As I mentioned, I’ve taken up running. I guess creeping middle age has gotten to me. I suspect, like many people after age 30 or so, the concept of mortality has grown clearer and I find myself looking for ways to stave off the inevitable. Exercise, and somehow one convinces oneself that the health benefits reaped push back at death just a little bit.

Or, maybe I just enjoy it.

Either way, I’m thinking about challenging my discipline and committing to run a half marathon later this year. The inaugural Brooksie Way Half Marathon is Oct. 5. It begins and ends in front of Meadow Brook Hall on Oakland University’s campus.

This week, I ran just over 13 miles. All I have to do is fit a week’s worth of running into about two and half hours. No problem. Right?

We’ll see. I’m going to continue on the treadmill (and on the thawing streets) for the next month or so, and then decide.