Step by Step, the Key to Life

By Ed Griffin

A few weeks ago, I wrote to you about my friend Gary Radford and his solo 6,500 mile bicycle trip from Key West, Florida to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. On Day 66 of his journey, Gary rolled into his destination and along the way he slept near the Alaskan Pipeline, saw grizzly bears, burned 6,000 calories a day, and met amazing people with even more amazing stories.

Gary blogged each day about his journey and in one of his final blogs before reaching Prudhoe Bay he gave the most amazing advice about life. Paraphrasing a bit, Gary wrote:

“Some things in life are overwhelming. Manage it in small bits, one part at a time, one small step at a time. Before you know it, just like that, you are there. That’s how you get through life without it overwhelming you.”

On Sunday morning, the Fleet Feet Running Club Distance Program started their fall training sessions for half and full marathon events this fall. The smiles, laughter and dreams were everywhere. All ages, all sizes, all abilities ready to take on a journey and challenge that will bring them joy, hard work, some discomfort and a little doubt.

Regardless if you are training for, half or full marathon, running a 5k or starting a running/walking program, the advice of Gary Radford applies, “One small step at a time and before you know it you are there.”

Ed Griffin and his wife Ellen own Fleet Feet Syracuse, which they founded in May of 2000. Fleet Feet Syracuse has received National Recognition as a Top 50 Running Store in America 12 years in a row and was named Best Running Store in America in 2012. Ed enjoys helping the team at Fleet Feet and our customers achieve their fitness and professional goals. In his spare time, Ed speaks to companies and organizations on a variety of topics, walks his dogs, enjoys good music and is the family chef. He can be reached at ed@fleetfeetsyracuse.com.