we remember each other.  We reminisce for a bit, then it's on to What are you up to?

In minutes we go from an unsure friendship
to blood brothers...

... because he's as crazy about running as I am about cycling.  Maybe crazier?  Like running and winning a 62 miles race at the South Pole, like running Badwater 135 (miles).  Certifiable.

We start comparing notes.  Food.  Equipment.  Hydration.  Training.  Coaching.  Events done.  Events to do.  Mindset.

His mindset is different than mine.  Probably because his events are so incredible.  He just wants to survive.  Todd, I'm a soul runner... I just run the pace that feels right.  I run to control my demons.  I run to be exhausted.  I was born to run.  I'm so glad running found me.

How important is mindset to him?  He told me I'd rather die than DNF... in fact, it's our family mission statement.  It's my license plate.

Hours later, Surfergirl stopped by to check on my misery.
Then his wife looks at us all laughing and says
He said he'd leave as soon as he ate.
Brothers for sure.