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Not-running may seem like a strange name for a link on a running website, but in my convoluted thinking it seems very appropriate. Here are two reasons why.

#1. I've never espoused that running is or should be everything. I know that sounds like blasphemy to some of you, and double-speak to others. Track and field is many things, most of them positive. But the fact is - running for most isn't a career – or even that thing that keeps you centered. It is a means to help define self, to explore the competitive nature and to fulfill the need for direction in life. In its' most potent form, it is also an addiction.

Those athletes who know me best realize that I'm constantly using the track to push them in directions that have more far-reaching importance. One of those directions is toward becoming less self-centered. (i.e. creating focus on shared goals and dedication to them) Its' a talent that is revered in the workplace and provides a greater level of satisfaction than the pursuit of individual goals.

My point is that dedication to track means sacrifice of some individual wants for what eventually fulfills some individual needs – acceptance by peers and the realization that you can make a difference.

That's why I don't think it is appropriate to miss practice if it is your birthday, have a hairdressing appointment or because you have opening day tickets to the Red Sox - or even to play soccer on Sunday nights when the risk of injury or a sub-par Monday practice can undermine team goals to which you've "committed".

It shouldn't stop one from pursuing other interests or developing unrelated talents. It only requires you to think about others and use that commitment to learn time, energy and risk management skills.

I constantly expose athletes to other experiences. That's why we sometimes run to apple orchards, write poetry or talk about our  “other life”. Not-running is my opportunity to display some of my outside activities in the chance they may pique someone else's interest.

#2. Many people who follow this site are parents and coaches. We share many things in common. One is the athletes. We love to watch them and work with them.

One sad thing that we also share is that some day they will no longer be athletes - or we will no longer be coaches. Where does that leave us? Let's just say that the year both my children were out of the house I found time to build stone walls – hundreds of feet of stone walls!

But I've always had many outside interests.

Maybe its' time to apologize to my past athletes. Maybe, that's why my spring coaching record is only 333-25-2. If only I could have focused more!

This section is a look at some of the other things I find of interest.

A few other track and field hall-of-fame coaches are watching me closely. They are concerned about retirement and are watching to see if I'm going to fall apart. We joke about having weekly/monthly group meetings to help us cope. I'm not worried. There is less empty space in life than you think. Maybe some day my ideas and interests will start to balance off with my free-time. But for now, I've got more to do than I ever hope to accomplish.

Not-running will chronicle just a few of them.