A little over a year ago I sat on my bed in Buenos Aires overcome with emotion while watching the live coverage of the New York City Marathon. My dad was running it for his first time and I had wanted more than anything to be there to cheer him on. But I was 3203 km (1990 miles) away…
When my plans to teach English in the Galápagos fell through this fall, I was determined to be in NYC for the Marathon to cheer on Dad in person. It was extremely important for me to make it to the Marathon on November 2nd, but I also wanted to come up with a Plan B to encourage my wanderlust. I realized that the only fulfilling solution was to leave … 6 hours after the Marathon. Africa was awaiting me.
Being able to root on Dad in person was quite special as he was running for Team Boomer, running to improve the lives of those with Cystic Fibrosis. He was running for and encouraged by my brother who battles Cystic Fibrosis every day. Being there to share the experience with my whole family was truly emotional and I know that I made the right decision in postponing my travels. My kiss from Dad at mile nine made it all worth it!
And like that, Dad completed his second New York City Marathon and I was packed and on a plane to Africa.
After a 20 hour plane ride (plus another 6 hours in airports), I finally landed in South Africa to begin leg one of my seven week, three-part African journey. I was to roadtrip from Johannesburg to Cape Town along the coast. Let the adventure begin!
