I have never run on a treadmill, but have been thinking of joining a gym in anticipation of bad weather ahead. So I tried it last night. It was fun!!! Started off at a walking pace and was afraid to let go. I was told, "Let go, you'll be fine." Feeling like someone jumping out of a plane for the first time, I let go. Got my balance and it wasn't so bad. She said to go to 4.5 MPH and that'd be a comfortable jogging pace, and it speeds up, and I start to jog. Hands still ready to grasp the bars. I can do this.

It feels funny, so I crank up the speed. This isn't so bad. Incline to 1. Check.

I'm staring at the readouts. Little dots going around a track. Distance. All sorts of stuff, but it gives me a focus point. And the little TV is on. It's Katie Couric, but I don't know how to change it. Fortunately I don't have to listen to her. Then I realize that I can change the channel, so at 7 I switch to Jeopardy!. I have my MP3 player on, but I still haven't figured out that I can plug the headphones into the unit for the TV. So I'm in this weird Jeopardy! world of not knowing whether I'm right or wrong. And what is Alex Trebek explaining? By the time I realize I can plug my headphones in, I'm afraid to break the rhythm of the run, so I soldier on.

It's nice and comfortable. I'm able to keep the pace from getting too quick, a chronic problem. So nice and easy. Think of form. Relaxed arms. Herb spoke of being forced to keep your arms a little high, but I'm having no problems. People walking by -- the treadmills face the front window -- as trains come in. (This is in Bronxville, a small gym.) Guy next to me seems to be going at a good pace, but you can't tell. I'm able to stay on for just over 50 minutes. Throw in 3 minutes at incline 3.0 towards the end.

I may well join (I had a free pass), particularly for the snow days. I don't know how crowded it gets here, but I can do a monthly deal and cancel before the Spring. I figure it would be a good place to do, say, 25 minute Tempo runs. May even try the equipment for workouts, although I'm trying the no equipment route now.

Happy birthday Rich. And be sure to thank the person who gave you the virus. More than likely one of the presidential contenders. But don't worry. They won't be back for 4 years.

Next year: new age group!