Kind of, Sort of, an issue...

I don't think the equipment issue Eric has is as big of a problem as the 200 yards and out of breath issue is. But, I'll give it to you that the equipment is definitely hampering you. I think you should at least allow yourself a new pair of GOOD running shoes and running socks. To prove the point- I went running in my old worn out shoes (well, not intentionally- I was actually sprinting after Jack on his bike trying to catch him before he killed himself going down the small, barely noticeable decline in front of our house.) My point being, my legs we killing me after only a short distance and my knee ached for the rest of the night. Whereas, I went running today in my good shoes and didn't notice a thing. After conducting my own small scale experiment I definitely proved what every other intelligent runner has said forever- "Good equipment makes all the difference."
I seriously think we need to take a vote on who's doing what in the spudman. I'll give it to Mike to be able to pull it out on his own. But, so far the rest of us are not going to be anywhere close to where we need to be to enter as individuals. I admire everyone's valiant heart and "can do" attitude, but unfortunately, reality is a little further away. I'm sure you've all acquired great finger strength and stamina from your long hours typing, but other than helping you hold onto the handle bars I'm not sure what else we've built. So, are we at the mental point where we can split up roles or are we still going for the gusto?