Introduction

Why did you start running?

I always wanted to run in college, but was too self-conscious as a non-athlete. Finally, I began running five and a half years after graduation. I was such a dope! I lost 8 years of good running, especially the time on our beautiful campus at Notre Dame 🍀. 

I started as a New Year’s resolution January 1979 as a challenge to myself - and running has provided so much joy for me ever since. One foot in front of the other - just start! All you need is a pair of shoes....

There’s a lesson in this I’ve used since: be less fearful of attempting new experiences. I like setting goals for myself and meeting the challenges. 

After years of running, and serious injuries sustained as a passenger in a car accident, my mantra has become “Grateful for each step”. My pace has slowed but my goal is to finish. As I run a challenging race, I think of those meeting challenges not of their own choosing. 

My good friend said to me in our last conversation a month before she passed, too young, “JB, I love how you challenge yourself“. She had never said that to me before. It was her last gift to me. I think of those words to propel me forward as I run.