What an amazing way to start the trip!! We started with a quick splash in the Missouri River...we thought about swimming half of it, but decided with the flooding that it would be a bad idea :) The first 20 miles flew by, as Steve Flynn and I caught up on about a years worth of chatting. Actually, chatting sounds so superficial. Truly the conversation was quite lovely and heartfelt as we discussed a whole range of topics about life.
Around 20 I started to feel an achy IT band and an achy foot, but my energy was high! It was strange. I expected to feel tired and maybe struggle with motivation, as that has happened in previous long runs. I was really surpirsed to feel aches and pains at that point.
We met up with Tim and Victoria for a picnic lunch in the middle of nowhere Iowa...yummy food from the New Pioneer co-op with a single Advil for dessert. The delicious lunch and a little rest was just what we needed. Who would have thought that on the first day of summer, we would be waering sweatshirts, long pants and huddling in the car to stay warm. A perfect day for running! A little mist with a crazy strong westerly wind to gently push us eastward. The rest of the afternoon flew by as well! My favorite part was a remote area in Iowa, perhaps about 25-35 miles into the trip. We were on gravel roads, b-maintenance roads which became impassable, so eventually we ended up walking a railroad track. Gorgeous scenery!!! And that wind!!! At around mile 30 I walked to the top of the hill, let out a couple of yells and enjoyed standing in the wild, amazing countryside! So beautiful.
Around this time, we had the luck of chatting with a local farmer who raises what I call "nicely cared for" pigs. He was so supportive of our run, and super enthusiastic. WHat a nice surprise!
Upin arrving at Hancock, we felt so good that we decided to go 3 extra miles with that lovely wind at our back. After a total of 41 miles, we are in a hotel in Atlantic, IA and I am ready to sit, eat, and go to bed!! So thankful for a glorious day, this amazing mother earth, the wild and windy sky and of course, the support of some many amazing people.
Love to all.
Many miles to go. Keep it up!
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