My journey started with a pair of shoes and a goal to run every day for 2 weeks. Well those two weeks turned into 1 year.. 2 years.. 3 years.. and we're still going. We've built a whole community around running every day. It changed my life. After year two I knew I wanted to challenge myself in a way I had never done before. I told myself I would run across the country but it had to be bigger than me; It had to be about more people and be something that could bring change in some way. That’s when I found Soles4Souls. Soles4Souls is a nonprofit turning unwanted shoes into opportunity. They collect used and new shoes and clothing and put them to good use by providing relief, creating jobs, and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty. I grew up in West Africa, Mali, and when you’d get a new pair of shoes you had to make sure you took care of it because that would be your only pair of shoes for the next few years. Soles4Souls is a company whose mission my past and present align with perfectly. All you need to go for a run is a pair of shoes and I know exactly how far just 1 good pair of shoes can take someone. I’m hoping that along with inspiring people and my community, this run pulls everyone together and unifies the country during these times where it feels so divided. Running is so special to me because no matter what your height, weight, age, ethnicity, education, or income is, anybody can get out there and do it. You don’t need anything crazy and you don’t need any experience. It’s amazing to see people from all walks of life on a journey together and running is the one sport I’ve seen it most. I’m excited to share my journey with the world and run across the United States. About 3,200 miles, 100 days or less, no matter the circumstances. Let’s get it, let’s go!