The first couple of years were a challenge because she quickly became faster than the women that she knew initially, so she ran with guys. We’ve always trusted each other, but I could just tell that some of the guys were not honorable.

Over time, she fell in with a few different groups that were much better people. I now am really good friends with all of her running friends and their spouses. We hang out a bunch. We know who the sleazeballs are, and they steer clear for the most part, although there is always a level of interaction, especially at races.

The other thing that happened is that the faster women started to see that she was fast and started including her. So she is running with more women than men by a wide margin at this point. And the guys are now buddies of mine. So, we’re in a good spot, but you are very correct and it has taken strong effort to get to this point.

Bottom line, she loves to run, she loves mountains, and she is REALLY talented and works her butt off. It is what bearings her balance against the thankless throws of motherhood. It keeps her sane. So I not only tolerate it, I actively support it, but Rome wasn’t built in a day/