Okay, Let's Be Honest, Running Can Be Pretty Weird...

Let's face it, runners are a strange bunch. We willingly subject ourselves to pain, sweat, and chafing all in the name of... what exactly? Endorphins? A fleeting sense of accomplishment? The chance to eat an entire pizza without guilt? Who knows.

But hey, I'm right there with you. My name is Michael Lucas, and I'm a card-carrying member of the running weirdo club. I've been pounding the pavement (and occasionally faceplanting on it) for nearly 20 years now. I've run enough marathons to qualify for a frequent runner discount at the local podiatrist, and I've even dabbled in those crazy 100-mile ultra things (I got caught up with the wrong crowd).

But here's the thing: I'm not exactly what you'd call an elite athlete. I'm more of a "middle-of-the-pack" kind of guy, with a talent for tripping over my own feet and a knack for getting lost on seemingly straightforward trails. (Seriously, how does one get lost on a loop?)

And as I approach the dreaded milestone of 40, I've come to a realization: I'm probably not going to be gracing the cover of Runner's World anytime soon. But you know what? That's okay. Because I've discovered that running isn't about winning medals or setting records. It's about the stories we collect along the way.

The stories of epic fails, questionable fashion choices, and those moments of unexpected clarity that hit you when you're five miles deep in a trail run and haven't seen another human being for hours.

So, I'm on a mission to gather those stories – the good, the bad, and the downright ridiculous – and create a book that captures the true spirit of running. A book that celebrates the everyday runners, the ones who lace up their shoes and put in the miles, even when it feels like their lungs are about to explode and their legs are made of lead.

Think of it as a support group for running addicts, a place where we can share our triumphs, our struggles, and our collective obsession with this crazy sport.

Want in on the action?

• Subscribe to our email list: Get new story submissions, book updates, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox. (No spam, we promise. We're too busy running to write spam.)
• Check out our shop: Support this project (and my dwindling bank account) by snagging some cool running gear.

Because at the end of the day, running is more than just a hobby. It's a reflection of the human spirit, a testament to our resilience, and a reminder that even when we stumble, we can always pick ourselves up and keep moving forward.

So, thanks for joining me on this adventure. Now, let's go chase those endorphins!