Without slowing my tempo, I bolt to the left, leaving the gravel road behind as I penetrate the cool shade of the towering trees. The path is shady and precarious. I quickly scan the terrain for roots, rocks, and other ankle-busting obstructions. “Is this who I am now?” I wonder, "a trail runner?"
Running outdoors is a breathtaking experience and somewhat infectious. Arming yourself for the battle requires setting goals and guidelines; goals that are attainable, guidelines that must be adhered to strictly. The following are my 10 basic and simple guidelines that if embraced will have a monumental impact towards your success.
"It can’t sink, it can’t sink, it can’t sink," were the words going through my mind, along with "help us Lord Jesus", and "trust your equipment". Bob is saying "don’t panic." He doesn't remember saying those words to me, but it helped me to remember not to panic. We're scared; I'm scared for my life and for the mission, especially the mission.
Some outdoor people try so hard to look the part, buying all the latest high-tech gear. But anyone can wear the gear; it takes someone special to actually put it to use. A real outdoorsman or woman is identified by where they’ve been, not by the labels they wear.
My arms were trembling from the exertion of pulling through three-foot waves against a head wind. My heart was pounding with the fear that I couldn't continue paddling for two hours, the kayak would tip, and I would be in the dark water alone: except for the monsters that were bumping the bottom of the boat.
Daren Wendell took the first step of the 8 million he would take over the next 364 days across the U.S. He owned nothing, weight melted off him until he was almost skeletal. What was he so determined to get to? That’s the funny thing. Even he didn’t know until the end.
