I didn't jog in February, I promised to run an office for a friend so he and his wife could go on vacation. Instead of a journal, here is a reasoning of my jog.
Florida Perimeter Beach Run! Where the heck did that idea come from?
Why Florida? |
There are many things I love in life and Florida is one of them. The energy of Florida, the positive attitude of its people, the ability to have so many things to do and be near some of the best beaches in the world are just a few reasons I set my sights on Florida. I have been bringing down my kids for over ten years and each time we have thoroughly enjoyed our experiences here. Last year I came down alone for just a few day and stayed the whole month of February enjoying the St. Pete to Venice area. (It kept snowing in Ohio.)
I have been to Arizona, California (lived in Monterey for a year), took a 2-week tour on Motorcycle from Ohio to Utah, Yellowstone Nat'l. Park and the Black Hills, etc. Lived in Hawaii, been to Asia and Europe, etc. But I still prefer Florida to all these places. |
Where did you get this idea? |
I was at a workshop training to be an instructor on finding one's passions and met Martin Strel, who is in the Guiness Book of World Records for swimming such rivers as The Amazon, The Danube, The Mississippi, The Yangtze and other notable rivers.
He is a very kind person, unconceited and approachable. He spoke some English and I very little Russian. We got along well. In one small group session, we were supposed to ask a yes or no question for some reason, and it had to make the person think. There were three in the group and I asked the third person, "Do you want to go for a swim?" (There was a very nice indoor pool at the hotel) Martin then asked, "Do you want to go to Hawaii?" Ding!!! Why not think big? It takes the same amount of energy to think big as to think small. And it is much more fun! So, since I wanted to relocate to Florida I thought, "Why not do it in a fun way? Why not jog all the beaches of the Florida perimeter in Florida?" |
Follow your heart! |
The event we were at in Chicago was a certification course for the Passion Test. So, having taken the passion test myself and liking it enough to be certified to teach it, I came to Chicago. (Actually, once I attended the seminar, I picked up immediately the benefits of this 'test' and how to teach it as I had taught for 12 years in Korea, honing my skills and teaching others how to teach as well.) But I thought it was important to be certified to teach it. I am also certified to teach the Passion Test for Business.
|
Why not? |
Martin was there as a guest participant. He made me think. Why not? Live my passions. And do it well. Since I really enjoy the energy of Florida, running the beaches and teaching and speaking as well, this seemed like the perfect way to live many of my top passions. (My kids are my number one passion and we stay in very close contact.)
|
Go For It! |
So, after much thinking and giving it time to germinate, the plan came to fruition. It only took the guts to do it. So, here we go!
|
Jan. 1, 2011 at 1 pm.
After the noon polar bear dip at the Flora-Bama, it was time to start the first ever Florida Perimeter Beach Run!
|
9 Months, 20 days and 58 minutes later!
Me at North Amelia Island Park/Boat Park. More weeds than beach. The end of the journey!
I would do it again in a heartbeach! |