Running Every Street: A New Challenge to See What’s Out There
Running has always been my space to think. It is where I clear my head, work through ideas, and find clarity. It is my happy place.
After finishing my second full marathon in December, a huge accomplishment that I am still proud of, I started asking myself, “What’s next?” I have never been one to sit still for long, so along with training for another half marathon, I have taken on a new challenge that is already changing the way I see my community.
It’s called Run Every Street. The goal is simple. Run every street in your town. I am just getting started, but I am already hooked. Right now, I am at 6.73% complete, with 60 streets down out of 891. That’s 275 miles in total to cover. I have barely scratched the surface, but it is amazing what I have discovered already.
Just the other day, I came across a sign explaining the history of Old King’s Road, the first graded road built in Florida. I have lived here for years and had never noticed it before. That’s the beauty of this challenge. It forces you to slow down and really see what’s around you. I am not just logging miles. I am uncovering stories and pieces of history that I would have missed otherwise.
The idea to do this came from a recent Rotary leadership training, where the message was all about knowing your community and finding new ways to give back. That resonated with me. Rotary has always been about service and making a difference, and this challenge feels like an extension of that. It is about being present in your community, learning its history, and understanding where help is needed.
In many ways, this challenge reminds me of the journey of running a business. Just like with Run Every Street, building a successful company requires showing up consistently, paying attention to the little things, and staying curious about what’s out there. When I started Iris Communications, I had a vision but did not know where every road would lead. I had to put in the work, take one step at a time, and trust the process.
With running, I can’t skip any streets if I want to complete the challenge. In business, the same principle applies. Every relationship, every opportunity, and every lesson adds up. You don’t always see the results immediately, but over time, the path becomes clearer. I’ve learned that growth, whether personal or professional, comes from staying consistent, being open to discovery, and embracing the unexpected.
I love that this challenge pushes me physically, but also connects me to the place I call home. Each street tells a story, and with every step, I am learning more about the people and places that make up our community. Just like in business, when you stay engaged and committed, you uncover opportunities and insights that can’t be found from a distance.
I am excited to keep going and see where this journey takes me. Who knows what I’ll discover next?
