September 29

For those of you who do not know me or my story (at least my running story) this Saturday, September 29 is an important day in that history. On September 29, 2002 I joined the Grand Rapids Running Club at John Ball Park in Grand Rapids, MI for my return to running. I had run years before while serving in the Marine Corps. That was 1982-1986. I ran a few times after getting out but not very regularly and not all all in recent years. Since those days I had managed to put on quite a few pounds and was way out of shape. Elisa started running while we were living in Chicago and continued to run when we moved to Michigan. I used to drive with her to the park occasionally but didn't run. I would bring a book and wait for her to finish. That changed on September 29, 2002. That morning I put on my running shoes and headed to the park. I was ready to run 3 miles or so (or so I thought). I ended up running out to the one mile mark. At that point I was exhausted. I turned around and walked back to the parking lot. That's where the journey began 5 years ago. Since then I have continued the journey into ultra territory. I kind of like it here. I plan to stay a while.

Thanks to all of you who have shared a mile or two with me on this trek through life. The journey continues....