The overnight spot was as good as it gets. Thanks again to Greenville Free Methodist Church for allowing us to park there.
Despite an 8/10 sleep, I needed an extra hour which meant setting off at 0700. To make up for the late start, I hoped to push on to at least 13 miles before taking a break.
I was again without a hard shoulder but there were so few cars on the road it didn’t matter.
I made it to Pocahontas and took a right turn over the interstate road. Unfortunately, I missed a right hand turn and continued down the road. It took me half a mile to realise my mistake.
I was able to get back on the intended route but I’d added an extra mile. While I was gutted about that, it was only my second navigation error in 955 miles.
The traffic was very light. That was stark contrast to yesterday. I made it to Grantfork after almost 14 miles. Alan had walked down to accompany me for the last mile. I had a couple of sandwiches at the break and a 30 minute tactical snooze while the rain subsided. There were quite a few grey squirrels in the vicinity.
When I went back out again, I was presented with a lovely road with a massive hard shoulder. Where was that when I needed it in recent days?!
The next 6 miles to Marine were an absolute slog. It didn’t matter too much. I just had to keep moving forward.
I was excited to meet Zoe and her owner Cathy (apologies if I got the spelling wrong) just outside the RV meeting point in Marine. Zoe was 7. I didn’t feel too homesick when meeting Zoe as I’d managed a video call with my Órlaith just a few hours previous.
I had some pasta and a wrap before setting off again at 1615. The next section was along the Madison County Transit Heritage Trail. I assume this section from Marine used to be a railroad.
I contacted Alan to meet at the next trail / road intersection. I managed a further 3 miles before calling it a day. I didn’t feel well at all. All that I could think of was a cool shower and bed. Just as I finished the rain started pouring down. It was absolutely torrential. If I hadn’t made that error earlier in the day or decided to stop when I did, then I would have been caught in it. I would have been on the section of the trail with no roadside support.
I think a combination of heat and humidity coupled with three previous days of attacking the miles was to blame for today’s slog. As has been the case recently, good days usually follow bad. I hope that’s the case tomorrow.
I’ve tried my best to get to St Louis by Friday. I’ve fallen about 19 miles short. 10 of those were lost on Wednesday due to the torrential rain. 9 were lost today.
Thanks to everyone who has made a donation to St. Benedict’s Hospice. The £19,000 barrier was breached today at https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025
TUNE OF THE DAY: Bloodline - Alex Warren
Finally, it has been a privilege to dedicate day 36 and 37 to the memory of Liam Mitchell. He’s a man along with his family who will remain in my thoughts for many years to come.
