With the best year of my life behind me, I look ahead to 2012, and smile. Genuinely.

The bucket list for 2012:
- Kitesurfing.
- South America — Costa Rica, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, and Brazil.
- Asia, in particular I want to better understand how to do business in China.
- Run the SF Marathon in 3 hours and 30 mins (2011, 03:51:42).
- Grow DAG by 20 percent.
- Successfully launch Crumbly.
- Coachella, Outside Lands, Burning Man, oh my.
- Teach Jackson to roll over.

Onward with high-fives and smiles.

Despite the heat, it was an amazing run that I won’t soon forget.

It was extremely peaceful with few distractions and quite interesting as a flood of memories from the near decade I spent in Washington joined me for the journey.

A few memories worth jotting down:
- Playing softball with my colleagues from Capitol Hill on the mall;
- Those hot summer nights when we watched movies organized by the good folks at “Screen on the Green,” and coincidently where I first saw Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and then subsequently came to realize just how true that movie was;
- The Washington Monument which continues to be inspiring, beautiful and the one touristy thing I never experienced;
- A little island in Constitution Gardens that I always enjoyed;
- The World War II Memorial that reminded me of my late Grandpa and how much I still miss him;
- The US Capitol where I had the privilege of serving a US Senator and Member of Congress; and
- The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden where I came to appreciate and love artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, and Alexander Calder.

As I concluded the run I realized how much running is an important part of my life and how difficult it would be to stick with in such a humid climate. It was also a realization that Washington, DC, despite how much I love my friends, colleagues, and clients, is no longer my home.

Instead Washington will forever be a nice place to visit and reflect on the moments I had here during a five-mile run around the National Mall.

Originally I was scheduled to run the SF half-marathon so I signed up for the 10-week half marathon training program. I showed up for the first “long run” of five miles and blew it out of the water and felt like I had more room given that I had been running on my own with a nifty iPhone app, RunKeeper. The next day I decided to push myself and see if I could do a half (13.1 miles). Though it was challenging, a personal distance best, I finished it and felt great. So I switched my program over to the full-marathon.

The next weekend I knew I was with the right crew reaching another new distance best of 16 miles. From there I continued to improve my speed and form to be as efficient as possible. I also started leaning out as I was improving my eating and reducing wasteful intake.

I learned a few lessons along the way worth sharing for those who are considering training for a marathon (or a half). And, trust me, anyone can do it if you really want to. Let me note that I’m humbly putting-forth these items as things I’ve learned… every day I meet folks who run marathons religiously and plan to do so forever that would likely have their own suggestions.

1. Gear Matters. If you look like a runner, you run like a runner, and you ultimately become a better runner. The short(ish) shorts, the technical tees, the running shoes… there is a reason why runners wear these outfits. They’re awesome technology that keep you dry, help you move efficiently, and protect your feet and legs. I recently heard that running one-mile on pavement places two tons of pressure on your legs. Go to a legit running store and get fitted for a pair.

The other gear I love is somewhat optional but I’ll never run without it.

a.) Garmin Forerunner 210 Watch (GPS enabled and heart rate monitor): Nothing improved my running more than this device. Knowing your heart rate and pace helps you better understand your body and how far you can push it. For training, I always run with an average heart rate of 151-160. For races, I run at 161-174. As you train, you’ll obviously notice you run faster without your heart having to work as hard. I was also able to ditch carrying around my iPhone which is nicer than you’d think.

b.) Yurbuds Headphones: If you know me, you know that music is central to my life. Running is actually an amazing time for me because it gives me a few hours to escape with loud music. I’ve looked everywhere for decent headphones suitable for an aggressive, athletic lifestyle — these are them. They’re waterproof, block out the noise around you, and are loud and crisp. Also, I have both the over-the-ears version and the buds — I only wear the buds and they never fall out.

c.) Electrolytes: I’m pretty sure that I’ve been dehydrated for most of my life. Indeed, electrolytes help your body better absorb water. Add in the minerals and sodium (and a dash of flavor!) that most electrolyte tabs have and you’re one step closer to being hydrated. Most bottled water has electrolytes added but tap water does not. With bottled water, you’re also not getting the sodium you need to keep you from cramping up. I’ve tried a few different tabs and mixes and have found that they’re all about the same for me. Be mindful of choosing tabs without added sugars.

d.) Fuel and a Fuel Belt: If you’re going for a run over three or four miles, you need electrolyte-infused water and possibly some sort of fuel (more for longer distance runs). I use a Fuel Belt which fits snuggly around my waste to carry everything. I prefer fuel gel packs called 2nd Surge because they have all of the carbs you need with the addition of protein and caffeine. The double espresso goes down nicely. Some runners like “Gu,” but I’ve found it to have the consistency of toothpaste and somewhat hard to get down on long runs. The reason why you need the gels is not because it’s a substitute for food but it’s quickly absorbed energy that your body can use immediately. After an intense workout, you should try to have something more legitimate in your stomach like a protein shake within the first 20 minutes.

3. Dedication to a Healthier Lifestyle. Of course you have to train hard during sessions but just as important is taking care of your body off the track. That means eating only nutritious, whole, organic foods, cutting out the sodas (including diets), sugary juices, and beverages like beer (one or two here and there is fine). If it’s processed, skip it. Start cooking more. You need 8-9 servings of vegetables and fruits a day and your body needs a lot of complex carbs when training. Whole grain breads and pasta, and sweet potatoes are a standard. I should note that I’m not a food or nutrition expert — merely asked knowledgeable folks I trust and searched online and tried to be aware of what I was about to eat. The best formula I’ve seen for better understanding caloric-intake is to take your body weight and times it by 10. Then add 10 percent of the total figure to that number. On a rest day, that is how many calories you should eat of nutritious foods to maintain your weight. If you run, add the calories you burned to the total figure (about 100 calories per mile). Start taking a daily vitamin and add a vitamin C tablet to the mix. Changing your eating is the fastest way to lean out — but it is a daily challenge, particularly with the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle that we all live. Rest and sleep are also vital for a successful program so don’t overtrain and burn yourself out.

4. Running Alone Sucks. The truth is, I would have never reached my goals without the awesome trainers and fantastic community of runners brought together for the SF Marathon Training Program. In fact, most of us have already signed up for their first-ever fall training program and signed up for our next couple of races. Beyond the community that builds with people of all ages and backgrounds, they keep you honest with the program and push you harder. Find a group outside of your circle that is as dedicated as you are. We stayed connected with a private Facebook group and it’s a hive of helpful information shared among friends with mutual interests.

5. Have Fun. As I’ve noted on this blog before, I hated running. But you quickly realize that it’s likely because you weren’t doing it right (form) and hadn’t broken through some distance barriers that seem to hold you back. Now, I love it. And I always try to run with a smile — it helps you realize that you are, in fact, having fun. Now, to be sure, I’d say I only smiled about 33 percent of the time during the marathon — it was a real challenge — but when I crossed the finish line, you better believe that I was glowing with happiness.

Every runner has to find his/her own path but these are some of the lessons I’ve learned along mine. I’ve signed up for my next few races this November, the US Half Marathon in SF and the Santa Barbara Marathon. Whether or not I continue to compete, I expect I’ll be a runner for life.

[Ed. note: I may write a blog post over at the OneNineNinety regarding my passion for running a marathon and how I'm putting forth to you the brands that helped me along the way. The story of how I'm a brand activist, if you will. If you end up training for a marathon -- inspired by my story -- or trying any of the brands I recommend, let me know your experiences.]

In 14 days, I’ll finish my first marathon — as fast as I can. The training process has been awesome/painful/enjoyable.

In my head, I’ve already crossed the finish line — confident in my training and prepared to endure. So much of running is clearly mental — constantly pushing your body to do what your mind tells it to do. The body no longer fails like it did before I started training.

But now, so close to achieving this goal, I’m watching every single step I take very closely. I don’t fear injury, but I’m being cautious. Part of doing that means putting my ambitions and energy to run far/fast on the back-burner.

I probably won’t be seeing you at the finish line but know that I’ll be thinking about my friends, family and all those who have encouraged me along the way.

Funny thing is that the training itself has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Sure, the long runs 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22-miles this Saturday, have been challenging. But I love being challenged — and there is nothing that compares to the feeling you get when you stop moving and your body slowly calms down.

The physical side of training has been epic. I’m working out or doing something active at least six times a week. But the training off the street — the nutrition and dedication to rest has also been rewarding.

Throughout the process I’ve had several milestones. I ran my first half-marathon trail run with a pace of 7 minutes and 45 seconds per mile in the freezing cold, pouring rain. I didn’t want to drive out to the East Bay that early morning — but I did. This past Saturday, I was off my game with regard to nourishment and sleep before my 20-mile run. Again, I didn’t want to do it — but I did. Yesterday, at the track, I clocked my fastest timed-mile ever, 6 minutes and 20 seconds. And I could have gone faster but they told us not to risk injury.

Training isn’t something you do for one event. For me, it’s a fresh lifestyle. I’ve already signed up for my next couple of half-marathon races this year and I am considering running another marathon still this year.

Like you, I used to hate to run. My shins used to hurt like heck. And I even remember when running three-miles seemed like a long run.

If you have ever had a goal to run a marathon — Just Do It. You’ll enjoy the entire process and perhaps find yourself enjoying a better quality of life.

This song inspires me when I run far and fast. Perhaps it’ll do the same for you.

One of Jackson’s new favorite playgrounds is the beach. Whether it’s at Stinson Beach (as pictured above) or closer to home at Crissy Field, he loves to run with the other pups, chase receding waves, roll around in the sand, and generally enjoy the simple life.

Can’t say that I blame him, either.

Unfortunately, a routine visit to the vet today revealed the downside of letting your pup enjoy the beach. He was diagnosed with an ear infection caused by too much sand in his ears.

After some writhing on the inspection table to flush out his ears, we were sent home with some meds and instructions: Flush your pups ears at least twice a month. Got it.

Now back at home, Jackson looks pretty happy sprawled out on his side sleeping with his ear on the pillow. Doubtless this beached pup is dreaming about his times at his favorite spots where he chases the waves and explores beached debris.

The next day you’re eating tacos, waxing your surf board and working really hard to catch a wave or two.

The day after that you’re running a race with 55,000 people and finishing faster than you thought you could.

This simple life is a journey. It is epic.

Like no other band, their elegant yet complex music inspires me. Each song is an emotional journey that challenges me to find the words that are absent. To wonder what they were thinking when they composed the piece. The only thing better is to see these guys perform live.

After my first pass of the album – “Let me in” embedded below is doing it for me. Give it a go. Enjoy.

This is one of those pictures I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. It represents those moments — which now, are often — when I was in a place that I truly love: Lake Tahoe.

But it also symbolizes something significant. A pivot in my life. A realization that I now have something that had been set aside — the opportunity to seek out a passion for being outdoors doing something challenging.

Too often we forget about the importance of seeking our passions. We dismiss that they soothe the soul and offer moments of clarity and intense joy. That happiness revitalizes us by strengthening our core, preparing us for what’s next.

Shanty Town at Corona Heights

I took this photo a few months ago when I was walking Jackson in San Francisco and it still makes me smile. These little cardboard houses were placed perfectly to provide any casual photographer or iPhone Instagram’er a shot that couldn’t be refused. Doubtless hundreds or thousands of photos have been taken and shared casually with friends and family.

Today I took a stroll through some of my photos and thought about this photo and the moment I had at Corona Heights dog park with Jackson. It made me smile and wonder, what were these little cardboard houses all about?

So I searched a bit and found out exactly what they were: Art. A statement about society, albeit a “little” one. How clever.

San Francisco is filled with little things that make me smile. Finding those things and taking a moment to dig deeper is what keeps me going.