Matt has been an inspiration to me for many years, and I was thrilled when he agreed to join the 1000 Legs for Luke team. You can read his story below. In addition to running crazy distances for fun, he also runs a weekly blog, "Matt's Motivational Monday", which you can subscribe to here. And please join me in supporting Matt's "Journey to 45 Miles" by donating to Live Like Luke of Texas on this page! 100% of donations are used to help families that are battling long-term, life-threatening childhood illness. The mission of LLL is to lessen the financial burdens of these families so they can spend more time together. Learn more at www.LiveLikeLukeOfTexas.org.

- Jordan Noret, LLL Committee Chair

WELCOME TO MY JOURNEY

Forged in the fire by months of early morning runs, two-a-day runs, and sometimes three-a-day runs, Matt has found a way to keep running healthily in his 40s. He has run at least one marathon for the past 3 years. He has recently run two ultramarathons and has his sights on a 3rd one on January 21st. It will be his longest one, 45 miles. 45 miles to celebrate his 45 years on this planet earth.

He was born to a father and a mother who struggled to connect. It would be what some consider an emotionally neglected family situation where emotions were hard to come by. He was just not simply allowed to be himself and no one taught him how to feel all his many emotions. Combine that with being an introvert, an INFJ, a highly sensitive person, with some ADHD tendencies and some autistic qualities set him up with some difficulties in general in life.

But when he runs, he can process and feel things out. He is free. He feels his feelings. He feels out what God might be saying. He is free to fly like a butterfly. He feels his body move. He likes the way he can move his body. He likes the motion. He enjoys talking while running. He enjoys running with others. But also enjoys running solo and alone. Accompanied by his inspirational and motivational music, his thoughts, and God, this is Matt Bryant.

THE JOURNEY TO 45 MILES

On January 21st, I plan to start running at midnight. I have an awesome arsenal of early-morning friends to accompany me on my 45-mile journey.

Henry will ride his bike with me from midnight to 2:00 a.m.

Ryan will run with me from 2:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Eric will run with me from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Brian will run with me from 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Then the 3M Half Marathon starts at 7:30 a.m. and I will run the next 13.1 miles with hundreds and thousands of my newest best running friends and supporters along the 3M Half Marathon route.

MONDAY’S AFFIRMATIONS

1. My gift to the world is for me to be my best self.

2. I use my strengths to my advantage.

3. I am my own biggest cheerleader.

4. Confidence starts with me.

5. I am proud of who I am.

6. I choose to shine my light.

7. My positive attitude is my ally.