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But running became a way for me to explore my new surroundings, and make myself at home. I didn’t plan on being a soldier or a runner. All I could think of during the ten weeks of my officer’s basic training course was “what have I done?” My slightly overweight body was in constant shock. I was promptly placed in the “special population.” It had that name because, as my no-nonsense instructor put it, “remedial physical training” had negative connotations. Upon reporting for duty I immediately found out that I was not fit enough to pass the test. This is called the Physical Fitness Test, or PFT. Everyone must be able to run two miles under a certain time, depending on age and gender, along with doing a certain number of push-ups and sit-ups. In the Army, even if you’re a lawyer, you’re required to pass a physical fitness test twice a year. I didn’t start running outdoors until I was told I had to. Military service had never crossed my mind until my best friend from law school convinced me that serving as a judge advocate (a military lawyer) was a great way to get experience trying cases, and also a good way to see the world.
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But after a stint as a paralegal, I decided to get my law degree. For the next few years, I held various odd jobs. After that, I lost all sense of what I wanted to do with my life. Shortly before graduating from college, I lost my mom to cancer. It’s a lonely and often utterly exhausting experience. My career has meant that for almost two decades I have had to relocate every couple years and learn to make each new place home. “The true essence of running is it’s a passage to a bigger world.” -Bart Yasso