Running Across America: Jordan Moon’s Life Journey

Jordan Moon’s journey from military service to running across America showcases how endurance sports can transform lives. His story began like many others – playing ball sports as a kid and viewing running as punishment. But a chance encounter with David Goggins’ book “Can’t Hurt Me” set him on a path that would lead him to running across America. 

A Talent for Running

“I never ran track, I never ran cross country,” Jordan recalls. It wasn’t until he was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas that he realized he might have a talent for running. “The whole squadron would run together, and I’d be finishing in the top three every time,” he says.

Ironman Triathlon 

After leaving the military, Jordan found himself struggling with heartbreak and turning to alcohol more often than he’d like. That’s when he stumbled across Goggins’ book and decided to sign up for an Ironman triathlon, despite never having run more than 10 miles. “I signed up for the North Carolina Ironman. Really out of my comfort zone,” Jordan explains. “I was like, I got eight months to train. I will be fine.”

A Whirlwind of Endurance Challenges 

This decision kicked off a whirlwind of endurance challenges. Jordan ran his first marathon, then an ultra, then a 24-hour race, all in quick succession. Each accomplishment left him asking, “What next?” The answer came during the COVID-19 pandemic when races were being canceled. Jordan had been training for a Boston qualifier when he had an idea that would push him further than ever before. “I ended up coming up with this idea that I think if I gave myself the proper training, I think I could run across the whole country,” he says.

Train at Altitude 

To prepare, Jordan moved to Park City, Utah to train at altitude for 16 months. When the day finally came to start his cross-country run, Jordan had no idea what lay ahead. “You can go in as prepared as you think you are, the best shape of your life, but you have no idea what is going to happen,” he reflects.

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45 Miles Per Day 

The journey took 71 days, with Jordan averaging 45 miles per day without a single day off. “I ran an ultramarathon every day for 71 days,” he says, still sounding amazed at his own accomplishment. For Jordan, the run across America was more than just a physical challenge. It was a transformative experience that taught him valuable lessons about life and himself. “This hard endurance [events], you kind of find out who you are as a person, and you find out your strengths, weaknesses,” he explains. “You figure out what you need to work on, and then you start growing your grit.”

Numerous Other Challenges 

Jordan’s grit has certainly grown. Since completing his cross-country run, he’s tackled numerous other challenges, including the recent Black Canyon ultramarathon. He’s also pursuing a degree in sports medicine and has plans to open his own training facility. “If I didn’t sign up for that first triathlon, man, I’d be in Atlanta right now doing the same old thing I was doing. I probably wouldn’t be too happy with my life,” Jordan reflects.

Focus on the Present 

His advice for others looking to push their limits? Focus on the present and take things one step at a time. “When I was running across America in the beginning, my mind was so focused on getting to New York City,” he says. “I was not focusing on the present. It taught me to become hyper focused for the present and what is happening today.”

Endurance Pursuits and in Life

This mindset has served Jordan well in his endurance pursuits and in life. As he tackles new challenges like starting a business, he applies the same principles he learned on the road. “You have to accomplish these small goals to achieve these larger ones,” he explains. “If you condense it, yes, you’re starting a business, but it starts with that first dollar.”

More Than Physical Achievements 

Jordan’s story reminds us that endurance sports can be about so much more than physical achievements. They can be a path to self-discovery and a more fulfilling life. “I really think I found myself as a person and what I actually love in life literally only five years ago,” he says. Jordan’s message is clear: embrace the challenges, focus on the present, and keep moving forward. “You’re going to have the highs and you’re going to have the lows. When you’re at the highs, you enjoy it. When you’re at the lows, do whatever you have to do to get out of those lows.”

Inspire Others 

With his sights set on future races and new business ventures, Jordan Moon continues to push his limits and inspire others to do the same. His journey from military service to running across America is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. 

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