Donald Shampine

I am not a runner. Well let me clarify, I run and run often, and sometimes even long distances. Yet, it’s not a passion for me as much as it is for many of the people I run with. I run for health. I run because my spouse is a runner. I also run because I really like to eat, whatever I want, whenever I want, so I must burn off calories. So, this non-runner decided to attempt a marathon and embark on a journey that taught me a lot about the sport, the activity, the participants and most importantly about myself. They are very welcoming I don’t know if it is because runners are nicer than most or if it is simply a misery loves company mentality and they are willing to bring in anyone ready to suffer with them. Regardless, they will greet you when you are new, reassure you when you struggle with the speed or miles, keep you company when you might feel slower than the rest, support you and encourage you, and introduce you to other runners that will fit your running style and training ...

T he N ew Year is upon us. As we cast off 2021 and look toward a fresh 2022 many of you will start the year with a resolution. Maybe it is to lose weight, read more, exercise, quit smoking, or whatever is driving you to be become a better version of yourself. Yet, a resolution without a plan is often destined to fail. In fact, less than 10% of New Years resolutions are actually achieved, and most fail within the first month. People fail at achieving their resolutions not because they lack desire, they simply lack a plan on how to achieve their goal. You cannot make a resolution or life goal and expect to achieve it without creating steps that help you realize your success.  Create your goal, build steps to make that goal part of your daily routine, write it down and then look at it daily. Creating a plan of action to support your resolution will help increase the odds of success. If it's truly something you want to change in the coming year take a little time really thinking about...