Blog Entry #1

Because this is my first posting -- I'll bring you up to date. I haven't done any serious running (more than say 1.5 miles at a shot) in 20+ years. That was in Columbus, Ohio where my neighbor and long time friend Dave George and I set out to run every other day come hell-or-high-water, rain, sleet, snow, etc. We managed to do it for a couple of years until our jobs took us in different directions. Now fast-forward two decades -- and factor in my wife Karen who -- to say the least -- is an enthusiastic runner. She's logged four marathons in two years (including Boston) and keeps on running. I've been her water boy and fundraiser the past two years as she raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) as part of the Team in Training (TNT) program.

This year it hit me -- I need to be running. Lots of reasons: 1): our TNT runners are great people who are all running to raise money to find a cure; 2): I was out of shape; 3): Running is easier than trying to find Karen on my road bike so she can have water; 4): --- well you get the idea. If you can't beat'em, join'em.

So now, I'm on the road, the track, or the trail -- every other day. Now admittedly, doing the Marine Corps 10k (6.4 miles) isn't exactly a long distance. But, it's a start - or a re-start in my case. The fact that Karen is doing 26.2 miles that day is beside the point. She’s younger, prettier, and in much better shape. But if you know the Tortoise and Hare story, then you know my plan.

Let me take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed to my fund raising this past week! Mark's Running Commentary is intended to keep you informed and maybe a bit amused, as I drag myself out of runners-retirement, for a great cause.

For those of you about to contribute -- I'll make it easy. Just go to:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/corps10/mkalber

...it's just a few clicks and then away-you-go and it's p-a-i-n-l-e-s-s. Really (Especially with credit cards!)

Thanks Again -- Mark