Tales from the Field — mystery

Sitting at the top of my steps outside of my apartment door, I was struggling to undo the mud encrusted laces of my boot. The labored breathing I could feel in my ears was not unwelcome, but trying to bend over felt as if I might just pass out - I did not want this to be my last road trip adventure. So before I pass out trying to undo my boot laces, let me take you back a few years. I believe it was 2009. I had just, err, finally graduated college, and was looking to find a way...