I am Brad, a 23 year old runner living in Eugene, OR.  I started running in January to get back into shape and better my life style.  I hadn't done anything too active since being a pretty good multi-sport athelete in high school...5 years ago.  However, I never was a long distance runner.  What started in January was an eighteen week training program for the Eugene Marathon.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but never really thought about it and just kept going with flow.  May 4th came around and I achieved probably the single greatest accomplishment of my life: Finishing the marathon!  3:48:08 was my official time.  Not only did I finish, but I broke four hours without ever stopping giving me a sense of achievement that I have never felt before.  I am still a bit in awe and with this all just being a memory now, I have no choice but to run another one just to get that feeling again! haha:)  I guess that is "catching the marathon bug".  Before the race I was actually telling myself this would be the only time I would ever do this and would just enter into smaller races from now on.  I will still do that but I am fairly certain I will run another marathon or two;)  

Running is the best habit I have ever picked up.  The feeling after getting done with any run is incredible and never goes away.  I play the drums in a Eugene band , work 50 hours a week and spend any extra time with my few close friends and family.  I love food, sports, music, movies, thinking and a good conversation...and all of this has been enhanced greatly since taking up running!  

Much love.

Brad