Run Across America - 16th September - Day 95
Today was the last day of this immense “Run Across America” challenge that I started way back on June 14th from Huntington Beach, California. The whole experience has had many ups and some downs and not just when running, but also with the team. The adventure has taken me away from my wonderful family and that’s why failure was never an option after I missed my little Poppy’s 1st birthday on July 9th.
The run started with only 22 miles for today’s session as it was important for me to enjoy the experience of running into New York City and not struggle too much to the finish. Matt joined me on the bike as he has crossed his own immense challenge and that was to ride 1000 miles on the bike, he actually covered 1010 miles. I’m so pleased that the goal he set himself when joining the trip way back in Kansas has been achieved (well done bro I’m very proud).
The other team members also need to be praised for their part on this trip with Alex cooking every night and being the dad of the whole group (apart from when Trevor was with the group) and running in Nevada for 21 miles on one of the hottest days. Ben has now driven the RV for over 4500 miles around the whole of the USA. Even though the run was 3086 miles, he still had to drive many miles out of the way to campsites and getting shopping, etc. Natasha was my masseuse and a great one at that, massaging my tired muscles once, if not sometimes twice a day. She missed her family so much and sometimes found it hard to cope, which is why the invention of MSN was her life line for contacting everyone. Trevor was another great asset to the team and I believe without his input for the first 5 weeks the team would have found it hard to cope with the daily life on the RV, and maybe some team members could have easy left before the trip really got started. Trevor was also a great masseur and even though he massaged me sometimes with only his underwear on, there was a reason (too hot) and he was a great bloke.
The finish today was just pure magic with Matt and me holding an American flag down Central Park West for about 1 mile to Columbus Circle. When we finally got to the finish (3pm) I had the team waiting (Ben, Natasha and Alex) with my friend Adam and his mum Sharon (Camp America sponsored their flights) and lastly my two great friends Jimmy Archer and Drew Breeze, that without their support throughout the years none of this trip could have happened.
We are all going out for a slap up meal tomorrow in New York City, but there are two people missing from the team (Natasha and Trevor) but they know the support they have given me was much needed and I will catch up with them back in the UK. We all fly out Wednesday night and I will finally get to see my fabulous family at Heathrow airport. I have missed them so much, but without their support whilst in preperation and during the run I don’t think I could have handled the mental pressures everyday.
Alex, Ben, Matt and I are now going to chill out in New York City for two days before heading back to where the real life begins again.
Regards, Jackson and Team