Journal of today’s activities:

I drove to Sacramento to meet with officials from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department today. After 26 years in federal prison, I’m grateful that high level law-enforcement officials welcome me and listen as I speak about the value that our Straight-A Guide Life Skills Program can bring. As I wrote in my book Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-year Prison Term, my transformation began while I was held inside of a large county jail. That’s why I feel so passionate about helping other people in jail. I want others to grasp the message that the decisions they make while living in custody will influence the life they lead upon release. If they prepare themselves well, they can emerge from confinement with values, skills, and resources that translate into success. That was the message I gave to the representatives I met with from the Sacramento Sheriff’s Department.

Following my meeting with the Sheriff’s Department, I drove to meet with Professor Jennie Singer, from California State University, Sacramento. I am going to work with Professor Singer to design research instruments that facilitators can use to collect data from those who participate in our Straight-A Guide Life Skills Program.

I’m very pleased to work with my partner Justin Paperny in building collaborative relationships with law enforcement, academia, philanthropy, the media, and corporate America. Together we can change the wrongheaded commitment to mass incarceration. The innovative progress we make will lead to a more efficient criminal justice system.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 143
• Miles run today: 14.1
• Miles run this week: 46.1
• Miles run this month: 16.3
• Miles run in 2014: 16.3
• Miles I need to run to reach my 2,400-mile running goal for 2014:
• Number of miles I’m ahead of schedule or behind schedule: -3.41
• Today’s Weight: 164.5