Skipjack, I ran my first mile at the age of 39 after I got my thyroid medicine. I ran the Minimarathon (13.2 miles) at the age of 41, two years before I was diagnosed with MS (which one doctor said was impossible.) Now my incoordination makes it too dangerous to try to run.

I understand about having somebody "talk" you through the tough parts. One guy asked me to talk him through "the park." So picture me, a 41-year-old 12-minute-miler with knee sleeves on both knees, trudging up "golf course hill" with all the middle-aged fat men, FOLLOWED BY THE AMBULANCE! The EMT's finally pulled over to visit a bar at about the 10 mile mark.

I miss running, but not really very much. My son-in-law is running the Mini this Saturday, so I'll be cheering him on too!