What would you do if you had to restart your life? Begin again? What would be your first step?

2011 saw the release of Amanda Knox, an American student, from an Italian prison. Finally acquitted of the murder of her room-mate, she returned home with a second chance for her young life. Imagine the choices ahead of her. What should she do next?

Her story is not unlike that of David Camden, the hero of THE NEXT STEP. With the help and guidance of his friend, a chaplain at Illinois’ Statesville prison, he has earned parole and he is back in the world at the age of 41.
Because he has dangerous enemies, David’s fresh start has to be in another state. There he finds a purpose and a love that he cannot afford to lose—but new enemies who want to take them away. Not without risk, David chooses well and begins to live a useful life.

He discovers that no one can take forward steps alone. As he says, “At every step forward, I needed help. And there was always someone willing to give me a hand, sometimes a crutch, sometimes a push…”

These days, David and Amanda Knox are not the only ones who need a new start. Lives are constantly being affected by calamities such as downsizing, outsourcing, unemployment and foreclosures. It is not unusual to need a fresh start. The question is: will the next step be forward or backward, toward success or failure? The answer is: we can choose a fresh start every day when we look at our lives with new eyes and listen to our best impulses.

Read THE NEXT STEP to find the heart of a hero and to learn why a true hero deserves a second chance.

THE NEXT STEP How to start over again…..when life gives you a second chance.
Ebook (all formats)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230

In Print and Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999

In Print and Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-next-step-dennis-leger?store=book

In spite of the high entry fee, I am signed up for the Las Vegas ½ Marathon in early December. I would have passed, but my son and daughter-in-law are flying out for the event and it will be fun to run with them.

It’s good to have a goal too, to be training for something instead of just running for fun or fitness. With about a month to prepare, I need to stretch it out a little. I had been running 5 miles so yesterday, my aim was to just add a mile and run 6.

My training mantra has always been “make a promise, keep a promise.” But sometimes, it’s hard to keep the promise.
On Friday, an unusual cold front (for this time of year) descended on the Mojave. Although it left the surrounding mountains with a good dusting of snow, it was not cold enough to threaten the palm trees. But now, on Saturday, there was sunshine, a crystal blue sky and perfect running temperatures in the low sixties.

For me, the first mile is always the most difficult while my legs, lungs and heart begin to loosen up. Then I started to really enjoy the conditions. It was perfect. Before 3 miles, I knew that I would break my promise and run at least 9 miles. Broken promise? Nope. Exceeded promise!

I have always maintained that you should run the way you feel. Fast or slow. Long or short. Running light or just slogging along. You are the only one that can make a promise and the only one who knows whether or not you’ve kept it. Or exceeded it.

THE NEXT STEP How to start over again…..when life gives you a second chance.
Ebook (all formats)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230

In Print and Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999

In Print and Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/the-next-step-dennis-leger?store=book

In case you missed it, this non-political piece by George Will appeared in the Sunday
newspaper. “Considering What it means to be 70 years old”

He cites Casey Stengel’s reaction, when told he was too old to manage the Yankees,
“I’ll never make that mistake again!”

Then he quotes Mark Twain on his health, “I am not ruggedly well, but not ill enough to
excite an undertaker.”

HERE’S THE QUICK LINK—IT’S A SHORT ARTICLE!
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110509/COLUMNIST/110509632/0/APN

This was a really good non-partisan article. It has to be of interest to everyone, of any age.
I wish those younger than 70 would at least read the last paragraph.

PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT MY SECOND NOVEL available IN PRINT and EBOOK
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/55230
http://www.amazon.com/Next-Step-Dennis-Leger/dp/1460939999/

And I wish you success in the New Year!

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success.” Emerson

HAVE YOU SEEN THE FACES ON THE MILK CARTONS? Where are all the missing children?

Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com

FREE download of the first 100 pages
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

Breast Cancer Survivors in a Video from New Balance. These are heroic women!
You already know New Balance are my favorite running shoes.

http://www.youtube.com/whatmovesyou?

Where are all the missing children? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

RIDING IT OUT….RUNNING IT OUT!
—I’m in a low right now. Small injury, travel, temporarily unsettled life and a surprise birthday party. But my first run at age 70 was not too bad. And that at an extra 2000 feet of altitude. That makes a difference. A little lung challenge there after a summer of running in Minnesota.
—Life in general has highs and lows. It is not always going to be perfect. Neither is my running going to always be perfect. Long ago I was told that life comes in waves, up then down then up. You know the routine. Ride it out!
—But I am home now and I know from over 40 years of experience that I will get back to my routine without delay. I don’t have to be so concerned if I miss a few days. Because I know I’ll be back.

Where are all the missing children? Read THE MILK MARKET a thriller about missing children.
Read reviews at http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/4007

My final run…..as a 69 year old. My next run will be after my 70th birthday. I am not complaining. At least I’ve made it this far. Thank God! And I still love the freedom of the road.

I have slowed down over the years. Conventional wisdom says that we lose about 2% each year starting at age 30. I guess that’s supposed to be 2% of everything but it refers primarily to physical ability. I’ve never been a big fan of Conventional wisdom or I would never have started running before it became the popular fashion in the early seventies.

There are enough exceptions to create some doubt about that 2% annual drop in performance. For example, people who are running marathons in their 80’s and athletes playing pro sports past their (supposed) prime. In a previous post I showcased Jackrabbit Johansen, a Canadian who was breaking wilderness cross country ski trails in his 90’s and beyond. The post was called “Age Is No Excuse.” (See Posts Below)

Here’s what I believe: We certainly lose some physical ability but 2% annually is an “average.” Everyone has an opportunity to improve upon the “average” by maintaining a consistent fitness level. Just as important, you cannot afford to let questionable conventional wisdom get into your head and give you an excuse for slacking off. Instead, smile and Endure.

READ A THRILLER: “The Milk Market” See reviews at
http://www.themilkmarket.com
FREE download of the first 100 pages at:
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New address for this great running video. An inspiration! Runner’s Creed—The Road To Peace
http://www.youtube.com/user/loverunningmore#p/a/u/0/uJkN27qvMNQ

Have you seen the reviews of THE MILK MARKET? Go to http://www.themilkmarket.com

This article about a relay runner fighting cancer is an inspiration!

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700043762/Runner-is-providing-inspiration.html?pg=1

Impossible? It is, unless it is the runner’s first and last. that’s two. Sorry.

But even if they never run another, you have to give credit to anyone who runs a marathon.
To make the attempt, going through the long training and conditioning, is to show will power and character. It takes persistence to endure pain that could be entirely avoided by staying on the porch. The pain is optional and unnecessary. Those who finish a marathon learn one of life’s fundamental truths: The greatest rewards come from the greatest sacrifice.

“First Marathon” was written for my youngest daughter on the occasion of her first. It was previously published on http://www.runningmoms.com

FIRST MARATHON

Alone in a crowd of strangers,
Anxiously waiting for the gun,
You haven’t trained so well, I know.
I hope you’re ready for the run!
Endure! Endure!

Ahead you’ll find the reality wall
Where hope is lost and daydreams end.
When time and distance become one
Just don’t let your spirit bend!
Endure! Endure!

It’s better to stagger along today
And bear the pains and aches,
Than to wonder for a lifetime
If you have the strength it takes!
Endure! Endure!

Remember this oh lonely runner,
Life teaches us this lesson last:
Its greatest reward comes only
When you’ve done the hardest task!
Endure! Endure!

Dennis Leger

Readers wanted! Read a thriller, THE MILK MARKET. See reviews at
http://www.themilkmarket.com