Wednesday, September 3, 2014

When finishing with federal prison, we have to deal with terms of supervised release. A federal probation officer oversees us. As my release-from-prison journal shows, I’ve been writing about my experience since I left prison.

My probation officer in San Francisco gave me a little more clarity on my evolving status. Although he generously supported the early termination of my “supervised release,” as did the U.S. Attorney’s Office and a federal judge, I still have to deal with complications that accompany a term of Special Parole that, apparently, no one else considered. The U.S. Parole Commission is its own entity. Although the federal judge signed an order expressing unanimous consent from all parties that further supervision in my case is unnecessary, that order does not influence the U.S. Parole Commission. Despite the spirit of the parties in agreeing to release me, I am stuck in a quagmire that will require more time. It may be months, it may be years, it may be decades before I’m free. These are further examples showing that we must always expect more in the way of challenge and struggle. Fortunately, I have can rely upon the discipline and energy that carried me through 26 years of imprisonment to empower me through this disappointment as well.

Days since my release from prison: 387

Miles that I ran today: 0

Miles that I ran so far this week: 33.35

Miles that I’ve run during the month of September: 20.05

Miles that I ran so far in 2014: 1,731.04

Miles that I need to run in order to reach my annual goal of 2,400 miles: 668.96

Miles I’m ahead of schedule to reach my 2,400-mile goal by the end of 2014: 108.25

My weight for today: 168