“Can we park the RV in a direction so the breeze is coming through my window?” is a question I ask the team every night. Well let me tell you, Deb’s precise parking doesn’t disappoint. Last night (Saturday) saw the most violent storm to date in the small hours of the morning. The RV was rattling and shaking and I did wonder if we were going to end up in the land of Oz at one point. The image below was taken slightly earlier as the storm approached. The lightning lit up the pitch black sky.
After only 5.5 hours sleep, I woke up with a headache. This meant a 45 minute delay to the day while I drank water and waited for the paracetamol to work.
We drove to the start point, to the west of Lakin, and I got the day started at 06:59. The morning called for tracksuit bottoms and a base layer top. That was to combat the flies. That amount of clothing is uncomfortable in the heat. It’s worth it though.
There were dark clouds ahead at the start. The road was straight but very up and down during those early miles.
I met the team at the 7.5 mile point. Thomas cooked a “breakfast wrap”. It was delicious and arguably the best one he’s done.
I got back out onto Highway 50 also known as the 400. As per usual the heat had cranked up a notch. The flies and mozzies were out in force too.
At mile 10 I crossed into a new time zone. It was a case of goodbye central time and hello to mountain time. I was unsure how to use this to our advantage. My first thought had been to stick to central time to make use of the extra daylight at the end of the day. It’s too complicated however. Mountain Time it is.
I passed an odd looking bull a little further down the road. Together with his companions, they simply stared at me. I get that a lot!
That sentiment was echoed on NUFC.com. The constant coverage on the site has been brilliant.
I met the team for a water refill at 18 miles. Deb asked if I wanted to eat at that point. I said that would push on.
We arranged to meet in Syracuse which was 3.25 miles down the highway. I went past a couple of feed yards. The smell was horrendous.
I met the RV at the 21.25 mile point. Thomas had cooked some pasta. It’s not my favourite but very good for getting the carbs in before the final session of the day. We spoke later in the day about this meal. I’ve asked for cold pasta with tuna and mayo in future.
When I got back out, I noticed a painting on a wall in Syracuse. The dog in the picture reminded me of Brownie.
When I spoke to Donna earlier in the day, she said that I should not dwell on yesterday’s events with Brownie. I did do for today’s morning session but no longer after our discussion. The focus shifted on getting to the end point and getting home to Órlaith.
I got to the 24 mile point and my right foot was in a considerable amount of pain. Instead of ending the day there and then (as has been the case in the past) I got into the RV and took my socks and shoes off. I climbed onto the bed and got my feet elevated.
One hour later and I was back out, determined to hit 30 miles. I managed to do exactly that just as the sun was about to set.
TUNE OF THE DAY: Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
I’ll leave Kansas early tomorrow. There is just time for one final overnight storm. I suspect it’ll be a case of “you want a breeze! You’ve got a breeze”.
Brilliantly the charity fund for St Benedict's Hospice has now broken the £23,00 barrier. Thank you to those that donated today (and of course to those of you in the last 66 days too). If you haven't yet donated, please visit my JustGiving page - all donations no matter how big or small do make a massive difference.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/rungeordierun2025
