"The only reason this was my goal is because it was her goal. I only have this dream because she was crazy enough to dream it first." —Veronica Jackson   Veronica Jackson and Alex Bernardi are among the 500+ women who will be running the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon this weekend in Atlanta, GA. They're longtime training partners, and on this episode, they talk about the power of running friendships, and the effects your best running friends can have on your goals. Today, Alex and Veronica live in separate cities — Veronica in Boston where she's an attorney at the Partners Healthcare Hospital System, and Alex in New York City, where she's a research associate at a nonprofit — but we got together in person to record this episode (after they finished their 20-miler, of course).   Thank you to AfterShokz for sponsoring this episode of the Ali on the Run Show! CLICK HERE for $50 off your Aeropex wireless headphone endurance bundle!   What you’ll get on this episode: How Alex and Veronica were feeling two weeks out from the Trials (7:30) Alex reflects on qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials (8:30) What does it mean to each of them to get to run the Trials? (14:00) Alex talks about her postpartum running experience, and shares how she qualified for the Trials again after having her son (16:20) #TBT: Alex and Veronica share the story of how they met, and the importance of running friendships (19:50) How moving out of NYC affected Veronica’s training (34:15) How Veronica found new running buddies in Boston (52:00) How Veronica and Alex support each other from afar, and what the OTQ community is like (56:15)   What we mention on this episode: Central Park Track Club Sarah Cummings on Episode 112 of the Ali on the Run Show Jenny Donnelly on Episode 193 of the Ali on the Run Show   Follow Alex: Instagram @aebernardi   Follow Veronica: Instagram @vjaxs Twitter @vjacks01   Follow Ali: Instagram @aliontherun1 Like the Facebook page Join the Facebook group Twitter @aliontherun1 Blog Strava   Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify SoundCloud Overcast Stitcher Google Play   SUPPORT the Ali on the Run Show! If you’re enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. Spread the run love. And if you liked this episode, share it with your friends!