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My college coach once gathered us around after the season for one of those post-season, retrospective, 'we had a good run' kind of speeches, attempting to put a note of finality on the year. He tallied gains and losses, and talked to us about our futures as runners and students. Then he paused and said something, as he often did, that went against conventional coaching wisdom. Instead of hitting us over the head with the old 'student first, athlete second' speech, which would have made sense just before finals week, he took things in a different direction. He warned us not to ignore the power of running, or let it get lost as we neared the end of our college careers and entered the workforce. We exchanged a few puzzled glances as the late November air pulled us closer into the circle. He cleared his throat and expounded on his advice, citing his own life path as an example.

A Geology major during his undergrad time, our coach never officially used his degree, but instead, drew on his college running experience to earn his way to a coaching job; a position that gave him more fulfillment than any geology research ever could have. Essentially, he was saying, 'never underestimate running's ability to open doors.' I took this to heart. I always knew that I'd find my way back to the sport, but a year ago, I could have never imagined how quickly my life would become a testament to Coach Bentley's advice.

As proud as I was of my journalism degree, it would have never taken me on the adventure I've had over the last year without my love for running there to back it up. I can honestly say, I've lived a runner's dream year. I saw running on its brightest stage, from the streets of New York City all the way to the homestretch of Hayward Field and I met some of the most inspiring and dynamic runners along the way, who have restored my faith in professional athletes. A whirlwind year would have been great, but lucky for me, this running fairytale ended with an amazing twist. Instead of hanging up my Nikes after my last event, I was fortunate enough to join the Nike family, and I park at Nike's World Headquarters every day where I now work full-time, helping to shape the brand that I've admired for so many years- the brand that took a chance on me.

A year ago I stumbled upon the open call to be Nike's first Run Reporter while I was looking to order new shoes on NikeRunning.com. Now I help produce content for that very site, and as for shoes? Well let's just say I don't pay shipping and handling anymore. This year has been one of sweeping changes for me. I've left friends and family in pursuit of my passions. I call a new region of the country home, and I work as hard as ever, all in the name of the swoosh, but I can tell that this amazing year is only the first lap in what I hope is a long and exciting race.

A big thank you to Nike, my fellow Run Reporters, and anyone who took the time to read about my adventures in our crazy sport. I hope that you take to heart what my coach once told me, and never underestimate running. You never know where it will take you; down a new trail, to a new group of friends, or maybe even to a dream job across the country.

Believe in the Run, Just Do It.

Shamus

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