Day 57 of the run across the USA 2025

The overnight stop was safe but a little noisy. That was to be expected given the nearby main road and railway line. I was kept awake by thoughts of the mileage left and possible plans to get to the finish line.  

After a short drive to the start line, I was on Highway 50 in cooler temperatures just after 6am. 

The first thing I noticed was potential storm clouds on the distance. They were spectacular at that time of the morning.

The first water refill was 3 miles in. I just took a bottle of water as I’d hardly touched my hydration backpack. At 4.5 miles there was a spectacular ranch sign. 

There was a rare bend in the road at mile 6. It was here that I could see further cloud build up ahead. 

As I approached the town of Peabody, there looked to be a downpour happening up ahead. I thought it may be 5 or so miles away. 

A rainbow appeared dead ahead of me. That was a cue to ask Siri to play a particular song. How appropriate that I’m in Kansas! Siri offered up a number of different versions from numerous artists. I think Eva Cassidy’s was my favourite. 

TUNE OF THE DAY: Over the Rainbow - Eva Cassidy 

A mile after Peabody, there was a little standing water left. I’d been lucky to miss out on getting a soaking.   

At mile 12, it became obvious why there had been such large gaps in the oncoming traffic for the last few days on Highway 50. There were roadworks which were a few miles long. The flow of traffic was controlled by a “pilot car”. 

There wasn’t a lot of room for me at times but the traffic was slow and safe enough. 

The good thing about Highway 50 is that you’re never far away for a railway line. I took a few pictures and video for a pal back home.

I think Alan was expecting me to stop for food at Walton at mile 17.5. I felt good and the favourable conditions (29 Celsius with a headwind) had to be taken advantage of. 

I made it to the 22 mile point just to the east of Newton shortly after 1pm. It was time for some food and a short sleep. The bagel and scrambled eggs were delicious. The tactical snooze was interrupted by flies as per usual. 

When I got back out on the road, it seemed the temperature had increased considerably. I was pleased to have gone as far as I did while it was relatively cooler. 

I passed underneath interstate 135 and made my way into Newton on the Old Trail Road. Thankfully it was tarmac and not a trail!

The mill in Newton was one of the biggest I’d ever seen. Its silhouette from a few miles away made me think it was a cathedral at first. 

A quick search told me that “The Ardent Mills Newton facility is the largest small-pack operation in the Ardent Mills organization. Newton packs over 40% of United States privately-labeled small bags sold on retail shelves. 

Newton makes many different blends of flour that get used for various baking needs including desserts, coatings, snacks and many other tasty items. The Newton mill has a daily capacity of 850,000 lbs. of flour.” 

The main street of Newton was pretty quiet. I did notice a barber and a massage place. I almost called in!  

The train station was modelled after William Shakespeare’s house according to my pal back in the UK. It’s on a line that runs from LA to Chicago. 

There was more trains to look at in Newton which always makes me happy. Ever since I saw them winding their way through the Mojave Desert in 2011, I’ve been fascinated by them. It possibly goes back to our journeys to the caravan at Seahouses as a child. We would often get stopped at the railway crossing at Chathill. My Dad would build the excitement up. “Can you hear it yet?” and “Which direction do you think it’s coming from?”. It was a thrill to pass the time on what seemed like a very long journey. It was long because we’d probably call in to the Mill House in Washington, the Little Chef at Stannington (which is where Donna and I go for a curry from time to time) and the Oak Inn would also get a visit. Many hours later, we’d arrive at the caravan. Anyway, I digress. 

I made it out of the other side of Newton and almost back on to Highway 50. At mile 27.5 I felt the “explosion” in my left foot. It was in a spot that I’d noticed blood on my sock at the 22 mile rest point. It had filled with fluid. I decided to call for the RV and call it a day. I had at least another 2.5 miles planned but it was on the busy dual carriageway. We hadn’t determined a stop point. Stopping was the correct decision. 

I had a look at the problematic area of my left foot when we reached the overnight stop at the Walmart car park in Newton. 

I was correct in that it was connected to the area of my sock where I’d spotted blood. There seems to be three pockets of fluid around that area. After yesterday’s major mistake, I’m going to leave it. If there’s anything I’ve noticed on this tour, it’s that my feet recover quick enough and well enough overnight. Yes, it may not be enough to get me through the full day but getting close to 30 miles is decent. 

On the plus side, one of only three people who have ever nursed my feet back to decent shape (and off painkillers) arrived in Denver this afternoon. It’s the return of Deb who, along with Thomas, takes over from Alan on Saturday. 

I bought her a bag of her favourite Cheetos a few weeks ago to soften the blow of having to look at my feet again. It was the only time I’ve been in a supermarket here. I’m either out there on the road or in the RV 99.9% of the time. It’s a strange existence.  

The charity fund is currently £22,155. Every penny raised is helping St Benedict’s Hospice provide free palliative care in addition to advice, and support to patients and their families that are dealing with a life limiting illness. 

Thank you to everyone that has donated so far, every donation no matter how big or small, counts. 

Please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025

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