Walk Into the Future

Category: Lifestyle

Articles discussing lifestyle and walking into the future.

  • Marathon Training and Leadership: The Journey Matters

    “Don’t dream of winning, train for it.”

    (Mo Farah)

    My Walk into the Future continues at the halfway point of 2026. This year has been exciting for me as I explore new adventures and topics for my readers.  Please note, these adventures and topics are exciting to me and I’m happy to share with you—hopefully you are enjoying the journey so far in 2026. 

    Shoutout to Lauren for accepting a new role within the Villanova University Career Center—well done my friend! 😊

    I started reflecting on how to compare training for a marathon and leadership. There are a few things that both have in common.  At first glance, marathon training and leadership may seem worlds apart. One involves logging miles on roads and trails, while the other focuses on guiding people and organizations toward success. However, the more time I spend pursuing both, the more I realize they share many of the same principles.

    Success in both begins with a vision.  No huge revelation there, huh?  Nobody wakes up one morning and accidentally completes a marathon. The journey begins with a clear goal and a commitment to achieving it. Leadership works the same way. Effective leaders establish a vision, communicate it clearly, and create a plan to move forward.

    Whether training for 26.2 miles or leading a team through a challenging project, success starts by knowing where you want to go.  Many new runners believe success comes from one great workout. Experienced marathoners know that consistent training over time produces results. Success as a leader follows the same pattern.

    The most respected leaders are not the people who deliver occasional moments of brilliance. They consistently show up, communicate effectively, support their teams, and make sound decisions day after day.  These small daily actions consistently create outstanding outcomes for the team.  How do you build an ant hill—one grain of sand at a time! 😊

    Every marathon training plan includes periods where progress feels slow. There are days when the miles feel difficult, motivation is low, and improvement seems invisible. Leadership presents similar daily challenges. Organizational change takes time. Team development takes time. Building trust takes time.  Great leaders understand that meaningful progress rarely happens overnight. They remain committed to the process even when immediate results are not apparent.

    Every marathon includes difficult runs and occasional bad weather. Every leader faces obstacles as they attempt to move the team and organization forward. In training, challenging workouts strengthen the body and mind. In leadership, difficult conversations, unexpected setbacks, and periods of uncertainty develop resilience and character. The challenges we face often become the experiences that prepare us for future success.

    Although marathon runners cross the finish line individually, their success is often supported by coaches, training partners, family members, and friends.  Thanks Jayla, Lauren and Lynn! 😊

    Leadership is no different. Strong leaders recognize that success is a collective effort. They invest in relationships, empower others, and understand that accomplishments are rarely achieved in isolation.  The strongest leaders know how to build strong teams.

    Marathon training includes many small victories before race day: completing a long run, reaching a new distance, or achieving a personal best.  Leadership journeys should include celebrations as well. Recognizing progress boosts morale, reinforces positive behaviors, and reminds teams that their efforts matter.  Success is not just about reaching the finish line—it is about appreciating the journey.

    Marathon training has taught me lessons that extend far beyond running. It has reinforced the value of discipline, resilience, patience, and purpose—qualities that define effective leadership. Both journeys require commitment and demand perseverance. And both remind us that the most rewarding accomplishments are earned one step at a time.  This seems to be a recurring theme. 😊

    As you continue your own leadership journey, remember that progress is made through consistent forward movement. Just like a marathon, leadership is not a sprint. It is a long-term commitment to growth, improvement, and helping others reach their potential.

    Keep moving forward. Your future is waiting.

    Irie!

    Calvin Williams

    “Everything you wanted to know about yourself, you can learn in 26.2 miles.”

    (Dr. George Sheehan)

  • Iron Sharpens Iron: The Power of Mutual Growth

    (ChatGPT designed image)

    “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.”

    (Pete Hoekstra)

  • Nashville in pictures

    “To travel is to live.”

    (Hans Christian Andersen)

    The running tourist returned to Nashville for the 2026 Rock N Roll Half Marathon back in April.

    Here are a few of the sights and scenes from my trip–enjoy! 😊

    (Honky Tonks on Broadway)

    (Opry Mills)

    (Downtown NashVegas!)

    I’m looking forward to my return trip to Nashville! 😊

    Irie!

    Calvin Williams

  • 2026 Nashville Half Marathon

    “What a glorious battle we had today.”

    (Calvin Williams)

    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. 😊

    Irie!

    Calvin Williams

  • The Power of Positive Leadership

    “A leader is a dealer in hope.”

    (Napoleon)

    The Walk into the Future blog decided to get back into writing a bit more on leadership.  Everyone who follows this blog knows I identify as an Authentic Leader.  This is the leadership style that resonates with me the most.  Fun fact, Authentic Leadership leverages aspects from other leadership style with Positive Leadership being one of those.

    Positive Leadership: Leading with Purpose, Energy, and Impact

    Leadership has evolved far beyond simply managing tasks and directing teams. In today’s work environment, team members are searching for leaders who inspire confidence, encourage growth, and create environments where they feel motivated to succeed. This is where Positive leadership becomes a transformative force.

    Positive leadership is not about ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. Instead, it focuses on leading with optimism, encouragement, resilience, and purpose while bringing out the best in others. Positive leaders understand that attitude and culture have a direct impact on performance, morale, and long-term success.

    So, what is Positive leadership? Great question, Jayla! 😊

    Positive leadership is a leadership style centered on empowering people, building meaningful relationships, and creating environments where staff members can thrive. Positive leaders focus on strengths rather than weaknesses and encourage collaboration instead of fear-based management.

    This leadership style emphasizes:

    • Emotional intelligence
    • Respectful communication
    • Personal and professional growth
    • Building a strong workplace culture

    Positive leadership creates momentum by helping team members believe in themselves and in the mission.

    Staff members perform at their highest levels when they feel valued, respected, and motivated. Leaders set an emotional tone for organizations, teams, and departments. A leader’s mindset often influences workplace energy, productivity, and morale.

    Positive leadership matters because it helps create:

    • Better teamwork and collaboration
    • Stronger workplace relationships
    • Improved resilience during change

    When leaders consistently bring positivity into the workplace, they help reduce unnecessary stress and create environments where people feel encouraged to contribute their best work.  There will be times when the leader does not feel like being positive but emotional intelligence helps leaders maintain a positive approach in the work environment.

    One of the greatest strengths of positive leadership is its ability to strengthen team dynamics. Positive leaders recognize individual strengths and create opportunities for employees to grow and succeed.

    Instead of focusing solely on mistakes, they provide constructive feedback while also celebrating progress and achievements. This balanced approach builds confidence and encourages continuous improvement.

    Teams led by positive leaders often experience:

    • Greater trust
    • Open communication  
    • Stronger collaboration  

    People naturally work harder for leaders who believe in them.

    Every organization faces obstacles, uncertainty, and periods of change. Positive leadership helps teams remain resilient during difficult times. Leaders who remain calm, encouraging, and solution-focused help others maintain perspective and confidence.

    Positivity in leadership does not eliminate challenges, it helps teams navigate them more effectively.  This mindset creates stability and trust even during stressful situations.

    Positive leadership recognizes that staff members are more than job titles or productivity numbers. It values the human side of work by prioritizing empathy, communication, and connection.

    Leaders who genuinely care about people often create stronger workplace cultures because employees feel appreciated and respected. Small actions such as listening actively, recognizing effort, and showing gratitude can significantly improve morale and engagement.

    Positive leadership reminds organizations that success is built through people first.

    In a world where workplace stress and uncertainty are common, positive leadership stands out by bringing encouragement, resilience, and purpose into everyday interactions.  The most effective leaders are not always the loudest voices in the room. Often, they are the individuals who uplift others, inspire beliefs, and create cultures where people are motivated to grow together.

    I’m not abandoning Authentic Leadership but looking to merge these two leadership styles more in my daily interactions.  These leadership styles provide a strong foundation for organizational growth, team development and building great relationships.

    How can you leverage Positive leadership into your daily interactions?

    Irie!

    Calvin Williams

    “The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.”

    (Harvey S. Firestone)

  • Authentic Leadership Continues to Grow

    “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?

    Irie!

    Calvin Williams

    “None of us is as smart as all of us.”

    (Ken Blanchard)

  • 2026 University of Louisville 10-miler

    “As we run, we become.”

    (Amy Burfoot)

    My Walk into the Future continues to explore new races and new states in 2026.  I made a concerted effort to find races in states that I have never visited and leverage this as part of my running tourism program.  My newest adventure allowed me to race in Louisville, Kentucky and then cross the river into Clarksville, Indiana.  This equals two new states for me in one trip –economical. 😊

    I searched multiple sites to find a race in Kentucky that would allow me to experience the culture and get some sightseeing in.  Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby and has multiple stops on the Kentucky Bourbon trail.  The University of Louisville 10-Miler was attractive because of the distance, the state of Kentucky, the Bourbon Trail and proximity to Indiana.  I leveraged a similar tactic last year when I doubled up with Wisconsin and Iowa.  Two states with one trip.

    The University of Louisville 10-Miler was a great experience from start to finish.  I flew out of Orlando because there were direct flights to Louisville.  The flight was uneventful and I was able to sleep the entire way up.  The Muhammad Ali International Airport had a lot of personality and was easy to navigate.  I made my way to the rental car counter and my adventure was on.

    My first stop was the race EXPO which was held within the L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on the University of Louisville campus.  The EXPO was not huge, but it was the first time I experienced an EXPO in a college football stadium.  I got my race bib and my customary pictures.  There were not a ton of vendors, so I decided to explore the city a bit before settling in.

    My hotel was in downtown Louisville, so I decided to explore a bit.  GPS showed I was only 10 minutes away from Clarksville, Indiana so I made my way across the river to get in my second state of the day.  I searched for and found Buffalo Wild Wings in Clarksville and made my way there to carb load, eat wings and drink beer.  There were several shopping centers close by, so I made my way over to do some window shopping while in Indiana.  I still needed to get back to the hotel to get off my feet and hydrate prior to race day.  I headed back across the river to Louisville and posted up in my hotel room to stretch, hydrate and mentally prepare for the 10-Miler. 

    The University of Louisville 10-miler is the grand finale of the Louisville Triple Crown of Running which is a three-race series that builds anticipation, endurance and community within the local running community.  This race is a little different than most when I travel.  I was surprised to learn the race start line was right outside the main entrance to Churchill Downs.  There was a sense of history in the air being this close to the famed venue.  There were close to 3,000 runners lined up to tackle the 10-Miler and an 8k race.  I’ve never seen another event listing an 8k, but it seems to be a popular race distance in Louisville. 

    I posted up in Corral B for the start of the race.  I couldn’t tell which runners were competing in the 10-miler or the 8k.  There were three different bib colors, and everyone was mixed in the corrals.  FYI, I didn’t do a good job of researching the course and found out there were steep inclines in my near future.  This isn’t a flat, easy cruise.  Lesson learned!  The course winds through some of Louisville’s most iconic areas, neighborhood streets, scenic stretches, and the rolling terrain of Iroquois Park. The hills don’t just test your legs—they test your mindset.

    There’s a point in every 10-Miler where the race becomes less physical and more mental. For many runners, that moment comes somewhere around miles 6–8. It hit me at mile 5 when the hills in Iroquois Park started to get steeper with every step.  I had to find a different level of mental support to get me up and over the hills during this portion of the race.

    The weather was warmer than I expected but there were a lot of tree lined streets on the back end of the course.  This provided a small level of comfort and helped me move towards the finish line.  This race provided multiple experiences, and the finish line sets it apart from others.  Runners enter the L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium to finish on the 50-yard line.  There were folks sitting in the stadium and every runner was displayed on the Jumbotron.  I found a little kick and put a smile on my face as I crossed the finish line.

    The University of Louisville 10-Miler is more than miles and medals. It’s:

    • A celebration of discipline
    • A test of resilience
    • A community coming together

    From the post-race tailgate with music and food to the shared stories among runners, the event reminds you why you started running in the first place.

    I decided to explore Louisville and the surrounding area after I got my nap in after the race.  Multiple friends gave me advice on places to visit.  My first stop was the Angel’s Envy Bourbon Distillery.  I’m not a Bourbon person but I was excited to give it a try and signed up for a free tasting session.  We were able to taste multiple Bourbons and were given a full understanding of how to sip and what goes well with Bourbon.  Turns out you can mix a piece of chocolate with your distilled liquor.  Who knew?! 😊

    I ventured down to the Louisville Slugger Museum and got a chance to explore the history of the famed bat making organization.  There were tours of the museum, but I decided to just walk around on my own.    I ventured into a few other distilleries but didn’t do another tasting session.  It started to rain during my walking adventure, so I made my way back to the hotel and relaxed a bit.  This was a quick trip up to Kentucky, so I kicked back in the hotel and reflected on my adventures over the weekend.

    I’m not sure I will run this race again but I’m happy I got a chance to explore Kentucky and Indiana on this trip.  I will continue to look for new races in new states to expand my Walk into the Future running adventures.

    Where are you traveling next?

    Irie!

    “Run often. Run long. But never outrun your joy of running.”

    (Julie Isphording)

  • 2026 Winter Park 10k

    “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.”

    (Kara Goucher)

  • Poetic Flow: Free Form

    “A poem is never finished, only abandoned.”

    (Paul Valery)

    The concept of life can be lost in the little things

    Don’t strive to understand what this means

    Live the life and appreciate the process

    Of making a change in the world

    With minimum steps that lead to larger things

    Get comfortable with the little things

    That brings the joy you need in the process

    Of moving forward and ensuring that you

    Reach the goals that you dream about

    And achieve the things that mean

    You have achieved the success that signifies

    The little things build momentum towards your dreams

    Irie!

    Calvin Williams

    “Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance.”

    (Carl Sandburg)

  • Spring break 2026

    “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.”

    (#ConnectEveryMoment)