I've lost track of the number of marathons I've ran. I've also lost track of the # of ultras I've suffered through. I know that there's a website that tracks all this, but I haven't looked at it lately. And you know what? It doesn't really matter anymore. I use to worry about PRs and overall performance. I don't anymore. That's not why I run. I don't run to PR. I don't run to be first in my division. I don't run to prove something to someone, including myself. I don't run to get away from the police or the INS. I just run to run. I also love to help others do their first races. I'm currently helping my wife train for the Napa Valley Marathon. This will be here first marathong. She's a neophite! I've done this marathon once, a long time ago. I remember the beautiful scenery, the rollers and the canted road. I also remember cruising along at an 8 minute pace. I think I was pacing a friend that day. How does she feel about her first marathon? She has no idea. Someone said childbirth. I said I don't know about that. I've never had a human being leave my body. I do know that if she's not ready for that day, she's going be one unhappy camper. So, my job is to get her ready, and I will. We've already started getting ready.

So, why do I run? Running is a microcosm to life. Each run is an alchemy of sorts that transforms something simple into something precious. It happens every time I run. It's internal, eternal, and fundamental to life.