There have been many contenders for worst nights sleep of the tour. I think last night certainly takes the gold medal.
With permission of the manager, the overnight stop was the car park of a skate arena. Sounds ok on the face of it. The issue was the car that decided to pull up next to the RV for a few hours while leaving the engine running. This was later compounded by a couple of girls deciding to sing and dance right next to the RV. I think they were recording it for social media. The skate park closed at 2230 and conversations in the car park were heard until after 2300. It was close to midnight by the time I got to sleep. Getting a decent overnight stop is a gamble. The evening of day 25 is one that certainly didn’t pay off.
When the 0515 alarm sounded, I told John that I needed an extra hour. I ended up sleeping until 0745 such was my tiredness.
I set off from Vandalia at 0820 which was the latest kick off time so far on this tour. It was another cold start but thankfully very dry. The pain in my back was still present so I used poles again.
I got talking to a guy called Andy as I passed Polk Grove cemetery. He was on a horse. He’d guessed that I was travelling across country. After a few kind words of encouragement, I was on my way again.
I crossed the mile long Englewood Reservoir. I think this is the one that Dave and I ran across in the dark back in 2011. Not the one I reported yesterday.
Speaking of Dave, hardly a day goes by without him checking in on the phone. I also had a call from Carlton today. I always have my early call with Donna too.
I made my way through Englewood and found myself on a really long cycle path. It was nice to switch off from concentrating on traffic for a few miles.
Listening to the Newcastle v Everton match helped pass the time. It was quite a nervous listen. I made it to the 10 mile meeting point at half time. After an omelette and bacon, I listened to the second half while having a tactical snooze.
Once I heard Newcastle had qualified for the Champions League, I set off for the second and final session of the day.
The aim was to do 13 miles unsupported in an attempt to salvage the day. I managed some quick miles but at only 16.7 miles I was done. A combination of foot pain, back pain but mainly fatigue meant I could go no further. I called John and he came back to collect me in the RV.
John had been talking to the county sheriff just before I rang. He was seeking permission to stay in a church car park. The sheriff was going to make a call. At the time of writing, there is nobody here and unlikely to be by the looks of it. It’s in stark contrast to last night. It’s set back off the road and very quiet.
There are now less than 90 miles to Indianapolis. My aim is to be there by the end of Wednesday. It’s a short term target and something to aim for to help get the run back on track.
Continued thanks to those that have donated to St Benedict's Hospice. All donations are gratefully received, and much needed of course for the hospice to offer the care and services that they do.
If you would like to donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025
TUNE OF THE DAY: Champions League Anthem (^DA, sorry - I had to choose THAT video, what a night 🤩)
