THE JOURNEY

Not long ago I was not a runner. I was someone who decided something needed to change physically, mentally, and spiritually.

On April 12, 2025 I went to Lodi Lake Nature Trail with a simple goal. Walk one mile. I could barely finish it.

But I came back the next day. And the day after that.

During one of those walks I saw a runner pass me on the trail. We were moving in opposite directions. Watching him run planted a thought in my head.

I can do that.

At first it was just walking. One mile turned into two. Eventually I started running small stretches after mile one. I could not run from the start yet. My feet hurt too much. I needed that first mile just to loosen up.

Then on May 10, 2025 at my first running event, the Pleasanton Bubble Run, something unexpected happened.

When the start began, I ran the entire mile without stopping.