run in circles

tallahassee trail, florida

"We travel the world over in search of what we need and return home to find it." George Moore

The phenomenon.

I've gone so far, yet am right back where I started. A small part of me says, "pointless," but the majority wants to go back out again.

And so begins

my first 50 mile run.

The moment I received notice that registration opened 7/11/15, 11:00 PM EST, I signed up for The North Face Endurance Challenge (TNFEC) 50 Mile Race in Sterling, VA, start time 4/9/16, 05:00 AM. 

Since then, I've set focus on winning it.

Training for this endurance challenge (rightly named) confirms that I was made for this. I got a coach, refine my diet/fuel, sleep more, reset my mind/meditate/pray, simplify life. Each step in getting to Goal-A has been a pleasurable, life-giving adventure (amidst the cramps, blisters, chafage, "boring lifestyle choice" to slow things down).

Writer, producer, comedian genius, tv host Stephen Colbert speaks on:

Having intentionality at all times... the process of process is process.

The final goal of crossing a finish line is besides the point. The formula for getting there, I love figuring this out, experimenting on my body & mind, and seeking help of friends, family and community. It's been a gracious honor to receive extreme love from tremendous support offered from others. I am forever grateful -- I would not be in forward motion without them*.

This particular journey is a paradox.

Gone many miles, ended up on the same couch as several months prior before this endeavor began.

It's the rich lessons and relationships I've gained along the way that gives soul growth. The conversations, listening, understanding, encouragement, favors, meals, hosting, coaching, sound-boards, cheering, thinking, reflecting, soul-searching, writing, not to mention the privilege of seeing alluring scenery, trails, and wildlife... 

Find what process you love.

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." -- T.S. Eliot

sunrise cross training on the chesapeake bay

*Them: I'd like to acknowledge you, who've brought support through the miles, listened, given advice or a much needed push -- thank you:
Andrew Simpson, Anna Baker, Anna Murphy, Beth Johnson, Carmel Rogers, Casey Glassy, Chelsey Palmer, CJ Junge, Coeur Sports, Elizabeth Fahrner, Erica Weitz, Fred Parker, Hillary Essington, Jackson Goss, Jayme & Ryan Dorsett, Jesse Carrington, Kristin Swift, Lauren Morris, Macon Lowman, Mason Cathey, Nancy Palmer, November Project, Pax Velo, Rodney Palmer, Rory Rowan, Sammy Palmer, Thursday Terror, Tim McMichael.

Wish I could list everyone who's supported me along this ultra running journey, I apologize if I unintentionally missed you.