I     L.A.

Marathon #12 is in the records books. My LA Marathon experience brought me to a 04:23:54 finish as one of my most memorable marathons to date. I found myself smiling all 26.2 miles as I ran down my own memory lane in my home town. It was a very sunny day, 55 degrees at the start, shade for the first half, clocking a nice 01:55:00. The second half became a different run, no shade, direct overhead sun, 67 degrees, taking just shy of 02:30:00 to finish. Still, it was good to 'run home'. Every mile displayed the diversity of Los Angeles.

While in LA, I stayed with my best friend Ken and his family. We had a great time. Ken, Angie, Denise and Sam, as well as my brother Stephen made their way to the sidelines of the marathon course to cheer me on. There support was great. As Angie pointed out, it is an amazing opportunity to witness the human spirit of so many people running, you can't help but go away and want to have more fitness in life. Thanks KADS

Relaxing and Running was only a part of my weekend in LA. I had places to go and people to meet; Kay Morris and Marathon Kids. 8,000 plus kids took part in the Final Mile at UCLA. This is a great fitness and running program that serves kids and their family's year around in Texas, LA, Baltimore and soon to be in Chicago. This is a worth while cause which is filling a gap and loss where as many school districts are not providing adequate physical education classes or programs. I look forward to helping Marathon Kids in the near future and wish Kay and Marathon Kids much success.

An unexpected surprise.... You never fully know what or who you may run with in a marathon (Elvis, Marilyn, a lighthouse, Santa, etc.), so when I saw these turquoise jerseys ahead and behind me, where ever the eye could see... the runners, youth runners, of Students Run LA. Wow, 2,700 students took part and shared the marathon road. I am humbled and excited in each breath to see so many kids who have focused through training and completing this marathon. This is another example of a worth while program providing opportunities to students that provides a positive impact on their lives.

     
      <Students Run LA>  www.SRLA.org

On March 16th, I will celebrate a milestone, three years ago I quit smoking. In the past three years I have covered a lot of miles, on the road and in life. I continue to move forward and take in the benefits of a healthy life style. I appreciate everyone's support.

It is very cool, all of this running, and now heading out to run in each state. It is so embracing to meet and be surrounded by so many people running, committed to health, doing good, as each challenge themselves to accomplish great things.

If you know someone who struggles to quit smoking, let me know, we will find the way to help them set aside this habit and begin to make healthier life choices.