Episode II: "The Meaning of Patientia"

In the introduction I said I would explain the meaning of the title.

"Patientia" is a word I came across in 2006. It is Latin for Patience, Endurance and Suffering.

In 2006 I went through a very difficult phase of my life. I had made running my entire focus. The whole reason I was at all motivated to go to college was just to have the ability to run for another 4 to 5 years. My freshman year was decent with very few downs. But, by the time my sophomore cross country season came and went, I was in shambles. Not only was my running going poorly, but my grandfather was also struggling with cancer. This was all a recipe for disaster. Needless to say I felt very alone and empty inside.

The morning after the indoor track conference meet, I was running with teammate and close friend Tyson Evensen. I mentioned to Tyson that I was thinking of transferring out of Elizabethtown and somewhere closer to home. He knew how tough of a decision this was for me. It meant a lot at this point to have the support of my closest friends and family because they knew how much attending Etown meant to me. But I felt I really needed to be closer to home and a new start would be a great thing.

During another roller coaster low, I came across the word "Patientia". For some reason it pulled things together. More than anything, it reminded me that I needed to Persevere during the toughest times. The thing I have learned about life is it is anything but ideal all the time. I learned from an early age that just because you work hard, doesn't mean that things are just going to come to you or be easy.

I am humbled on a weekly, if not daily basis, with work, running and daily life. I have come to figure that I fail my expectations at least 7 to 9 times out of 10. But the success I am striving for within those small endeavors isn't always what I am to learn in the grand scheme of things. At times I feel that I learn more from failing or struggling than I do from having great success. But don't get me wrong, I love to do well at everything I do and I also learn a lot from my successes as well.

-rtm

Episode I: "Introduction"

This being my first blog, I would like to kick things off with an explanation of why I am putting this together and to explain the title. I'm not sure how popular this will be, however, that doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things as this is dedicated to my family and friends.After speaking with my sister (Shannon) the other evening I realized how much my family has been wondering where I am and what I am currently doing in my life. She suggested I put together a blog to keep everyone up to date. So, I hope you can get some enjoyment out of it.

My family is my support crew. They are my daily motivation for work, for running, for life. Often when I am running, I think back to the earlier years of my life when we would be at wrestling tournaments all day with my Mom, Dad and brother (Sean) there to support me.  I always felt that I was on top of the world when I stepped onto the mat with my family in my corner.  I figure this is where my confidence came from early in life.

I have been so fortunate in my life with the love and support of my family. There were hardly any events where one of the three were not present, even in college. Not a single one of them has ever missed a National Championship that I have competed in (wrestling or running). How many people can say this?

 ('05 Me, Mom and Sean Thanksgiving Day, post Pie and Glove Race)

('06 Dad and me after my first college win at Haverford College.)

(Last Stride at the NCAA meet fall '06. Shot by Mom or Dad)

Nothing too fancy for the first episode.

Thanks for reading.

-rtm