Markemmanuel

I haven’t done much running since the Illinois Marathon.  It’s part recovery, part laziness, and a pinch of the blahs.  During this time, I’ve been thinking a lot and preparing for the next chapter in my life.

Running through Champaign-Urbana and finishing in Memorial Stadium inspired me to finish college.  Meeting Danielle’s friend MK pushed me over the line.  Third time is the charm right?

The campus itself was intoxicating.  Words etched on old buildings describe the contents within the bricks and mortars.  Alma Mater looks over her students.  It made me miss structured learning and discovering something new in an academic setting.

Danielle and I met K and MK for dinner.  We started talking about MK and school.  He decided not to go to college after high school. His life took him through a number of ups and downs.  Six years after high school, he decided to go back to school. He earned a high marks at Harper College and transferred to UIUC.

I sputtered through life after high school.  I never had the confidence and faith in myself.  I aced and failed classes in the same semester.  I had no love for myself.  Later, I was finally diagnosed with a form of depression.  I eventually left the university I was attending, twice.  I wanted to go back in the past couple of years but it was a ‘false start.’  I am fully committed and sincere to graduating.  No more dropped classes.  No more half-hearted attempts.  Running keeps my mental health in check.  I’m ready to go.  The details are in the works but there’s a three year road map being written up.

I really REALLY want to go to Boston.  Boston?  Yes Boston!  BOSTON!  A lot of work needs to be done.  I need to believe and make words flesh.  I want it this year.  I can taste it.  Despite my poor showing at the Illinois Marathon, I’m confident I can get very close to my goal this year.  Most people are faster and stronger than me, but I’ll out work and out hustle them.  I really want Boston. Yum… Boston.

So lately I’ve been streamlining.  I cut away bits and pieces to get to core or essence of my dreams and passions.  Streamlining smothers the white noise in my life.  I’ll write more about my streamlining in the future.

I’m working on the final revision of three year life plan before submitting it to my mom and possibly everyone that’s reading this.  The plan focuses my energy into three things: school, running, and a wildcard.  It’s good to have a master plan to refer to when things are going crazy.  It’s nice to have something to tweak when life throws you a curve.    It’s a handy map when I lose my way.  I hope to finish this life plan before the Soldier Field 10 mile and be ready for marathon training.

So, this is what I’ve been doing lately. It’s a lot of thinking and a pinch of training.  I’m glad to have this time.  I’m ready to take on a new adventure.