So I took up running a year ago (plus a few weeks by now). I went from zero to my first race (a full marathon: 4:18:24) back in October, and I discovered a great new hobby with an awesome community to boot. I’m a guy who used to be 250lb (I’m a few lb shy of 150 now), so I would like to think I know a thing or two about what it’s like to go from a “couch potato” to a runner. I also would like to share my experiences with others who are considering getting into running: what I’ve learned, the mistakes I’ve made, and the awkward bits and the exhilaration, all of it. Most importantly, the fun and the joy of running!

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing, I’ve decided I want to BQ (Boston Qualify) this year with the goal of running in 2014. The bombing was a terrible tragedy that affected all of us who live in the Boston area. I was fortunate enough to be on a business trip at the time, though a good friend of mine was volunteering, and everyone knows someone who was affected. Like many others, I feel a desire to show the world how strong and resilient this town is by running in next year’s event. To do that, I’m going to need to get my average pace down from around a (sustained) 8 minute mile to a 7 minute mile. My goal is to run as many marathons as it takes to get there, and to blog about it as I go. Watch this space!