A pattern is emerging with this tour. When I sleep well and manage to gain a few more hours of recovery then I reap the rewards the following day. Today was one such day.
It was a foggy start right on sunrise at 0610 today. It took a few miles to get going but I was able to put on a decent effort on the rolling hills.
I met John at the 7 mile point for a sandwich at Jacksontown, Ohio. One of them was cheese and jam. I don’t even think that Heston bloke would have been brave enough to try that!
We were aware that a storm was due around noon. That helped set the pace for the morning session.
After 14 miles I could see some very dark skies ahead of me. It was time to try and find even more pace. John played a blinder by inching the RV forward mile by mile. On mile 16 I dumped my backpack and ran light.
John went ahead to the 17 mile point. It became a race between the oncoming storm and this tired Geordie on Highway 20.
With 200 meters to go to the RV the heavens opened. I jumped straight into the RV as the storm intensified. I sat the storm out, a little frustrated that I’d built some momentum. This was the view out of the RV during the storm.
A tactical snooze was followed by a tremendous Greek omelette. More of that please John and less of the cheese and jam sandwiches.
I went out for the final session of the day at 2pm. I was greeted with a strong headwind but the flat hard shoulder made up for that. It’s an ideal running surface.
The wind got stronger but I gave my all to keep moving forward with a bit of pace. I passed a couple of ladies applauding. That’s a bit random I thought but noticed John in the RV nearby. I got a first glimpse of Columbus at the 21 mile point. Unfortunately, I could also see some dark rain clouds closing in.
A lady called Nanette offered some prayer at the road side at 22 miles. I accepted an abridged sermon and this really put a spring in my step. I’m not a religious man, but any kind words have a positive impact.
Seconds later there was another downpour. I was soon soaked and pretty cold. I put my foot down and the miles ticked by.
Despite the increased pace, I was turning cold and my soaking wet feet were in pain. I signalled for John to come back and collect me.
I reached 26.3 miles and found a suitable place for John to pull in. I was two miles short of the day’s targeted finish. It just wasn’t to be. Again. The weather had conspired against me.
I’m taking encouragement from my running on the flat surface today in cooler conditions. My fitness has increased greatly in 3 weeks. Foot pain has decreased immensely. There are a lot of positives to be taken.
TUNE OF THE DAY: The Door (Cyril remix) - Teddy Swims
The day ended in fine style thanks to the kind hospitality of Darren (Howdon exile) and Heidi. We had to drive 40 minutes to get there. But to be welcomed into their home the way we were and fed and watered has done wonders for my morale (and I’m sure John’s too). I’ve said many times that this run is about making connections. But there was more to this meeting than that. Just to exist normally for 3 hours with such lovely people was much needed.
Within minutes, I had a proper shower and then raised my feet on their comfy sofa. We ate steak, jacket potatoes and key lime pie. I petted their two lovely dogs. They gave me some additional pillows for the RV. Nothing was a bother.
Thank you Darren and Heidi for an unforgettable evening.
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