This is my 100^th column on running for the Detroit Free Press.  When I first took the assignment, I wasn't sure I could come up with something new and creative every week.  I've had no journalistic training.  Fortunately a wealth of running experiences plus many acquaintances and friends from which to draw information has helped me to create some interesting topics. 

I appreciate the stories and ideas you have sent me.  There has been a treasure trove of fun and positive things to write about. My first story about Melody Reifel dropping popcorn to count her laps on the track and preparing for her first marathon set the tone.  It's such pleasure to share personal stories such as Eastern Michigan's Boaz Cheboiywo, Hillsdale's coach Bill Lundberg, former first lady Michele Engler, Prince Christiaan Michiel and race timers John and Anne Gault.

Our running community is very supportive of each other.  It's a blessing to be able to give light to activities of the wonderful running stores, clubs and races in Michigan and Ontario.

Each runner has a different motivation for chasing after a tough but attainable goal. The Greenies, first time marathoner tales were especially exciting to write about.  Post Free Press Marathon stories that come from spectators, runners and volunteers offered many interesting perspectives. Some seemed so shy to tell their stories while others loved the deserved recognition.

Some columns took months to research, such as the Running with The Dogs and Most Remembered Running Scenes at the Movies.   Girls on the Run, Mall Walking, Snowshoeing and The Poop on Running came out of nowhere on weeks that I wasn't sure I would have something to share.

Out state races such as Grandma's, Honolulu, New York and Boston Marathons attract runner's interest in combining their passion for running with travel.  Antarctica, Kenya and the Marathon Tours stories captured the truly exotic opportunities that running offers.

Last year was a perfect opportunity to share the history of the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon as it coincided with its 25^th anniversary. Over the last few years a number of Michigan's outstanding races have celebrated their silver editions.

I've tried to intersperse some tips and updated coaching techniques to help runners.  Thanks for the positive feedback on the Yoga column as well as Coach GP Pearlberg's ideas on running mechanics. One of my favorite columns was Winning Doesn't Always Mean Finishing First. It stresses the importance of having personal faith and discipline when you're not yet a winner.  It takes time and patient to achieve victories that mean something.  Victory isn't just in the moment you cross the finish line.  It's remembering the hard work that went into it. It's overcoming obstacles and correcting mistakes

Thank you for stopping me at races and encouraging me to keep writing.  I'm glad I can be of service to runners throughout Michigan and Ontario.

Coming Up:  July 4^th, 28^th Annual Volkslaufe 5,10 & 20km runs, Contact Ed Fultz at 989-652-6104

or go to www.volkslaufe.org