The title of this blog has a dual meaning. About two years ago, I found myself well-overweight and struggling to make it through a day of teaching, meetings, and personal research. On Memorial Day 2010, I put on a pair of shorts, T-shirt, and old sneakers and set off from my front door. I'd like to say, in the words of Forrest Gump, "From that day on, if I was going somewhere, I was running!" But, I cannot. I made it about 1/2 mile down the road, turned around, and returned home. Once inside, I collapsed to the floor out of breath. Over the course of the next summer, I ran almost every day. By November, I ran my first half-marathon. By April, my second. And, then in early May of 2011, I completed my first full marathon--in slightly over 4 hours. The strain of running too much, too quickly, ruined my feet. After six months rest and an accompanying weight gain, I've returned to the road. I once again am a Historian on the Go. I've scheduled two half-marathons into my research agenda and hope to keep running throughout the next six months of travels. In fact, travel and running are a perfect combination. I love seeing a place for the first time, as I run around seeking new routes and trails. Along with research, I hope to keep interested readers apprised of my running goals and accomplishments. I also hope that you'll be able to provide feedback to those common ailments--sore feet, tired legs, lethargic days.
