Saturday, June 5, 2004
It's 3:00AM, but I've been putting this off for quite some time now. I truly feel it's necessary to let all of you know of my future plans, since I consider most of you very good friends. I'll do my very best to explain this the best I can. I'm a very strong believer in what I'm about to say and have been ever since I began running almost 4 years ago.
About a week ago, I hit a crossroad in my life. I needed a change; I needed to make a decision that would affect the rest of my life. For the past several months, I've felt trapped and knew I was missing something in my life--Running and happiness.
In roughly 3 weeks, I plan to take a 6-8 week odyssey to the Appalachian Mountains by myself, where I will live out of my car and tent. During that time, I plan to test my limits with my running and as a person.
If you're struggling with something in your life, I encourage taking a break from the normal routine most of you have--Computer, online chatting, televisions, cell phones--And go on a journey, such as the one I plan on taking. Get away, find yourself, test your limits and see what you're made of. Remember, you only live once.
I really believe that very many people live in unhappy circumstances and will not take the initiative to reform their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security and conformity, which may appear to give peace of mind at that moment, but is just damanging the adventurous spirit of most people out there than a secure future. The joy of life comes from new adventures and fresh surroundings with new experiences.
If any of you want to get the most out of life, I encourage you to get out there and see the world. Lose your liking for monotonous security and expand to a spontaneous life. I'm sure it will feel strange at first--even for me, but I can guarantee this is going to be the best decision I've ever made in my entire life. It will change me.
There are many goals that I plan to achieve as a runner and a person. Hopefully this adventure will help bring me closer to my future endeavors.
Keep in mind, you only live once. Get out there--See the world and don't ever give up!
Thanks for listening,
"I wanted movement and not a calm course of existence. I wanted excitement and danger and the chance to sacrifice myself for my love. I felt in myself a superabundance of energy which found no outlet in our quiet life." -Leo Tolstoy, Family Happiness
PS- No worries-- I will not be leaving flrunners.com. Unfortunately I need some type of income. Also, in a few days I plan on retiring AIM for awhile, so if you need to get in touch with me, please e-mail me or call my cell phone. I'll also have plenty of time on my hands while I'm in the mountains, so if you'd like for me to write you, please e-mail me your full address.