Run Across America - 21st July - Day 38

I wasn’t looking forward to today’s running because it was my first big elevation of 9500ft in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. I was heading towards ‘Rabbit Ear’s Pass’, but with my bad knee I thought it might make the injury worse. It was the complete opposite as I showed my true fighting spirit and fitness by running up the mountain roads for the whole 21 miles to the top. The team told me that I’m jeopardising the run by maybe causing more damage to my knee, but I was in the zone and had to prove a point to myself (mission accomplished). I’m running through the rocky plateaus and picture perfect mountains, so I seem to be finally enjoying the amazing scenery around me.

After the big elevation (9500ft) to the top of Rabbit Ear’s pass it was all down hill for the next 11 miles to the RV that was waiting for me. If we didn’t need to be at the campsite for registration I would have continued on to the 40 miles mark. Alex advised me that I should continue running 32 miles a day until after Denver where the elevation is flat mostly all the way to New York. It was a ‘strange’ afternoon after leaving Rabbits Ear’s pass because 5 minutes into the run there was a guy walking up the hill I was about to run down and the thing about our meeting was he had just walked from New York and was heading to the coast but not California (further north). Was it fate I’m not sure, but we had a great conversation as we were in awe of each other’s accomplishments. He actually looked like the real ‘Forest Gump’ as he was growing his beard throughout his trip whereas I shaved mine off a few days ago as was too itchy.

Tonight the team are going to have a few beers (Natasha has Malibu) because it’s Ben’s 26th birthday and tomorrow is a half-day so we might stay up a bit later to help celebrate. Daily life on the RV has become a grind for the team as they have 8 hours to pass (sorry guys).

I was speaking to my girl Annie this morning and told her I think it’s time she finally becomes a Mrs Williams (we have been engaged for 6 years now) as we have our little family and I’ve been putting it off for so long now. If Annie is happy to marry me then I can’t wait (honestly).

Artist of the day – Cypress Hill       

PS - If anybody is interested please join the ‘Keep Jackson Running Across America’ Facebook group set up by Simon Bowsher of my official sponsor Mizuno.

Regards

Jackson & Team