It's A Race, Not A Friendship

RUN, FORREST, RUN. Run from Dear Abby.

Dear Jerkass: I am struggling with my friend. We're both on the cross-country team, but I can run farther than she can. When she stops to walk, I continue to run, but when I do, it makes her very upset. She says I should stop running and walk with her. But if I do that, I will lose valuable mileage.

I don't know what to do. Should I wait for her? -- SWIFTY IN NEVADA

Dear Swifty,
You do not have friends in competitions.  There are people who you can encourage you, and you encourage.  After training you can grab a convo at the juice bar, or some other lamewad bullshit.  On that track you are there to do one thing: beat your last timing.  If she's your friend she'll propel you further, not hold you back.