The pains and joys of running- So, I decided in July to start running again after a 7-8 year layoff. In the heat of summer, I started out running for about fifteen minutes (about a mile and a half). I was not aware of how difficult it would be physically but especially mentally. What didn't help matters is that I come from a family of highly competitive runners- 1 all-world brother-in-law, 2 younger brothers and 4 younger sisters- ALL FASTER THAN ME! They provide the motivation for this intense pain and madness, because on Thanksgiving morning we will all be trying to destroy each other in the Va. Run Turkey Trot (5K Run). This morning Jennifer and I ran 6 miles at a relatively brisk pace and I was reminded of how far I've come since July. That thought was fleeting and quickly replaced by "I've got six more weeks of training, who will I be able to beat by then." After all personal victories mean nothing if you are not kicking somebody else's ass. So, I think as of now, I'm going to knock off two of the sisters, and one of the brothers. This provides me with the incentive to keep going and to keep getting faster. Check out our family's turkey trot site if you want to further explore the madness!