My dreams were dominated by thoughts of Eddie Howe’s press conference and The Athletic’s Chris Waugh asking him his thoughts on the run across the USA. Incredibly, dreams turned into reality as I found out just after I set off running at 0600.
To have Chris use his one question for the purposes of Run Geordie Run speaks volumes of the man and the support he’s given so far through various messages. To have Eddie Howe, a man I’ve met twice and basically confessed my undying love for, talk about my run and St. Benedict’s Hospice is the very definition of the word “unbelievable”.
^DA - said moment of said declaration, Eddie looks won over don't you think 😉
The messages and, more importantly, donations that were received soon after put a huge spring in my step. I was so proud to see coverage on NUFC.com too. Another source of incredible support.
Back to the days running and it was another cold one. It called for 4 layers again. Oh and my favourite half n’ half hat from Sock Council too.
The sunshine and very quiet road made for some pleasant miles. I put some Take That on the iPod and sang along as the miles ticked by.
I met John in the RV at the 8 mile point. I quickly ate some bacon and an omelette and was on my way again. The next section was 11 miles. It was brutal in the cold. I just couldn’t find the pace that had made the first session so good.
I reached the RV eventually and downed some pasta. It was very good and much needed. Given the progress of the day I was allowed a 1 hour tactical snooze. John, meanwhile, observed “Can’t help but laugh, yesterday whilst in shark infested Columbus Mark took his afternoon nap, just as he nodded off an egg delivery truck pulled along side us, two minutes later the noisiest lorry roof mounted fridge you have ever heard fired up.
Today we are parked in a lovely dollar car park on the side of the 40 , Mark is taking his nap, not 2 minutes after snores were heard the verge grass cutting gang began mowing on 2 sides of us you could not make it up” .
My sleep was so deep that I knew nothing about it.
The final session of the day was 8 miles. It was another brutal section with a nice 10 minute downpour at the end. My back was aching with 3 miles to go. I could have easily called it a day but as Eddie said “you’re going to have to go deep”.
I met the RV at the designated finish line after 27.2 miles. We decided to stop there earlier in the day to avoid finishing in Springfield. I was held at gunpoint there back in 2011. As it stands, we are currently on the outskirts. The overnight stop is a Kroger car park. Luxury!
TUNE OF THE DAY: Hold up a light - Take That
The fund for St Benedict's remains close to £17,000. If you're enjoying following the journey so far and think my efforts are worth a donation, please visit
https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025
