I am originally from the U.S. One of my main activities is running. I completed the 2001 Montgomery County Marathon in the Parks and the 2010 Tokyo Marathon. I encourage everyone to complete a marathon once as it is an incredible feeling of accomplishment. Due to chronic knee pain, in May 2011 I started transitioning to minimalist running. I completed the switch in about three months and now no longer do heel-toe running. My knee pain has, so far, just about disappeared. Recently, I started participating in triathlons, so I also swim and cycle. If you're not doing so already, please, get out of the house and challenge yourself. You might be surprised at how great it feels.