Never Learned This Lesson:

Don't write in print what you cannot back up in real life. The last time I tried to run a marathon, I proclaimed my intention to do so in the pages of the Aurora Sentinel, where at the time I served as managing editor. The column took a bit of a cocky, all-knowing tone.
Despite developing a vigor for running that few thought was possible, a knee injury sidetracked my aspirations. Many at the paper gave their ever-so-confident editor what we'll label a little bit of grief for failing.
That was two years ago. Two days ago, I decided it was time to try for another 26.2-mile jog. This time, I am 20 pounds heavier, a fact my girlfriend knows all to well. But that doesn't mean I didn't learn enough from my first go round to think this effort will be a success.
Although apparently I didn't learn anything about keeping my desire out of print. At least I'm a bit more humble this time.