Hmmmm, how to even begin. I guess just a character at a time to match each pedal stroke for Paul. There have been many words thrown around the last ten days: superman, extraordinary effort, unbelievable, vicariously pedaling with you. They are all true, but truly fail to in anyway capture what is happening here. It would take a truly gifted writer to put it on paper, alas that is not me.
The true essence of this is really much more closlely related to a feeling or an emotion that transcends vocabulary. It is more like that most meaningful piece of music that takes you to a different place you have never been to. The joy and sorrow it can yield are very pronounced.
Historically many types of cultures and people have develpoed tests of strength, ability, toughness, etc. Many of this may seem cruel by todays standards, many may not understand this endeavor of Paul's. It really is not about that at all. What comes out of all this pain and hardship is the ability to answer that essential core question of who are you. Paul's motto is "racing from the heart." I truly saw that Friday as Paul rode with his heart exposed and open to all. The toughness of this section of the course after 2500 miles all ready passed was mind-blowing. How did he do it, what kept him going, why, why, why. Well it is really quite simple. Paul knows and believes in his inner self which is expressed in his "race from the heart" theme.. So I
Challenge all of you, on Paul's final day of his RAAM journey, to be as brave as Paul and ask yourself, am I living my inner theme. Have I challenged or pushed myself lately to make every moment count.
Thank you Paul, and thank you to all his followers on this trip. What a great land to match Paul Danhaus becomming one with his life's theme.
Paul Danhaus "Racing from the Heart"
Sincerely,
Your very humble crew member
John