One year ago yesterday, after a meal and needless dessert, I got the idea to throw on my tennis shoes and attempt to run a mile.
Needless to say, I was completely unable to achieve that goal. Walking home in the rain I realized that, despite significant weight loss, I still was horribly out of shape.
So, I hit the Internet and found a training plan designed to slowly take me from nothing to three miles in two weeks.
I bought some new shoes, some running clothes and a stopwatch and I was off.
Now one year later I have ran over 600 miles and will soon break in my third pair of running shoes. Here are some things I have learned over the miles:

• People who don’t run typically don’t understand those who do.
• People make up loads of excuses why they don’t run and 99% of those excuses are weak.
• It does not matter how fast you are or how far you run. What matters is that you start.
• Running is not about speed or distance. It’s about getting up and moving.
• Bodyglide is the greatest invention of all time.
• Cotton is anathema. If it doesn’t wick, make another pick.
• I love seeing other people out on the trails and tracks. Maybe it is the hope of a healthy beginning or the result of life-time commitment to activity. Whatever the reason, it’s good to see people doing something.
• Run, walk, crawl. But do something.
• Foam rollers are a must.
• You will run slower and sweat more on a treadmill than outdoors.
• It’s too hot to run outdoors during a Texas summer.
• Those moments running are the best worship of my week.
• Running is the greatest thing physically I have ever done.
• It doesn’t get easier, I just learn to love it more.
• Streets are horrible for your knees. Get on the trails or tracks.
• Shoes matter.
• Even I can do it.