It doesn't seem possible that I started running over 40 years ago. No I am not an elite runner - far from it, I am just a pretty average one who running has ranged from jogger to road racer.

Over the course of all those years, there have been interruptions

I got injured a lot (usually from training stupidly),
Life has gotten in the way far too often (kids, work, priorities change)

but I have always come back to running.

There are many reasons that many people say they run, but I think that mine is one of the most basic reasons - I just enjoy running (especially when I can run fast or at least what I consider fast).

Even though I love to run fast, I haven't run in all that many races (they just have never been a big part of my running, other than a two year stretch in the mid '80s)

In this series you will find my recollections and honest reflections about a part of my life that others only glimpse, as that "crazy guy" they see out running in all kinds of weather, after dark, during the day or even during hunting season.

How Did I Start Organized Running

My First Cross Country Practice - Made a Difference

Running High School Cross Country 1971-1974

Running 1975-1982 School's Out and I am in the Coast Guard Now

Running - Washington DC Area & 1983 Marine Corps Marathon Finish

Running 1984-1988 - The Glory Years

1988 to 2000 - The Lost Running Years

There are still 2-3 more posts left to be written in this series. As I finish writing these posts I will add them to this page.

Originally written by Harold Shaw or Mary Shaw and published at One Foot In Reality, © 2011 – All Rights Reserved. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Harold Shaw or Mary Shaw and One Foot In Reality with appropriate and specific directions or links to the original content.