Journal of today’s activities:

This morning I gave a presentation on our Straight-A Guide to a sales force. It was my first time using this story I’ve lived since 1987 to a group of sales professionals. I enjoyed helping them understand the importance of defining values and goals, and then moving with thoughts and actions that reflect a 100 percent commitment to those values and goals. The team learned from the message. Following that 90 minute presentation, I worked with the leadership of the organization. I was with the CEO, the COO, the CFO, and the sales leaders for several hours. Together we discussed a strategy for moving forward. In light of this opportunity to contribute, together with my responsibilities to our foundation, I’m concluding that it may be best for Carole and me to relocate. We’re now contemplating the challenge of coordinating a transition to Southern California. Life can change quickly, which is why I rely upon the Straight-A Guide to stay focused.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 253
• Miles run today: 0
• Miles run this week: 11.1
• Miles run this month: 172.05
• Miles run in 2014: 908.06
• 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: 172.22
• Today’s Weight: 166

Journal of today’s activities:

This morning I left my house at 4:00 am in order to ensure I was ready to board a flight out of Oakland at 6:00 am. I flew into Orange County and spent the day learning from a man who led a growing sales organization. Over the past year he has hired more than 130 people, but he has churned through them with high turnover rates. Of those 130 people, fewer than 20 remain. The team has delivered more than $100 million in sales over the past year. I am tasked with the challenge of helping him build training tools that will allow the sales force to grow with individuals who truly aspire to be the best in the world at their careers. The thought holds that they can learn from the lessons that guided and inspired me through longer than a quarter century in prison. I appreciate the challenge and I’m confident that I can add value.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 252
• Miles run today: 0
• Miles run this week: 11.1
• Miles run this month: 172.05
• Miles run in 2014: 908.06
• 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: 178.79
• Today’s Weight: 166

Journal of today’s activities:

Now I’m moving into a terribly hectic schedule. A marketing organization in Southern California has invited me to teach a sales force principles and strategies for staying focused. That opportunity challenges me. Rather than being limited to teaching people from at-risk backgrounds, I’ll soon begin teaching and building teams of professionals. In preparation for that challenge, I’ve charted a new course to guide me through the days, weeks, and months ahead. I’ll be moving through new territory and I’m really enthusiastic about making a contribution. These challenges energize me, as I’ll be able to teach more people how to sustain high levels of passion about living a values-based, goal-oriented life.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 251
• Miles run today: 11.1
• Miles run this week: 11.1
• Miles run this month: 172.05
• Miles run in 2014: 908.06
• 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: 185.35
• Today’s Weight: 166

Journal of today’s activities:

I made progress writing additional articles for the new version of our Straight-A Guide today. I’m deliberating whether I want to publish the new articles on the website or develop them further into a handbook. Rather than emphasizing my journey through prison, these new articles emphasize the importance of pursuing excellence in every area of life. I’m writing them as a guide for people who want to reach their highest career potential, showing how deliberate courses of action are more likely to lead to success. I enjoy the contemplative exercise of staring at computer screens, drafting paragraphs, and then spending hours to recraft the language. I enjoy the process of writing. In a few years, when Carole and I have more balance in our life, I may devote time to writing a new manuscript. At this stage in our life, however, I must continue working to build upon our stability.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 250
• Miles run today: 8.93
• Miles run this week: 76.71
• Miles run this month: 160.95
• Miles run in 2014: 896.96
• 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: 180.83
• Today’s Weight: 165

Journal of today’s activities:

I devoted several hours to developing a different version of our Straight-A Guide program today. This new version will help a corporate sales force how to apply the same type of values-based, goal-oriented lessons that lead to higher personal performance. First I wrote an overview essay and then I wrote essays on values and goals. It’s nice to turn my writing attention away from the prison system and to focus on the value of pursuing excellence. I expect to continue working on this version throughout the weekend and perhaps getting in front of a video camera early next week. I have so much work ahead, and I’m grateful for every opportunity.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 249
• Miles run today: 12.91
• Miles run this week: 67.78
• Miles run this month: 152.02
• Miles run in 2014: 888.03
• 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: 178.47
• Today’s Weight: 165

Journal of today’s activities:

Today is my wife’s birthday. I’m so grateful to have Carole in my life. Our busy schedules kept us apart, as Carole was scheduled to work and I was scheduled to meet with my students at San Francisco State University in the afternoon. Several guest speakers made for a lively class this evening. Our first guest was Christine Butera-Ortiz, my former probation officer. Christine retired from her role as a senior federal probation officer last December, but I appreciated the kindness she showed during the time that she oversaw my transition back into society. She helped our students understand more about the role of a probation officer. Following Christine, we heard from Richard Ortiz, Christine’s husband. He also retired as a federal probation officer, and he provided a different perspective to the students. Then, following Richard’s presentation, we heard from Pedro, a guest they brought. Pedro was a young man in his late teens who had once been gang affiliated, but he has since reformed his life. He spoke candidly with our students about juvenile hall and his transformation.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 248
• Miles run today: 14.21
• Miles run this week: 54.87
• Miles run this month: 139.11
• Miles run in 2014: 875.12
• 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: 172.13
• Today’s Weight: 166

Journal of today’s activities:

This morning I woke early, eager to make a second contribution to the city of San Jose’s Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force. Earlier this week I prepared 55 graphical slides to guide me through a PowerPoint presentation. The images may help the audience follow along, and they certainly assist me in staying on point throughout the presentation. I left my house early enough to beat traffic and I arrived at a San Jose Starbuck’s around 6:30 in the morning. I relied upon the Internet access to complete some email work until 7:15. Then I drove to the community center where I was scheduled to lead the seminar and began preparing for the 45 people I expected to attend. In today’s session I spoke about the importance of identifying value categories to guide our decisions. Each time I have an opportunity to share lessons I learned with community leaders I feel grateful. The courageous people who participate on the gang prevention task force really inspire me to work harder.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 247
• Miles run today: 0
• Miles run this week: 40.66
• Miles run this month: 124.9
• Miles run in 2014: 860.91
• 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: 164.49
• Today’s Weight: 165

Journal of today’s activities:

While many people in the United States were anxious about meeting their tax obligation by today’s deadline, I’ve been spending my time preparing for a major presentation that I’m making tomorrow. The presentation’s only last for eight hours, but I spend at least 40 hours working to prepare. Yesterday I thought that I completed the PowerPoint that would guide me, but while rehearsing today I made several changes. In any event, I feel ready to lead the class. I’ll leave my house tomorrow morning at 4:00 am to ensure that I make it to San Jose ahead of all the traffic. I’ll camp out at a local Starbucks until it’s time for me to report, at 8:00.  I’ll teach until 5:00 pm, then I’ll have dinner with Dr. Angela Haick, principal of the Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall. I do not expect to return home until after eight in the evening, so it will be another 16-hour day.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 246
• Miles run today: 12.56
• Miles run this week: 40.66
• Miles run this month: 124.9
• Miles run in 2014: 860.91
• 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: 171.06
• Today’s Weight: 165

Journal of today’s activities:

I spent seven hours today working on the PowerPoint presentation that will guide me through a seminar that I’m going to lead later this week. On Wednesday I’ll work with 50 representatives of the San Jose Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force. I led the first of four seminars in late March, so this will be my second eight-hour presentation on the Straight-A Guide. In this class, I’ll teach participants what I’ve learned about building a set of core values. I’m looking forward to working with the group of community leaders and sharing the lessons that empowered me through the challenges of confinement.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 245
• Miles run today: 12.1
• Miles run this week: 28.1
• Miles run this month: 112.34
• Miles run in 2014: 848.35
• 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: 165.07
• Today’s Weight: 166

Journal of today’s activities:

Several months ago, my friend Justin Paperny recommended that I listen to audiobooks. Since then I’ve purchased a number of books that I listen to while I run. Listening to business authors and speakers assists with my work. Later this week I will lead my second eight-hour workshop in San Jose. Preparing for those seminars takes a lot of time, as it’s essential that I stay in control of the entire session. By listening to these audiobooks, I feel as though I’m making the best use of my time when I’m out running long distances. I also listen while I’m driving. I appreciate these opportunities to stay busy, always working toward the goals I set for myself.

• Days since my release from 26 years in federal prison: 244
• Miles run today: 16
• Miles run this week: 16
• Miles run this month: 100.24
• Miles run in 2014: 836.25
• 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: 159.54
• Today’s Weight: 167