Every good blog has a back story… a reason for being. For me, this is very clear. I wanted to create a place where I could detail my journey back to physical fitness…back to a running career that I enjoyed. I can remember my competitive 
running days but, as the years have gone by, those memories become more faint.
I was a decent runner by any measurable standard. I can remember running in Hamilton, NY and struggling to break 4:20 in the 1500 (4:17.11) and I can remember cold fall cross country races where I often struggled to break 27 minutes for a 5 mile race. I had a few good ones, (26:57) and a few bad ones (I can’t even remember how man).. I’ll have to admit there was some googling there to recall exact times.
Fast forward fifteen years and I’ve been in, essentially, the same position. I can’t recall where, exactly, I lost the desire to run. It seems like I just woke up one day and was fifty pounds heavier than I was in college and seemingly just done with running. To be fair, I’ve had bouts of success… a ten-mile week here, a twenty-mile week there. I’ve strung together a few “this is the new me” starts that last a month. I can remember doing a few Reach the Beach relays around 2006 where I was able to string together a 30 mile month! I did a half iron-man on about 15 miles a week in training…but never hitting over 30 miles in a month. How does that happen? One week on, one week off…
For me, it’s now about motivation. I wake up at 4:45am every morning so I can prepare for the day. I do some work, get the kid’s school things ready and then start breakfast. There’s definitely a chance to fit a 4-5 mile run every day there… why don’t I do it? Because I’d rather stay warm drinking my coffee. But, if I start to remember the feeling of being in great shape, the feeling of having more energy and the beautiful “aloneness” that running can give you, I feel like I could give it another shot. So, I find myself here… on this blog. The goal is to see if I can document (for my own purposes and others) the struggles and thought processes it takes to get back into shape. Will it work? Who knows…but at least the struggles will be documented and shared.
I’m turning comments on for this blog… anyone who’d like to do this journey with me, I’d love it! I want to hear what you’re thinking…how the runs are going and what you’ve found gets you out the door when the warm smells of coffee brewing keep drawing you back in. So, let’s do it!
getrunningagaindotcom 
It is great to read this!! If there is anything I can do to support your glorious return, I’m in. 2016 5k? marathon? Join strava and look me up and record miles? Leave harassing comments? Whatever you need, Dave!
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Dave- It took about a decade of false starts for me too, but I finally did it and it has been worth it. There is a lot of swallowing of pride and many harsh realizations out there on the roads- we will never be as fast as we were, or even be able to run as hard as we once did- but the feeling of being a real runner again is even better now that I no longer take it for granted.
Tip- get fit now before the snow flies! It’s easier to head out in the cold when you’re already in shape.
I hope you stick with it. Let’s do a thanksgiving turkey trot!
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I’ve been off running for quite some time now too, with the exception of the occasional beer mile. For the most part, I’ve replaced it with other activities but I do miss the ability to hit the track and rip a solid mile or just go out the front door and do 8-10 on a whim.
Andy, the Turkey Trot sounds like a solid idea. BC Bulldog reunion, guys?
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I haven’t been a real runner in a long time. I stay active but, for the most part, have replaced running with biking, climbing and snowboarding. Often, I think about the gratification of being able to rip a solid mile on the track or step out the door and run 8-10 on a whim and I miss it. Wouldn’t mind getting back into a routine.
BC Bulldog Turkey Trot this year? I’m game.
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This is 15 years overdue, but that only makes it more welcome. And I’m glad to read it seems to be getting easier as you go. Very excited to see where your miles take you.
Agree 100% with Mr. Andrew, there are a lot of wake up calls involved (both literal and metaphorical…or is it metaphysical?), but rediscovering yourself along the way leads to appreciation of what you used to be able to do and what you can still do and, for me anyway, and I hope for you, a deeper sense of satisfaction than we were able to achieve when the only thing on our radars were PRs and the next meet.
That said, I’m pretty sure I still lead you in Boilermakers, 7-6.
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