What A Difference A Year Makes!

One Year Ago…

I cannot believe it has been an entire year since my feet took those first steps towards New York, since my lips began praying for those first prayer intentions, and since the reality of the journey first began to sink in.

I chose to start on January 20th because it was the feast day of Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes. I developed a devotion to him in college, which helped bring me closer to God. St. Sebastian was a man of faith who continued to take a stand for what was right no matter the dangers in front of him. I strived to be like that on both the run itself and in my own life. I still have a long ways to go, but believe I am headed in the right direction.

I must begin by giving thanks to the Lord for the amazing opportunity to run across this country in prayer. I learned so much and had so many amazing experiences. There were incredible people who sent in requests and helped me in some way or another. Thank you all for your prayers and support – it still means the world to me.

A Reflection

I ran for four months, but have had the previous eight months to reflect on my crossing of North America. The journey was so difficult, but was also beyond fulfilling. I gave everything I had to honor the promise I made to run across America for the prayer intentions of people all over the world. I clearly recall looking into the eyes of children I spoke to in Phoenix, telling them I was going to make it to New York. I made a promise to complete the journey over a radio interview before I began. A cashier in a small Oklahoma town gave me twenty dollars for my journey. I looked her in the eyes and promised I would pray for her and that I would complete the trek. I pushed through a lot of pain to keep my word. Despite the complete emptying of myself into the mission, I somehow ended up receiving far more out of the experience than I gave. 

My journey and my life have been so blessed. I met so many amazing people in America and had correspondence with many others outside of the country. Each person had a remarkable story. I remember thinking that I wished their stories could be told in in the same way mine was being broadcast. In some way, each of them played a part in my life and aided me in writing my story. The inspiration I received from the prayer intentions was priceless. The prayers and masses said for me blessed me in ways beyond words.

I felt a heavy burden on my shoulders from the moment I left the Pacific Ocean. I could not – and would not – let anyone down. The burden felt too heavy to carry alone with all the troubles I ran into – but God helped me carry it every step of the way. Strangers, friends, and family all supported me in various ways. I know that if it were not for my faith and the prayers of others, I would not have succeeded. If it were not for God giving me strength and courage when I was running on empty, I would never have come close to making it to the end. I may have followed what I felt called to do, but that is all the credit I can take because the Lord took care of the rest.

I heard a few responses to some of the prayer requests. A child with cancer going into remission. A few couples who had trouble conceiving becoming pregnant. A person who was very sick returning to good health. A boy with a life-threatening illness who is now doing great. A child who doctors thought may have brain damage turning out just fine. These were great to hear, but I also heard from people saying they started praying the rosary, or praying it more often. People told me they listened to my story and it reminded them to pray.

I experienced a deeper devotion to Mary. I felt a more personal relationship with Christ. I may never know the effects of my run, but I do not need to. It helped me to become a better man and I pray it helped others draw closer to the Lord.

How  My Run Changed Me

Here I am, one year later. I am definitely not the same man that left the shores of the Pacific one year ago. My faith is so much stronger. My outlook on life has also changed. I am so thankful for all my blessings – even the smallest ones. I learned how much I took for granted. I am doing my best to stay true to my resolution of focusing on all the good things in my life. I ran into many people across America, and so easily saw Jesus in them. Now, I make sure I look for Him in others. I try to look on everyone with compassion because I know I have no clue what battles they may be facing on a daily basis. My best efforts are given to treat them with kindness. If I see someone in need, I try to help. Please allow me be clear - I am far from perfect and mess up on a daily basis. However, my attitude and prayer life has improved. It has changed me and I feel closer to God because of it.

Running and Life

Obviously, I love to run. If I did not, there is no way I would have even considered running across the country. At one point in New Mexico, I took a day off and walked next to a track on the way into town to pick up some supplies. I recall briefly thinking about jumping on the track for a workout, despite the 58 miles I ran the previous day. I had to talk myself out of it. That is just how much I loved the sport. Now, things are a little different.

I still love running, but I do not have the motivation or drive I used to possess. I run about 10-25 miles a week. I still went out this past Thanksgiving and ran 30 miles as I have done the past number of years – and actually set a personal best by about 20 minutes. In December, I went out and ran a marathon after finding out about it days before. It hurt and I did not run fast, but I had fun. I still pray for people I cross paths with on my short runs. I also work part time at a running specialty store. I get so much joy out of helping others acheive their goals and witnessing their love for the sport. I am not signed up for any races at the moment and don’t even feel motivated to run any particular distance or time.

The great thing is that the joy I found in running has not dissipated, but has rather been redirected. I now find joy in everything and everyone in life. I have such joy in teaching third graders. I love trying to help those around me. I try to look for Jesus in all those I meet. I have not forgotten what it felt like to be lonely for days on end on the road. Seeing my family and friends is a true blessing because I feel the exact opposite of the loneliness I experienced on the run. I love my family. I love my friends. I even love those who get on my nerves.  I simply love life. Things have not always been easy since the run ended. I’ve had a couple financial frustrations, illnesses, and even a death in the family. Through it all, I try to look at things in a positive way, count my blessings, and remain steadfast in prayer. It has kept me moving forward with my eyes on the Lord and a smile on my face.

What I am doing now

Between my jobs of teaching and working in retail, I have very little spare time. The small amount of free time is usually spent on finishing up my book about my run across America. I am always asked after talks if I plan to write a book about the run. I felt like people wanted to know more details of what life was like on the road and how I managed to make it through all the difficulties. I am finally in the editing process and hope to have it submitted to a publisher very soon.  I was also asked to be a race director for a cross-country relay for Pro Life on behalf of the LIFE Runners. I am working on that at the moment as well. I am very excited for it to come to fruition. It is tentatively scheduled for 2013.

I feel that I am exactly where God wants me to be at the moment. That being said, I am excited for what He has planned for me next. The Lord has continued to place me in great situations. He surprises me by continually putting wonderful people in my life. God surely has plans for my spiritual, professional, and personal lives. I do not know where those plans will lead me.  However, I trust God completely. Therefore, those are steps I look forward to taking on my walk run with the Lord!

God bless!