2/24/2011

Everything is unbelievable. This journey is everything I thought it would be and more. We finally crossed the state line! Even though it is just the beginning of a long journey, this first milestone gives me a signifiacant boost in confidence. It is a rush like no other to know you crossed a state on foot.

Human kindness is abundant and alive. When you set out to do something good people will give. And, the universe works in strange ways. I have been battling shin splits without a doubt. I was very worried about staying on schedule and arriving in New York but really that isn’t the important thing. It’s about the journey. This adventure called life is absolutely amazing and if you let it take you on a ride, you will have the time of your life. I am seeing generosity first hand...

2/23/2011

I’m almost back. I couldn’t run yet but we managed to walk seventeen miles today. The walk was filled with conversation about old friends. Nobody stopped to see if we were OK today but it’s probably because we were so close to a city. We did manage to see a few remnants of life from the past. JC seems to be growing stronger by the day. I’m happy to see that he’s completing more and more milage with little trouble each day. I’ve been using this time to break in my New Balance shoes. They feel great and they are so light. I feel so stable in the 870’s they have given me. What’s awesome is that they are the same blue as the Papa Didos Logo.

I’m praying that I’ll be able to break free from the pain soon but, regardless, I will continue to power forward. I have no other choice...

2/22/2011

I’m overwhelmed by the concern of my friends and loved ones. Everybody is right in asking me to take an extra day to heal. Shin splints are no joke. My personality doesn’t always listen to reason but in this case, everyone is right. On the schedule for the day was an assembly at Blake Elementary School. One of my teachers from middle school happens to be the principal there now. Mrs. Lori Bachmann taught english when I attended Wallace Middle School so, she had a direct hand in shaping my current writing career. It seemed only fitting that I could give something back to a community which had a hand in shaping my thoughts.

Despite my vow to rest the entire day, I could not deprive the kids of Blake Primary School the chance to run with me...