How To Start Running

I opened the browser and navigated to Runner's World for running inspiration. Yesterday, I did a few treadmill miles and felt good. To keep that going, I wanted a bit of inspiration, but the headlines didn't do much for me. I know this stuff. So, why not write it myself? I stole a title: "How to Start Running." Now I can talk to myself, and maybe you, about it.

Start running by going for a run. We know how. I've run and so have you. As children, we ran to explore ourselves and the world. As adults, we've run to catch a train or elevator, to keep a child from danger, and a hundred other things. We know how to run.

I'm dressed in shorts and t-shirt. My socks are on the desk, shoes are downstairs. In half an hour, my wife, daughters, and I will go to the gym. I'll climb on a treadmill and push start. Dress for running and take the first step. Easy.

An advertisement from years ago showed a comfy couch over which hung the word "DEATH." Start running by getting off the couch which may be a couch, the television, phone, computer, work, alcohol, snacks, or our whole culture of convenience. Get up to start running.

Don't start running to lose weight, look sexy, because a doctor says so, or to get faster. Start running because it is joyous.

Start running by saying, "I've never regretted having gone for a run."

Start running by saying, "I'm just going outside or to the gym, no obligation, no expectations."

Start running by feeling your feet carrying you, your lungs powering you, your brain telling you to stop but you saying, "nah, I'll run one more step."

That's how to start running. Let's go.

Bookstores, Not Amazon

I haven't bought a book from Amazon in a couple years. Long ago, I was so excited that Amazon had pretty much any book I might want. My excitement gave way as bookstores closed. Turns out, hunting for books is more enjoyable than having them all at my fingertips.

I don't buy much of anything from Amazon. Its founder is repugnant, its business model is odious, and its part of a poisonous tech culture. In 2025, I made three Amazon purchases. I plan on never going back.

Last month, we switched from a decades-old Amazon credit card to one unaffiliated with Amazon that provides better benefits.

Amazon's cool Rivian trucks still deliver daily in our neighborhood, but not at our house.

The last book I bought was used. I buy new books by authors I love, getting them locally at independent shops and Barnes & Noble.

Long ago, Amazon was focused on being the best bookstore. Now, they're concerned more with licking the fascist dictator's boots, producing puff pieces about the dicatator's third wife.

I don't want to associate with that. I'll shop elsewhere.