29 January 2012

Change

C- Contemplate life. Concentrate on the present.
H- Happiness. Humility.
A- Answers. Adjustment. Alertness.
N- New life.
G- Gratitude. Grace.
E- Energy.

2012 is the year of change for me. Currently I am going through some significant changes in my life. The joy of running has given me ample time and thought to digest my situation and gain some clarity.

Life had become mundane. On its most basic level: eat, sleep, work, run, be with people. I needed more. I needed to get out of my comfort zone and routine. I needed to learn and try new things. I needed to lose myself in order to find more.

Two weeks ago I joined the National Guard. A choice that will guide me for the next eight years. Many friends and family have asked, "Why?" In no specific order I answer: to serve my country/community, to be part of a team, to experience a different culture, to learn a new trade, to honor my grandparents and other relatives that have served, to find new purpose, to earn extra income, and to improve the number of push-ups I can do.

In July I ship out to basic training for 10 weeks. Originally I had planned on running Salida and Zane Grey before Western States. With the change came another change; my race schedule. With various weekend trainings before BT I am looking at Cheyenne Mtn 50K and Quad Rock 50M. States will be a race to celebrate; marking the transition into a new phase of life. After boot camp and once I get some miles under my belt I want to jump into 1-2 more races before years end.

I have been grateful for the support from family, friends, and the folks at Montrail and Mountain Hardwear during this time of shaking things up! With all the change running has been great to process and stabilize each day. When the voice of change began to whisper, three things I learned: Answer it. Let go. Move forward.

12 comments:

  1. It's easy to forget sometimes just what "inspiration" really is. This is it. Thank you for your service, and best of luck with everything!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Admire your willingness to sacrifice and serve, thank you! see ya quad rock, stoked we get to race each other again.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow! What a change that is! So proud of you for all of your accomplishments thus far and am very blessed by your sacrifice to serve our country. Thank you a million times over, cousin Ryan! All the best to you!

    Shelly

    ReplyDelete
  4. CHANGE has also been my teacher the past 2 years. You have said it well, and with class . Blessings !!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Scotty and Jacob- thanks for the words of support! Jacob, I'm glad you'll get to run on the Foco stomping grounds!

    Shelly- great to hear from you! Send out a hello to Jon and all the Wisconsin Burch's! Hope things are well!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well, from one vet to a future vet, I salute you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Go Army! But the basic training runs are going to drive you mad.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's awesome, good luck on your new endeavor Ryan.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Have fun. I remember those days. What MOS did you select?

    ReplyDelete
  10. GZ, Brownie, Ian- thanks guys! I'm guessing I won't see any double digit mileage runs for 10 weeks...active "rest"

    Jesse- I am a 12M: Firefighter

    ReplyDelete
  11. wow, good stuff, thank you in advance for your service Ryan, No ZG huh?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Unfortunately no ZG this year Dave. Had to change up the race schedule after enlisting for weekend Guard trainings.

    ReplyDelete