Finally, at 34 years old, after years of drinking and relying on prescription drugs, Taylor, took inventory of self and started choosing complete and honest sobriety.

Even tracking in the direction we want to go does not guarantee a destination. “Life always catches up with us,” Taylor says. For a long time he believed he was coasting through, unnoticed and unaccountable.

In 2016, Taylor got a phone call in the morning that no parent wants.

Donavan, Taylor and his wife, Pam’s, now 22 years old son, had been killed instantly in a car accident.

The whole family was heartbroken and lost. “Life experiences make us better, not worse,” Taylor will tell you honestly, “Life gives us all roadblocks.” Running is a different way to cope with discomfort. Running is a different way to process the pain instead of escape it. Those road blocks are no longer excuses. Life is gritty, raw, and real.