Just finished Hudepohl 14k Brewery Run

Beat average of the 2000+ finishers by about 1 minute.  Had a grade 2 tear of calf muscle about 5 weeks ago.  Physical therapist said "you will be lucky to finish the 7K".  Bit the teeth, I ran the full 14K without much problem. 

Will sign up for the full marathon in next May. 

Last year this time, I was grossly overweight at about 100 kg and could not run one mile.  Finished a 1/2 marathon this past May at a slow pace - over 10 minute mile.  Today I was very careful not to injure my leg again so walked all the up hills.  Even that, I beat the 10 minute mile mark.  

Rarely I run alone - mostly with a group.  On LSD runs, we talk all the way.  

It is not easy for an over 50 person like me to pick up marathon running.  But the high after mile 2 is very enjoyable.    An the overall health benefit is definitely there.