Thanks SL. Just as I've benefited by being in a book club I think being in this photography club will be a very positive experience. It's been a hobby of mine for 40 years and I know I'm accomplished on an amateur level so it's going to be nice to interact with people who share my passion and can help me elevate my game. Family members and friends always want me to share my pictures, and I do so both via the web and hard copy because I have a dedicated photo printer, but when I start talking about some of the more technical stuff everyone's eyes glaze over so it will be nice to spend some time people who are like minded about the hobby and I hope to broaden my skill set and help them do the same.
Yeah, the not being able to run thing is a bummer and definitely problematic. My wife is already telling me I should consider not running the marathon. There's some validity to her position, but I'm not giving up yet.