The Reason behind the Madness

First off) The most popular question that is asked to runners, is "Why do you run?" or "What are you running from?", and this running expedition is no different.  For the past eleven years, my answer was always, "I am training for my race" or "I need to get better/faster".Ever since Middle School, running has become a passion of mine, and the idea of running across the United States popped in my head.  This idea has been in my head and has been a goal of mine for ever since.  As I graduate from my Undergrad, I know that this is the best time to actually live/pursue this goal and dream of mine.  I am currently in the best shape in my life, and I am in a transition.  Do I work? Do I go and get my Masters? Do I start a family? Do I take a year off?  Whatever I do, I know that it will be another long commitment with me getting not getting younger.  Other than my family, I don't really haven any responsibilities.  No job/career, no significant other, no many close friend, and no debt to pay off.  WHEN IN MY LIFE CAN I EVER SAY THIS AGAIN??? The only aspect of my life that I am leaving is my family.  I am a family kind of person, and it absolutely kills me that I will not be able to see them for three-ish months, and I don't want them to waste time worrying about me.

Second)Run Forest Run...  Easily the most popular comment to make when seeing people run. You only hear bits and pieces of it, when people drive by you, but you are able to hear the whole saying at stoplights.  Look. I get it.  I am running, and yes I may look different in my running shorts or other running clothes, but come up with a better comment. 

The Supplies

As the leaving date for my journey draws nearer, I find myself obsessing whether or not I am bringing the right things. I need to bring lots of items, but still keep everything minimal and lightweight. At first I was going to just bring a bag, but seeing that I would pack it full ( and how weak my back is), I knew that my back would hurt very quickly. So the next idea was to bring a cart. After researching different carts, I decided upon a jogging stroller! I noticed the price of this and was disappointed, so I called my older brother if he had one. My older brother is single with no kids but goes to a lot of garage sales and thrift stores. It didn't really surprise me that he had one just chilling in his garage...still kinda strange though. For my sleeping arrangements, I spent hours upon hours of researching just going through all the specs. and what I needed for my journey (maybe I should have spent this time studying...) I decided upon a lightweight Kelty tent and a 25 degree Mountain Hardware sleeping bag. Another important aspect to the trip will be running shoes. For the past couple weeks, I have been ordering shoes through my school and have 3 pairs of Brooks Ravenas and 2 pairs of Brooks Switch. I am planning and hoping that my family will send a new pair after 600ish miles at a certain location. I am also bringing my IPad,camera, Bible, phone, pepper spray, long running tights, sweatpants, shirts, body glide, running shorts, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, sunblock, wet ones, and a pair of Toms shoes to lounge around in.

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