The men who learn endurance, are they who call the world, brother.

-Charles Dickens

Running in groups engenders camaraderie; more so when we train for the same race; still more so when that race is a marathon; and even more so when that race requires several nights away. Indeed, as we speckled Burlington—one, two, three, and four at a time—our anxiety was soothed by the knowledge that we would soon see our friends. Thus, Dave, Jess, Kyle, Rich, Diane, Kaela, Brian, and Mike competed together in the 2015 Vermont City Marathon. Great race, great course, great town, unforgettable experience. It’s a beautiful thing when you can fall short of your goal (as most of us did), yet reminisce over it with a sparkle in your eye. Let this not be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.