Don’t Forget…and Look Forward

2020

Yup…another post about 2020.

It was a year many would like to forget…but we shouldn’t. Forgetting might not produce what we think it will produce.

Life comes with all sorts for challenges. If it didn’t, it might not take us to those “edge-places” where we refine into the best “us” possible. Individually or collectively…challenges can and often do make us better. They often make us better together.

2020 produced lots of good from the bad…

We opened an outdoor culture store. I mean…that’s cool. We persevered through the noise and made it through to the other side of 2020 as well. We got to touch the lives of people stepping out into adventure for the first time…or the hundredth time. We made new relationships with incredible people in the outdoor and bicycle industry. We put people on insanely cool rental bikes and introduced them to super sweet shoes, equipment, and gear. We did it all safely…and we did it with kindness and compassion. We loved every chance to brighten a person’s day. We loved brightening our community as much as we could…and were allowed to. We loved getting to open this store in 2020. And we love the idea of moving forward to all the good that will continue to come.

There are many other good things that we can reminisce upon as well.

Don’t forget.

As well …because of the challenges we faced together…there are many other good things we can look forward to.

Don’t forget.

Here’s to 2020…and to 2021. We’re on this adventure together…in the challenges and in the good.

Don’t forget...and look forward.

Running My Very First Mile

Remember in High School when they made us run a mile for Gym class? Well…that’s the way I remember it at least. I walked it. I received a passing score too because most human beings in their youth can walk a mile under 13ish minutes.

And…

That’s what I did…barely.

It wasn’t until I was in my early 30s that I actually got out and ran (and I do mean ran) a full mile. The first time, I did it in about 12 mins.

And…

It was awesome!!!

It was amazing to accomplish something that really was a thing I always wanted to do, but never applied or disciplined myself to do…or let myself do.

Because…

I had “exercise induced asthma”. It’s what the pediatrician said when I was young. He said it was why I became short winded when I ran.

And…

I chose to smoke cigarettes for so many years before my 30s…destroying my lungs and deteriorating my body with the poison.

And…

I didn’t think I had the time or the right stuff to do it right.

But…

When I ran that first mile ever…I moved beyond those things. And I let my body decide after my mind pushed it a bit farther than it was comfortable with.

And…

I ran more miles…and built longer distanced bases…and kept running for years after.

And…

I ended up participating in an Ironman 70.3 when I turned 40. It was brilliant. Not fast…but brilliant.

And…

That very first mile was the hurdle. It was the mental block I had to overcome to get farther. It was the thing that my mind had to say - “absolutely, without a doubt, I’m gonna frickin’ do it” - to.

And…

I think my first shoes only cost $25 dollars.

And…

I walked out my front door and ran around the neighborhood.

And…

It only took a mile.

And…

That mile was awesome. It was the mile I never ran…before running my first mile. There are many other first miles I hope I keep pressing forward to run as well. They’re worth it.

Hardest run I’ve ever done.

So grateful for the support to finish this one. Me in the center with friends on both sides.

"Here"...En Route.

Hi.

My name is Jason Mezey…and I launched and own Routes Outfitter (with my wife).

20+ years ago I thought I was going to be a punk-rock star. That route never panned out. I’m okay with that.

Every route from there has barely made sense. From High-School Dropout (I did eventually graduate) to Construction Tradesman…to Not-for-profit Ministry Marketing Leadership, it’s been an interesting journey.

Regardless, it’s been a journey that created the Route to “here”.

And where is “here”?

“Here” is simply the “next turn” or “next segment” on a Route that likely won’t end for quite a bit longer (I hope).

“Here” is gratitude for the wonky realness of every adventure before.

“Here” is recognition of people and circumstances that mattered in shaping me En Route.

“Here” is contentment in being a husband and father to amazing human beings.

“Here” is knowing God the Creator through Jesus, who IS deep, deep love and grace. (ask me about it sometime)

“Here” is celebration of wellness and outside…and activities that compel us to embark on even more Routes to find better or deeper versions of ourselves.

“Here“ is an idea that a store and business can be a part of community as a place for kindness, compassion, and really fun stuff.

“Here” is Routes Outfitter…the next segment that hopefully doesn’t “make sense”…but brings huge impact to everyone that it touches.

“Here” is where I am glad to be…En Route to all the great things to come. :)

Here we go…