Changes

Right now, I'm sitting at a desk in my suite at the Radisson in Waco. My room is free, my meals are taken care of, and I have a Sleep Number bed.

This is new. I'm not used to this. I've spent most of the last month hiking along the I-40, alone in my own head...away from civilization. I'm still trying to get myself back into the habit of socializing. I've always liked being alone, and though this has been difficult, there was a measure of peace in being by myself in the middle of nowhere. I've gotten to know myself, find myself, unburden myself. It's been a growing experience that I would have never had the opportunity to experience had I not lost my run crew, and toughed out some pretty rough miles simply because it was right to do so...at least to me.

So, why am I in Waco instead of the middle of nowhere trudging toward Wichita Falls? Simply put...it's time to finish this. It's time to get back to reality, get myself out there, stay in the public eye, and finish strong...running. I had very little help in Amarillo, even being an hour and a half from Lubbock. Not much was coming in the way of support. I was heading to Austin, and the path I was taking would have put me back in the shadows for another two weeks, hiking with my pack through lightly populated towns, and stretches of nothing.

I've built some media momentum in Albuqerque, Santa Fe, and now Amarillo. I didn't want to lose that, and after consulting my representative at the publicity agency I signed with, the agreement was that the best way to finish this run was to flip things around, and have me come out of Austin toward Lubbock. I'll get my miles running from Waco to Austin first, though that's not why I'm here.

There is a Relay For Life event at Baylor this evening, and I'm going to run in and later, participate in the activities. There will be something like three thousand people there, and I'll be announced before entering, putting in a lap or two initially. Here is hoping I don't trip and fall on my face when it's time to perform. That would be hilarious, even to me...but still. Have to look awesome, right? It's humbling that they even want me there, and it means a lot that they think so much of what I'm doing. The cancer survivors there are the real stars though. I can't even compete, nor would I want to. It's an honor to have been invited.

So, that's what's going on right now. I'm running the same distance, just backwards...and, well...actually running instead of hiking. There is a support system out here, people interested in seeing me get down the road. I've needed this. As stated...it's time to finish the big run. I'm ready to see it completed. It's been incredible, and will continue to be so every day I'm certain. I'm ready to see what's next though, so it's time to put on the running shoes, toss the pack in a waiting trunk, and start pounding pavement. I'm excited. I've been sick for the last three days, but hopefully I'll be up to the challenge and put in some solid miles.

I'm looking forward to seeing my friends and family in Austin, and I'll be updating again as soon as I get there, if not earlier.

Thanks for keeping up with me folks. I dig the hell out of the fantastic messages of encouragement you leave me, and I read every one of them. I hope to see some of you. Drop me a line if you'd like to come out and run. I'd love to have the company. It's time to get out of highway man mode.  

All the best.

-Dustin