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The past few days I have smiled big smiles while recalling
my accomplishments throughout the last year. I remember going into 2014 with
high hopes of accomplishing more than I had in 2013. I had done so much in 2013
that I couldn’t fathom accomplishing more in another year that would trump it.
I love being wrong. 2014 was absolutely greater than 2013. I
didn’t race much this last year but instead had amazing runs in amazing places.
I ran through polar vortexes, canyons, forests, alongside rivers and lakes, and
even up and down mountains. I ran with friends, family, and even did some dog
running. Most of the days I ran solo but never without thoughts of loved ones
to keep me company. I also managed to finish my college degree and enter the
real world once again. But most importantly of all, I fell in love with the
sweetest girl I know. It is because of her that I now have the opportunity to
run in the southwest exploring deserts, mountains, and the west coast. And best
of all, we get to share these moments together.
I have wanted to sit down and write a few more of these blog
posts since my last one in July. I’m sorry if you were looking for any new
posts and didn't find any. Don't worry, you didn't miss one. I actually haven’t had the chance to write anything in a while. Life just got
tremendously busy for me the last 5 months of the year. Now that I have settled
down in Yuma, Arizona I plan on sharing more of my running tales with you devoted
readers. In the coming weeks I’ll finish up my race recap from The Arkansas Traveler
100 (spoiler: DNF) and also a post about returning to the flat lands of Illinois
after my big summer in Colorado. Aside from that, you can expect my usual sage advice that I find along the trails.
I truly experienced another fulfilling year of being alive. I
hope that I can inspire a few adventures with unique memories for yourself and your
loved ones. These moments that fill us with life and happiness are meant to be
enjoyed. I will seek out more of them this next year and I ask that you try to as
well. And so that leads me to thoughts about this next year of 2015. Will I be
comparing it to 2014 or other previous years? I’m hoping I don’t have to. I
want to simply enjoy the moments I have day by day and continue to do what I
love, running far.
“We must give our children the freedom to test themselves,
the faith to chase their dreams and enough trust to let them go.” –Marguerite
Kelly
I want to thank my parents and my family for their tremendous support this past year. I truly could not have done so many amazing things this last year without your love and kindness. Thank you.
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| My good friend, the Colorado River |
