Running has been a part of my life since I was 13 years old and I ordered my first pair of red suede Pumas from the Eaton’s catalogue…that is really dating myself!  I ran through high school and university, but didn’t start participating in 10 k events until I was out in the work force in the early 1980s, right about the time running fever ( or jogging ) really hit. I remained a committed runner until I started my family ( 3 kids in five years ), but kept active and fit attending the gym for weight training and cardio workouts.  In 2001, the year of my 40th birthday, I became obsessed with running again…not one to start on a small scale, I signed up for the Honolulu Marathon and trained with the Arthritis  Society as part of their fund-raising program.  It was tough, but I was hooked and completed it again the following year.  Since 2001, I have completed over 30 half- marathons and celebrated my 50th birthday year by “doing the Goofy”. ( Google it). Running keeps me happy and training for events keeps me accountable to my wonderful running buddy.  I haven’t totaled up my mileage after all these years, but every step has been worth it!