All you aspiring Prefontaines out there.... this blog's for you:

I didn't start running until after college.  With the binge drinking (lie) behind me, I was challenged by my best friend Adrienne to run the Chicago Marathon.  Athletic my whole life but never a member of the cross country team, and never one to back down from a challenge, I said yes.

So I ran, as they said in "Forrest Gump."  I ran alot.  The summer leading up to the race sucked.  I was living in Indianapolis at the time and had 2 roommates that never turned down a night out.  So, faced with a running log that was miles long (no pun intended) and one roommate with a boat on Geist, I was definitely knee deep in decisions.  Do I do a long run or go on the boat and drink all day long?  I would set my alarm for 6-- run for 3 hours, then sit on a boat all day and drink beer.  Great way to rehydrate.

Needless to say I ran and finished the Chicago Marathon.  It was ass cold the whole day with a rain/snow mix at the start.  The best part of the run was cruising through Boys Town.  God I love the gays.  It was the only mile of music-filled positive cheering with dudes dressed as cowboys singing country songs.  Love.

My point is that if I can run, anyone can.  I started running again a few months back and my goal is always minutes not miles.  Put on the running shoes and just go.  Get out and sweat.  I promise you'll ALWAYS feel better after exercising.  Fact.  Maybe your muscles hurt but your mind will be more clear.  Promise.

Also, running is free for the most part.  There is no Crossfit initiation horseshit or a Lifetime $100/month fee.  A few bucks for shoes and perhaps an iPod and you're all set.  If you can't run than walk.

Maybe someday after logging all the miles I will have legs like Stacey Kiebler.  Doubt it.