Live Long and Prosper

My fellow running monsters,

It has been a long time since I have written anything here. Far too long. Having read Andy's and Lucas's posts, I have been inspired to write something one last time.

I would like to begin by saying, the past four years have been some of the greatest of my life. It was all of you that made those four years great. I honestly don't know if I would have even made it through this last year without your support. Even though I didn't run track, the support you gave me through out the entire year helped give me the strength to be standing where I am today. You have know idea just how much you have helped and inspired me get through college. You guys are great!

The past four years have simply flown by. God has so greatly blessed me by bringing each and every one of you into my life. I will miss (and have missed) running with you. I will miss camp week, the runs at Pike Lake and Lapham Peak. I will miss the great running conversations, the team dinners, and yes, even the monster workouts. But more than anything, I will miss all of you. You are the ones that gave life to my running career over the past four years.

Even though I didn't have the greatest season of running in CC, we had a great run as a team, and I wouldn't trade it in for the best season of running in my life. This season was by far the best of my collegiate career. Winning conference for both the men and the women was a great way to end my collegiate running career. I can't say enough how amazing all of you are!

It was great to see all of you race again at conference this last weekend. Seeing all of you run like that awoke with in me the monster that has been hibernating for so long. I wanted so badly to get out their with you and join you. It made me sad that it is all coming to an end, and I wish I had many more years of running with you. It is a bittersweet ending.

But seasons come and seasons go. We all eventually have to move on. For every end there is a new beginning. So live for every moment that you have left in your collegiate career. It will be over sooner than you know it. I seriously feel like my freshman year just ended. Your senior year really does sneak up on you. Even though I will never again wear the falcon uniform, I'll always be a falcon at heart. I have all of you to thank for that. You are all amazing. I just can't say it enough. Like Lucas said, you are my family away from home. I wish I had more time with you.

So thank you. Thank you for making the past four years of my life as amazing as they were. Thank you for the laughs, the tears, the growth, the struggles, the fun, and the support. Stay falcon awesome!!

So this is it. Goodbye and good luck. I wish you all God's richest blessings on your future endeavors and pursuits. Keep running strong!

Live long and prosper.

Richard


I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8