New Kid on the Block

For those who are new to this Running site you may be asking "Who is this Thomas Woodrow guy anyway?" This is a brief introduction to you.

The "Running Revolution" seems to have begun in the early 70's just about the time we all witnessed Frank Shorter crossing the finish line at the Montreal Olympic Marathon. My own interest began about 5 years later when I viewed running as a way to get in shape to keep up with a girl (10 years my junior) who I was dating!

Fortunately, my interest in running far outlasted my interest in the young lady and I went on to train for and run in half a dozen different marathons in and around the Las Vegas and southern Utah area. In that time I not only got in condition far beyond my dreams but I was able to kick a 12 year smoking habit.

My observation is that in training for a marathon a great many changes can occur in ones' life including, but not limited to, nutritional awareness, lifestyle changes (smoking, overeating, couch potato-itis, etc.) and overall zest for life.

Being asthmatic it is sometimes very difficult to run as hard as I would like but it has taught me that perseverance is something that is learned and developed as we grow in any endeavor. It doesn't happen overnight in this "microwave" world of ours but is developed over the years.

To grow and become better human beings is the goal of all "civilized" peoples and in order to accomplish this it is sometimes necessary to do "uncivilized" things. Running is one of those things. Our "flight or fight" instinct is inherent in the runner's mindset. "Flight" though not the most "macho" thing is certainly the first thing that comes to mind for most of us. Self preservation and avoidance of danger are basic to human psychology.

My desire is to pursue various topics of interest to runners and to go beyond the basics and explore the meaning hidden in what many might consider the mundane.

Thanks and I hope you enjoy my ramblings.

Tom