I have been doing a lot of self assessment over the last week. Mostly I have been thinking about the run...but honestly, I have been doing a lot of thinking about my first 46 years and what I want to accomplish in the second 46.
Run or life...
What went right? What went wrong? What motivates me? Where have I been? Where do I want to go? (San Diego...on foot...35 miles a day!)
Frankly, sitting on the sidelines is not where I want to be. Professionally or personally, I would rather fail spectacularly versus blend in.
I also want to set a bigger goal for helping veterans.
Even though Run Across America Part 1 went sideways, I am 10X smarter for it on five levels.
I have a plan in writing. I have a few things I need to firm up before I announce it...
Stay tuned.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Run Suspension
It is with great sadness and profound personal disappointment that I have to announce that MyRunAcrossAmerica has to be suspended.
My shin/ankle injury is one that is going to take some real time to recover from. I awoke this morning with continued swelling (albeit a bit less than yesterday's ugliness) and slow dull throbbing pain. I put on an ankle brace and attempted to walk (painful but doable) and then attempted to jog slowly. It was apparent within 500 feet that running on my leg was not going to be possible. The docs that I have come into contact with have all mentioned weeks of staying off of it.
Here is today's view...obviously, this is not what a normal human ankle should look like.
I kept hoping that somehow, I could defy gravity and keep the run going. My thinking is probably like a lot of people..."rules only apply to others on this kind of stuff". 4-6 weeks of downtime? Me? Nope...1-2 days and I can beat this.
On one hand, I feel like Evel Kneivel must have felt when the parachute deployed half way across his jump across the Snake River...embarassed, in denial and a bit like someone who belched out loud at a funeral. I don't feel good as I write this.
On another hand, I feel positive. I ran 50 miles a day 8 days out of the first 10 days on the road. I was able to call attention to two great charities that called people's awareness to a level where they felt like donating. Your donations totalled $9,000-ish. I nearly made it across three states running. I met some amazing and cool people like John/Melissa Teeples, the farmer on the Green Tractor, Susan Granger, Ian and John. I am a better person for the last 16 days. Really.
I have a ton of people to thank. First John Garcia...your communications help has been spot on. Carolyn Hardy...your amazing commitment of time, energy and thought to make MY dream come true makes you a friend for life. Dr. Dave Albenberg, your friendship, medical advice and mental nudging was invaluable. because of your efforts Dr. D, I lasted a week more than I probably had the right to. Mark Nowling and John Glover at Charleston Bicycle Company...thanks for the support and use of CBC as a launch pad. Germaine Ward, thanks for the food at send off! Others to thank include Kristin Jiles, Bobbi Jo Price, Zucu Bermann and Judy Truong.
I also want to thank Tom Spengler and Emery Jones of Granicus. It is a rare occasion to get the support from an employer that I received from you both. I appreciate it and will repay the favor.
I also want to thank and acknowledge Freedom is Not Free and Soles4Souls. These are two charities that I can and will support in the future. I especially want to call attention to our military people. Our veterans deserve all of our awareness, attention and thanks. There are people RIGHT NOW sitting in foxholes/behind sand bags away from family and friends, in miserable conditions...just to give us the safety and Freedom to do what we want to do on a daily basis. I can attempt to run across the United States because of some the fathers, mothers, sons and daughters who are out there putting it on the line every day. Don't forget what is going on overseas and that someone is likely paying the ultimate sacrifice for each of us today.
My biggest thanks go to my wife, father in law and mother in law.
My wife has put up with 16 months of training, every gripe I had about aching this or hurting that and the nastiest laundry ever. She worked harder than I did to make this trip possible with no expectations or thoughts other than to be a great partner and friend to me. I love my wife and appreciate her for all she has done. I cannot say thank you enough.
My in-laws are also amazing and I appreciate them. Imagine asking your in-laws to sit in a a chase vehicle or RV following you across the country at 6 miles per hour, working tirelessly every day to get stuff ready for the next day and then getting up and doing it all again. I am in your debt Bill and Dee. You are two really special people.
Finally, thank you all for the support and well wishes along the way. Most of you, I do not know personally. However, you supported me the whole way. I totally appreciate you and the energy you gave me on this effort.
You may have noticed I have used the word suspension in the blog post title. This is carefully chosen. I do plan on finishing this run in between my next work assignments. It may be 18 months or 36 months or so from now, but I plan on coming to Demopolis, AL, smarter for what I have done so far and finishing this adventure.
I will be taking this blog and my Facebook page down in 7 days. I figure that should do it.
Me? For now? I am going to meander west in the RV and think about that last 16 days...
Thanks.
My shin/ankle injury is one that is going to take some real time to recover from. I awoke this morning with continued swelling (albeit a bit less than yesterday's ugliness) and slow dull throbbing pain. I put on an ankle brace and attempted to walk (painful but doable) and then attempted to jog slowly. It was apparent within 500 feet that running on my leg was not going to be possible. The docs that I have come into contact with have all mentioned weeks of staying off of it.
Here is today's view...obviously, this is not what a normal human ankle should look like.
I kept hoping that somehow, I could defy gravity and keep the run going. My thinking is probably like a lot of people..."rules only apply to others on this kind of stuff". 4-6 weeks of downtime? Me? Nope...1-2 days and I can beat this.
On one hand, I feel like Evel Kneivel must have felt when the parachute deployed half way across his jump across the Snake River...embarassed, in denial and a bit like someone who belched out loud at a funeral. I don't feel good as I write this.
On another hand, I feel positive. I ran 50 miles a day 8 days out of the first 10 days on the road. I was able to call attention to two great charities that called people's awareness to a level where they felt like donating. Your donations totalled $9,000-ish. I nearly made it across three states running. I met some amazing and cool people like John/Melissa Teeples, the farmer on the Green Tractor, Susan Granger, Ian and John. I am a better person for the last 16 days. Really.
I have a ton of people to thank. First John Garcia...your communications help has been spot on. Carolyn Hardy...your amazing commitment of time, energy and thought to make MY dream come true makes you a friend for life. Dr. Dave Albenberg, your friendship, medical advice and mental nudging was invaluable. because of your efforts Dr. D, I lasted a week more than I probably had the right to. Mark Nowling and John Glover at Charleston Bicycle Company...thanks for the support and use of CBC as a launch pad. Germaine Ward, thanks for the food at send off! Others to thank include Kristin Jiles, Bobbi Jo Price, Zucu Bermann and Judy Truong.
I also want to thank Tom Spengler and Emery Jones of Granicus. It is a rare occasion to get the support from an employer that I received from you both. I appreciate it and will repay the favor.
I also want to thank and acknowledge Freedom is Not Free and Soles4Souls. These are two charities that I can and will support in the future. I especially want to call attention to our military people. Our veterans deserve all of our awareness, attention and thanks. There are people RIGHT NOW sitting in foxholes/behind sand bags away from family and friends, in miserable conditions...just to give us the safety and Freedom to do what we want to do on a daily basis. I can attempt to run across the United States because of some the fathers, mothers, sons and daughters who are out there putting it on the line every day. Don't forget what is going on overseas and that someone is likely paying the ultimate sacrifice for each of us today.
My biggest thanks go to my wife, father in law and mother in law.
My wife has put up with 16 months of training, every gripe I had about aching this or hurting that and the nastiest laundry ever. She worked harder than I did to make this trip possible with no expectations or thoughts other than to be a great partner and friend to me. I love my wife and appreciate her for all she has done. I cannot say thank you enough.
My in-laws are also amazing and I appreciate them. Imagine asking your in-laws to sit in a a chase vehicle or RV following you across the country at 6 miles per hour, working tirelessly every day to get stuff ready for the next day and then getting up and doing it all again. I am in your debt Bill and Dee. You are two really special people.
Finally, thank you all for the support and well wishes along the way. Most of you, I do not know personally. However, you supported me the whole way. I totally appreciate you and the energy you gave me on this effort.
You may have noticed I have used the word suspension in the blog post title. This is carefully chosen. I do plan on finishing this run in between my next work assignments. It may be 18 months or 36 months or so from now, but I plan on coming to Demopolis, AL, smarter for what I have done so far and finishing this adventure.
I will be taking this blog and my Facebook page down in 7 days. I figure that should do it.
Me? For now? I am going to meander west in the RV and think about that last 16 days...
Thanks.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Day 15...sidelined
Feeling pretty bummed at the moment. I got up this morning hopeful that I could at least walk out some miles. Unfortunately, my ankle/shin (my sister Dana called it my shankle) swelling did not go down and in fact has spread. Walking is painful.
I talked with Dr. Dave and he said that the swell spread is not necessarily indicative of anything. It is more likely a result of fluids etc having no where else to go. He agreed with me staying off of it today.
I am going to stay off of it today...
Lots of mental jabbering in my head. Frustration mostly. Worry, for sure. Hope that I can get it back on the road. The sad part is that the rest of my body is feeling like Superman. You are only as strong as the weakest link and right now, my shankle is the weak link.
Looks like I get to catch up on news, work issues and bad TV. And that SUCKS.
I talked with Dr. Dave and he said that the swell spread is not necessarily indicative of anything. It is more likely a result of fluids etc having no where else to go. He agreed with me staying off of it today.
I am going to stay off of it today...
Lots of mental jabbering in my head. Frustration mostly. Worry, for sure. Hope that I can get it back on the road. The sad part is that the rest of my body is feeling like Superman. You are only as strong as the weakest link and right now, my shankle is the weak link.
Looks like I get to catch up on news, work issues and bad TV. And that SUCKS.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Day 14: Ankle...again...
We got an early start to the day today. It was dark and the alarm clock that wakes up the roosters had not yet gone off!
After a couple of hours, I had to pull to the side again. My ankle had swelled bigger than it had before. 12.2 miles in. My ankle is actually below the lump you see. The swelling is up on my shin about 2 inches from where your foot flexes.
My lovely wife and in laws rightly chastised me. The doctor had told me not run on Friday. What do I do? Run back to back 50 mile days Saturday and Sunday. So, now I have to pay the piper.
I am likely going to shift my strategy and shift to 35 mile days for a while. This will hopefully allow me to regroup and repair.
I am not stopping this run, but I need to change my approach.
E
After a couple of hours, I had to pull to the side again. My ankle had swelled bigger than it had before. 12.2 miles in. My ankle is actually below the lump you see. The swelling is up on my shin about 2 inches from where your foot flexes.
My lovely wife and in laws rightly chastised me. The doctor had told me not run on Friday. What do I do? Run back to back 50 mile days Saturday and Sunday. So, now I have to pay the piper.
I am likely going to shift my strategy and shift to 35 mile days for a while. This will hopefully allow me to regroup and repair.
I am not stopping this run, but I need to change my approach.
E
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Day 13, A tale of two runs...
I experienced both sides of the coin today.
The day started GREAT! We got a decent early start, even though we lost an hour on the Daylight Savings time change. I was starting my run in the dark at 6:08!
The first 27 miles of the run, I was flying! I completed them right at 4 hours. I felt strong, the coolness of the morning gave me energy and I was thinking that I was either going to finish 50 in record time or get time to make a few miles back!
We had no contact with people today. Everyone was either asleep, in church or otherwise not at all interested in my little adventure. But we had lots of fun with cows! (errr, maybe that did not sound so good!)
The cows seem to all take notice when I run by. First there is a little curiousity, then BAM, they all take off running like I am going to turn them into t-bones or something. Hey Cows! I don't eat meat! You got the wrong dude! It is really comical. Today we came across 5-6 herds that all acted the same. A little curiousity and then heading for the hills. I suspect that they are frightened of something that smells worse than they do!
Here is an example of typical cow behavior!
The second half of the day? The wheels fell off in an ugly way. On mile 46 I bonked. Not just your regular, run of the mill bonk...but a full fledged, I am ready to pass out now bonk. I got some food into me and then walked another mile before telling myself that I was done for the day. The goal is to live to fight another day not split my head open passing out on US Highway 80 outside of Selma!
So, not so bad! 47 miles in 8 hours flat! I continue to be optimistic about this trip!
The day started GREAT! We got a decent early start, even though we lost an hour on the Daylight Savings time change. I was starting my run in the dark at 6:08!
The first 27 miles of the run, I was flying! I completed them right at 4 hours. I felt strong, the coolness of the morning gave me energy and I was thinking that I was either going to finish 50 in record time or get time to make a few miles back!
We had no contact with people today. Everyone was either asleep, in church or otherwise not at all interested in my little adventure. But we had lots of fun with cows! (errr, maybe that did not sound so good!)
The cows seem to all take notice when I run by. First there is a little curiousity, then BAM, they all take off running like I am going to turn them into t-bones or something. Hey Cows! I don't eat meat! You got the wrong dude! It is really comical. Today we came across 5-6 herds that all acted the same. A little curiousity and then heading for the hills. I suspect that they are frightened of something that smells worse than they do!
Here is an example of typical cow behavior!
The second half of the day? The wheels fell off in an ugly way. On mile 46 I bonked. Not just your regular, run of the mill bonk...but a full fledged, I am ready to pass out now bonk. I got some food into me and then walked another mile before telling myself that I was done for the day. The goal is to live to fight another day not split my head open passing out on US Highway 80 outside of Selma!
So, not so bad! 47 miles in 8 hours flat! I continue to be optimistic about this trip!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Day 12, back on the road!!!!
To say I started the day a bit pensive would be fair.
Though the swelling in my leg had receeded quite a bit, there was still a little tenderness and a slight bump on my leg. I was unsure what I would face once I got on the road.
Today, the weather was f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s! It started a bit cool (32 degrees), but warmed up to a nice 70 plus over the course of the day.
About mile 15-ish I was greeted by Roxy Wishum and Michelle Bond of Montgomery. They came out to run with a few miles with me and keep me company. I was glad for it. They were both very nice people and though my pace slowed, it was a good thing. I think I needed the extra little break to allow my body to catch up.
They kept me company for 4-5 miles before shaking hands, grabbing a pic and making a donation to Freedom is Not Free!
Great to meet you both if you are reading this!
I learned something new today about my body that I am going to confirm in the coming days. Because of the desire to nurse my injury, I went to a 20 minutes of running and 2 minutes of walking pattern. This, in the last few hours went to a 9 minutes running, 1 minute walking pattern. This left me very fresh at the end of the day and nicely fueled and hydrated. It may be the magic formula for me!
All in all I had a great day! 50 miles in a slow, but steady 8:38. I am not far behind my target for Day 12. Since we took a rest day yesterday, I will not take a rest day on Monday. This will put us within a day's run of being on schedule. We allowed for three "Murphy's Law" days, so if I can get to Day 20 or so and not lose more time, we are right on target!
Here is my post run wrap up!
Tomorrow, Selma and heading to the Mississippi border!
Though the swelling in my leg had receeded quite a bit, there was still a little tenderness and a slight bump on my leg. I was unsure what I would face once I got on the road.
Today, the weather was f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s! It started a bit cool (32 degrees), but warmed up to a nice 70 plus over the course of the day.
About mile 15-ish I was greeted by Roxy Wishum and Michelle Bond of Montgomery. They came out to run with a few miles with me and keep me company. I was glad for it. They were both very nice people and though my pace slowed, it was a good thing. I think I needed the extra little break to allow my body to catch up.
Great to meet you both if you are reading this!
I learned something new today about my body that I am going to confirm in the coming days. Because of the desire to nurse my injury, I went to a 20 minutes of running and 2 minutes of walking pattern. This, in the last few hours went to a 9 minutes running, 1 minute walking pattern. This left me very fresh at the end of the day and nicely fueled and hydrated. It may be the magic formula for me!
All in all I had a great day! 50 miles in a slow, but steady 8:38. I am not far behind my target for Day 12. Since we took a rest day yesterday, I will not take a rest day on Monday. This will put us within a day's run of being on schedule. We allowed for three "Murphy's Law" days, so if I can get to Day 20 or so and not lose more time, we are right on target!
Here is my post run wrap up!
Tomorrow, Selma and heading to the Mississippi border!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Day 11, Part 2!
Went to specialist. He studied MRI at length and could see no stress fracture. He ended up diagnosing inflammed tendons on top of foot. He said I could "walk" tomorrow. To me that means lets try jogging.
He said to keep the ice on it and to wear the "boot" that I got yesterday when I am not running.
I am very, very excited about this. The prospects of having to potentially bow out due to injury really made me sad!
Big time thanks to Dr. Dave, who questioned the original diagnosis and correctly called the issue based on the photos and my description!
Tonight's MP3 loop?
He said to keep the ice on it and to wear the "boot" that I got yesterday when I am not running.
I am very, very excited about this. The prospects of having to potentially bow out due to injury really made me sad!
Big time thanks to Dr. Dave, who questioned the original diagnosis and correctly called the issue based on the photos and my description!
Tonight's MP3 loop?
Day 11...Resolve!
My swelling is down and my spirits are high this morning.
I am icing, taking anti-inflamatories and staying off my leg as much as I can.
After talking with Dr. Dave extensively last night and Dr. Troy this morning (thanks again, John T.), the current plan, no matter what the specialist tells me today, is to continue on tomorrow.
I will start slow, jog a bit, walk a bit and see what my body will allow me to get away with. There is no reason, with me being 15% into this that I cannot recover and move along. If this was a baseball game, we are only in the top of the 2nd inning...lots of game left to change.
7:30 miles are probably not in my near future, but if I can average 5 MPH, I can do 50 miles in 10-11 hours. I can do this with a run/walk/shuffle.
I will use today to recover a bit, realign some of the stuff in the support vehicle and approach to the run that have been nagging me a bit, but not enough to fix every night. One of thes things is to figure out how to get more calories in. Pants that I started in are hanging loosely!
As I close, thank you for the out pouring of get well wishes, prayer and support. I will prevail. Period.
AT Moore of Alone and Unafraid sent me this poem a while back. I like it....especially the last paragraph....I think it applies here.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed. (Okay, maybe it is just my leg!)
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
No more updates today. Tomorrow, I am going to get an early start and march on!
I am icing, taking anti-inflamatories and staying off my leg as much as I can.
After talking with Dr. Dave extensively last night and Dr. Troy this morning (thanks again, John T.), the current plan, no matter what the specialist tells me today, is to continue on tomorrow.
I will start slow, jog a bit, walk a bit and see what my body will allow me to get away with. There is no reason, with me being 15% into this that I cannot recover and move along. If this was a baseball game, we are only in the top of the 2nd inning...lots of game left to change.
7:30 miles are probably not in my near future, but if I can average 5 MPH, I can do 50 miles in 10-11 hours. I can do this with a run/walk/shuffle.
I will use today to recover a bit, realign some of the stuff in the support vehicle and approach to the run that have been nagging me a bit, but not enough to fix every night. One of thes things is to figure out how to get more calories in. Pants that I started in are hanging loosely!
As I close, thank you for the out pouring of get well wishes, prayer and support. I will prevail. Period.
AT Moore of Alone and Unafraid sent me this poem a while back. I like it....especially the last paragraph....I think it applies here.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed. (Okay, maybe it is just my leg!)
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
No more updates today. Tomorrow, I am going to get an early start and march on!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day 10...a Day at Baptist Hospital in Montgomery, AL
Disappointment - a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
Today, I spent the majority of the day in the ER of Baptist Hospital. 13 miles or so into today's jog, I felt a sharp pang on my left lower leg...about an inch or two up from the flex point between the foot and the leg.
I stopped and took a look. Not seeing anything out of sorts, I walked a bit and then decided to continue to run. This run/walk/run/walk went on for a mile or so. By this time, my leg had swelled and started to change color. Bill and I chatted and agreed it looked bad enough to take a trip to the hospital.
The lump is a ring around the front of my shin.
This is my ankle. Obviously, ankles are not supposed to blend into the leg like this. Cankles on men..totally not cool.
Long story short. After an xray, an MRI and a few doctor chats, semi conclusions were reached. One, a suspected stress fracture along my ankle bone on the left foot. Two and potentially, a ray of hope, that it is just some inflamed tendons. A third idea, is potentially both have occured.
I have an appointment with a specialist tomorrow to figure out what exactly is going on. Either way, lots of swelling and tenderness rule the day.
My current thinking? I am obviously not having an emotional high. I am looking at 16 months of effort, 10 days of great progress, thousands of dollars spent, and my pride all in the face. When the doctor came back from the MRI saying "it is a stress fracture, your run is over", I teared up a bit before I was able to fight it back. My biggest fear is of not finishing this adventure. I don't want to be a quitter. I have invested too much in this to go down this way.
I am likely to try to run again the day after tomorrow, no matter what the Dr. says. Maybe not 50 miles, but I am going to try to see what my body will let me get away with. Two days worth of anti inflammatories and ice and maybe I can get back on the road.
That is my hope as I close this day.
Today, I spent the majority of the day in the ER of Baptist Hospital. 13 miles or so into today's jog, I felt a sharp pang on my left lower leg...about an inch or two up from the flex point between the foot and the leg.
I stopped and took a look. Not seeing anything out of sorts, I walked a bit and then decided to continue to run. This run/walk/run/walk went on for a mile or so. By this time, my leg had swelled and started to change color. Bill and I chatted and agreed it looked bad enough to take a trip to the hospital.
Long story short. After an xray, an MRI and a few doctor chats, semi conclusions were reached. One, a suspected stress fracture along my ankle bone on the left foot. Two and potentially, a ray of hope, that it is just some inflamed tendons. A third idea, is potentially both have occured.
I have an appointment with a specialist tomorrow to figure out what exactly is going on. Either way, lots of swelling and tenderness rule the day.
My current thinking? I am obviously not having an emotional high. I am looking at 16 months of effort, 10 days of great progress, thousands of dollars spent, and my pride all in the face. When the doctor came back from the MRI saying "it is a stress fracture, your run is over", I teared up a bit before I was able to fight it back. My biggest fear is of not finishing this adventure. I don't want to be a quitter. I have invested too much in this to go down this way.
I am likely to try to run again the day after tomorrow, no matter what the Dr. says. Maybe not 50 miles, but I am going to try to see what my body will let me get away with. Two days worth of anti inflammatories and ice and maybe I can get back on the road.
That is my hope as I close this day.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 9! Weather! Also, 9 days in...what is happening physically?
As I type this, we are in the third hour of a lightening and torrential rain storm! I am watching the local news and there is ugly weather all around us. We knew this would likely be the case today.
We tried to get out early and were able to get 18 miles in before the weather circus started.
And when it started, it came on fast! We had to stop running as the deluge was unsafe for Bill back in the SUV as well as me. Visibility was literally less than 200 feet. With big trucks flying by, we took a break. I did get back on the road...
It got to be too dangerous out in the lightening and heavy rain...so, we knocked off early. A little extra rest and we are sharpening the knives for tomorrow.
I am not worried or deterred. We knew there would be days like this.
I thought I would spend a few minutes describing what is happening to me physically over the last 9 days.
Lets start from the bottom...
My feet are only mildly chewed up. I have 3-4 blisters on my right foot. I have been getting them because I have had to run off the road a bit as traffic dictates. The side of the road is uneven and chunky causing me to plant my feet a little differently. I SuperGlued the worst one (thanks Skippy at Granicus for giving me that tube!)back to the bottom of my foot and it seems to be okay.
Legs? I have a small case of shin splints on my left. Not enough to bother me. Just a nice "Hello! I am your left shin. You may have forgotten about me, but I am here to remind you that I can make you hurt!" My left knee seems to have simmered down quite a bit. No issues.
Mid Section, abs, etc. No issues!
Shoulders! One of the things I had not anticipated is pain in my shoulders from the constant back and forth motion on my arms. At night, it really hurts the most. I have been taking Advil for that and it seems to have helped. However, it is pretty painful.
Sunburn! Even though I have been putting on sunscreen, I have been burned a few times.
I am eating like a pig and still losing weight. Literally, eat from 3:00 in the morning until I go to sleep. If I wake up at night before my 3:00 breakfast call, I eat! 8,000 calories is hard to get down...day in, day out.
Anyways, I think thats a wrap. I am ready for a run tomorrow!
E
We tried to get out early and were able to get 18 miles in before the weather circus started.
And when it started, it came on fast! We had to stop running as the deluge was unsafe for Bill back in the SUV as well as me. Visibility was literally less than 200 feet. With big trucks flying by, we took a break. I did get back on the road...
It got to be too dangerous out in the lightening and heavy rain...so, we knocked off early. A little extra rest and we are sharpening the knives for tomorrow.
I am not worried or deterred. We knew there would be days like this.
I thought I would spend a few minutes describing what is happening to me physically over the last 9 days.
Lets start from the bottom...
My feet are only mildly chewed up. I have 3-4 blisters on my right foot. I have been getting them because I have had to run off the road a bit as traffic dictates. The side of the road is uneven and chunky causing me to plant my feet a little differently. I SuperGlued the worst one (thanks Skippy at Granicus for giving me that tube!)back to the bottom of my foot and it seems to be okay.
Legs? I have a small case of shin splints on my left. Not enough to bother me. Just a nice "Hello! I am your left shin. You may have forgotten about me, but I am here to remind you that I can make you hurt!" My left knee seems to have simmered down quite a bit. No issues.
Mid Section, abs, etc. No issues!
Shoulders! One of the things I had not anticipated is pain in my shoulders from the constant back and forth motion on my arms. At night, it really hurts the most. I have been taking Advil for that and it seems to have helped. However, it is pretty painful.
Sunburn! Even though I have been putting on sunscreen, I have been burned a few times.
I am eating like a pig and still losing weight. Literally, eat from 3:00 in the morning until I go to sleep. If I wake up at night before my 3:00 breakfast call, I eat! 8,000 calories is hard to get down...day in, day out.
Anyways, I think thats a wrap. I am ready for a run tomorrow!
E
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Day 6 and 7 recap!
Day 6 was a rest day and what a day it was. Day 7 was my best run day yet, but more on that later.
First, I want to say thank you publicly to John and Melissa Teeples. These people opened their home, fed our team like kings, treated us better than family and also ensured we were on target around the city of Columbus as we moved around to two speaking engagements and other errands. I cannot begin to extend enough gratitude to them. It was a lesson in class. Thanks John and Melissa.
On Monday we had a busy day, even for a rest day. First, I got an opportunity to speak to 170ish college students who bypassed spring break to build houses for Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge. It was fun and it was inspiring to me to see kids doing good!
Then, we got a private tour (as the museum was officially closed) of the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, GA. WOW. I highly recommend it. It really put some perspective on what our veterans have given up so that we can drink our Starbucks, watch Beverly Hills Housewives and keep track of Charlie Sheen in freedom and peace. The curator's story of the latest inductee into the museum's Hall of Valor left NO dry eye's. (A 19 year old kid who threw himself on a grenade on purpose to save four of his fellow soldiers.)
Then it was off to Big Dog Running Company where I got to talk about my run to 30ish people. It was fun, I had about 15 minutes of talk and got nearly 30 minutes of questions.
Today, I had Day 7 of my run. It was ideal. Weather? Perfect! Physically feeling? Perfect!
I had a full accompanyment the whole 50 miles. John Teeples ran with me the first 3-4 hours. We were joined by Brenda, wife of the manager at Big Dog Running about hour 3. We were also joined around mile 22 by Ian and John, members of the Columbus State University track team. These two guys, who normally run 15-16 minute 3 milers trotted out 28 miles or so with me and ended up crossing from GA into Alabama with me.
I had a great day today running. I completed 50.5 miles at 8 hours exactly. Perfect.
Again, all I have is thanks for the people I met during my stay in Columbus. If all of the people in Columbus are as friendly as I met, this place is Utopia. I cannot send enough positive vibes back to these people.
Tomorrow looks to be a mental challenge. We are slated to get 2-3 inches of rain over the course of the day. I am going to slop it out as best as I can. It definetly looks like it will peg the suck-o-meter.
E
First, I want to say thank you publicly to John and Melissa Teeples. These people opened their home, fed our team like kings, treated us better than family and also ensured we were on target around the city of Columbus as we moved around to two speaking engagements and other errands. I cannot begin to extend enough gratitude to them. It was a lesson in class. Thanks John and Melissa.
On Monday we had a busy day, even for a rest day. First, I got an opportunity to speak to 170ish college students who bypassed spring break to build houses for Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge. It was fun and it was inspiring to me to see kids doing good!
Then, we got a private tour (as the museum was officially closed) of the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, GA. WOW. I highly recommend it. It really put some perspective on what our veterans have given up so that we can drink our Starbucks, watch Beverly Hills Housewives and keep track of Charlie Sheen in freedom and peace. The curator's story of the latest inductee into the museum's Hall of Valor left NO dry eye's. (A 19 year old kid who threw himself on a grenade on purpose to save four of his fellow soldiers.)
Then it was off to Big Dog Running Company where I got to talk about my run to 30ish people. It was fun, I had about 15 minutes of talk and got nearly 30 minutes of questions.
Today, I had Day 7 of my run. It was ideal. Weather? Perfect! Physically feeling? Perfect!
I had a full accompanyment the whole 50 miles. John Teeples ran with me the first 3-4 hours. We were joined by Brenda, wife of the manager at Big Dog Running about hour 3. We were also joined around mile 22 by Ian and John, members of the Columbus State University track team. These two guys, who normally run 15-16 minute 3 milers trotted out 28 miles or so with me and ended up crossing from GA into Alabama with me.
I had a great day today running. I completed 50.5 miles at 8 hours exactly. Perfect.
Again, all I have is thanks for the people I met during my stay in Columbus. If all of the people in Columbus are as friendly as I met, this place is Utopia. I cannot send enough positive vibes back to these people.
Tomorrow looks to be a mental challenge. We are slated to get 2-3 inches of rain over the course of the day. I am going to slop it out as best as I can. It definetly looks like it will peg the suck-o-meter.
E
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Day 6...Cold, Wet and Windy
Day 6 was the toughest running day so far of this little adventure. If there was ever a day for me to start crying like a 4 year old and saying over and over "I want my mommy!" it was today.
It started out with buckets of rain. Gallons and gallons of cold wetness that soaked me to the bone. That was not bad enough so mother nature decided to throw in a steady 20-25 mile per hour wind and temperatures that never climbed above 48 or so. There were moments where I actually felt like I was running in place and not making any progress.
It was a constant internal mental battle debating two paths; "taking one of my extra rest days" versus manning up and grinding it out. Manning up won the contest today! 8:58 minutes to do 50.1 miles. I threw the extra .1 on the day as a special "you can try, but you will not beat me" message to myself and the clouds (as if they cared).
Once again, we had very little interaction with people. I suspect most people were huddled at home doing Sunday things on warm, soft sofas with great food and company. I was the only crazy person out there on the road for most of it.
We did have one guy flag us down on motorcycle, a Vietnam vet who liked what were doing enough to give us $4. I caught the end of it on video.
We are staying with John and Melissa of Big Dog Running Company. They have a beautiful place John has built himself out in the country. They are the two most nicest people I believe I have ever met. They through us a spread last night fit for a king and have given us the run of their home. We are thankful to you John and Melissa. (P.S. John got in to BadWater this year...I am going to crew for him if he allows me!)
This is a rest day. I am going to be doing some resting for sure, but I also have two speaking engagements: One for about 300 college kids who John is helping with a Habitat for Humanity Home Building Challenge. I also have one at Big Dog's Store where I will be speaking to a local running club.
Finally, my top three observations about the last 6 days.
1) There are still some amazingly good and caring people out there.
2) Running 300 miles in 6 days is hard, but not impossible...certainly not for sissies.
3) I am so thankful for my wife, mother and father in law for the help they have given me.
Ed
It started out with buckets of rain. Gallons and gallons of cold wetness that soaked me to the bone. That was not bad enough so mother nature decided to throw in a steady 20-25 mile per hour wind and temperatures that never climbed above 48 or so. There were moments where I actually felt like I was running in place and not making any progress.
It was a constant internal mental battle debating two paths; "taking one of my extra rest days" versus manning up and grinding it out. Manning up won the contest today! 8:58 minutes to do 50.1 miles. I threw the extra .1 on the day as a special "you can try, but you will not beat me" message to myself and the clouds (as if they cared).
Once again, we had very little interaction with people. I suspect most people were huddled at home doing Sunday things on warm, soft sofas with great food and company. I was the only crazy person out there on the road for most of it.
We did have one guy flag us down on motorcycle, a Vietnam vet who liked what were doing enough to give us $4. I caught the end of it on video.
We are staying with John and Melissa of Big Dog Running Company. They have a beautiful place John has built himself out in the country. They are the two most nicest people I believe I have ever met. They through us a spread last night fit for a king and have given us the run of their home. We are thankful to you John and Melissa. (P.S. John got in to BadWater this year...I am going to crew for him if he allows me!)
This is a rest day. I am going to be doing some resting for sure, but I also have two speaking engagements: One for about 300 college kids who John is helping with a Habitat for Humanity Home Building Challenge. I also have one at Big Dog's Store where I will be speaking to a local running club.
Finally, my top three observations about the last 6 days.
1) There are still some amazingly good and caring people out there.
2) Running 300 miles in 6 days is hard, but not impossible...certainly not for sissies.
3) I am so thankful for my wife, mother and father in law for the help they have given me.
Ed
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Day 5...
So, I have made it to and through Day 5. I know that there are a lot of miles ahead of me, but today marks the passing of 10% of the run! That is a milestone I am glad to hit. Several people who have done this run advised me that if you can make through the first 10-12 days, magic happens and your body says "bring it" for the rest of the run.
Today was a tad harsh. It started with a bit of rain and did not let up all day. At first, I did not mind it. However, as the day went on, the rain picked up and the temperature (mid-50s) did not, my muscles started to tighten up. I had to put on rain gear.
Running in the rain along a decently travelled state highway was rough. Every truck that went by me would spray a mixture of cold, dirty mist right at me. Also, the puddles were not a joy to splash through! Cold and wet, they seemed to make me feet weigh 10 pounds more!
We had no interaction with people today on the road. I was the only knucklehead out on the road and not in a car. We got lots of horn beeps and raised thumbs...but no stoppers. It was raining hard enough to dissuade anyone from wanting to chat.
All in all, I did 44 miles. I did cut it short by a few of the planned route, but the cold, wet weather was stiffening me up to the point where I was worried about pulling something.
Tomorrow, Day 6...crossing through to 300 miles in week one! Rest Day Eve! Columbus, Georgia, here we come!
Today was a tad harsh. It started with a bit of rain and did not let up all day. At first, I did not mind it. However, as the day went on, the rain picked up and the temperature (mid-50s) did not, my muscles started to tighten up. I had to put on rain gear.
Running in the rain along a decently travelled state highway was rough. Every truck that went by me would spray a mixture of cold, dirty mist right at me. Also, the puddles were not a joy to splash through! Cold and wet, they seemed to make me feet weigh 10 pounds more!
We had no interaction with people today on the road. I was the only knucklehead out on the road and not in a car. We got lots of horn beeps and raised thumbs...but no stoppers. It was raining hard enough to dissuade anyone from wanting to chat.
All in all, I did 44 miles. I did cut it short by a few of the planned route, but the cold, wet weather was stiffening me up to the point where I was worried about pulling something.
Tomorrow, Day 6...crossing through to 300 miles in week one! Rest Day Eve! Columbus, Georgia, here we come!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Day 4 Recap!
Today was the perfect running day. Cool, overcast, low winds...you cannot ask for more.
I started the day at about 3:00 a.m.. I get up at that time to eat my first 1-2,000 calories for the day. This morning I had two bowls of cereal, 4 spoons of almond butter, 2 nutrition bars, a can of Dr. Pepper and a bottle of Ginger Soother. I then went back to bed for a few hours to let the food digest.
The run started well. About 8 miles in we came across two horses. Funny, now that I look at the video, I understand why they ran...it looks like when I jumped across the ditch to see them, I made a shoosh motion! I wanted to pet them...beautiful.
I struggled about mile 12. We took a long break and my left knee acted up when I started running again. It took about 30 minutes of run/walk/run/walk before it simmered down. I ended up running hard after that. As I type this, I am icing it down!
The highlight of the day was a gentlemen named Bill Wilson. Bill pulled his truck along side of me somewhere in the middle of Georgia and asked me how far I was going, what I was running for etc.
Bill then reached into his wallet and cleaned it out...$17 for FINF. This is the third time this has happened. All three times it gave me goosebumps. I hope as this continues to happen that I don't lose this amazing sense of awe that people would do this. It is truly amazing to me that my run has had an impact.
Here is a video of one of the stops.
My crew had a mishap today. I have purposely not wanted to know the maps or directions for each day. I get disoriented, confused etc as the day unfolds and the last thing I want to do is to have an opinion on the route. The crew tells me to go left, right or straight. Today, the crew directed me 37 miles SE versus west...we actually went out of our way by nearly 50 miles. It did not matter, I ran 50 miles and will start out where I should have ended today.
I started the day at about 3:00 a.m.. I get up at that time to eat my first 1-2,000 calories for the day. This morning I had two bowls of cereal, 4 spoons of almond butter, 2 nutrition bars, a can of Dr. Pepper and a bottle of Ginger Soother. I then went back to bed for a few hours to let the food digest.
The run started well. About 8 miles in we came across two horses. Funny, now that I look at the video, I understand why they ran...it looks like when I jumped across the ditch to see them, I made a shoosh motion! I wanted to pet them...beautiful.
I struggled about mile 12. We took a long break and my left knee acted up when I started running again. It took about 30 minutes of run/walk/run/walk before it simmered down. I ended up running hard after that. As I type this, I am icing it down!
The highlight of the day was a gentlemen named Bill Wilson. Bill pulled his truck along side of me somewhere in the middle of Georgia and asked me how far I was going, what I was running for etc.
Bill then reached into his wallet and cleaned it out...$17 for FINF. This is the third time this has happened. All three times it gave me goosebumps. I hope as this continues to happen that I don't lose this amazing sense of awe that people would do this. It is truly amazing to me that my run has had an impact.
Here is a video of one of the stops.
My crew had a mishap today. I have purposely not wanted to know the maps or directions for each day. I get disoriented, confused etc as the day unfolds and the last thing I want to do is to have an opinion on the route. The crew tells me to go left, right or straight. Today, the crew directed me 37 miles SE versus west...we actually went out of our way by nearly 50 miles. It did not matter, I ran 50 miles and will start out where I should have ended today.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Day 3 quick Recap
Tough day today.
The morning started great. Cool weather greeted my first 20 miles and I made decent time. As the day aged, the sun picked up, the wind picked up and the rolling Georgia hills only seemed to go up!
We had little interaction with anyone. The area is sparsely populated...we saw more dogs than people.
We did have one amazing encounter outside of Millen. Bill was flagged down by 91 year old Roy Godbee. Roy saw our sign and car sporting American flags and wanted to know what we were up to. Roy walked away with a RAA t-shirt after writing Freedom is Not Free a check.
I have a couple of blisters on my right foot...otherwise, I am doing great. Hopefully Day 4 does not beat me up as badly as today.
Pics and videos of today will be posted when I get a better connection!
The morning started great. Cool weather greeted my first 20 miles and I made decent time. As the day aged, the sun picked up, the wind picked up and the rolling Georgia hills only seemed to go up!
We had little interaction with anyone. The area is sparsely populated...we saw more dogs than people.
We did have one amazing encounter outside of Millen. Bill was flagged down by 91 year old Roy Godbee. Roy saw our sign and car sporting American flags and wanted to know what we were up to. Roy walked away with a RAA t-shirt after writing Freedom is Not Free a check.
I have a couple of blisters on my right foot...otherwise, I am doing great. Hopefully Day 4 does not beat me up as badly as today.
Pics and videos of today will be posted when I get a better connection!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
"You're right?...."Right.?" (Day 2 Adventures)
A mere 50 miles outside of Charleston, and Ed finds himself surrounded by tractors, big trucks, and good ole southern boys. Welcome to small town America. The biggest thing they have going for them in these parts is the annual Tractor Parade and well, now some dude running across the country.
View Larger Map
The morning started around 6:45 a.m. when two reporters caught up to Ed, hanging out their car windows with cameras and mics for an interview with the man himself. The Hampton County Guardian and a small local paper, the Hampton County Good Times, got wind of Ed's journey and came looking for a real life "Forest" running through town. They found him, were able to snap a few photos and ask a few questions. (There were a little surprised he wasn't sporting a long beard, but it is still early in the journey.)
Ed banged out 12 miles before his first pit stop to chug some water, Vega, and Cytomax. Staying moving is the name of the game, so a quick two minute stop, and Ed was back pounding the pavement. Too long of a break, and cramps settle in (or perhaps thoughts like "Charleston is only 62 miles away if I want to turn around.".... or maybe that is just what I'd be thinking.)
Feeling strong today, though running slightly slower than day one, Ed again took a pit stop at mile 24-25 for hydration. He was back on the road in no time, thinking, "I really am in the middle of no where" when a big green tractor was spotted. Ed exchanged some words with Bill his father-in-law via walkie talkie, and they were certain the man on the tractor was eyeing Ed.
Picture an older gentleman, a true southern farmer, coming across a 40-something San Francisco prepster on a lone country road in South Carolina. Concerned, obviously, the old man, stops his tractor, heads over to Ed and Bill and says, "what y'all doing?" Ed, wondering how this man will take to his news responds, "Well, I'm running across America."
The old man, still concerned but more confused at this point, asks "what you doing that for?"
Ed explained that he is fulfilling a dream of his while running for Freedom is Not Free and Soles4Souls.
"You collect money?" the old man inquires.
Ed tells him about his website, or if he so inclines, he could use the ole snail mail method to make a donation.
"What if I want to give you money now?"
This old man, who hopped off his tractor to stop Ed on the side of the road in small town America, pulls open his wallet to reveal a $100 bill, and asks just to confirm, "You're right?.... Right?"
"Yes sir. I'm right," Ed humbly proclaimed as he graciously accepted a complete strangers will to help.
After handing the old man ome of Ed's cards, just to complete the "rightness" of this whole deal, the old man said, "Imma have my friends look you up. We might be able to collect some more money to help."
This unexpected exchange gave Ed more energy than two moonpies could propel him, and he settled back in for the second leg of his trip.
Not 10 miles later, down the same country road, a big ole pick-up truck pulls up next to Ed. The two men in the truck are waving, holding out their phones to snap pictures of the big excitement. It's almost like the old man called his brothers and told them about Ed, only in reality there was no relation, these men were just stopping to see what a San Francisco prepster looks like running across America.
A brief exchange of words, lasting no longer than 30 seconds, and these men pull out $40 for the cause leaving Ed speechless (and with 15 or so miles left to run).
The old man and the two in the pickup made Ed's Day 2 run. I have a burning feeling there are many more random acts of kindness coming his way over the next two months.
While running 2,500 miles coast to coast is quite the adventure (and warrants the biggest of bragging rights), it will be the generous people across the country that really make this journey memorable.
Until the next update,
Be well,
Carolyn
View Larger Map
The morning started around 6:45 a.m. when two reporters caught up to Ed, hanging out their car windows with cameras and mics for an interview with the man himself. The Hampton County Guardian and a small local paper, the Hampton County Good Times, got wind of Ed's journey and came looking for a real life "Forest" running through town. They found him, were able to snap a few photos and ask a few questions. (There were a little surprised he wasn't sporting a long beard, but it is still early in the journey.)
Ed banged out 12 miles before his first pit stop to chug some water, Vega, and Cytomax. Staying moving is the name of the game, so a quick two minute stop, and Ed was back pounding the pavement. Too long of a break, and cramps settle in (or perhaps thoughts like "Charleston is only 62 miles away if I want to turn around.".... or maybe that is just what I'd be thinking.)
Feeling strong today, though running slightly slower than day one, Ed again took a pit stop at mile 24-25 for hydration. He was back on the road in no time, thinking, "I really am in the middle of no where" when a big green tractor was spotted. Ed exchanged some words with Bill his father-in-law via walkie talkie, and they were certain the man on the tractor was eyeing Ed.
Picture an older gentleman, a true southern farmer, coming across a 40-something San Francisco prepster on a lone country road in South Carolina. Concerned, obviously, the old man, stops his tractor, heads over to Ed and Bill and says, "what y'all doing?" Ed, wondering how this man will take to his news responds, "Well, I'm running across America."
The old man, still concerned but more confused at this point, asks "what you doing that for?"
Ed explained that he is fulfilling a dream of his while running for Freedom is Not Free and Soles4Souls.
"You collect money?" the old man inquires.
Ed tells him about his website, or if he so inclines, he could use the ole snail mail method to make a donation.
"What if I want to give you money now?"
This old man, who hopped off his tractor to stop Ed on the side of the road in small town America, pulls open his wallet to reveal a $100 bill, and asks just to confirm, "You're right?.... Right?"
"Yes sir. I'm right," Ed humbly proclaimed as he graciously accepted a complete strangers will to help.
After handing the old man ome of Ed's cards, just to complete the "rightness" of this whole deal, the old man said, "Imma have my friends look you up. We might be able to collect some more money to help."
This unexpected exchange gave Ed more energy than two moonpies could propel him, and he settled back in for the second leg of his trip.
Not 10 miles later, down the same country road, a big ole pick-up truck pulls up next to Ed. The two men in the truck are waving, holding out their phones to snap pictures of the big excitement. It's almost like the old man called his brothers and told them about Ed, only in reality there was no relation, these men were just stopping to see what a San Francisco prepster looks like running across America.
A brief exchange of words, lasting no longer than 30 seconds, and these men pull out $40 for the cause leaving Ed speechless (and with 15 or so miles left to run).
The old man and the two in the pickup made Ed's Day 2 run. I have a burning feeling there are many more random acts of kindness coming his way over the next two months.
While running 2,500 miles coast to coast is quite the adventure (and warrants the biggest of bragging rights), it will be the generous people across the country that really make this journey memorable.
 |
| Day 2 Complete! |
Be well,
Carolyn
Day One Recap
Day one was all it could be. It will go down as one of the best days of my life.
If I had one word to describe the day?
Surreal.
I did not get any sleep the night of day one. Too many nerves, thoughts and adrenaline pumping.
I got to CBC at 5:30, shook hands with a steady stream of friends, family and others and did a couple of news interviews (thanks David Quick of the Post and Courier and Channel 2!). We would have had all three networks there live that morning, but there was a major fire in Charleston that diverted some of them.
We got on the road around 7:20...about 10 or so runners took off with me on a slow trot through downtown and out to West Ashley. Most dropped off as we crossed 526 and soon it was just Dr. Dave and I.
Dr.D and I bantered back and forth for 15 or so miles and then were joined by Larry and Vince of the Summerville Running Club. Doc had never run more than 12 miles ever in his life and gamely pushed 20 miles before giving me a handshake, a hug and well wishes. Here he and I are at our first pit stop... Dr. D, you are a class act my friend!
Larry and Vince ran out 10 miles with me. Good guys and I totally appreciated the company.
Here are a couple of videos from later in the day.
Several amazing things happened today. I had people stopping cars to shake my hand and take pictures, a guy in the middle of nowhere who video taped me and shouted good luck from his front yard (I guess he watched the news that morning?), two kind offers to run and get me coffee and at least 70 horn beeps that were positive versus "get the hell out of my way" beeps.
I am not an emotional guy, but the guy who skidded his truck, hopped out taking my picture, waving me over, shaking my hand and calling me a hero to veterans almost caused me to nearly lose it at mile 37...Me? Hero? Nope! Those guys and gals are in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am ready for Day 2, a little smarter, a little sore and a little sunburned. Will be warmer today so I suspect that I will have a slower 50 than yesterday...both from the heat and running back to back 50s hurts!
THANK YOU all for the over 100 messages of support yesterday. I tried to answer every one. I don't take them for granted.
If I had one word to describe the day?
Surreal.
I did not get any sleep the night of day one. Too many nerves, thoughts and adrenaline pumping.
I got to CBC at 5:30, shook hands with a steady stream of friends, family and others and did a couple of news interviews (thanks David Quick of the Post and Courier and Channel 2!). We would have had all three networks there live that morning, but there was a major fire in Charleston that diverted some of them.
We got on the road around 7:20...about 10 or so runners took off with me on a slow trot through downtown and out to West Ashley. Most dropped off as we crossed 526 and soon it was just Dr. Dave and I.
Dr.D and I bantered back and forth for 15 or so miles and then were joined by Larry and Vince of the Summerville Running Club. Doc had never run more than 12 miles ever in his life and gamely pushed 20 miles before giving me a handshake, a hug and well wishes. Here he and I are at our first pit stop... Dr. D, you are a class act my friend!
Larry and Vince ran out 10 miles with me. Good guys and I totally appreciated the company.
Here are a couple of videos from later in the day.
Several amazing things happened today. I had people stopping cars to shake my hand and take pictures, a guy in the middle of nowhere who video taped me and shouted good luck from his front yard (I guess he watched the news that morning?), two kind offers to run and get me coffee and at least 70 horn beeps that were positive versus "get the hell out of my way" beeps.
I am not an emotional guy, but the guy who skidded his truck, hopped out taking my picture, waving me over, shaking my hand and calling me a hero to veterans almost caused me to nearly lose it at mile 37...Me? Hero? Nope! Those guys and gals are in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I am ready for Day 2, a little smarter, a little sore and a little sunburned. Will be warmer today so I suspect that I will have a slower 50 than yesterday...both from the heat and running back to back 50s hurts!
THANK YOU all for the over 100 messages of support yesterday. I tried to answer every one. I don't take them for granted.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
And he's off....
The final minutes before Ed took off on his Run Across America John Garcia asked the 30 or so friends, family and fellow runners who came to support him if they had any questions for Ed. What we were all thinking is "are you freaking crazy?" but no one actually manned up and asked.
What is your typical breakfast before a run? "Cereal followed by spoonfuls of peanut butter."
What are you most excited about? "Just... getting... started..."
How many moonpies will you really eat? "At least 1 a day. That's 400 calories packed in something this small."
What is your average pace for daily runs? "7:30 minute/miles"
What's next? Lots of laughs.... and Christine, Ed's wife, jumps in and says, "let's just get through this adventure first."
The crowd kept the questions safe, as with T minus 5 minutes until show time, we had butterflies in our stomachs. I had trouble sleeping last night. I can only imagine how Ed was feeling.
Running on little to no sleep, Ed was cool, calm, and collected. He was just ready to run.
As we took off on the streets of Charleston, it felt like a morning jog to me. I knew when I was ready to call it quits, I could turn around, and head back to my hotel. I did just that after only 2 miles. You see, Ed's slow jog was faster than my 10k race pace. Despite joking about being some "middle-aged white dude running across the country," he really has incredible talent.
He has an effortless run that will carry him across 2,500 miles. He has determination and drive to be successful at all that he does. And he has the desire to do something bigger than himself - raise $25,000 for Freedom is Not Free and Soles4Souls.
So while I turned around after 2 miles to head back downtown for my favorite perk of running "window shop jogging" in downtown Charleston, Ed and crew are heading west on his Run Across America. You can keep up with Ed on this journey in real time here.
Until the next update...
Be well,
Carolyn
 |
| No, that's not a convict on the television... just Ed's mug during an interview for the Charleston news. |
What is your typical breakfast before a run? "Cereal followed by spoonfuls of peanut butter."
What are you most excited about? "Just... getting... started..."
How many moonpies will you really eat? "At least 1 a day. That's 400 calories packed in something this small."
What is your average pace for daily runs? "7:30 minute/miles"
What's next? Lots of laughs.... and Christine, Ed's wife, jumps in and says, "let's just get through this adventure first."
The crowd kept the questions safe, as with T minus 5 minutes until show time, we had butterflies in our stomachs. I had trouble sleeping last night. I can only imagine how Ed was feeling.
Running on little to no sleep, Ed was cool, calm, and collected. He was just ready to run.
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| Ed being interviewed by Charleston News Station |
As we took off on the streets of Charleston, it felt like a morning jog to me. I knew when I was ready to call it quits, I could turn around, and head back to my hotel. I did just that after only 2 miles. You see, Ed's slow jog was faster than my 10k race pace. Despite joking about being some "middle-aged white dude running across the country," he really has incredible talent.
He has an effortless run that will carry him across 2,500 miles. He has determination and drive to be successful at all that he does. And he has the desire to do something bigger than himself - raise $25,000 for Freedom is Not Free and Soles4Souls.
So while I turned around after 2 miles to head back downtown for my favorite perk of running "window shop jogging" in downtown Charleston, Ed and crew are heading west on his Run Across America. You can keep up with Ed on this journey in real time here.
Until the next update...
Be well,
Carolyn
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