Run Across America - 21st August - Day 69

Today was only a half day (25 miles) meaning we all had a lay in before heading into Springfield for a quick look around. I had to make a couple of phone calls in order to change the flight dates as we should be finishing three weeks early. The 25 miles were rather rushed because we didn’t get to the start point and on the road until 3.30pm. Matt joined me on the bike in order to get to his 1000 miles target. I set the pace at around 6 mph, which for the first 10 miles was a good pace, but the evenings are getting darker quicker so I had to run quicker for the next 15 miles and upped it to 6 ½ mph.

The finish line for today was Decatur (Days Inn hotel). The evening darkness set quickly and with 5 miles left to run it began to get dark and the last 2 miles were run in almost complete darkness. I thought Matt and I were going to be put on the “Road Kill” album that the team have been collecting since California.

The weather today was cool. Illinois has been very good so far and I’m just hoping it stays that way and it doesn’t fall either way (too hot or too cold). The lady on reception at the Days Inn hotel said it was fine for us to park the RV in the car park for the night; she was even talking to me about Martin Illiott, who had just run across America and finished in June. Martin run across America solo and completed it in 78 days, which I think is just amazing.

Tonight I am just about to get a tough massage from Natasha whilst the other team members are either using the laptops or reading a book.

Regards, Jackson and Team