After a decent but cold nights sleep the first task of the day was to get my right foot strapped up. Ice treatment appears to be working in parts but there are some vulnerable areas on my right foot. Deb is doing a brilliant job looking after my feet and can be seen below being assisted by Carlton. What a thing to have to do at 0600!
I set off just after 0630 from Hustontown, PA. There was a challenging 8 mile climb which was in close proximity to the main Pennsylvania Turnpike. As is the case every morning, I spoke to Donna back in the UK. She is working wonders back home, helping with some logistics and checking the welfare of all of us on the team.
I met the team at the 10.25 mile point at the Buchanan State Forest for some breakfast. Carlton cooked some porridge and fruit and I had a peanut butter bagel. It was very good and much needed.
I set off again and made my way towards Breezewood on a much busier main road (The Lincoln Highway).
David Fairlamb rang me while I was running. Just like when I see the support team, my spirits were lifted. I had a good chat with him, as I do most days, and also as I did back in 2011 during the original USA run. David has been one of those guardian angels in my life and continues to be that thankfully.
Back to running matters and there was a tricky junction to navigate with NO PEDESTRIAN signs aplenty. I ignored them and away I went.
The section to 20 miles, where I had agreed to meet the team, was alongside the Raystown Branch Juniata River. It seemed to go on forever.
While in was running, Carlton was busy in Everett doing the laundry. It was being done sooner than planned due to the wet running kit that was soaked due to the recent storms I’ve ran in.
When I met the team I said I needed a tactical snooze for an hour. I was absolutely exhausted.
When the running resumed at about 1630, I was accompanied by Carlton for a few miles before doing 4 miles on my own.
When I reached the team at the 27 mile point they advised against continuing. Just up ahead was a really tricky section of road. I’d be running on that at dusk. So I agreed to stop there and we began the usual drill of:
- Cherry Active, which is preventing aches and pains in my legs. It really continues to be the secret weapon that I rely on.
- Feet in ice for 15 minutes. This is excruciating but is helping massively in terms of reducing swelling and managing pain.
- Shower - trying to get clean in a small space with limited mobility is very difficult and often painful.
- Eating - tonight’s dish was cooked by Deb and it was tuna pasta with some veg and cheese thrown in. Oh and there was a McCrispy for my starter. Both were delicious.
Today was a difficult day in terms of elevation, pain and heat. I still managed 27 miles and ran the quickest since day 4 I think.
You can see from the elevation profile below, just how tough today was.
Thank you to those kind folk who sponsored me today via https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025
I’ll finish with a message I received from an old colleague which was very nice to read “Hey mate, just wanted to say how incredibly inspiring your journey is—3,200 miles in 100 days is no small feat! Just want to say your dedication, strength, and resilience are amazing to witness. Keep pushing forward—every step you take is a reminder of what’s possible. You’ve got this!”
If you’d like to send a message of encouragement or have any questions about the run then please email sponsorship@rungeordierun.com
TUNE OF THE DAY: Alex Warren - Carry you home
