I’d give last nights sleep a solid 4/10. When I score that low, I usually expect to be in for a tough start to the day.
The alarm sounded at 0530 this morning. It’s a sound that I dread and I’m usually awake beforehand anyway. I had my usual protein powder in milk and we drove the very short distance to last nights finish point at South Putnam.
Once again it was dark as I set off at 0600. Once again, my morale was very low. I think tiredness had a lot to do with that. I spoke to Donna as I made my way along Highway 40. Again.
I reached the RV at the 3 mile point for porridge, coffee and painkillers. I also had a 30 minute tactical snooze. I really didn’t want to sleep so soon in the day but I felt that I had no choice given how tired I felt.
I met a lady called Laura setting up a yard sale at the 5 mile point. I asked her why there were so many on Highway 40. She said that it was the annual National Road yard sale. It stretches over 5 states. Google it! So that explains why I’ve seen so many this week.
I told her about my journey and that I was raising funds for a cancer charity. Without hesitation, she went over to her cash box and handed a 20 dollar note. That was incredibly kind of her. I paid the equivalent in pounds to my justgiving page a little further down the road.
There was another yard sale down the way and I spotted something that could possibly help out my running! Or not.
I then hit the 800 mile point for this tour. I allowed myself a second of celebration but that was all. I know that I should be much further across the country by now.
I met the RV for some pasta (and crisps) at the 13 mile point. My left foot in particular was feeling quite sore. So was my back due to carrying the hydration backpack.
I hadn’t been back out on the road for very long when I was greeted by a statue of Champ, the Great Dane. Google told me that “Champ stands tall and proud in front of US-40 in Brazil. The 70-year-old statue resided in Florida and Georgia before coming home to the Great DaneTrailers plant in Indiana. The recently restored dog is 17 feet paw to tip of his ears, stands on a 3-foot base, and weighs a total of 800 pounds".
At 17 miles, I made it to a McDonald’s in Brazil, Indiana and used the toilet. No burgers were consumed. In fact no food was eaten at all. Not even in the RV which was close by. Looking back, I now realise that this was a mistake. Read on for more on that.
I made my way through Brazil and was surprised to receive a call from one of my guardian angels, Helen. Long time readers may remember that she let me stay at her place before the start of the run across Australia in 2013. Given her profession, she has a way with words and is an excellent counsel. She had set her alarm for 0200 (Australia time) to speak to me. What a lass! I must admit that the time she was on the phone made the subsequent miles fly by. I then spoke to Dave for a bit. Yet again, the miles flew by.
No sooner had I ended that call at the 20 mile point, I felt something “burst” in my left foot. There was a sharp pain and I was left with no choice but to limp along. By this time, I was on a road that ran parallel to Highway 40. The quality of the surface was very poor. I assumed that was what had caused my latest foot problem.
By 22 miles, I was severely lacking in energy. This probably wouldn’t have been the case if I’d taken some food on at that 17 mile point. Lesson learned!
I sent John a message to meet me at the end of the old road I was currently on. This is where it rejoins Highway 40. After 23.66 miles, I was done for the day. Yet again falling short of what I would have liked to achieve.
We drove a short way to the overnight stop and I peeled my socks off. The damage to my feet, particularly my left one didn’t look good. It didn’t feel good either! I’m getting shooting pains now as I right this blog.
When I took my left sock off, I found a small piece of sharp plastic inside. I assume that it had been there all day. It was in fact, some sellotape. I don’t know for sure if that’s what caused the problem in my left foot today.
There’s a raw point of skin on my left foot. I’m going to attempt to strap it up in the morning. It’s not something I’ve ever done before so could be a bit of a disaster.
Tomorrow’s plan is to set off a lot later. John suggested 1000 and only to run 15 miles to the Illinois/Indiana state line (just before the time zone change where we go back 1 hour). That will enable him to set off very early on Monday to hand the RV over to Alan in St. Louis and catch his flight in time.
As I’m writing this blog, I’ve negotiated an 0830 start. Initially, I wasn’t happy about just doing 15 miles tomorrow. However, I’ll be unsupported for almost 8 hours on Monday during the support team handover.
The route on Monday will have potential supply points at 10 miles (Marshall), 20 miles (Martinsville) and 26 miles (Casey). I’d like to think that Alan will have arrived by that point.
Continued thanks to those that have donated to St Benedict's Hospice, over £18,000 has now been raised to date for the run across the USA.
If you would like to donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025
TUNE OF THE DAY: Disco Inferno - The Trammps. I listened to a lot of disco music today to try and find some pace.
Finally today, John has struggled to find any water for the RV. This means that 30 second showers are back on the menu. He’s hopeful of finding some tomorrow!
