Run Across America - 2nd September - Day 81

Last night we parked up in a Days Inn motel car park and as long as the team could get wireless internet then they were happy. Today was a half day (20 miles) which meant a nice lay in until 10am. The Days Inn had a swimming pool so I went and asked the motel reception if I could jump in the pool, they agreed, so I jumped in but my shorts came off but luckily there was no one around to notice my little man.

Today running was tough, as the hills begun to make my calves feel very tight and the hills weren’t getting any easier throughout the day. Luckily Matt (cycling) and Natasha (running) joined me at the start and the company always makes a big difference. Natasha did find the hills tough when running up them but she pushed on to finish a good 10 mile session, but Matt had difficulty when biking as the brakes were non-evident and when coming downhill he had to walk the bike.

For the last 10 miles Matt decided instead of biking he would begin his first running session and to be honest he couldn’t have chosen a worse time with the hills and the hot weather combined. Matt hasn’t run since school days, but as with the cycling he took it in his stride and completed 5 miles straight but then biked the last 5 miles, as he said that 5 miles took him apart. He will improve to 10 miles in a few days instead (wise decision).

Only one day left before we enter “West Virginia” and maybe also into “Pennsylvania” if my calculations are correct. I’m feeling much more relaxed and tomorrow is going to be only two weeks left (barring no injuries, etc) until I finally arrive in New York City. My girl Annie seemed more relaxed on the telephone yesterday and she can’t wait for me to arrive at Heathrow on the morning of the 20th September.

On a last note, the moustaches that Ben, Alex and me are growing are doing well and we are beginning to all look like 70’s porn stars.

Regards, Jackson and Team