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I started running in 2005.

Previously, I had a heart defect which prevented me from running more than half a mile. But in February 2005, I had open-heart surgery and got a brand-new, artificial aortic valve.

A cardiac rehab program taught me some basics of fitness. Then, at the pub, where many foolish things happen, I rashly mentioned to my friends that I might try training towards a marathon. Well, that backfired. In a panic, my friends joined the San Diego Track Club's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon training program, so I had to too.

We spent six months training for the big event and learned many excuses for not running. However, the big day came and we retrospectively had fun running 26.2 miles in 4+ hours.

For two weeks afterwards, I just sat around. So, to keep some level of fitness, I signed up for more races and had to acknowledge that, until some other hobby comes along, I'm a runner.

Half Marathons Run 2006 2007 2008 Carlsbad 2:04 1:52 1:42 San Dieguito 1:54 La Jolla 1:49 America's Finest City 1:57 1:56

Full Marathons Run 2006 2007 San Diego Rock n Roll 4:17 3:46

2006 San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Time: 4:16:54.

Hot and muggy, but rock bands every mile. Click here for my moment of fame with the San Diego Track Club.

Me, A1 (Andy Cunningham), A2 (Andy Harris), and Ron (Seager).

2006 Scripps Ranch 10K

With Jennie

2007 Carlsbad Half Marathon

In training (left to right): Me, Erica, Andy Oliver, Phil, A2, Lori, and A1. Finishing just ahead of A2.

2007 San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Time: 3:46:21.

Had good, cloudy weather and fast start, but keeping an empty stomach proved a poor idea and I hit "the wall" early. Still, the mantra of "don't stop" got me to my first sub-four-hour time. That got me place number 40 out of 259 in the track club.

What's Next?

I'll be signing up for the 2008 Rnr Marathon, and will attempt to press-gang some friends into joining too. In the meantime, I'm on the hunt for the best pair of headphones for running.