Update

It's been nearly three years since I have last posted on this blog. It's incredible to think that three years can go by so quickly. 2008 was probably the peak of my physical fitness. That summer, a combination of boredom, frustration, and a desire to prove something to myself led to my training for a marathon. This blog played a part in my motivation, as did a number of other factors, such as living with a roommate who was a serious runner. My first marathon was a great success, you can read all about it on this blog. That summer I physically felt greater than I have ever felt, and becoming a long distance runner made me mentally tough.

A lot has happened in my life since then. Since this is a running blog, it's worth noting here that, yes, I did run another marathon one year later. The 2009 Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. was one that I planned on training for much like I did for the Hudson Mohawk River Marathon of 2008. Poor planning, nagging injuries, and a lack of motivation led to my first deciding not to run it, and then stupidly running the thing without training. I staggered across the finish with my friend Dave at 5:15 - 1 hour and 37 minutes slower than my marathon 1 year earlier.

After that run, my physical fitness quickly deteriorated, and I credit nagging IT band problems and a never ending bout with plantar fasciitis to the decision to run that marathon without proper preparation.

Personally, my life has undergone some major changes. I got married to my beautiful wife Kate, we enjoyed a stellar honeymoon, and bought our first home. Just this summer, I completed all of my courses for my Masters Degree. I've continued teaching at ARHS and coaching Cross Country. Life is good and I'm very lucky. But throughout all of these good times, I've wished I was in better shape - wanting to be healthier, more active, and more motivated.

I've gone through bouts of running. A week here, two weeks there, always saying to myself "okay, this is it, I'm going to stick with it." But I have always had an excuse. I still have not gotten to the bottom of my plantar fasciitis problem but I am learning more and more how to manage it. Sometimes that set me back. This past winter, I got sick and was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis, a chronic and incurable disease that leads to inflammation of the intestines. This is something I have been managing with medication. Undoubtedly maintaining a rigorous running schedule with this disease will be challenging, but so far I'm optimistic.

When I didn't have a good excuse, then laziness took over. I just didn't feel like it. I'm going to try again to be consistent, to get into a shape, and then establish some concrete goals. I'll blog about my progress here. It's a good tool that will help me stay focused. I won't limit it to running, and when I am active in other ways, I'll be sure to make note of it.

I'll consider yesterday my inaugural run. I ran 3. 6 miles - two loops on spoonhill road from my house. At some points I stopped for walking breaks. More on this route later.