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.
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.
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
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?