The Age Of Aquarius

According to astrology, the age of Aquarius, characterized by peace, unity, renewal and change, started on Saturday February 14 2009.

I've never wanted to be a runner. Running on hard concrete pavement, inhaling car exhaust seems silly. Besides, I always thought running wrecked your knees. I’m also adverse to going to the gym. All those sweaty bodies packed together, using machines to contort themselves, under the illusion it is the way to fitness, not to mention exorbitant gym fees, makes me shudder.

Last summer a friend put the idea of trail running into my head. At the time I wasn’t paying a lot of attention because I don't see myself as a runner.

However the idea germinated within my brain into a wish to do the Emperors Challenge. It's a half marathon, 21.098 kilometres, along a trail in the mountains by Tumbler Ridge.

I know nothing about training for a half marathon so I decided joining the YMCA would be a way to find out. Because I'm cheap, I'm going to become a volunteer. It's a commitment of 4 hours a month the reward is a free YMCA membership.

Yesterday I told all this to my daughter as we sat in the car driving somewhere. She couldn't believe it. She thought I was crazy.

But hey, it's the Age of Aquarius, anything could happen

I've started running by myself on the days I don't ski. So far I can do 3.5 killometres no problem.