A dozen reasons why I run...

It's been busy lately, it's that time of year. Through it all, however, I've managed to keep up with my training schedule and even added resistance training into the mix over the past few weeks. Running during this time of year is new to me, and I must say, I'm enjoying every minute of it.

A neat thing happened a couple of days ago. A co-worker approached me and asked if we could run together in the new year, turns out he's quite interested in losing a few pounds, improving his fitness level, and becoming a runner. I was somewhat flattered and responded to him by suggesting that we put out an invitation to all of our co-workers to join a new lunchtime Running Club, targeted at beginners - he agreed.

That afternoon, I sent an email notice around the office about the new Running Club and an upcoming information session that I would be holding a couple of days later. My email was very blunt and pointed out that you can't lose weight, get in shape, and keep your hand on the remote control all at the same time. I also shot down, with scientific research, the notion that running is bad for the joints and leads to arthritis. My email explained to my co-workers that the best part of any run is stopping, but they wouldn't be able to experience this incredible feeling if they didn't first start running. I invited them to come along with their "trick knees" and their "runner's asthma" and hear about the new Running Club and how it could change their lives.

There wasn't much talk around the office over the next couple of days. Had I offended people? Was I too up front? Did I scare them away? I figured, based on the apparent interest level, or lack thereof, there wouldn't be any new members joining our newly established two-member club.

When the meeting time rolled around, I was pleasantly surprised (read "shocked") when I walked into our boardroom to find twelve people (about half of our office staff) sitting around the table, eager to hear about the club and even more excited about starting their own running careers. The group asked the questions that I would have asked if I were first starting out and they had the same concerns that I had too, just a couple of years ago. I assured them that this was a beginner's club and we would start out by walking, but would be running 5-K by April. I adjourned the meeting by announcing January 2nd, 2007 as our first training session.

As I walked out of the meeting, I realized that these twelve people represent twelve good reasons why I run, and it may take a fellow runner to understand what I mean.

Live your life to inspire others.

My friend the marathoner...

I spent some last week, talking with a marathoner. We weren't at a local running event, or even in a running store. Our paths had crossed at a work function where neither of our jobs have anything at all to do with running. How we got onto the topic of running, I can't quite recall, but I'm sure glad we did.

I was awestruck to learn that my new friend was in fact a marathoner and plans to take on the the Athens Marathon in Greece next April. He must have seen the admiration in my eyes as he told me more about his plans and how he was training to meet his goals.

But I was more impressed with the sincere interest he showed in my running career and the questions he asked of me about how I had gotten to my first starting line a couple of years ago. He asked me about my training, my diet and my inspiration. As we talked, I began to realize that it's true that the only thing that makes a runner a runner is that he goes out and he runs.

I'm not a fast runner, he is. I'm not built like a runner, he is. I have never run a marathon, he has. But one thing we do share, is a few times a week, in all kinds of weather and at different times of the day, we go out and we run, one foot-strike after another. To paraphrase The Penguin, John Bingham, when it comes to running, it matters not where you finish, but instead, whether or not you start.

Don't be afraid that you can't do it, be afraid that you won't.

Uncle Fred...

I attended a funeral for a relative last week and I have to say, the service was very moving.

The church was filled with friends and relatives who had been, in some way, touched by Uncle Fred. And as Fred was remembered for his great sense of humour and his way of reaching out to help anyone in need, through tear-filled eyes I began to wonder what the person giving my eulogy would say about me and the way I lived my life.

All of things you're supposed to be in life, Fred was. He was kind to everyone, he treated people with respect, he listened when people spoke, and he kept his mouth closed at just the right time. Fred inspired those who came in contact with him and he was there for those who needed a helping a hand. In fact, Fred had attended a friend's funeral on the morning of the same day he himself passed away - he was always thinking of others. Fred wasn't flashy, he just went about his business, never looking for accolades; he comes from a long line of siblings who are much the same way, they're all fine men and women.

And as my heart broke with the vision of Fred's daughter mourning the loss of her father, I wiped a tear away and realized I had the answer to how I want to be remembered - he was just like his Uncle Fred, that's what I would want them to say.

Now it's up to me to make that happen.