This is my last “Rich on Running” column for The Item. It?s been almost four years writing it, 12 overall on the staff. Here are a few closing thoughts.I started running one morning in August of 2010. Laura suggested that after I dropped her off at work, I go for a run on the North Cambridge bike path. So I ran about a half-mile from the Grace Corporation parking lot to the Alewife T station and back.That December, during an office chat, I mentioned to my sports editor, Steve Krause, that I was a runner. On the spot, I became The Item?s running columnist. We sealed it with a handshake.The toughest yet most rewarding place to run around here is Lynn Woods. The hilly, rocky courses are challenging, but the Woods provides a scenic backdrop — including the vista from Steel Tower (it?s worth a look, even if you?re drained from the Goat Path).I?ve also enjoyed the camaraderie, the experience of running with others, including our relay team that included Chris Stevens, Chris Cuddy and Dottie Thibodeau.Chris Stevens kindly gave me rides to the Woods on Wednesdays week after week. I?m glad I could occasionally return the favor. Congrats, Chris, for running your first 10K this year!Chris Cuddy also helped with rides to the Woods, and scanned and edited my cartoons.Steve Krause consistently OK?d me to go running, whether at the Woods or the Nahant Triathlon. Item managing editor Victor DeRubeis offered encouragement, including with cartoons. Joyce Erekson was very patient while I was away.For the cartoons, I sketch them with Staedtler pencils on Canson paper. I?ll ink them in with Sakura Pigma Micron pens. My Artists? Loft eraser takes care of the pencil marks.From an initial cast of a runner who looks like yours truly and a talking mountain goat, they grew to include a supporting cast of dogs (including my Westie, Daisy) and some fellow human runners, such as Tanya the triathlete and the pumped-and-jacked “J-Face.”It took time to get my art to where it is now. Robin Dash — teacher, mentor and friend par excellence — has given me support throughout the journey. Item cartoonist Hank Collins thoughtfully provided supplies when I first tried drawing for the Item 10 years ago.Laura has given me many helpful insights, from suggesting to add the curve of the coast when illustrating the Clock to the Rock to offering advice on last week?s Clydesdale-Athena cartoon: “Why don?t you just draw a Clydesdale and Athena running Stone Tower?” So I did.Laura, “indeed the top of admiration, worth what?s dearest to the world.” You encouraged me to run in the first place, and helped me pick out shoes at the New Balance store in Brighton. This past weekend, I finally got to show you the Woods and Stone Tower. For all your encouragement, muchas gracias.Race directors Bill Mullen (Lynn Woods) and Bob Levine (Nahant Triathlon) have been helpful and enjoyable to talk to, as has Lynn Woods Summer Cross Country Race Series founder Joe Abelon. It?s been good to see all the Lynn Woods volunteers, including Doug, Pam and Doug Wilson; Al Peterson; and Mike Fitzgerald with his camera.Jim Green of Marblehead led a helpful running clinic at Lynn Beach this summer. He finished second in the 1959 Pan Am Games Marathon. He is an outstanding coach.Mike Derby, good luck as you prepare for consecutive Boston Marathon No. 25 and a spot in the Hall of Fame.Recently I have stopped by Lynn Woods on Sundays to join the Stone Tower Spahtens obstacle-racing group. I?m not sure which amazes me more: the early start (6:30 a.m.) or the intense workouts (450-pound tire flips? Rope climbs? Chopping wood?).On April 15, 2013, I was standing outside the Copley Plaza Hotel when I heard the two explosions that killed three people and injured over 260 in the Boston Marathon terror attacks. The tragedy of that day affected many, including family members who lost loved ones. I hope Boston can continue to heal.This year?s Marathon did an excellent job helping with the healing process. Winners M