Well, I know this is Super Bowl week, and I hate to take away from their thunder, but I've called a press conference for this afternoon to announce the end of my running career. Yes, that's right, the same Al Alexander that ran up to nine miles at a time back in the late 90s (followed by compartment syndrome and multiple fasciotemy surgeries on both legs) is hanging up the old running shoes.

I recently started running 20-40 minutes at a time -- on treadmills only -- and I know everyone was looking forward to my return to form. But lately every day of running has been followed by 3-4 days of leg swelling, ice packs wrapped around the shins, sleeping with my legs elevated, and of course, plenty of pain and discomfort. As you can imagine, that has a way of taking the joy right out of it.

So, given that choice, I've decided it's best for everyone involved that I end my running career at this time.

:(