33 Comments
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Anne, RD & Avery, NBC-HWC's avatar

With running and life, it’s enjoying the process of putting one foot in front of the other. You’ve been training for this all along! Happy New Year, Terrell ❤️

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Right back at y'all! Happiest of new years to you too! ❤️

Jerry's avatar

Always, relentless forward progress. You know how to do this!

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks so much, Jerry! Really appreciate that, my friend.

Kay Parrish's avatar

Terrell ... Just now reading your latest posting. Yes, I remember that great movie Cast Away and I too have walked in your current shoes, several times. What I found is when one door closes another one opens and looking back, when I was at my career lowest, I learned there is a reason for everything in this life and in the end, things worked out for the better!! As you begin this new year may you find your new career place. In the meantime, just know you have many, many followers who will be sending positive thoughts and wishes your way and awaiting your next newsletter. This past year was a hard one for many of us for many different reasons but I for one, depend on your positive encouragement for our mutual running experiences. To you and all the subscribers of this newsletter, may we have a happy, healthy and rewarding new year in all our endeavors. Kay

Terrell Johnson's avatar

That's about the nicest thing anyone could say, Kay! Thank you so, so much for this, as I'll remember it I'm sure in the days and weeks ahead. And, right back at you -- I depend on your (and everyone's) energy here to keep me going. You all keep me motivated too! Hope you have a wonderful, wonderful new year ❤️

Nilima Srikantha's avatar

Interesting,Terrell. One of the few movies I have seen. All I can remember was him pulling his own tooth! I don't remember the crossroads, but when I saw the picture today, I did. Running was very much the same to me as you portrayed it. . .I guess I've moved on since we left Washington and I've gotten older. I'm still rowing. . .only 200,000 or less to reach the 2 million meter mark. You are lucky you got a severance package. . .same happened to by daughter and she was glad, however, the computer gaming field is pretty bleak. She'll go on and find something. . .

Myself, I'm considering a small mobile in a park in Springfield. Or. . . Flat. . . and along the Willamette river where there are trails. I still like to run. . .one of the better things I have done in this life and it would get me out on my own. . .not under the thumb of two people who want to run the life of their elder!

I'm sure it will all work itself out for you. As I've said before, you are too much of an optimist

to let anything get you down. Enjoy your time off and the beginning of 2026. Rainy here today. I've been reading the recipes in the Blue Zone Cookbook. There are a bunch I need to try out! Take Care!

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Right back at you, Nilima! I remember that scene about him pulling his own tooth too -- it was excruciating!

So, are you thinking of moving again? (Is that what you're thinking of, with the mention of the park in Springfield, Oregon?) I love, love, love that you're about to hit 2 million miles of rowing -- how amazing is that?!

The Willamette River sounds absolutely beautiful, by the way -- I love that running alongside it is one of the better things you have done in this life. That's the way I feel too ❤️

Jonathan Young's avatar

When I lost my job three years ago, you were one of the first to support me, Terrell. And you've been there through other crossroads and milestones including this past year's NYC Marathon. Although you're being treated fairly from the sounds of it, losing a job is never easy. Wishing you peace as you soul search for the direction in which to go next. Thank you for all you do.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Jonathan, thank you so much for the kind, encouraging words -- right back at you, my friend, and how are things going for you since NYC? And how did your job search go?

Jonathan Young's avatar

Thank you, Terrell. I’m really looking forward to 2026, and for good things to come to good people. The NYC Marathon was a blast as expected. Much slower than twenty years ago, but my kids showed up to cheer me on and that was a lot of fun. I haven’t done much running since the marathon, and have put on a few pounds. So the new year has come at the perfect time. It’s time to lace up!

The job search was very challenging, toughest job market I’ve seen in 30 years of corporate work. But I made a bunch of new connections and found a role that I’m really enjoying. Goes to show that things happen for a reason. You will certainly find something that’s right for you, either doing what you did before, or something new. The key is connection and you are a pro at that. I’m happy to help however I can.

David Weinstock's avatar

Tom Hanks, standing at the crossroads … facing his “next adventure” (figure of speech) is significant, but it’s the music that comes up that gets to me! 2026 … May it bring good health and joy and success for everyone that’s a part of the THM community.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Amen to that, Dave!

Mary Weber's avatar

Thank you for sharing your wisdom on life and running! Wishing you joy and peace on your quest into the unknown of the new year! ✨️

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Right back at you, Mary!

Corrina T.'s avatar

Praying that you will find the right road for you & your future! 🙏🏼

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you SO much, Corrina -- that seriously means a lot. I've been really encouraged by the friends and former colleagues who've also reached out to help, and hopefully I'll have brighter news on this front for you soon. But for now, messages like this help me feel a little less alone -- so, thank you 🙏🏼

Wendi's avatar

It sounds like you are at peace with the transition, so I am excited to see what comes next for you. We had a brief covo about why being tricky sometimes, so if your dig gets you to a why, awesome, if it just sets you on an exciting path, great. I just hope whatever is next brings you joy and fullfilment.

Feels I am hitting forks in the road this year, in someway feel like I am backtracking to get back to some I should have taken earlier, but we'll see...all part of the journey.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks, Wendi! You know, I am/have been at peace, but then on some days I'm less so. My emotions ebb and flow... also I'm still at my job right now (it doesn't end officially until the end of this month), so it doesn't quite feel real yet. When that happens, I imagine it'll hit home a little more. I'm wishing you all the best with the forks in the road you mention -- sometimes we need to backtrack, you know?

Wendi's avatar

I imagine so, I will be thinking of you as that time approaches!

Fran Gardner's avatar

I’m rooting for you, my friend. I know you will land on your feet, but it is never easy to lose control of an aspect of your life. You are so big-hearted!

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you SO much, Fran! That really does mean a lot 🙏

Clark Rose's avatar

Terrell, I now envision you writing the next thrilling Chapter in your life. And since you are an excellent writer with a good imagination I know it will serve you and your family well until time for a new Chapter. Wherever you land, the organization (profit or non-profit) that embraces you will be the beneficiary of a unique, extraordinary, mature human being ready to contribute 110%. Therefore proceed deliberately, because you will be interviewing them every bit as they will be interviewing you and it must be a Win/Win. Please keep us posted. Your raving fans are with you as you "write" & "elevate" your next Chapter. ♥️👣♥️

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you SO much for that, Clark! That's what I'm hoping, and that's the way I'm trying to approach all of this. I won't lie; there are moments when it's more than a little anxiety-inducing! I think you are so right, though -- this is an opportunity to interview them as well, and find the right fit (and not to jump on anything too quickly before I find that right fit.) Really wise words I'm going to try to remember, my friend! ❤️

Clark Rose's avatar

Yes, never easy when others are counting on you but you have to be happy bringing home the bacon otherwise no one will be happy in the long run. This is the time to "lace up" and clear your head so you can smile and sleep and know you will get what you need AND what you want. All your life experience has prepared you for this next chapter. Make it fun if you can. ♥️

Chris Hansen's avatar

Happy New Year to you, Terrell, and may you find a wonderful new path to your next adventure this year!

Rupa's avatar
Jan 1Edited

I hope the uncertainty will be over soon, and 2026 will be memorable in a positive way for You Terrell. Thank you for sharing; whenever I go through rough patches - besides running (and sleeping) a lot I remind myself that “this too shall pass”

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Same here, Rupa! 😀 I so appreciate the encouragement -- that's great advice.

Debby Jones's avatar

My mom passed away a month ago and I will forever remember her saying "this too shall pass." I find I use it in my own life and have shared it with my children at times. It certainly applies here with Terrell's "situation." The wonderful community of runners he has brought together here is sending all kinds of positive energy his way!!

Diana M. Wilson's avatar

Thinking of you and excited to see what you create next. Happy New Year, T!

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thanks so much, Diana! Me too -- and happiest of new years to you ❤️

Janisse Ray's avatar

Thinking of you, my friend.

Terrell Johnson's avatar

Thank you so much, Janisse! 🙏