The road previously traveled

Clouds and the sun played a fantastic trick. It looked like a light emanated from the bottom of the sea illuminating the coastline of this the marvelous Alaskan morning. I went out early to enjoy the scenery before exercising. I took time to reflect on life since the last time I visited America's Last Frontier. At my age too many people mark time by the lines on their faces or the dreams lost when life got in the way.

Like others, I have dreams not yet achieved, but I'm much more interested in the ones that ten or twenty years ago had not yet been perceived. No one, including me would have guessed travel, running and general health concerns would rule my life as they do. Previous trips to the west carved meaningful marks in time for me. This morning I looked back at the profound and extraordinarily positive impact those visits had on my life.

Our current trip began in Seattle. Truthfully, I don't know how it came to us, but over ten years ago Shannan and I read a very short self-motivational book, FISH!. It centers around the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market. The book promotes a simple four step concept. Reading the book didn't change my world view, but it certainly was the impetus for me to change my behavior on a daily basis. Looking back I recognize the change as one of the most important ones I made as an adult. After reading FISH! we went out to Seattle and saw the fish mongers in action. Ten years later we returned, and along with a crowd of others, came to experience the FISH motivational magic. It was nice to think back over time and how well the premise of the book works. Read it!

Now, back to Alaska. It's one of those places in and of itself that can have a powerful effect on the human spirit. Many people come here and never go home. I understand how that happens, but the cold is a deal breaker for me. Previously, I posted a piece about my experience with Mount Marathon in Seward, AK and its force in my life.

Generally, when presented with the option I like to run on unmarked trails. This trip has started as a nice reminder of the road previously traveled. Today, I saw this quote on a card in Juneau, "All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware."

Regardless of the road, stay on the move.

Tom