I run a good bit. My dad was an amazing runner, running several marathons, fastest of which was 2:12. He was planning to go to the olympics in Moscow in 1980 (year the US boycotted, but he was going for Mexico). He had succeeded in one of two trials when he got hit by a car, popped a lung, emergecy lung surgery, etc... I guess he got me into running. He's still in great shape, but doesn't run like before, messed up knees. But he still hikes a lot, rock climbs, mountaineers, white-water rafts. He's gotten me into it all. Lately he's really gotten into white water kyaking, something i would be also, except for college has been getting in the way. )-=
Anyway, i am still no where near what my dad has been when it comes to running. I haven't run my first marathon yet, but have run 5 half-marathons, two of them races (CSUMB half-marathon). Last year i placed 22'nd (first official race i've done in five years) with a time of 1:34:00.
This year i placed 18'th in the same race with a time of 1:30:20. I usually run 4 or 8 miles, often with a lot of hills. Little injuries like achilles tendenitis (sp?) have been common, but heel-lifts work well to remedy that. I want to run a marathon soon, maybe the Big Sur next year (if i'm still in CA). I run to be in shape for the mountains, for the fun of it, to relax...many reasons. But lately i've been finding it hard to run as consistently, with no partner, and its been ever so long since i've been able to "reward" my running with a trip to the mountains. I'm taking it easy now with finals, but i will pick it up again very soon, with ust a couple week break.
Now I'm running in the Asics Kayanos...my feet are surrounded in clouds. 
