Last nights ice treatment on my feet made for a decent sleep. Arguably the best of the tour so far.
I set off from Roxbury, PA at 0630 in the pouring rain. The climb up Forge Hill Road was the toughest I’ve encountered so far on this tour. I was able to keep warm by putting some good effort in.
The downhill stretch was tough on my feet and I had to slow right down to reduce the pain. It was excruciating.
Unfortunately this meant that I was cooling down and by the time I met the team near Willow Hill I felt really unwell with the cold. I climbed in the RV and the heaters were put on.
I continued on in the rain and I must admit that my morale was rock bottom.
The forecast was at least promising later in the day so I just knew that I had to keep pushing forward. As ever.
Another climb had to be done up and over Tuscarora Mountain. It was horrendously difficult. Especially the downhill. Again.
I reached the 17 mile point at a place called Burnt Cabins. An omelette and a peanut butter bagel were consumed and I had a 30 minute tactical snooze.
The next section was really tough. The sun was out but I still had numerous layers on. They came off, they went back on and it didn’t help build any momentum.
I contemplated giving go for the day but decided to keep pushing. I saw the support team ahead and couldn’t look at the RV as I would have been in there like a shot.
I just kept my head down which unfortunately meant I missed a right hand turn. Fortunately, Carlton spotted my mistake and contacted me. I made my way back tot the turn and handed over all of my kit. Running much lighter really worked and I managed to get some quicker miles done in that glorious sunshine.
I spotted a few golden retrievers further down the road. That perked me up a bit.
I slowed right down at mile 24. All of a sudden the day turned into damage limitation.
At the 26.7 mile point I rang the team to come and get me. I was done for the day. Fortunately, they were just around the corner at a burger joint called Twist and Shake. We went back there and had supper. It made a nice change from omelettes and pasta. Although I should say that I’m enjoying both of those when cooked by Carlton and Deb.
The overnight stop is next to a library and we are all making use of the free WiFi.
I’ve just had the ice treatment off Deb. It was excruciating. As I type this blog I’m in a blissful state. I’m confident that a good sleep can now be had.
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 £15,794.
TUNE OF THE DAY: Luke Combs, When it rains it pours.
