Flying lost its innocence in 2001. Sadly, it seems we will mark 2013 as the year when running lost its innocence.

There is nothing that is as basic as running. You can do it by yourself. You can do it without any gadgets / tools / equipment. You can do it most anywhere. You do not need a lot of money to run – in fact the poorest countries – Ethiopia, Kenya, Jamaica have produced consistently great runners!

There was a time we ran to catch our food so we could eat. Now we run because of the amount of food we eat 🙂 There was a time mail was delivered by “runners” (running mailman). Now, we have problems running a postal system 🙂

But above all, every runner that you see on the road will tell you that they do it because it is “fun”. Some are competitive, some see it as a social activity – but all see it as a “fun” thing to do.

I should know. I am one. And I know many runners. Starting with my wife. And my closest friend. And my boss…

The important thing is that while some idiot might have taken the innocence out of running, it is up to us to keep the fun in running.

So, if you are a runner – continue to have fun. Go run with somebody you have not run in a long time. Inspire a child to run with you (bribes work more effectively on them 🙂 ) Get your family out for a Sunday run.
If you are not a runner – when you see a runner, do something fun. Lower your windows and wave at them as you drive by. They get a great kick and will wave back.
And if you are a Facebook friend of mine and follow my travels, drop me a note if I am near you if you want to go for a run, try out running or simply talk about running. I will surely be there to have some fun.

“Only that day dawns to which we are awake” – Thoreau

After four days straight of being in bed, I am finally able to get up today. But then, after four straight days of not eating much, I am walking like I will be walking when I am 80 – one slow step at a time, holding to anything I can reach… with my trembling fingers. On that last point, learnt today why non-trembling fingers are a huge asset – especially in the context of cutting fingernails! Ouch!! 🙁

New Orleans Superdome to be renamed the Dreamliner Dome 🙂 Here is an irony – switched to NFL channel and the ticker says -“NFL and GE partner for concussion research”. How about some partnership with General Electricity for some real electricity? 🙂

There is at least one person who tonight will be extremely torn after the Super Bowl. And that is Mrs. Harbaugh 🙂  She cannot possibly show too much happiness nor too much sadness !!!

To a lesser extent, Jay Harbaugh – 23-year old son of 49-ers’ head coach Jim Harbaugh will be in somewhat of a same predicament. He works for his uncle Raven’s head coach John Harbaugh as part of video and strength staff!!!

My good friend Larry today wrote to me (in a different context) “The difficult we do today. The impossible takes a little bit longer”.
Getting back to the current context, being down with flu like symptoms, nothing looks difficult to me today. Everything seems impossible… 🙁

So, two New Jersey men are suing Subway for the “footlongs” being shorter than a foot. I can foresee the day when Subway, to play it safe, will make their footlongs an inch longer than a foot. Thereby coining a new English phrase – “The Baker’s Foot“:-)