“No man will make a great leader who want to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.”
(Andrew Carnegie)
The Walk into the Future blog pivoted to more leadership content in the past few weeks. This is not surprising as I look to expand my leadership consulting program and reach potential clients with my content.
Proverbs 27:17 highlight one of my favorite leadership principles: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Iron becomes sharper only through friction. In the same way, leaders grow through relationships and situations that challenge their thinking, stretch their abilities, and refine their character.
The normal trend is for leaders to surround themselves with people who simply agree with every decision. While agreement may feel comfortable, it rarely produces growth. The best leaders intentionally seek colleagues, mentors, and team members who ask difficult questions, offer honest feedback, and encourage continuous improvement.
General Colin Powell has a specific leadership rule that I leverage daily with my team. General Powell states, “If you agree with everything I say then one of us is redundant.” I love that quote! 😊
Healthy leadership isn’t about avoiding friction—it’s about embracing constructive conversations that make everyone stronger. Great teams operate with this mindset. They celebrate successes, challenge for improvements and hold everyone accountable with respect and trust. Their goal isn’t to win arguments; it’s to help shape everyone into better leaders.
Authentic leaders should ask the following questions:
Who sharpens me?
Who am I sharpening?
Am I creating an environment where honest feedback is welcomed rather than feared?
Leadership is not about standing above others. It is about growing alongside the team members. When leaders intentionally sharpen one another, organizations become stronger, cultures become healthier, and people reach their full potential.
As you walk into the future, don’t seek people who simply tell you what you want to hear. Seek those who challenge you to become the leader you were created to be.
My final thoughts highlight leadership is about developing people, not just directing them. The strongest leaders are the ones who continually sharpen themselves while helping sharpen others in their workspace.
Who did YOU sharpen today?
Irie!
Calvin Williams
“Real leadership is leaders recognizing that they serve the people that they lead.”
The quote above is directly from me! Yes, Lynn, I am quoting myself now on the blog. 😊
My Walk into the Future allowed me to head back up to Nashville, Tennessee for the 2026 Nashville Rock N Roll Half Marathon. This was my eighth time with this glorious battle, and I have already signed up for #9 in 2027. I love Nashville and battling the hills and heat are a byproduct of running this race.
The glorious battle concept is listed because I didn’t have the best training cycle preparing for this year’s race. I’m always training but didn’t get in my normal bridge runs as part of my preparation. This is an easy lesson to remember but I didn’t make the time to get up and down on the bridges this year. Fun fact, I signed up for the 2027 version as soon as I got back to my hotel after this run. I’ve also started with my bridge repeats just to make sure my fitness levels are back where I expect them to be. 😊
I changed my routine and flew out of Palm Beach International (PBI) Airport in West Palm Beach, Florida instead of my normal Orlando flights. PBI is only 50 minutes from my house in Fort Pierce and had better flight times than Orlando this year. I had a short layover in Atlanta, but the flight times got me to Nashville around 10:30 am. I was able to pick up my rental car without any issues and made the short drive to downtown Nashville to check out the race EXPO.
I love this EXPO because they bring in a lot of local vendors and have product demos available. I always make my way to the massage areas to see what’s new in that space. I was able to try out leg compression sleeves for about 30 minutes while in the EXPO area. The salespeople are good, but I didn’t purchase a pair. I got my race bib and goody bag and made my way over to Broadway for food, beer and live music.
My first stop was at Rippy’s Honky Tonk for some BBQ, beer and live music. This venue is right on the corner, so it is a great place to watch people walk up and down Broadway. The Stage was my next stop because I love the sound system there and people are friendly. The morning bands are not as good as the later acts but there was a good vibe, and people were dancing at noon on a Friday. Nashville is a great place!
Luke Comb’s, Category Ten was my ultimate stop for the day. This venue replaced the old Wildhorse Saloon, but they did not get rid of the line dancing lessons. They have line dance instructors who lead guests every hour and show two different line dances. Most of the dances they teach are new to me so it’s great the instructors walk you through each one step by step before turning us loose with music. Most people are surprised to see me on the dance floor kicking up my heels, but I love this venue, the music and the people. Yeehaw! 😊
I followed the instructors through two separate line dance sessions and decided to head to my hotel on the Westend to get off my feet and prepare for the battle the next morning. I took a chance and changed from my normal hotel to a brand-new Residence Inn less than a block from where I normally stay. I love the Westend because once you park you can explore the area by walking around and taking in the sights. The Westend has more of a community feel so you can mix and mingle with locals in the bars.
I got to bed early so I could get ready for the Nashville hills on race day. My hotel was a little over a mile from the race start line and I use the walk down as part of my warmup. I arrived at the race site with plenty of time to warm up and stretch. I also followed one of my traditions and made a stop at the First Baptist Church to soak in their hospitality. The church is open to runners and spectators to provide a convenient place to get water, relax and go to the bathroom. The church members are super friendly, and I met the head pastor this year while waiting to go into the bathroom. It’s always great to interact with the First Baptist Church folks!
I made my way to my start corral to mentally lock in for the hills, heat and miles. It was a bit warmer than normal this year but everyone in the start corrals had smiles on their faces and got ready to run NashVegas.
First forward a bit and my first mile went by with a 9:38 pace. Fun fact, this was the fastest mile split I would run on the day. ☹ I didn’t fall apart but there was no extra gear coming today. I realized at the Mile 5 marker that this was not going to be a fast day, so I decided to enjoy the race, the crowds and the sights. I’ve run this race multiple times but I never looked up to see how beautiful the Belmont University campus was. It was like I was seeing the campus for the first time when in fact I just never looked up to take in ALL the sights. I almost stopped to take pictures but that would have taken the running tourist moniker a bit farther. 😊
I finished the half marathon with a little kick and a small smile on my face this year. I knew I didn’t train specifically for this race so decided not to beat myself up based on my time. The effort was there; I just need to match that with the correct training cycle. The 2027 race will be my redemption tour and get me back to running fast in Nashville.
I got my customary photos and beer in the race village before walking back across the bridge to get food. My go to spot after the half marathon is ACME Feed and Seed which sits right on the Cumberland River. I got fried chicken, collard greens and macaroni and cheese bowl. It tastes better each year when I get it. I took a slow walk back to my hotel after lunch to recover, stretch and take a nap.
The rest of my time in Nashville was dedicated to live music, beer drinking and shopping. I made two stops to one of my favorite spots, The Midtown Café. This is an outstanding breakfast and lunch spot. I always find a seat at the bar and enjoy watching the locals come in and out. I recommend this spot if you make your way to Nashville.
Well, that’s my recap of my annual trip to Nashville. I’m looking forward to get back up there for a Titans football game later this year. There may be another Nashville article coming this year. 😊
“A podcast is a great way to develop relationships with hard-to-reach people.”
(Tim Paige)
My Walk into the Future provides a viable platform to share information and my thoughts. I never imagined I would still be blogging eight years from my first article. Thanks to everyone who reads my work!
Ellucian Live 2026 was held in Denver, Colorado this year and this was my second time attending. We made an appearance last year in Orlando, Florida for the same event. Fun fact, Denver is one of my favorite cities and I was excited to get back out there. I was also a featured panelist with several of my outstanding teammates at Indian River State College.
The Ellucian team has been working with Indian River State College on implementing the Banner ERP system. We have been at this for over two years now and the Ellucian representative thought it would be worthwhile for my teammates and me to share some of our Change Management lessons learned during the implementation process.
I never turn down an opportunity to spread Authentic Leadership, and this was an outstanding platform for me to share my thoughts. The panel was moderated by our Ellucian Change Management partner and one of our internal Project Managers. Both ladies are brilliant and leaders in the field of Change Management. We were in great hands for the panel! Thanks, Cathy! 😊
Our panel was scheduled for the first day of the conference and provided us with a prime-time slot , location and access to reach a large audience. Again, we were not sure how many people wanted to hear from a small school in Florida, but our session was full. We had folks from around the country and a few international attendees as well. A nice surprise for the team.
We started the panel with team introductions, so everyone knew who we were and our roles on the team. The panel flowed into questions from our moderators so we could share our thoughts and actions to ensure we had a good Change Management program. I am proud of my teammates for their knowledge and willingness to share their expertise with the attendees. The final 15 minutes were a questions and answers session where attendees grabbed a microphone and asked questions specific to their locations. This was fun for me because it allowed us to come off script a bit and provide real-time solutions for other schools.
We all got an invite to attend another regional conference to share with other groups. I have not seen the written invitation for this request, but we are available to speak with anyone who wants us to join them. Yes, share with anyone you know looking for panelists, key notes and breakout session. 😊There were several folks who came up to speak with us after the panel was over to share contact information and ask follow questions.
My Vice President, Beth Gaskin and I left the panel and headed to our next speaking engagement of the day. We got invited to do the EdUp Experience podcast which was hosted in the lobby of the Denver Convention Center. This session was not scripted, so we fielded questions about leadership, culture building, fun in the work environment and our thoughts on the future of Higher Education. This was an outstanding experience for us, and we had a ball sharing insight with another audience. I’m not sure how many people follow this podcast, but it is a great platform to learn from professionals making positive things happen.
Give our episode a run here: https://www.edupexperience.com/calvinandbeth/. I’m looking forward to getting another invite to speak on this great platform. No pressure, Dr. Jodi Blinco! 😊
We are always looking for adventures and discovered Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube were playing at the Red Rocks Amphitheater. Beth got tickets for the show, and we were off to take in the Red Rocks sights and see two Hip Hop legends in concert. The Red Rocks venue was breathtaking as advertised. The seating is built into the rocks and there was not a bad seat in the venue. We were able to rap along with the Hip Hop legends and enjoyed the show. The entire Marley family is playing Red Rocks in June. I may have to get back there to check them out.
I was able to get in a good run session to test myself against the altitude in Denver. The thin air was a welcome change from the Florida humidity. I was able to handle the altitude without much issue, but I could tell a difference in my breathing after my three-mile journey. It would be great to have altitude training available on a regular basis.
This was a great trip for networking, sightseeing and enjoying the mountain views.
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”
(Lao Tzu)
The Walk into the Future blog provides me space to explore multiple topics and formats. There are times I just want to write about being a running tourist. There are other times when I dabble in a poetic flow. Travel is always a present topic when I sit down to lay down new tracks for blog content. Authentic Leadership helps center me and I will keep bringing it back to my readers to share the benefits on the blog. 😊
In today’s fast-moving professional world, organizations and staff members are searching for something deeper than authority, titles, and polished presentations. They want genuine leaders who are trustworthy and grounded in values. Simple concept, huh? This is where Authentic Leadership continues to stand out as one of the most respected and effective leadership styles in the modern workplace.
Authentic Leadership is not about perfection. It is a leadership style that highlights consistency, honesty, self-awareness, and leading with purpose. Authentic leaders inspire their teams because people believe in who they are—not just in the position they hold.
What Is Authentic Leadership?
Authentic Leadership centers on being true to yourself while building meaningful relationships with others in the organizations. This can be direct reports, organizational partners and the executive leadership teams. Authentic leaders understand their strengths, acknowledge their weaknesses, and lead with transparency. Instead of trying to imitate someone else’s leadership style, authentic leaders embrace their own voice, values, and experiences.
This leadership style creates environments where trust grows naturally, and team members feel valued for their contributions to the mission.
One of the strongest advantages of Authentic Leadership is trust. Teams are motivated when they know they work with a leader who is honest, dependable, and sincere. Staff members can usually recognize when leadership feels forced or disconnected. Authentic leaders remove that barrier by communicating openly and treating people with respect.
Trust becomes the foundation for:
Better teamwork
Increased collaboration
Stronger workplace morale
Greater staff engagement
When people trust leadership, they are more willing to share ideas, solve problems creatively, and support organizational goals.
Authentic leaders do not lead through fear or intimidation. Instead, they empower people by recognizing potential and encouraging growth. They create opportunities for others to lead, contribute, and develop professionally.
This positive leadership approach helps staff members:
Feel appreciated
Gain confidence in their abilities
Take initiative
Become more invested in their work
Strong leaders understand that leadership is not about controlling every situation. It is about helping others become their best selves.
Workplace culture is heavily influenced by leadership behavior. Authentic leaders contribute to healthy organizational cultures because they prioritize honesty, accountability, and communication.
When leaders admit mistakes, seek feedback, and remain approachable, they create workplaces where people feel psychologically safe. Staff members are more likely to speak openly, collaborate effectively, and remain loyal to organizations that value authenticity.
A positive culture built through Authentic Leadership often leads to:
Lower turnover
Higher productivity
Improved communication
Greater workplace satisfaction
Authentic Leaders Inspire Through Action
Authentic Leadership is powerful because it focuses on actions rather than appearances. Staff members are more inspired by leaders who consistently demonstrate integrity than by leaders who simply talk about it.
People naturally follow leaders who:
Stay true to their values
Treat others fairly
Remain calm during challenges
Lead with humility
Show empathy and understanding
Authentic leaders influence others not through authority alone, but through example.
Organizations that embrace Authentic Leadership often experience long-term benefits. Teams become more connected, communication improves, and employees feel a stronger sense of purpose in their work.
Authentic Leadership also strengthens resilience during periods of change. When uncertainty arises, employees are more likely to remain engaged when they trust the leadership guiding them forward.
The most impactful leaders are often remembered not just for results, but for how they made the team feel throughout the journey.
Authentic Leadership summary
Authentic Leadership continues to grow in importance because people value real connection, honesty, and purpose-driven leadership. In a world where leadership can sometimes feel distant or transactional, authenticity creates meaningful relationships that inspire trust and growth.
The strongest leaders are not those who pretend to have all the answers. They are the ones willing to lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and remain true to who they are.
Authentic Leadership is more than a leadership style—it is a lasting approach that empowers individuals, strengthens organizations, and creates positive impact far beyond the workplace.
Fun fact, I practice Authentic Leadership daily! 😊
What’s your leadership style? How can you incorporate Authentic Leadership into your daily interactions?
“10k: It’s too far to sprint, but too short to jog.”
(Unknown)
My Walk into the Future continues to allow me to experience life, adventures, and travel. This is not the most poetic statement I have ever made but I like the clarity it provides for my readers. What do you call your current journey? It may be time to give it a name and share it with your people. Just saying! 😊
I’ve expressed my affinity for the Orlando Track Shack and the folks that run this club. I started running with Track Shack back in 2012 and still consider it my home run club even though I live in Fort Pierce which is about an hour and a half southeast of the club headquarters. No worries, I still get over to the Orlando area to participate in Track Shack events that fit my run schedule.
This was my eighth time running the Winter Park 10k and I enjoy the experience more each year. It is the last race in the Track Shack Running Series, and it attracts thousands of runners to the paved street of Winter Park. The after party is always epic with great food, beer and giveaways. The 2026 Winter Park 10k was not just another run on the calendar for me. It was a checkpoint, a reflection, and a quiet reminder of why I continue to run. I love the experience!
I got to Track Shack after work on Friday to pick up my race bib. The shop was not crowded this year, so it appears most runners got there either the day before or earlier in the day. I was able to go to the front counter and collect my race swag with no issues. I did a quick look around to see if there were new items I didn’t already have in my collection. I got a small bag of CBD gummies on this trip but didn’t see anything else I needed or wanted.
I left Track Shack and headed to Buffalo Wild Wings in Oviedo for my wings and beer. Yes, I’m a creature of habit and normally have the same meal at the same location. Fun fact, I don’t experiment with food or drinks prior to a race. I learned my lessons a few years back.
I made my way across the street to my hotel to get off my feet and relax a bit. I also wanted to get in some extra stretching because my Iliotibial (IT) band has been causing me some issues. The issues have not stopped me from running but there is a bit of discomfort. No excuses! 😊 I went to bed early so I could get up and make the drive back over to Winter Park for the race.
I had to park a little further out than normal this year. I attribute this to the larger race field this year. The additional distance allowed me more warmup time prior to heading to the start line to test myself against the Winter Park brick streets.
I entered the race corral without a preconceived finish time. I wanted to run a solid race and gauge my fitness levels before my longer races coming up in Louisville, Kentucky (10-miler) and Nashville, Tennessee (Half Marathon). I was not out to prove anything but wanted to test myself around the great Orlando running community. I settled into my pace early in the race and focused on my foot rhythm and breathing. It was another humid Florida morning, and I wanted to make sure I didn’t get out too fast.
I started having real conversations with myself at the halfway point. I always have a race strategy and started to focus on ensuring I stayed within myself. The halfway point of this race has a small incline and a lot of runners decided to walk the incline and then start running again. I slowed my pace but kept pushing forward towards the finish line. The voices in my head went away and I just concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other—simple concept, huh? 😊
The thing that made this race meaningful wasn’t just the distance. It was what it represented: another level of growth. At this stage in life, every run is an investment in longevity, clarity, and leadership. Running continues to teach me lessons that carry far beyond the pavement—patience, resilience, and the importance of showing up consistently.
The 2026 Winter Park 10K reminded me that progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s steady, controlled, and deeply personal. And sometimes, that’s exactly what makes it powerful.
Where do you get your power?
Irie!
“Racing is the fun part; it’s the reward for all the hard work.”
“Some of the best memories are made in flip flops.”
(Kellie Elmore)
My Walk into the Future continues to allow me to find new adventures in my daily life. Negril, Jamaica has been my spring break spot for the past 6 years. It’s almost an automatic go to spot for me that most of my friends and family know about.
This year, I took a different approach to spring break, and it turns out it was exactly what I needed.
I must confess that I looked at traveling back down to Negril to stay at my favorite spot, Samsara, on the cliffs. The thoughts of relaxing on the cliffs, drinking rum and finding new reggae spots were very appealing to me. The idea of snorkeling, sun and escaping to Jamaica again sounded perfect. I made a different decision this year, well to be totally honest I waited too late to book my Samsara stay and the resort was sold out for the days I wanted to visit. I am a creature of habit and never considered staying anywhere else but Samsara. Yes, Cathy, Samsara is my spot when I visit Negril. 😊
So, spring break 2026 saw me put my Jamaica dreams on hold, I stayed home this year. No flights, no passport, no getting through the customs process at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. No airport shuttle to take me to the West End of Jamaica and back home to Negril. I was sad for a bit but viewed this as a new adventure. There was no place to rush to, and I saw this as an opportunity to truly relax. I’m not sure anyone has ever heard me say that phrase before. Fun fact, it can happen! 😊
I thought about Jamaica a lot over spring break because I thought I was missing out on fun and adventure. My new revelation during this time was I could slow down and still enjoy myself and it felt great!
Morning routines became intentional instead of rushing to get somewhere. I woke up without an alarm, eased into the day, and allowed myself to just be. There was plenty of time to reflect, read, run and hit the gym. There was no pressure to do it all, just the freedom to do what felt right in the moment.
I experimented with a few new lunch spots in Fort Pierce to expand my rotation. I’m not a foodie but this was an easy way to test out spots for a return trip in the future. A big adventure for me was driving to Costco in Melbourne to walk around the warehouse. It was a simple activity, but it was the highlight of my Wednesday afternoon. 😊
My evenings were just as relaxing. I was able to put my feet up and catch up on Amazon Prime movies. I discovered I had access to a huge library of Kung Fu movies and watched them like a little kid. No, I didn’t try to practice the fighting moves from the movies. I’m a bit too old for that! 😊
What I realized this spring break is that rest doesn’t have to be earned through travel or escape. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is stay still long enough to recharge from within.
Jamaica will still be there. The beaches aren’t going anywhere. But this moment—this pause, this reset—that was something I needed this year. This is a very simple concept but one that was necessary for me to live.
Sometimes, the most powerful getaway… is staying right where you are.
What are your thoughts?
Irie!
Calvin Williams
“Spring break is not a destination; it’s a state of mind.”
The 2026 running season continues to drive me forward. I set an aggressive race schedule for the year and decided to create a new endurance test for myself.
Why? I’m always looking for a new challenge that helps me celebrate life. 😊
My training program is comprised of weekly runs that gradually build up to my weekend long runs. Example: Tuesday 4 miles, Wednesday 6 miles, Thursday 5 miles and Saturday 10 miles. This is an example of a typical training week before I enter marathon training.
So, as you can see, my weekend runs are normally in the double-digit range, so this is no surprise to anyone following my running journey.
The title of this blog article is Double Duty. Why? Great question as always, Melissa. 😊
I found a local 5k in Port St. Lucie on a Saturday morning (2/28/26) and a half marathon in Stuart, Florida on Sunday (3/1/26). Both races are local to me on the Treasure Coast, and I decided running two races over the same weekend sounded fun and was a challenge I have never tried before.
The total mileage was not something that bothered me since I consistently run over 15 miles during a training session when I’m marathon training. I didn’t know how my legs would recover from the 5k in time for the half marathon but I’m not afraid of trying something new.
The Riverland 5k is new in the local running rotation. This was the 3rd Annual running of this race and my first time giving it a run. Riverland is a new development in the Port St. Lucie Traditions area—really nice place.
I didn’t have a preset idea of how fast I wanted to run but I saw this as a test to my fitness levels as I prepare for my running tourist trips (Louisville, Nashville, Lincoln, Indianapolis, etc.). There was a small group of runners at the start line, but everyone seemed to be excited to run. I got a 2-mile warmup in before making my way to the start line. I posted up in the back of the start corral and decided to let the race come to me.
The 5k was on a paved running path that cuts through the Riverland community. It was a simple out and back on the paved path with a few shaded areas. Fast forward and I finished second in my age group with a time of 28:45 which was a 9:14 per minute pace. I felt good throughout the race and was happy with my time, pace and fitness levels. I knew I could have gone a bit faster but didn’t want to sacrifice anything before the half marathon the next day.
I left the Riverland area and drove down to Stuart to pick up my race packet for the 2026 Game On Marathon of the Treasure Coast Half Marathon the next morning. I ran this race back in 2022 but never signed up for it again. It has a double bridge crossing, and I didn’t enjoy that aspect back in 2022. I have a better mental and physical preparation process for bridge runs now so decided to give it another run this year. The EXPO was in Veterans Memorial Park which is in downtown Stuart. This was a no-frills EXPO, so I got my race packet and a few pictures before heading back home to prepare for the half marathon the next morning.
I made my way to 2nd Street Bistro in downtown Fort Pierce to get some carbs in my system. I went with my tried-and-true Chicken Parm dish with extra pasta and Bud Lights. Running is a great way to not have to count calories, so I enjoy this aspect of the running process. 😊
I picked out my race outfit when I got home and then got off my feet to rest up. My bedtime was a bit earlier than usual since I needed to get up and drive back down to Stuart the next morning. It’s about a 35-minute drive so I got on the road in plenty of time to find parking, warm up and stretch before race time.
My legs felt good even though I ran the 5k the previous morning. I didn’t formulate a race strategy while waiting in the start corral. I wanted to run and finish strong and not put too much thought into a specific time—I know that sounds like an excuse but getting to my second start line of the weekend was already a win in my book.
I posted up towards the middle of the race pack and waited for the gun to launch us on our 13.1-mile journey. There was a lot of traffic as we crossed the start line, so I decided to relax at the start and let the race come to me. It always thins out after the first few miles so there was no need for me to be in a hurry at this point.
I was able to run consistent mile splits throughout the first half of the race and felt great at Mile 5 which was the first bridge crossing. The course goes through a local neighborhood after the bridge crossing and there were a few spectators out on their lawns cheering for the runners. The second bridge crossing was at Mile 10, and this is where I struggled a bit. The wind and sun at this point were the elements we had to fight going over the bridge the second time. I slowed a bit here, but I kept battling towards the finish line. Side note—I need to get more incline and bridge work in before Nashville at the end of April. I’m not ready yet! ☹
The last 3 miles were all flat and I was able to make up some time in this portion of the race. I crossed the finish line with a little kick and a large smile on my face. I was smiling because I created a running challenge for myself and I was able to accomplish my task. I made my way into the running village and grabbed food and Gatorade. They didn’t have beer this year so I was disappointed I couldn’t drink at 9 am on a Saturday morning. 😊
No worries, the double duty was complete, and I had a smile on my face. I learned my training needs to improve prior to heading to Nashville but I’m not far off from peak running form. I will get back in the running lab and work on my fitness to ensure my legs are ready for the hills in Nashville and I can enjoy the process.
Double duty was fun—now back to your regularly scheduled program. 😊
Irie!
Calvin Williams
“Running is the answer. The question is irrelevant.”
The Walk into the Future blog is my outlet to share my thoughts and have a creative outlet for my work. I continue to amaze myself as I build content to share with my readers. Who knew I had this much to say! 😊 I’m not this talkative in real life but I’m happy to have this platform to say what’s on my mind or highlight life adventures. The Five-Minute Thursday writing prompt provides me with a new writing toy to continue to develop new levels to my writing process.
This Five-Minute Thursday prompt is: I Love running in cold weather.
Why do I Love Running in Cold Weather?
There’s something special about stepping outside into crisp, cold air and starting a run. A lot of people stay indoors when cold temperatures arrive, but I head in the opposite direction—I lace up my shoes and embrace the chill. 😊
Cold weather running feels refreshing in a way that’s hard to replicate. The air is clean and sharp, filling your lungs with every breath and waking up the senses. Unlike the heavy, humid heat, the cold keeps my body cool and this makes it easier to get into a rhythm and hit my mile markers on my daily runs.
There’s also a mental edge to it. Running in the cold requires discipline, it’s my choice to get out and run in the cold. It’s easy to stay inside where it’s warm, but pushing past that comfort builds resilience. Every mile is a small victory, a reminder that growth often lives just outside of what feels easy.
I also love the quiet that you get with cold weather. Cold mornings are still, with fewer people around and a sense of calm that’s hard to find at other times. It is just me, my breath, my Spotify playlist and the sound of my feet pounding the pavement—a moving meditation.
Completing a run in cold weather is a form of celebration for me! Finishing a cold run brings a deep sense of accomplishment. The warmth that follows, whether it’s a hot shower or a cup of coffee, feels earned in the best way.
For me, cold weather running isn’t just about fitness, it’s about clarity, discipline, and finding energy in the elements. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come when you lean into discomfort instead of avoiding it.
I don’t get a lot of cold weather runs in since I live in South Florida, but I enjoy the few weeks of cold running I get here. I tend to head to northern states for my longer races with anticipation of racing in cold or cooler weather. This works sometimes as I ran my half marathon PR in Hampton, New Hampshire in October 2025. I ran my marathon PR in Atlantic City, New Jersey in October 2025.
I’m heading to Louisville, Kentucky (April), Nashville, Tennessee (April), Lincoln, Nebraska (May), Indianapolis, Indiana, (May), Hampton, New Hampshire (October) and Atlantic City, New Jersey (October) to get in some cooler weather. I’m looking forward to getting a few PRs in this race lineup this year.
“Running is the answer. The question is irrelevant.”
(Unknown)
The Walk into the Future blog returned to Central Florida for the 2026 Town of Celebration Half Marathon. This was my fourth time running this race and I enjoy it more each year.
The Town of Celebration looks and feels like a movie set but it’s a real town and the people are super friendly. They come out of their houses and cheer on strangers who are blocking their streets and daily activities. I’m sure the runners provide a boost to the local economy so maybe that’s why the folks are so friendly. 😊 I’m already looking forward to the 2027 Town of Celebration Half Marathon.
What’s so great about this race and location? Outstanding questions by all my tree branches. The race EXPO, start line, finish line and race village are all within a block of each other in downtown Celebration. They shut the town down to allow runners, walkers, spectators and vendors to take over the streets.
The EXPO is probably the smallest one for any race I run across the country. The EXPO is held in a little park by the lake in downtown Celebration. There are eight tables total with no vendors selling anything. You walk up, give them your name, collect your race bib, get your T-shirt, get a commemorative blanket and then leave. This is the only race that I know of that gives runners custom designed blankets. Yes, I’ve kept every blanket that I received so far—four and counting.
I left the EXPO and took a little stroll in downtown Celebration. There are a ton of little shops and restaurants in the area. I was mostly taking in the sights, but I did make my way into the Celebration Town Tavern to drink beer. This is a lively spot and seems to be the place the locals enjoy the most. There were a few other runners at the bar, but the crowd was made up of Celebration residents. I left the Celebration Town Tavern and made my way to my go to pasta spot, Buca di Beppo. This restaurant is not in the downtown area, but nothing is far in Celebration. I made my way to the bar and worked on my carb loading process. Buca di Beppo is known for large portions, so I made sure to downsize my Chicken Parm order to ensure I didn’t waste food. Great food as always!
I made my way back to my hotel after a little shopping at the local Nike discount store. I never need anything but found a pair of running shorts in a color I don’t already own. Yes, I bought them! 😊 I got my race outfit together and then watched a little TV to relax before going to bed.
I rolled out of bed at 5:15 am to mentally and physically prepare for the half marathon. I like to get in some stretching while at the hotel to limber up my body before driving to the race sight. My hotel was only 10 minutes from downtown, so I didn’t have to rush or worry about not making it to the start line on time. I parked in the same location as I did last year and walked towards the start line—it took me about 5 minutes to get there. I used my time to stretch a little bit more and then got in some light jogging to loosen up my legs before tackling the 13.1-mile course.
The race organizers adjusted the start area this year and had runners line up in assigned start corrals. This was a nice adjustment since the corral start process helps thin out runners at the beginning of the race and eliminates folks from running each other over. I found my spot at the front of Corral #2 and prepared for the race in front of me.
I have run fast at this race in the past, but the weather was a bit warmer than normal. Nothing crazy but it wasn’t cold like I prefer. I decided to run hard for the first portion of the race and then see what I had left to pursue the remainder of the race.
This strategy worked well for me as I felt good throughout the race. I made a point to hit every water stop to take on fluids. I always drink Gatorade and pour water on my head to keep my body as cool as possible during races. I ran consistent splits within the 9:30 – 10:30 range through the first 10 miles of the race. I never found another gear or the energy to push the pace, so I stayed within this range and crossed the finish line with a nice kick and a smile on my face. The crowd at the finish line was loud and they helped the runners finish strong.
I collected my medal, got some finish line photos and my post-race restaurant punch card that allowed me access to eat and drink my way around town. 😊
The race village had complimentary massage and chiropractor tables this year. This was a welcome addition, and I signed up for a physical therapy session on my legs—felt great! I left the physical therapy table and headed over to sample food and drink from the restaurants present.
I started with a beans and white rice dish from a Columbian restaurant. I left this table and headed straight for the beer. Every runner gets two Michelob Ultra beers. I didn’t want to get back into the beer line, so I got both of my beers and walked around double-fisted for a bit. I hit the pancake table right after finishing my beers and had to sit down to enjoy this treat—pancakes with chocolate chips and syrup. The mimosa table was next, and I went two fisted again with these drinks. I found a chair in the race village and enjoyed my drinks and watched runners cross the finish line. I was not in a rush, so I just enjoyed the atmosphere and the happy people around me. It was a good day! 😊
I took the short stroll back to my vehicle and headed back to the hotel to get out of my race outfit and relax a bit. I took a 40-minute nap after showering and then got on the road to head back to Fort Pierce.
This is a hell of a life I lead, huh? Celebrating daily! 😊
Irie!
Calvin Williams
“The obsession with running is really an obsession with potential for more and more life.”
Walk Into the Future 