Run Across America - 4th August - Day 52

This morning I was back to my normal routine and on the road by 08.00am. I used to start running at 07.00am but I still felt tired and would take a nap on the side of the road (in Arizona I slept for two hours under a tree), so I thought that not rushing the morning would mean I’d go straight through without feeling as tired. It was another 40 miles today and I started the run about 7 miles short of Norton City. Once reaching Norton the team were in the same car park we used yesterday for sending emails, so when I arrived had a quick check on the computer before heading back on the road. I met a couple who were cycling a few miles today and they were very nice and informed me that when I run into my next biggish City (Phillipsburg) that the team and I should go and watch the rodeo which is the biggest one of the year. I said that I’d see what time we finished today before making any decision.

I did feel different today (more confident) because I now know that there is no turning back as it’s now further to California than New York. It’s a strange feeling knowing that your body has taken you so far, and I feel ready for the second half of this epic adventure I’ve set myself. Both running sessions went well today, but it did go over 100 degrees this afternoon and even though I’m used to it, it’s been a few weeks since it last went over that temperature mark. My landmark destination today was Phillipsburg and it was a lot flatter on the roads today than it has been the last few so I was thinking about breaking my 40 mile time record, but once the heat came out I didn’t think it would be worth draining my self for the next day. I have now got a dark brown sun tan on my back and lot’s of white marks everywhere else. Running into Phillipsburg Natasha and Ben were waiting in the RV with Alex on the bike alongside me running. 41 miles completed.

The evening has been relaxing apart from the agony I get from Natasha’s sports massage, but it’s all worth it as “pain doesn’t last” but “the run will last for life”.

Artist of the day – Kings of Leon (again). I don’t normally like this sort of music but I have been pleasantly surprised and recommend the album.

Regards, Jackson and Team