Run Across America - 24th July - Day 41

Today was the big one as I had to run the highest elevation of the run (Berthoud Pass – 11,307ft) but before getting to the beginning of the mountain I had a few small towns to go through. Firstly I left from Tabernash heading towards another small town called Fraser, which started off a good day. When entering Fraser I noticed a physical therapy wellness centre and thought it wouldn’t do any harm going in to ask if someone could have a quick look at my knee. I spoke to a physician called Jeff who commented that because I was running across America and raising money for a worthy cause he would give me a consultation for free. So he examined my posture and body alignment coming to the conclusion my leg muscles were very tight, thus putting more than the usual strain on my knees. After the consultation I asked Jeff what the best support I could use. I tried on a stabilised knee support, which even though felt comfortable, looked like I’d damaged my knee badly. The knee support cost $41 .00, but with my charm I asked if they would kindly donate the knee support as I have no money. The owner Lori Myers agreed on the donation. So as a thank you, here is a mention (Alpine Physical Therapy Wellness Center, Fraser, Colorado).

Once entering Winter Park I decided on taking a look at a tattoo studio, as I’m hoping to get one on my ankle with the initials of my little Poppy (P.E.W). It was closed so now I’ll have to wait until further in the trip. The next shop I entered during my break was a hiking/biking shop as I’ve been looking for a new lighter camel pack that goes just around my waist. The one I have been using for the last 1200 miles has given me problems recently (stiff neck, traps, etc). I asked the staff how much it would be for the lighter camel pack and a pair of new sunglasses. Staff member Devin kindly donated me the camel pack and gave me discount of the sunglasses. I have to give a big thank you to (Devin White, Ski Depot Sports, Winter Park, Colorado).

Now that I’d looked in the required shops it did put my running schedule a little behind for my trek to the highest point of the run Berthoud pass (11,307ft). I decided the best way to handle the elevation and to help ease the pressure on my knees was by walking the steep parts and jog the straight roads, as there was no downhill for 9 miles. I finally got to the top and it felt good. The team don’t really see the importance of making Berthoud Pass, but to me it was a big achievement.

Once we got a few photos of the sign (see gallery) it was all downhill into a small town called Empire, where I finished for the day (33 miles). Tomorrow is going to be downhill for a bit before finally hitting the straight roads again. Denver is the next destination.  

The evening was a relaxed one as we enjoyed spaghetti bolognaise and a beer as a reward. The campsite owners were superb and gave me a very good discount on our stay for the night (Clear Creek RV campground, Empire, Colorado). 

Artist of the day – Listening to the river flowing in the mountains I was running through.

Regards

Jackson & Team