I’ve always enjoyed running.

Well, I used to enjoy running, a lot. Jogging miles at a time through trails in the woods was never an issue for my long-legged, lanky frame.

Of course, time marches on and before long I was a freshman in college, eating pizza, drinking beer and staying up all night cramming for history finals. Let’s just say the lifestyle took a toll on my body and any athletic hobby I had.

Without even noticing, I had gained 30 pounds and ballooned from a fit 160 pounds to a slightly-doughy 190 pounds for my 6-foot-2 frame.

It got worse.

Gaining 30 pounds in one year is bad enough, but repeating the same behavior over four years can really cause a problem.

By the time I graduated from the University of Alabama, I was close to 230 pounds. I say estimate because I had shunned bathroom scales by this time.

My love of running had been replaced by a layer of beer-induced, man-fat that refused to leave my body even though I had slightly modified my diet.

Two years ago I decided to start eating healthier, drinking more water and began to reacquaint myself with running, that ex that I just couldn’t quite get out of my mind.

It worked well. By the time I moved to Virginia one year ago, I had lost around 40 pounds, down to my freshman-year weight of 190.

I am a member of the James L. Camp YMCA and stay active by using the gym on a regular to semi-regular basis. Even with a new commitment to my lost love, the weight has started to creep back slowly.

To remedy this situation, I have committed myself to participating in the No Excuse for Child Abuse awareness run/walk at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Barrett’s Landing in downtown Franklin.

Not only will this event do wonders for me personally, the fact that it is held in conjunction with Child Abuse Prevention Month and helps to raise awareness for a good cause is good reason to participate.

That’ll give me, and maybe you, a reason to run.

DALE LIESCH is a staff writer for The Tidewater News. He can be reached at dale.liesch@tidewaternews.com