I bear in mind it prefer it was yesterday. Standing on the beginning line of my first 100-mile race, the Angeles Crest 100 Mile in 2000. I used to be a seething bundle of feelings; pleasure, concern, pleasure, and nervousness coursed by means of my physique. For the primary time in my life, I used to be plunging into the entire unknown and I had no concept what to anticipate. I simply needed to belief in my coaching and hope for the most effective.
Right this moment, over 23 years later, I’m as soon as once more a seething bundle of feelings; pleasure, concern, pleasure, and nervousness are coursing by means of my physique. However this time, I’m not standing on the beginning line of a 100-mile race, fairly I’m standing on the beginning line of a brand new life journey. And similar to all these years in the past, I’ve to belief in my coaching and hope for the most effective.
AJW working his do-it-yourself 100 miler in 2017. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Final month, after ending my 67th semester as an educator, I hopped in my automobile and drove away from the schoolyard for the final time. After 34 years, I’ve determined to maneuver on from my profession in training and transition full-time into working associated ventures. It’s the place my ardour is, the place my pleasure is, and the place I really feel I can stay my most purposeful life. In essence, working isn’t just one thing I do, it’s who I’m.
Earlier this week I plunged headfirst into my new life. My plan at this level is to mix my endurance teaching apply at CTS with my writing right here at iRunFar and my private podcast, “Crack a Brew with AJW,” to cobble collectively a dwelling.
As well as, I hope to develop a collection of working camps in my beloved Sonoran Desert right here within the U.S., enhance my involvement with the Mountain Outpost livestream group, and return to work on the e book that’s been banging round in my head for over a decade.
In brief, as my youngsters mentioned once I advised them, I’m going to “ship it!”
Like that first 100 miler 23 years in the past, I believe this new journey could have its ups and downs. I’ll in all probability go off beam just a few instances, get sick to my abdomen, and make just a few poor selections which can lead me astray. However I even have religion that with focus, expertise, and exhausting work, I’ll evolve and develop.
Moreover, not being tied to the educational calendar that has primarily dominated the vast majority of my grownup life, I can be given the reward of time. Time for my very own working, time for my household and buddies, and time to spend at races throughout the nation and maybe around the globe, one thing that has supplied me with a few of the biggest recollections of my life.
AJW and his son Tully after the 2021 Bighorn Path 100 Mile. Picture: Shelly Jones-Wilkins
As 2024 dawns I look ahead to seeing a lot of you on the market on the paths and on the races. I look ahead to sharing my journey with you, and likewise listening to about yours. At a time of life when many of us are starting to wind down, I’m excitedly making ready to wind up, and I couldn’t be extra thrilled. Let’s do that!
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Alpine Beer Firm in Alpine, California. Based in 1999, Alpine produces one of many broadest number of IPAs within the nation. Infinite Haze IPA is Alpine’s New England type providing and it’s excellent. Crisp, wealthy, and with only a trace of bitterness, Infinite Haze combines old skool and new college nearly completely.
Name for Feedback
- Have you ever gone by means of a giant profession change like this?
- Do you may have any ideas or recommendation for AJW to ease the transition?
