We don't run for charity. We don't run for anything inspirational, actually. We don't even run for fitness. We run because "what's said on the road, stays on the road."

After running eight marathons together (including Burlington, Columbus, Disney, Marine Corps, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and God's Country), my buddy and training partner, Steve, and I have developed a friendship based on the melodic synchronization of our footfalls on long training runs along the C & O Canal.

We've shared with each other life-altering news before we informed anyone else, even our parents: my marriage proposal, his marriage proposal, new jobs, our fears, our hopes, our dreams.

It's running therapy.

And in this day and age, when everyone runs for some reason or another, I know I run because I wouldn't want Steve to plod alone, nor would he wish a similar fate for me.

So two normal guys -- not the fastest, not the slowest -- share our training miles, our marathons, and our lives.

A simple reason, but one worthy to note.

Sincerely,

Bruce R. Mendelsohn