About

Neil Edmondson’s running blog. Started to track my progress towards completing my first marathon in Chicago, October 7th 2007.

Some of my reasons to run

(extracted from one my first blog posts)

I’m out of shape …

I have been physically active most of my life, but I really haven’t been making my heart pump really fast for several years, ever since I stopped playing soccer in the local 30+ league. I did take up fly fishing in that time, but that’s not exactly aerobic activity.

I like the extra energy that being in shape gives me …

isn’t it strange how you seem to become more alive after physical exercise? Expend energy to get more energy … weird.

I’m hoping to strengthen my back …

I’ve suffered from lower back pain caused by Spinal Stenosis. I’m sure that through running, losing weight and other strengthening exercise I can slow the worsening. This is also a worry – I also know that if I cause a flare-up it will probably put the training program on ice (along with my back) for a significant time.

The early signs are good … just a week of Hal Higdon and my torso already feels stronger – and although I can tell there’s still a back problem, it all seems perfectly manageable.

I actually like to run …

I like being outdoors, and we have some beautiful countryside and parks around here which I’m looking forward to exploring between now and October.

I like the challenge …

and I realize this is gonna be as much mental as physical for me.

So here I am at the beginning of my next week of training, and already I am feeling some of the benefits of making my body work as I’m sure God designed it to. I don’t get out much, and I’m looking forward to getting out more.

why blog it?

the blog is my conscience … it’s the second person watching over my progress to make sure that I keep it real. And you, dear reader are the third person – so keep me honest.

Later …