The day started in cool conditions and the plan was to get as many miles in as possible before meeting the support team. I had 2 bananas for breakfast and made my way through Carlisle town centre.
Meanwhile, Deb and Carlton took the RV to a local place to try and rectify the electrical issues. News came through to me that a new battery was to be fitted.
They caught up with me at mile 11 and I was in a really good mood and ready for breakfast. There had been some good tunes played on the iPod and some donations to St. Benedict’s Hospice too. Add in some quick ish miles and it was as good as this tour has been.
Carlton served up the usual porridge and another great omelette. I was soon on my way again. The temperature had cranked up a notch and the subsequent miles were slower.
I could feel my eyes closing as I ran. This has happened many times before. Particularly on the hot days. Thankfully, I had a phone interview to give with a journalism student (Tom) from Newcastle Uni. That helped me stay alert for 15 minutes. He asked some great questions and appeared to have researched then very well.
At the 18 mile point I met the team and had a much needed 30 minute tactical snooze.
I met a few local people during the final session of the day. First up was a lady called Deb who said she’d seen me in Carlisle earlier in the day. I told her all about the run and she wished me luck.
I met a pastor just up the road who was with the support team. His name was Phil and he was really enthusiastic with his praise for our efforts.
Carlton and Deb found a nearby shop and they managed to get some supplies at an amazingly cheap price. Mostly sugar mine you. They got me some bananas. There were some horse drawn vehicles on the road. Like many people in this region, a hearty wave was exchanged.
The final miles got slower and slower and I was accompanied by Carlton for a few miles then Deb. There was lots of dogs on the route today. This particular one was my favourite.
As we approached Roxbury, there were flashes of lightening around us. We decided to push on l, but it was just too dangerous. So day 8 came to an end with another 30 miles in the bag. Deb had my feet in ice for 15 minutes. The pain was excruciating (for someone as soft as me). We are trying to get the swelling in my feet down.
So I currently stand at the foot of the Appalachians. The run is about to enter a new phase with added difficulty.
The final thing to do is to thank those kind folk who sponsored me today via https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025.
The current total is £15,635.
TUNE OF THE DAY: Take That - The Flood. It has the line “there’s progress now, where there once was none.” Looking back at a map, New York seems a long way away.
