Chariots of Fire --- with all my "sole"

Most people want to discover their meaning and purpose in life.  Not often do you hear someone say, "I don't want to find meaning and purpose in my life."

Some people may unintentionally live in a way that is perceived not meaningful and purposeful, or perhaps it's meaningful and purposeful in a way that is foreign to others.

For someone who dislikes running, they wouldn't find running for a year a meaningful and purposeful endeavor, probably more of a tedious and grueling task.

The tasks we perform, hobbies we pursue and talents we discover, what if they were deemed meaningful and purposeful because it keeps us from being aimless?  Almost as if we were created to work.  Hopefully we are working towards something good, right?  Towards something that makes this world a better place.


I'm sitting in my room, after a year of running and speaking, listening to an appropriate movie soundtrack:

I'm also reflecting on a writing found in the Book of Matthew, chapter 12:

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.  On these two commandments hand all the law and the prophets."

If I was to paraphrase this passage, the runner in me translates "soul" to "sole."

Where do you find meaning and purpose?

1339 Miles & 317 Speaking Spots Later

Yesterday afternoon, I arrived back to Sioux City: both the starting and ending point of this yearlong journey.

343 days ago.  Start of the AMS journey in Sioux City City.  

343 days have passed.  The equivalent of 8,232 hours, 493,920 minutes or 29,635,200 seconds.
What

Speaking to youth in Ames Iowa.  1 of 311 speaking spots during the year.

Many miles covered by foot and many words spoken by mouth.

Running to Orange City in January 2011 in a blizzard. 1 of 40 long running days during the year.

I am overwhelmed as I attempt reflection on the past year of my life.

Where do I begin?  

How does one share with others the journey they have been on?  

It's as if I'm experiencing culture shock.

Over the next few months I hope to spend time reflecting and sharing my thoughts from the road:

• What I learned
• How I changed, and how I remained the same
• Who I met
• Why I did what I did
• Where I went and what I discovered

Some of the people on the journey

Storm Lake Wrap Up

It has been a most amazing week in Storm Lake Iowa.  Safely ran 26.1 miles on Monday (it was a little muggy).  Hosted by a most excellent family.  Was able to share the AMS story twelve times.  Ate two times at La Juanitas.  Discovered an amazing Cuban Restaurant, Cafe Habana.  Overall, an amazing week with some amazing people.  Really enjoy Storm Lake and all it has to offer.  

Here are some pics from the week  

Monday morning, a foggy/muggy run from Sac City to Storm Lake

Super foggy morning

MOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Epic Ninja Moves performed by Jim

Jay came and ran the last 9 miles with Jim.  

Jim found a Woody Action Figure on the side of the road.  Yes, a new addition to the Awake My Sole journey

Jim got to share the Awake My Sole journey several times throughout the week.  Here is a pic of some of the boys Jim got to share with.  

Really enjoyed my time with these guys

Cuban Coffee at Cafe Cubano in Storm Lake.  An awesome place to get great coffee on Railroad Street.  Really enjoyed meeting the owners of this place.  Super friendly people. 

Dumb and Dumber.  "Mutt Cutts, coming through."

Jim got to share at the Buena Vista University chapel and bible study on campus.  Talked about setting Big Hairy Audacious Goals & what it means to have "beautiful feet."

Buena Vista University Chapel

Got a short 3-mile run in.  At the end of the main road in Storm Lake.  "Pioneer"  

Got to speak on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Storm Lake Elementary School, to the 3rd & 4th grade students. Jim welcoming students with some Curious George music.  

Jim Ellis is a professional long distance runner and motivational speaker.

He welcomes any opportunity to SPEAK at schools, youth groups, churches, organizations, clubs, etc. 

There is no cost.

What does Jim speak about?
Speaking Schedule

Others who recommend Jim
Awake My Sole in the News

Contact Jim for additional information OR if interested in having him come speak.

AwakeMySole@gmail.com

303-913-0986