7/26/2011
The day was perfect. The sun shined brightly but the heat was under control. The skies showed no signs of rain. The crowds were out in full force. Students were everywhere. Sun bathers laid out in the park. Painters painted, kids played, and performers performed. It was a fine setting for the beginning of the day; the day I would finally reach my destination.
Twelve miles stood between me and glory. The time on my cellphone hit two o’clock and I was off. I originally thought I’d run slowly and take in the moment but that all went out the door when my feet started stepping. I had one or two wrong turns but nothing overtly disruptive to my route. Overall I might have added a couple miles.
I’ve taken the time on every day of this journey to grab some great pictures for everyone to enjoy. That didn’t happen on this last day. I did manage to get stopped by construction for a second and I did pause for a couple of stoplights but that was the extent of my dallying today. Any photos shot today were run and gun style. I had somewhere to be and I was excited to get there. Poof. My feet were swift and I found myself wondering where the miles went. I was greeted at the end by my mom, Nick, Nick Jr., and Emily.
All aches and pains fled my body the instant I saw the Atlantic ocean. I was pretty thirsty though. I guzzled a gallon of liquid then headed to the ocean for a little swim. Many thoughts flooded my head. For months I have contemplated what steps come after this. For months I have powered through my days with tunnel vision. My goal has been my focus but with all the time on the road, I have thought much about what should happen next. I will do another “great reading run”. Armed with the experience of the first run, I have formed a plan to reach more kids and give out more books.
I’ve been told that many of you are sad to see this journey end. Don’t be. This is only the beginning!
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