One of the things that's become apparent on this running odyssey is there's lots of driving and thinking. Driving back and forth over the same terrain to get to the next starting point ... and thinking about why am I doing this? Notice I say why "am I" as opposed to why "I am".
First the driving. Boy do we now know the roads of Cheshire and Sullivan county. Each run requires trekking through what was once new landscape to now familiar roads and landmarks. One of those landmarks that's become a common site are the wind turbines of Lempster.
There they are on the hillside as we drive to and from the running routes (seen from quite a distance in a number of directions) as an ever present reminder that this is one crazy challenge and that I am getting sucked deeper and deeper into the elusive quest vortex.
One side challenge: I've added to my list is to read Miguel de Cervantes "Don Quixote" before I run my last leg. The wind turbines are a frequent reminder that I have chosen a challenge that has become consuming in time and thought. I was looking for a retirement transition project, boy did I find one .... and very glad that Nancy is along for the literal ride (and support!!). A running knight cannot do it alone.
The quest is becoming part of my identity. I hope in a good way and that it doesn't get to the point that when people see me they turn to go another direction and mutter under their breath "there's that crazy running guy".
I have a number reasons why "I am" doing this now:
I have the time and need to come up with something to fill my time as I transition to retirement
I like the idea of doing something that no one else has ever done before
I can run again - I went through a period of time where I couldn't run and had a knee operation. Running now feels like a gift - for quite awhile I thought running was in the rear view mirror of my life. Running is a joy and I want to enjoy it while I can.
This is proving a great way for Nancy and I to explore New Hampshire .... all of New Hampshire ... together!
I'm a data geek and I am really enjoying planning, scouting and collecting information about each of the runs.
I've wanted to "write", but not really gotten anywhere. This adventure is giving me a reason to write as well as enforcing the discipline to write. I want to capture each run in word and picture to chronicle the quest.
I hope that I can help inspire people to "Get Up, Get Out, Get Going" -- I don't think GUGOGG is an acronym that will catch on :) . Whatever I can do to show that while age may slow us down a bit, it doesn't mean we have to stop getting out there enjoying exercise and the outdoors.
As far as why am I truly doing this .... I really don't know. The idea came out of my mind and mouth and I now feel compelled to travel the path. In the end the path (I hope and pray) will lead back to Dublin with a full 1800 mile circuit through all of New Hampshire that I travelled on foot (with Nancy as my escort) and have an epic journey and memories ... with no dragons encountered along the way.
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