As this is my first entry I thought it prudent to let you know a little about myself.

I am proud to say that I am originally from Sri Lanka, a small island nation south of tip of India. I spent my formative years however living all over the world spending most of my time in Sri Lanka, Oman, California (Garden Grove represent), and Chicago. I am currently a student and have been living in Chicago for the past 12 years.

Running was never something that I enjoyed unless it involved chasing a soccer ball, a tennis ball, or a cricket ball. These sports and swimming were the main things I played and were among my main interests. It would be my mum that really introduced me to my love of running.

After my mum was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2005, she joined Team In Training and started training for the Chicago Distance Classic, a half marathon. She asked me to train with her, and I reluctantly agreed. Training with my mum was an inspiration, and it showed me that anything is possible if you put the work in. Both of us finished with my mum finishing two days after her first chemo treatment. My mum is now in remission and we both still share the joy of running, though at different paces.

Since then I have completed the Chicago Marathon, about 7 other half marathons, and just this August the Chicago Triathlon. During the marathon last year I tore my hamstring and had to start over with my running program; hence training for the triathlon instead of the marathon. I have had a myriad of running injuries and like to think I am quite knowledgeable on the subject. I am working towards my next two goals for 2010, which are to get back down to a 9-minute mile pace for the marathon and to train for a half ironman.

I also have quite a few odd running habits, but I'm sure you'll hear all about that later :)