Publisher’s Note By Dan Starnes

If you have read and paid attention to my publisher’s note in this paper for the last eleven issues, you’ve probably seen me mention running a time or two. I like to run. And the more I do it, the more I like it.

There are many life lessons that can be learned by running. I have personally learned or strengthened my appreciation for perseverance, planning, commitment and building routines, among others.

Running has helped me grow socially by meeting new people and reconnecting with people I know through the Birmingham Track Club.

It has helped me find a way to begin my day with a dose of accomplishment, and those positive vibes carry through the day and I am better for it.

In addition to the mental health benefits running can bring, there are the obvious physical benefits.

And one not-insignificant benefit for me has been finding an outlet for competition. I grew up competing in sports, and that physical competitive test has been missing for a while. Running in races gives me that again.

So later this year, I’m stepping up my game and I’ll be running the New York City Marathon. This will be my first marathon ever.

Where else can a middle-aged man, relatively new to a sport, compete in a world-class athletic event, which will also include the top competitive athletes in the world in this sport, and in front of literally millions of cheering spectators? I can’t think of another example.

So my training is beginning to get more serious. And I’ll be doing a little fundraising.

If you just thought, “Did my community newspaper’s publisher’s note just turn into a fundraising ask?”

— the answer is yes, it did!

My charity partner is the Rising New York Road Runners. Candidly, I chose this charity because it was the one available on the website at the time I registered. But I like this charity because it helps kids plug into running and learn those aforementioned benefits and more at an early age. So if you feel inclined to help with this, I’d be extremely grateful. I’ll also enter anyone who donates from this column into a drawing for a $100 Village Gold gift card that I will be giving away. Your odds will likely be very high to win if you donate. The drawing will be held on July 31. You can find my donation page by scanning the QR code below with your mobile device.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for your consideration.

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