My dear friend and former running partner, Phyllis Goldstein, passed away this last weekend. Running and walking were her passions. She was a joy to be with. I will miss her.
Phyllis and I met in the Los Angeles Leggers 13-minute-per-mile pace group in 2003. She was already in her late 60s, and an amazing runner. I could keep up with her on a training run, but in a race -- forget it! She beat me every time.
Before we met, Phyllis had encephalitis, which affected her short-term memory. She called me once and we had a long, pleasant conversation. After talking for about an hour, she realized that she didn't remember who she had called, and without any embarrassment, asked me who I was. We both laughed. She didn't let things like that get her down.
In the summers, Phyllis hosted a 6-mile Fun Run through Holmby Hills, past art galleries and the Playboy Mansion. Afterwards, the whole group would go out for brunch at a nice restaurant she'd picked out for us.
She decided not to run anymore a few years ago, and joined the 15-minute walkers. She was a regular and rarely missed a walk, even after her husband passed away.
This spring, she had a transient ischemic attack and had to cut back on her walking. She had recovered enough, though, to resume walking with her pace group.
She died on Saturday. Evidently, she went walking with her group in the morning. I was in Santa Monica for a run, but must have missed her. Her family is asking for those who were with her Saturday to share how her spirits were that morning. I will pray that they get the answers they seek and find comfort in them.
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