Nov 12, 1998

I regret to say that I have spent a decade away from running due to all the classic reasons. First injury (not really serious) and then life's complications -- work, graduate school and family.

I have been trying to get started again. The road has not been easy.

In fact, it is frustrating to struggle to run one mile when in the past I could run 10 or more very easily. Of course, the 40 pounds I have gained over the years doesn't help either.

As I approach 50, I really want to return to good fitness, and now I have another reason and something to focus on. My brother-in-law has been diagnosed with leukemia and is currently in treatment.

I saw the Team in Training ad in Runner's World and I'm considering participating. The road to
the starting line will be tough but not near as tough as the treatment Jay is undergoing. (Roy Arrington)

REPLY: Our pasts can haunt us. Mine comes in the form of a pace I once ran for a marathon or more, and now can't hold for a single mile. Yours is remembering distances that you could travel easily and are now out of reach.

Distance is much easier to reclaim, though, than speed. It will come back for you, given smarts and patience. Cover that first mile, then the second and so on, instead of trying to make a big leap to a TNT marathon all at once. You'll get there but can't hurry.

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