This year was definitely a new year for me, like nothing prior. I didn’t race but had some fun adventures in the mountains all while visiting six states. Some work trips brought me to different places but the trips I want to remember challenged me. And this is why I write – to remember the challenges and know I can finish what I start; most times.
February kicked things off in Philadelphia, a work trip that took place the week before the Eagles won the Super Bowl. The city turned their buildings green and it was fun to walk around reading cheer signs for the team.
Later, a trip to finally see Monument Valley in Arizona. I’ve been so close to the area but never turned onto the road to see the monuments. I want to go back again and see more.
Read full blog post here.
In March, I stayed closer to home and took a weekend road trip to Boone, Grandfather Mountain, and Blowing Rock with Winnie. It was a low-key adventure with my old dog Winnie who passed away a few months later.
May was a tough month with Winnie gone, getting new floors installed in my house which created chaos, and work problems. Not a great month. However, June was my planned trip to Colorado for a mountain adventure. While I didn’t run the race i signed up for, I went to Rocky Mountain National Park to re-hike a mountain from my 1988 trip.
Leadville calls me – every year. I missed the mark most years she called, but I finally experienced Hope Pass and a big challenge that has been on my mind.
August I went home to New Hampshire to spend time with Mom, Dad, and Jason. A few weeks later headed to music-filled Nashville with my friend Missy to see Alison Krauss, catch a baseball game, and soak up the city’s energy on Broadway.
September I spent a few days in Cherokee, NC for work and rafting on the Nantahala River with colleagues. Then up to Kingsport for the Tennessee Hospitality Conference; two places I’ve never spend time in.
But the most symbolic moment came shortly after. Finally made it to Bismarck, North Dakota, where I reached a big goal: visiting all 50 states. It wasn’t just this place; it was the completion of an important part of goal setting and challenges – taking the plunge and going to new places, even when I was scared.
Looking back on the year, I’m not sure how I feel about it all. It has been a tumultuous year for our country and I read too much news. Despite it all, I did some things, I saw some things, walked and fostered shelter dogs, and tried to be a good person.
I want to remember this year and writing this blog helps me reflect because it all seems so long ago and I forget a lot. I did accomplish one big goal – seeing all the states. It feels similar to finishing all the 4,000 footers in NH list. I have so many lists and I have so much to look forward to.
There is a lot of improvement and goals and dreams for me in 2026. I have no travel plans as of today. No flights or hotels booked. Nothing.
Thanks for reading and following along.