When the running community brings friends together

Running can so often bring people from different vocations, tax brackets and backgrounds together just through the mutual love of running. This week, I’m writing about a Canadian runner who kindled a running friendship with an old school friend who she would not have otherwise connected with.

Jennifer Boppre is a retired nurse from Airdrie, Alberta. She is married, owns two dogs and has a passion for running.

Kari Vickers is married to avid marathoner and triathlete, has two kids and is the owner of a specialty sauerkraut company called “Kari’s Kraut.” She is also a runner.

In high school, people tend to connect because of shared interests. That continues into adult life, but oftentimes, school and adult friends do not remain the same. This is the story of Boppre and Vickers who both went to the same school, were in the same grade, knew each other but only connected later with the invent of Facebook.

“Kari and I have known each other for decades, as we went to junior high and high school together in Calgary,” says Boppre. “We were never friends in school, but reconnected through Facebook a few years ago, and discovered we had a common passion for running. Although we live in different cities, we are close enough that we have registered for a few races together.”

Boppre says that they also run about the same pace– “slow as molasses, in her words.” Because of their shared history and being able to run at the same pace – the two began to cheer each other on, to run and race together.

Vickers ran her first marathon a few years ago in Calgary, and although Boppre did not run she was there to cheer her friend on. Last year the two friends completed the Banff half-marathon together and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I managed to ask Jennifer a few questions.

 What does it mean to have a running friend?

We are able to share our ups and downs, training tips, and encourage each other through email and text messages. As you know, race prep is a lot of time and sacrifice which sometimes only other long distance runners understand.

What has running done for the both of you?

Running has changed both of our lives so much, it’s sometimes hard to explain. We were pretty opposite personalities way back when we were teens…  who would have thought we would have this awesome sport to bring us together?

We would like to say that we would like to encourage anybody who wants to run to get out there and just do it. Whether you are just learning or a seasoned long-distance veteran, the running community has a place for everybody.

Running at times can be a solitary sport. There are many hours spent alone with one’s thoughts and the road ahead.

In honour of both turning 50 in 2016, the two running friends have decided to run the 50K ultramarathon option at the Calgary marathon in May.

You can also catch me at runningwriter@hotmail.com, on Twitter @NoelPaine or on my personal blog, No Paine No Gain.