It takes all kinds, and we run for a lot of reasons . . .

Not sure why I asked, because typically I just harass campers with smart-aleck comments or set up an opportunity to talk about myself, share the 'meaning of life' or just help them them pass the time.

But for some reason, as I came up alongside a business associate I've known for 22 years and never thought to be a runner, I said, "so, why did you join run camp?"

She explained that her cousin died in his 40s this winter and "we were looking through his stuff and saw that he was training for a half marathon. We decided to finish it for him."

She explained. She started running in December and the family, with some of them running, will meet at the finish line of the half in Milwaukee later this year. As as hard as it hit me then, the full impact of what she's carrying around hit me harder when I tried to tell Bobbie and choked up, which as some of you know, doesn't happen often.

I didn't get her permission to tell you her story so I won't name of my friend here, but merely pass along the notion that yeah, even I forget some of us are out here for more than our health. There's that jerky boyfriend, the lost job, the lost loved one, the sick or lonely friend, and the pressures of everyday life.

And our health is no laughing matter.

So, welcome to the 2010 version of Borgess Run Camp. Whether you're on the road for the first time or on the road again, brace yourself for some cold temperatures, some harassment, some humor and maybe something meaningful for you.

Hope so.

blaine