Three months ago, as I was applying to become a Nike+ Human Race Ambassador, Nike asked me why I like to run. Here’s what I had to say:

“I run to fight- to fight for my cause, to fight for my personal best, to fight against my own will. I run to enjoy—to enjoy the feel of earth passing under my toes, to enjoy the wobble in my legs after a hard push, to enjoy my good health. I run to silence—to silence the woes of the world, to silence my fears, to silence my extra energy. I run to lead- to lead friends, to lead strangers, to lead the world, to the finish on 10.24.”

As I reflect on the journey that carried me from the day I wrote those words, to the finish on 10.24—the interesting people I’ve gotten to know, the inspiring stories members of my Ambassador Challenge have shared, the energy gained from watching my team members accomplish their goals, the raw athleticism many Nike+ members embody, the undying commitment of runners all over the globe—I realize how my experiences have unveiled a paradigm shift. My journey to the finish has enriched my running experience and deepened my dedication to not only the sport but my running community. I hope your journey has done the same.