Love this thread. I've been a runner for over 20 years -- I wrote about it on my blog a few months ago if anyone is interested : http://foldintheordinary.wordp.....r-my-life/

Arthritis (hip, back) is slowing me down on the distance runs, I envy you half- and whole-marathoners. My goal now is to keep going as steadily as I can for as long as i can. I still do about 20-25 miles a week.

Currently I'm cycling (it's time to blog about that) to prepare for a 184 mile, 4 day ride down the C&O Canal path through Maryland, into Georgetown in less than 2 weeks. I'm doing it with my 16 year old son, and the Scouts. (Just found out there are no real showers along the way -- only pumps! No WIW posting, for sure!) Cycling is the sport that helped me drop weight years ago -- the long slow burn of calories.

Running is simply the best exercise I've ever done because of convenience - you can do it just about anywhere in just about any weather, with a minimum of gear.

Janet - the Annapolis run sounds awesome -- congratulations!!

Janet - congratulations on your accomplishment! Running a half isn't easy, and you DID it!

Jeneva - if you did 9, you'll be able to do 10 again. I'm glad your going again - and at least we've got some decent weather now to go out in!

Kari - good for you getting going again too!

I agree with Laurie that running is such a good exercise in terms of convenience. The thing I love is that I can go out in the morning and in a 1/2 hour get in a pretty good workout without having to drive anywhere. And - even though it can be miserable, you really can do it all year round.

Laurie, I love the C&O Canal trail! Ive only done part of it, and would love to do something like what you have planned.

This may sound crazy, but I would consider training for a tri. I always enjoyed biking and swimming, and never thought I'd like running. How funny that it was running that sparked my most intense athletic endeavor to date!