The running community is saddened that for the first time in thirty-seven years, the annual Together with Love run, sponsored by the Monterey Rape Crisis Center, wasn’t held. Too much work. Too little revenue. Finding Love is difficult. The start/finish line was, of course, at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove. The race was held on the Sunday closest to Valentine’s Day. It was the only race with awards in a couples division. The awards were ceramic hearts of various colors, and my wife and I have dozens of them.

On this Valentine’s Day, think about where you found love. Where did you meet your

spouse or current partner? Online, set up by friends, co-workers, at school, at a bar, a

club, a festival, introduced by family, at church?

It’s not surprising that my personal story involves Love on the Run. I’m not the only one. I also know about a dozen other couples who have similar stories. I first met my wife Julie at the Monterey Peninsula College track. We had a great group of seriously fast runners that would meet early on Tuesday mornings. Julie showed up one day and could run as fast as the rest of us. She was impressive in many ways; not just fast running.

We were both married. No, the story doesn’t go in that direction. We became friends who shared the hobby/lifestyle of running. Three years later my wife Sue, unfortunately, passed away from cancer at age forty-six. In those days, pre Cell phone, I had a list of phone numbers of about sixty running friends, hand-written on a piece of wrinkled blue paper near the landline phone. After several months, I decided I was ready for life to resume, and looked at the wrinkled blue paper. All of the names and numbers were in my handwriting, except one. Amazingly, it was Julie's, and it was written in my late wife’s handwriting. Definitely an omen!

Julie was now single. 

Thirty years later, we still occasionally look at the wrinkled blue paper. It isn’t surprising to find Love on the Run. Runners typically share the same personality traits; a bit compulsive, hard-working, optimistic and hopeful, a belief that you get out of running and life exactly what you put into it. They are fit and care about their health and diet, but love pizza, wine, and beer. Runners are goal-oriented. Deep friendships evolve, absolute respect, and sometimes Love.

If you are looking for love, try your local running or walking group. Even though the

Together With Love Run has been canceled, Love on the Run is always alive on the track,

trails, and roads. It’s just a little harder to find this year. I’m glad I found mine.