Last Friday, I was lucky to meet up with Karen (McQuilken) Leavitt, my friend and teammate at Bowling Green State University. Karen was in the area for multiple events over the weekend in three different (but close - Delaware/Maryland/Virginia) states.
Four decades ago, in the late summer of 1980, when I entered the campus and the cross-country team, Karen, as only an upper-class woman can do, was there to greet me and the other freshman with a big hug and an open heart! Thankfully, she hasn't changed a bit from those college days with her wise words and big heart, her great attitude about life, and her enjoyment of time spent with her loved ones and friends from around the country and world.
We spent most of the day catching up with our lives, starting with lunch at one of my favorite Annapolis restaurants, Carrol's Creek Cafe. Nothing is better shared over crabcakes, oysters, and calamari! Even the wind didn't bother us too much! Since it was such a lovely afternoon, we sauntered over to Ego Alley in downtown Annapolis to check out the scene on Main Street and the Naval Academy grounds. When I asked Karen if she had ever been on the campus, her answer was, "No." We didn't waste one minute to enter the campus after her answer. In fact, Karen mentioned that the closest thing to the USNA was she had coached a young lady in track/cross-country in Chattanooga, TN, Sarah, who was probably a second-class midshipman. Once we got through security, I encouraged Karen to at least text Sarah that she/we were on campus and asked if we could meet up with her. Sarah was thrilled about the text, quickly donned her uniform (must be dressed in uniform on campus), and met up with us in less than five minutes. She spent the next 90 minutes taking us on a tour that only a midshipman could do. It was great! I learned more about being a midshipman and additional history of this military academy. Bill and I used to love to take the kids to the Naval Academy to walk around on many Sundays since anything outdoors was best for us then.
While lunching, walking, and talking, I learned more about Karen's illustrious commercial real estate and consulting career, which was fascinating. Of course, I knew where she worked and somewhat what she did, but unpacking the nuances of her various jobs and owning her business deepened my appreciation for her chosen career path.
Despite her long work hours, Karen maintained a dedicated running career and training sessions (on the roads and on the track to get into optimum shape and fitness). She qualified for one (if not two) Olympic Marathon Trials and has raced everything from a 5K to the Marathon since she was 14. Lately, Karen is closing in on running a race in all 50 states. She was 1st in her age group in Milford, DE, on Saturday, Nov. 2! She continues to coach other women and inspires me and, I suspect, many more.
The day went by in a flash because we had that finite time to catch up IRL. I can't wait for the next time. Friendship for the Win!
bSoleille!
Terri
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