Well, I have been thinking lately. I have entered my 50th year. *I think it is important to note that I continue to be still much, much younger than Jacquie. But the truth is, I am about to exit my 4th decade and enter my 5th. I may need to consult with her to find out what it is like, given she has ample experience : )
Alright, getting back to my thinking of late. My daughter, Gloria, has been reading Runner's World and wanting to start running again. My nephew, Mark, is turning 30 this year and is planning to run a marathon. So, I thought: "Hmmm, what about me?" Well, I have decided to train for a marathon.
Today is January 1st, 2011 and I just went out for a jog. (*It is a long story, but I basically have not been able to run or jog without pain for about ten years. It all began with a very long flight to Santiago de Chile. My knees have clicked & poped every time I run ever since!) Well, I have lost weight, ride my bike to work - about 12 miles round-trip, go the gym, etc...So, I felt ready to give it try.
I hired a full-time coach, and for the next week will have a full-time mascot...

(*For those of you who don't know her, this Abbey Han in a doggie-suit.)
We drove over to the Cubberley Community Center
And when we got to the track, there was a soccer team getting ready to play...and they were all dressed in the Spanish National Team's soccer jersey and shorts! This is funny for two reasons: 1. I, too, was wearing the jersey (*notice the photo above), and, 2. Our connection with Spain. I felt like it was both a sign and a smile from God. (*He has a tremendous sense of humor that we often don't give Him credit for.)

I walked a lap then ran a lap. Then did it again...
One of the things I have learned in my old age is to not be in too much of a hurry and to give my body a chance to adapt. Then I did something that I like about as much as chewing on aluminum foil...
I stretched. You can tell I have a good trainer...a trainer that is committed to my well-being.
Well, a New Year has begun. I have started to train for a triathon. Nothing big. I ran/walked a mile. Pretty wimpy, actually. But I can do "wimpy"...at least for now. Maybe you'll be encouraged to start something in 2011. If so, I would love to hear about it.