Last Sunday, a torch was passed to my nephew Matt Parker and my niece Sam Parker. I figure that is less painful than saying I am getting older.

Matt and Sam entered and completed their first half marathon, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. This was the 41^st running of this event in Chicago. The same event is also held in over 25 other U.S. cities, as well as Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Scotland.

I was feeling very proud of them for accomplishing this feat, but I was also feeling a bit old. Twenty-five years ago, I ran this same race for my first half marathon. So much has changed since then.

Timer chips accurately deliver your exact time, along with notifying others of your pace and whereabouts along the course. Weather-proof clothing has replaced sweats and t-shirts. Even the foods and drinks have improved to better help the runners.

Matt and Sam ran great races. After finishing, they were both tired and sore (naturally) but in great spirits. Neither was willing to commit to any future races, but neither was I after my first one.

I would guess they will run more half marathons in the future. I vowed to run the next one with them. I haven’t run anything lengthy since the 2001 Chicago Marathon. I may be older and slower, but the excitement of running with Matt and Sam is enough to get me out of my semi-retirement!

— John Wroblewski, online contributor