We met on a bike ride, realized that we had far too much in common and knew that we were onto something. It only made more sense after our dogs decided to be best friends too. Plus, Becca and Ashton can commiserate on what it's like to have their significant other talk about bikes nonstop. If it isn't our dogs begging us to go visit each other more often, we are most certainly planning another adventure on our bikes.

My big sister, who I fought with constantly during our younger years, is now one of my closest friends. If you hear outrageous laughter with the same cackle, it's probably the two of us making fun of our parents or each other (in good humor, of course). She is working on her post-doc at Duke University, so I don't see her as often as I'd like, but when we're together, it's nothing short of loud and entertaining. She and her husband, Dustin, also have my kitty niece and nephew, Marie Curie and Beaker.

Liz was one of my roommates on Poppleton St. in the lovely neighborhood of Pigtown in Baltimore City. She is one of the easiest people to get along with and quickly became one of my most genuine friends. I miss her dearly now that she's in CA, but after plenty of girls' nights and grad school meltdowns in our house, I'm so happy to have her friendship. Plus, she's the reason I am now a paella and red wine lover. Oh, and our doggies are in love (Lucy <3 Jackson).

Cycling brought us together and our generally foolish choices on rides have left us with a better friendship. He has been a voice of support and confidence for my races and more importantly, he has helped me become a better man with his advice that draws on all of his experiences as a business owner, husband, and father.

Amanda, or Mannie, as I've always called her, has been my best friend since birth. We are cousins and just 3 months apart in age, so when our older siblings didn't want anything to do with us, we were inseparable. From Camp Mardela to Cape Henlopen with our grandparents, the memories are endless. I miss her since she moved to Montana with her hubby who's in the Air Force, but treasure our visits together. Also, her positively adorable children, Emma and Elliott, are our flower girl and ring bearer!

The first time I met Josh and those present will understand, was awkward as the guy in "jorts" (cut-off jean shorts) was not only my new teammate but also quickly became a relaxed life long friend. The care-free jorts may have been traded for the closet full of business suits, but the laid back Josh I made friends with is still there.

Running was what started our friendship and the miles logged together only helped solidify it. There is a certain level of camaraderie built on the countless miles run together through everything Virginia weather can throw at us. Despite the distance after college, its as though nothing has changed every time we meet up.

Kaitlyn is my baby cousin, who's definitely not a baby anymore. She grew up 4 years younger than me and her sister, Amanda, who were the next oldest kids in our cousin group. Even though we used to get a laugh out of writing notes to each other before Kaitlyn could read, she grew up with a heart of gold. She loves her family and her pup, Maddie. She is a Delaware State Police Officer, and we couldn’t be more proud. I’m counting on her to get me out of potential future speeding tickets!