Hello, fellow runners.  

I've just registered with the AoM community, and am thrilled to see a group dedicated to runners.  It doesn't look like there's much activity here, though.  Perhaps  everyone is too busy being fit and active to spend time chatting on the Internet!

Anyway, I'm curious as to what types of runners we have on here.  Myself, I'm an out of shape wannabe who used to be fairly serious.  I  was into marathons, and although I never qualified, my aim was Boston.  About ten years ago, in my pursuit to run a Boston qualifier, I underwent a series of injuries that more or less took me out of the game.  I was training too hard.  I've run here and there since then, but not consistently.  It didn't help that my life transitioned from freewheeling single to husband, father, and homeowner during this time. 

I find myself 10 years past my early "prime," carrying 30 extra pounds and fighting a bit of mid-life male malaise.  It was my wife who suggested that I reinvigorate myself by actively making running a part of my life again, and that's what I'm trying to do.  I've started a blog and given myself the moniker "The Simple Runner," with the endearing, zen-like philosophy of "just put on a pair of shoes, step out the front door, and go."  I have a very simple running plan that I'm following, trying to build a base and drop some pounds, and I plan on training for a fall 2013 marathon.  

That's my story as a runner, and hopefully some of you will be willing to share yours.  At the very least I'm interested in what types of runners we have on here.  Are there any penguins merely "waddling on?" (That's more or less me right now.)  Is anyone in this group more of an elite?  What motivates you to run?  Any ultra-marathoners on here?  I'm just curious, and hoping to find some good camaraderie.  It would be nice to see a little activity within such an intriguing group!