1. A Friendly Jog


    Date: 10/6/2023, Categories: Cheating Author: ThePenisMightier

    ... better when you’re done. I hope you like banana.”
    
    She looked at the pouch skeptically for a moment, then her expression brightened. She reached out to take the pouch, and I couldn’t help but notice the wedding band on her ring finger. “Thanks,” she said as she smiled. “I’ll give it a shot. Have a good run!”
    
    “You too!” I replied as she took off down the trail. A few minutes later, I took off going the other direction, completely putting the interaction out of my mind as I started out on my own run.
    
    It wasn’t until about a week later that I saw her again. This time, she was just getting out of her minivan when I pulled up.
    
    “Hey!” She exclaimed. “Banana man!”
    
    “Well, if it isn’t marathon girl,” I laughed. “So, did you try that gel pouch?”
    
    “Oh. My. God,” she stated. “It was so awesome. I mean, it kinda tasted funky, but when I got done with my run, I didn’t feel like I was going to die. I went out and bought a case of them on my way home.”
    
    “Sweet,” I replied. “Happy I could share a little long-distance running wisdom. So, going for another ten-miler today?”
    
    “Oh, no,” she said.” I ran hard yesterday. I was just out here for a little jog to keep the blood pumping.”
    
    “Hey, me too,” I told her. “Want to join me for a friendly jog?”
    
    Her eyes beamed at the suggestion. “Sure!” She exclaimed. “That would be awesome. Oh, by the way, I’m Beth.”
    
    After making introductions and a brief warm-up, we hit the trail. I have to admit, it was absolutely delightful. ...
    ... I’d gotten so used to going out alone, that having someone friendly to chat with as I pounded the pavement was an adrenaline rush.
    
    Through our conversation, we discovered that we both had a lot in common. We were both married with kids. We both had our ‘couch potato’ era earlier on, and got hooked on fitness later on. We even went to the same gym. The conversation was so good that somewhere on the way back, we wound up slowing down and just walking as we talked.
    
    When we arrived back at the park, we said our goodbyes and wished each other good luck with the marathon training. I was just about to climb into my car when I heard her voice from behind me.
    
    “Hey, wait,” she began as I turned to face her. “Would you mind if I got your number so we could do this again? It’s just that I’m really new to this whole thing, and you seem to know what you’re doing. I could sure use the coaching, if you’re willing to take on a running newbie.”
    
    “Yeah, why not?” I smiled. As lonely as I’d felt due to the issues at home, having someone to chat with during workouts would be a welcome change. We exchanged numbers and agreed to meet the following day for a “real” run.
    
    Over the next few weeks, Beth and I met nearly daily. For someone who had just picked up running recently, she was a natural. At first, the conversations stayed fairly professional. I mean, we’d talk about our personal lives here and there, but the focus was mostly on running and working out.
    
    Somewhere along the way, ...
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