10 things about the author

I don't enjoy writing about myself, but this post comes requested, so here goes:

1.) I suspect anyone who acts too much their own age or gender is missing something, but that's just my opinion.

2.) In college I majored in history, with a particular interest in ideologies.  The stories people use to explain the world to themselves is an interesting topic for me, approachable from many directions, and touching on a number of disciplines and experiences. Probably everyone has something to contribute to its description. Reading and listening are two ways (of many) of getting in touch with this stream of experience.

3.) I don't run much anymore, but I still enjoy watching it, and coaching those who wish to compete or use it for some other end (health, meditation, recreation, etc.). Walking and riding the bike are my preferred physical activities these days, though on occasion I'll take off for a while down a trail and enjoy the challenge offered by the uneven terrain. At some point, I would also like another crack at the Marine Corps Marathon, where in 2012 I sustained an injury at mile 21 and could not continue. That might be a worthwhile challenge.

4.) I suspect most people are mostly decent.

5.) I'm fairly skeptical of just about everything I think I know, and I'm not even sure about that.

6.) When I was younger, I believe I experienced something akin to "true love." Whatever it was, it was pretty grand.

7.) I've also had some really wonderful friendships, and in tough times I've leaned on them hard. Find a best friend if you don't have one already; they might just save your life one day.

8.) I don't drive much, and find the experience rather stressful whenever going somewhere new. That said, whenever I do drive, I always greet the vehicle by saying "hello car," when I enter, and "well done, car," if and when I've reached my destination. I also do this when boarding and leaving airplanes.

9.) The best coach I ever had was probably my swimming coach in college,  Mark Feinberg. He pushed me in ways other coaches never did, and brought out my best in the moments it mattered most (the consolation final in the 200yd-fly at conferences in 2008 was one of the pinnacles of my athletic life to date). To paraphrase Arthur Lydiard, when you can bring your athlete to the peak of their abilities at the right time, that's when you know something about coaching. I think Mark knew something. He's a good guy as well, and had my shoulders not developed problems, I might have stuck with the sport a while longer under his tutelage.

10.) Sometimes I find it difficult to be patient, but patience can be a very useful skill. As the saying goes, "Don't just do something, stand there!"