My understanding of love is always evolving. In the past year, I learned that to better love myself and others, I can’t constantly pour myself out, I need to put myself first. I also garnered a new definition of love thanks to bell hooks’ reflection on an M. Scott Peck quote, “Love as ‘the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth.’” If you find this to be true as I did, you can certainly apply this to running and general movement. I think for many, running is a part of spirituality. Whether it’s that running helps you process your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, or helps you to connect to your body, or tethers you to nature and the world around you, running can be a spiritual act. Therefore, a sole mate, someone who is an accountability buddy or is there for you during a tough run, lifting session, or to talk about your day, is someone who is nurturing your spiritual growth, someone who is loving you.

Many members have thanked their sole mates for this love below as when these links are made, acknowledging them breathes more life into the relationship. Is there anything better than that? <3

The Perfect 10s!

Thank you for helping me through my very first marathon last year — I never would've been able to brave months of soggy training runs without your warmth, advice and humor. So so grateful for all of you (Kali Pfaff, Charlotte Johnson, Jenna Taylor, Sophie Prach, Erin Conti, Jenn Angelo, and so many more!!) Perfection!! Love, Natalie

Alayne Cross and Emily Simon

Thank you for the morning deep dives and the cozy, connective vibes. After we run together, I always feel more like myself. - Sophie

Eliot Yaxley

NYC Marathon and training was awesome! So grateful we all crossed paths! Leslie

Donna Newton

Dear Donna, Thank you for always being willing to join an early morning run, whatever the weather, for capturing the sunrise over the lake and pulling us forward up the hill. I’m continually inspired by you <3 Audrey

Maureen and Alexis at the NYC Marathon
Photo courtesy of Maureen Keleher

Alexis Gordon

Thank you for being the "A" in our JAM! :) I am so grateful for our running/neighbor/cat lady sitters and more friendship! Wishing you a very happy Soulmates day today and always!

Erin Conti

a haiku:
first date was crowded
but planted the ripest seeds
maurtens are boogers
xx

Theresa Wong

Thank you for getting me back into running! I wouldn't have this joy in my life without you. And I definitely wouldn't have the courage to put in longer mileage if I hadn't done it with you first. I'll always remember our 14 miles of marathon prep up the west side highway in the driving rain.

Nancy Sai

For being such a joyful person every Friday morning!! Love our coffee runs

Jimmy Leung, Anja Kremzow, Danielle Fagenblat, Lisa Barzotto, Emily Funk

Happy Valentines Day to my bubble!! Missing you all lots but sending love, hugs and virtual TimTams from Down Under 🐨🦘💕🤗

Eric Goldwein

For always encouraging newer runners and being such a positive happy person!

PPTC Music League Crew

Thanks (I think) for making me listen to some of the strangest playlists on my runs.

Sarah Stone and the Tuesday PM alt Speed work Crew

Thanks for all you do to keep us on motivated and inspired every Tuesday night! Also shout out to Maddy, Kristen, Danielle for helping lead and everyone who joins in on the fun.

Janice and Maureen at the NYC marathon.
Photo courtesy of Maureen Keleher

Janice Fuld

Thanks for being the "J" in our JAM! :) Janice, you always inspire me to always push a little further in running in running and beyond. I admire your joy, curiosity, and encouragement. Wishing you a happy Soulmates day!

Shanyn Rubinstein

To my marathon training ride-or-die…. So grateful our paths crossed! xxoo, Leslie

Brooks Walker

Thank you for being my very first PPTC pal! Got very lucky! xx Nat

Elizabeth Chapman

Thank you for asking thoughtful questions, remembering little details, and getting me moving midweek. You rule! - Sophie

Linda and Lisa at Tuesday speedwork.
Photo courtesy of Linda.

Lisa Zelznick

Thanks for being the best accountabilibuddy! I’ll be back to Tuesday speedwork! -Linda

Bridget Nixdorf

Bridget, you’re an incredible running buddy and I can’t wait for many more runs that in end in pizza! Niki Zingman

Seinfeld (Dan Feldman, Isaac Josephson & Oren Efrati)

Sending love to my OG running crew. I'm so grateful to have you, the brothers from another mother, in my life. Love Elaine Benes x

The KZ Chat Group - you know who you are

Providing unconditional support, a sounding board, love, understanding, memes, dad jokes, and bizarre facts - thanks for being you.

The Trio plus a couple more.
Photo courtesy of Kate

Max Waldron and Jen Piazza

Happy Valentines to a very special Trio, miss you all-💕🏃‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃Kate

Krishna Patel

For leading runs with cheer, kindness and grace, and for being a lovely and endlessly funny friend

Mike Wilson

Cheers to your first (and not the last!) marathon! From, Leslie

Maya & Lisa S

Just want to express my extreme love and gratitude for all your support last year. Our friendship is so meaningful to me. Also, lets work as hard as we can to get Lisa L back. Love always Rowena Ridgeway x

Arielle Disick

I want to thank Arielle for helping me run my first marathon as a guide for Achilles. Your tireless positivity and selflessness inspire everyone around you! You made me believe I could do it when I didn’t believe I could do it! I wouldn’t have wanted to run/dance for 7 hours with anyone else. Thanks for making Team James SO epic!

Melissa Dahl

You're an incredible coach and even better friend! Thank you for everything!!

Halle Bauer

Good luck in Big Sur! You’ll be GREAT! From, Leslie

Edith Asibey

Roses are red, violets are blue, "No Drop Run" wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for you! Wishing you a wonderful Valentine/Soulmates day, and thank you for all you do to inspire and encourage our running friends! - Maureen

Maureen and Suzanne after the NYC Marathon.
Photo courtesy of Maureen Keleher

Suzanne Jenkins

Happy Soulmates Day! Remember that time we randomly ran 14 miles on a Thursday night in August? I always enjoy our chats as we loop around the park. Wishing you, Chris, and Jet a lovely Soulmates/Valentine's Day!

The Midwestern Girls!

You've made this season of my life even richer than I could ask for. Thank you for being kind, driven, funny, caring, and the perfect amount of delirious. <3 Nat

Maria Mammina

Thanks for being the best sole/swolemate!! Can’t wait to crush Rock the Ridge with you!!! Niki Zingman

Chloe Stein

It has been amazing to see you run your first marathon and I love the miles and snacks we share together!

Lisa, Desiree, and Kyle
Photo courtesy of Lisa

Desiree Zimmer and Kyle Eskridge

Kyle and Desiree! Thank you for helping me navigate running and life! I am so very thankful for your friendship! Two of the best humans..I am proud to know you! You've both accomplished incredible feats in the last year and continue to inspire me. Long live the squad! <3

Grace

Sending a note of gratitude to Grace who without the PPTC shirt she sported in a Crown Heights yoga class, the conversation it sparked, and a commitment to turn up the following day to an otherwise off-my-radar 'coffee run', I wouldn't have found my way back to the track, my stride, or the compelling community that came with it. For that I am grateful. Cheers Grace!

Barbara Foley

So grateful our paths crossed this past year! Looking forward to running more together in 2024! From, Leslie McCleary

Julian Barlow

I love and admire you so much! I can't wait to see you run Rock the Ridge!

Annie and Katie at a summer run.
Photo Courtesy of Annie

Katie Skinner

Thanks for being my inspo to join PPTC and for the many runs we've had over the years. You're a fierce athlete, timeless friend, and someone who makes me want to be better! Love you, Katie! xo Annie

Stella Kim

You always make me smile and I love getting to run with you, especially when it's spontaneous unplanned runs in the summer!

Logo Graphic by: The PPTC design team (backlit by a heart)
Intro text by: Rachael DePalma (she/her)
Notes written by: As signed or anonymously
Photos provided by: “Sole Mates” contributors
Produced by: Rachael DePalma

PPTC is a diverse and supportive team. We want to celebrate the diversity of our club and membership. We welcome and encourage everyone to share their stories with us.

Notes to Your PPTC Sole Mate 2024