I wonder each year if there’s more I can say about love, but every season brings new lessons. An expanding community and deepening friendships taught me more about the power of support and encouragement and how it speaks to love.

No person is designed as an island. As social animals, we need one another despite what our individualistic society may claim. Community is a necessary fabric that provides us with a sense of acceptance and belonging.

When we engage together positively through shared experiences we are creating opportunities for a love-filled community to take root. A loving community treats us with grace, recognizes we are humans who make mistakes and bolsters us when we are going through a difficult time. It cheers us on through our journeys and celebrates our accomplishments big and small. As a community, we help one another, care for each other, and check in regularly. This fosters feelings of value and love. When we know that there are people who will gather with us through it all, it allows each of us to flourish and become our most authentic selves.

As PPTC brings people together through running, it offers a framework for this community love to blossom. As we run together, we see each other’s determination, passion, vulnerability, strength. We learn of each other, laugh together, cheer each other on, and as the days and months pass by we may recognize that we’ve found love among this community of runners. Today we celebrate that love and remember that no matter what the world throws at us, we have each other. With community and love there is much we can accomplish.

Many members recognized this type of community love with notes to their sole mates. Thank you for your outpouring of support for one another. This appreciation of each other propels us forward in a cycle of love. Is there anything more powerful?

Marie, Kristen, and friends
Photo courtesy of Kristen Ebert

Marie Bourget

Marie- Thank you for all of the great runs (and swims, plunges, perimeters) and conversations this year! You inspire me so much in so many ways! ❤️ Kristen

Jenna McPhail-DePersia

So happy to have met you last year! Looking forward to making further connections, running and beyond!

Jessica Ames

Jess, though we haven't gotten to run together much, I'm impressed by your activism! You inspire me to do more. Hope to get to know you and Barb more in the future. -Mara

Christine Leahy

Christine! Thanks for all the support on and off the pavement! Leslie

Em and Minji
Photo courtesy of Emily Mahar

Minji Koo

Minji!! Thank you for talking me into trying “this running thing” way back in 2021. From barely making it through a 5K with the promise of a sweet treat—to finishing a half marathon—you’ve been my biggest cheerleader! And now look, I followed you to PPTC 😅 I love how running has brought us even closer together. You’re the best friend I could ever ask for. Here’s to many more runs together in 2025 :) —Em

Coach John Honerkamp

Hi Coach, rain, cold, or shine, you're there Tuesday morning pushing us to become better and faster runners, and alwyas with a friendly smile. You're my first meaningful introduction to the club. I wanted to recognize that and say thank you. Best, Jordan P

Dominique Gagne

Dominique, I really enjoyed running with you the other week--very stimulating chat and inspired by your running! Hope to do it again soon. -Mara

Elizabeth and Alex
Photo Courtesy of Alexandra Hidalgo

Elizabeth Chapman

So happy to have found such a great friend my first week at PPTC! Excited for many more runs together!!

Shannon Sharp, Susan Jarrell and Sigrid Wolfram

Sending love for us being the best badass 4 x 100 relay team that hasn’t run a race….yet!! See you on the loop and track soon!! Xo Victoria❤️

Donna, Jess, and Barbara
Photo courtesy of Jess Ames

Donna Newton

Donna, it’s been fun getting to know you and running with you, and you know, trying to keep up with you ;) Thanks for your friendship.

Eli Bovarnick

You're my sole mate because I wouldn't be a functional human without you.

KZ Group
Photo Courtesy of Koushik Dasika

KZ (you know who you are)

Sharing memes, chaos, dad jokes, pet reels, and sports rivalries with runs, love, and support -- thank you for being such great sole mates.

I just wanted to step up and express how much you all mean to me. You're the sole reason I keep moving forward, not just in my runs, but in life itself. We've been through thick and thin, rain and shine, and you've always been there to help me find my footing—whether on the pavement or on life's path. You're the perfect fit for me, and I'm so lucky to have you as my crew. You help me sole-ve my problems and keep me grounded when things get tough. Whether we're sprinting through life's challenges or taking it one step at a time, you're always there to support me. You're the sole of my support system, the heel of my encouragement, and the toe-tally awesome friends I need. You make every step of life more enjoyable, and I'm grateful for the miles we've shared together—both on and off the track. So here's to you, my SoleMates! You're the ones who make life's journey worthwhile. Thanks for being such amazing friends and partners in every sense. Let's keep pounding the pavement of life together!

Em and Reinaldo
Photo courtesy of Emily Mahar

Reinaldo Simões

Rei, There’s no better feeling than when we run past each other during a race!! It almost makes me OK with the fact that you’re so many corrals ahead of me… ;) Thanks for always making me smile, and giving me something to look forward to other than just the finish line. <3 Em

Crystal Cun

Being president of our club may be mostly thankless, but here are some thanks for all that you do for our club even in the face of a seemingly never-ending stream of challenges. We may not say it, but we appreciate you and your work for the club. Thank you for leading our club and expanding what our club does for its members and the running community.

Ashley, Sarah, and Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Schilliger

Ashley Sanders & Sarah Mann

Ashley and Sarah, thank you both for being the best (running) friends a girl could ask for. After (exactly) a year in this club I couldn’t have imagined a better outcome than spending every Wednesday evening (and often Saturday morning) with you two, my fellow runners 🌚 xx, Christine

Soley Berrios

Hey Sol!!!
You were the first person I talked to during my first Friday coffee run. Rather than attributing our almost instant connection to our shared Latin roots, I credit it to your natural ability to listen and be empathetic with everyone you meet. It’s been a real pleasure being your friend (even if now you'd rather become Caro’s best friend hahaha).
Hugs, Camilo

Jack and Cecilia
Photo courtesy of Jack McHugh

Cecilia Butler

Happy Valentine's Day! You have been running through my mind all day! - Jack

Mara Nerenberg

Mara!! I LOVED spending so much time with you in 2024 and sharing our many similar life experiences together! Here's to more of that this year: medium-length runs, craft classes, and lots of deep talks <3 All my love, Jenna

Alex, Caitlin, and friends
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Hidalgo

Caitlin Watterson

So happy to have met a friend in and outside of PPTC, it’s been such a pleasure to get to know you!! Alex

Edith Asibey’

Edith, it's been amazing getting to know you and running with you! Thanks for your efforts in making running exclusive and for sharing your experiences. Looking forward to further connection! -Mara

Barbara and Jess
Photo courtesy of Jess Ames

Barbara Foley

Thank you for starting me on this fun journey, leading to races and runs all over the world and tons of new friends! I love you!

Bridget Nixdorf

Can't wait to rock the ridge with you! Looking forward to many more runs! -Niki

Dylan Wells

You're my sole mate because you're my anxiety buddy. Here's to 2025 being our love year.

Kishor, Katie, and friends
Photo courtesy of Katie Lau

Kishor Vayyala

Kishor--thanks for always being there for me in running & in life! All of my best running memories include you. I hope we can continue to find peace and strength and joy in running together for many more years. <3 Katie

Michael Maltese

You're my sole mate. Both suffering from unrequited love. It's hard out here but at least we have each other.

Janice and Jess
Photo courtesy of Jess Ames

Janice Fuld

Janice, thank you so much for your encouragement and friendship and positive vibes :)

Eva Schenker

Hey Eva, the walker. It’s been great getting to know you these past few months, sharing the track while running together, and sipping coffee as we fantasize about exceptional food hahaha. I’d love to join you on one of your long walks and discover why it’s such a passion for you. Betty sends her regards and says she hopes to meet you soon 🐶 Hugs! Camilo

Megan Pappan

Your selflessness and encouragement have been a guiding light on my running journey. Whether you’re pacing me, cheering me on, or helping me believe in myself, you inspire me every step of the way. You’re not just an incredible runner but an even more incredible friend. Thank you for always being there, whether it’s with words of encouragement, your time, or your unwavering support. You make this community stronger and every run more meaningful. With gratitude and love, Soley

Angela Xu

Hey Ange! I was so lucky to meet you during the last mile of the las 10 miles!! You have become one of my greatest inspirations in this journey I've started and I really, really appreciate all the support and advice you've given me. I hope we can meet more often in the runs 😊 Happy Valentine’s, Camilo

Adrian, Mara, and Jennifer
Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Brown

Adrian Falcone

I always look forward to our coffee runs!

Maria Mammina and Daniela Ocampo

Looking forward to many more festive house runs and burgers! -Niki

Kira Krenichyn

Kira, it has been been fantastic getting to know you over the past months. I really enjoy running with you and appreciate your positivity and supportiveness. -Mara

Nicole Thur

~ To my track club bestie ~ I feel so blessed to call you a friend. Your support and the time we spent together last year are SO important to me and I can't wait to keep that up this year as your biggest cheerleader! Through thick and thin, I've always got your back. To alt rock, cats, nerdy interests, surprise hugs on runs, and lots of park loops... all my love!!! -Jenna

Liz Christoff

Liz!! ~ I'm so lucky to call you a supportive, accepting, and incredible friend, and you've been such a foundational part of my running journey since the first days with PPTC.. surviving the elements and many, many steps together! I am so grateful for you and the time we've shared. I'll always be screaming your name the LOUDEST when you run by!!! All my love, ~Jenna

Ellen, Jess, and friends
Photo courtesy of Jess Ames

Ellen Alperin

Thanks for being a great running buddy, friend and support :)

Erin Cain

You're my sole mate. Do I even have to explain why? Definitely the best thing that happened to me in 2024 (and likely beyond).

Sophia Lima

Sophia, your kindness, thoughtfulness, and dedication to showing up for everyone in this club make you such a special part of our community. Whether it’s cheering with a sign, bringing someone their favorite coffee, or offering the perfect words of encouragement when they need it most, you’re always there, and it means the world. Thank you for being the heart of our pace group and an amazing friend.

Natalie Edwards

Nat, your warmth and kindness make every run together so special, and seeing you crush your goals while lifting others up has been amazing. You’ve shown me what persistence and positivity can accomplish, and I’m so lucky to have had you as a running partner and friend. Thank you for being such a bright light in our running community!

Friends on Porpoise

Dear Porpoises, developing these friendships has been one of the highlights of my year. I can't believe how lucky I am to be your friend on porpoise. We have created so many beautiful memories together (or apart) from Rock the Ridge, to Safari hats and holiday parties...and even agendas for our summits! Thank you for your friendship. You are all my pal-entines forever <3

Natasha Goss

Natasha, your passion and positivity are a gift and it's amazing to see you run ever greater distances and uplift everyone around you. Thanks for always bringing the energy boost to power up Zoo Hill! - Scott

Tyler Sharkey

Hey Tyler! Shout-out to you for our interesting conversations and your big heart. Hope you're staying warm this winter and I look forward to pounding the pavement with you again in the warmer months ~Skye

Joanne Guralnick

Joanne, it's awesome meeting another Liberty fan/runner. Here's to many more women's bball-related chats in the future! -Mara

Audrey Rosenblith

Some of my best days have flowed
from when I cross over to Lincoln Road -
there, Audrey - bright eyes and impish grin -
greets me, and we take our feet for a spin
a loop or two, with conversation galore
(in the Rosenblith manner, talk is hardcore)
sweet like cherry trees and February candy
time flies, laughs warm us, little sips of brandy.
I wish I could bottle how her voice sounds:
curious, delighted, promising love all around.

Angela Workoff

To the best marathon training buddy, I would run the Queensboro bridge with you as many times as you want. Your chill vibes, kindness, and openness and vulnerability were key ingredients to my marathon success. I’m so glad this training cycle birthed a beautiful new friendship between us!! Park Slope kids 4 ever

Sam, Ben, and friend
Photo Courtesy of Ben Grossman

Samuel Dunning

Hi Sam - Happy galentine's! I think you're pretty nice and swole and funny. Good luck on your marathon in April! Xoxo, Ben

Jenn

Hey Jenn, I don't know your last name but I always enjoy our conversations. I appreciate your intentionality in connecting with others and hope you've been finding some sweet spots as you continue exploring BKLN! Cheers, Skye

Patrick Dela Cruz

Patrick!! I have loved getting to know you since you joined PPTC and we are so lucky to have you as part of our big crazy chaotic family. Seeing you first thing in the morning always gives me a burst of joy and energy! Can't wait for more friendship in 2025. All my love, Jenna

Camilo and Soley
Photo courtesy of Soley

Camilo Giraldo

Camilo - Mi hermano: You are the ultimate teammate, and I’m so grateful to have you in our running community. Your energy is infectious, your humor keeps every run fun, and your support makes all the difference. Whether we’re running side by side or you’re showing up with your signature enthusiasm to cheer others on, you make this club—and my running experience—so much better. Thank you for being such an amazing hermano and for always bringing your positivity to every pace and every race.

Evy Barnett

Happy Galentine's Evy!!! You're the bee's knees.

Phil (what's your last name??)

Hey Phil-who-travels-a-lot-and-has-a-dog, I don't know your last name but I always appreciate our conversations. Can't wait to hear all your travel stories when I pick running club back up in the spring. Cheers, Skye

Adrian, Mara, and Jennifer
Photo courtesy of Adrian

Jennifer Brown and Mara Karamitopoulos

To the best running partners ever! I am so grateful for our weekend-long runs where we share our ups, our downs, and always fantastic coffee talk. Looking forward to many more runs with you two! With love, -Adrian

Ingrid LunDeen

This is a special valentine for your sweet kitty cat named Cosimo who has been through a lot recently. Sending him all the love 💗and cuddles and wishing him a speedy recovery. Xoxo, Ben

Betty Wu

Hey Betty Wu! Shout out to you for keeping the team together. Hope you're staying warm this winter and looking forward to seeing you again in the warmer months to divulge all our dating misadventures! ~ Skye

Introductory text by: Rachael DePalma (she/her)
Sole Mates Graphic: Rose Milgrom Kohn
Sole Mate Notes: PPTC Members
Photos by: As credited on photos

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.

PPTC's Sole Mates Notes 2025