A good day today, although it started badly. First, we had to take a bus to the next village at 4:45am to breakfast, and then take it back afterwards to pack our things. Then the start at 6am - very cold and dismal. Moods didn't improve much for the first 20 miles of very steep hills.
But then by lunchtime we arrived at the old town of Fulda, and went through it on lovely, flat cycle paths. It was odd observing "regular" people again, hanging out in the parks, walking their dogs, generally getting on with their normal lives, while we aliens passed through. I am starting to miss really everyday things - like reading the paper, going to the store, watching a mindless TV show. We take so much for granted...
So the last 25 miles were long but pleasant enough, with not much traffic and lots of cycle paths. I felt physically and mentally strong today. Some are already starting to negatively fixate over the arduous, monotonous Swedish experience ahead of us. I'll just be glad to have made it that far, to a fourth country. Positive, positive - every step takes me one step closer to the North Cape - where, by the way, I'm planning to lob my sneakers theatrically into the ocean.
16 comments:
While we who are reading the paper, going to the store and watching mindless TV, are living vicariously through your blog. Thank you so much for making the daily effort after so much physical effort. Oh - 90 degrees and humid in Austin, TX - may make it 7-8 miles for the HCTR's Wednesday HOL run tonight. Many runners heading for Jemez, NM this weekend. Reenie
Right on Russ. Glad to hear you had a good day. Keep up the great work.
Few people who travel really get to see and experience other places so close up as you are now. And compared to that, you are not missing much without the mindless TV. I remember when you spoke at an ARC meeting a few years ago just after your journey across France. It was inspiring then as it is now.
Russ, great job keeping it on the positive side! We can only guess what it's like. Thank you for letting us live vicariously through your experiences!
Ed Burgess
Awesome work, Russ. Sending positive MoJo your way daily.
It has been hot, dry, & windy in Corpus Christi. Not a drop of rain for the past few weeks & I am envious of your references to rain in your reports! B2B relay marathon is on Saturday & it looks like that you have a legitimate excuse for being absent this year! Your fellow ultra runner, Don Winkley, wishes that he could be there with you. He is on his way to South Africa for the Comrades Ultra Marathon.
Happy running,
Kami
Hey Dad,
I look forward to reading your updates every day once the kiddies are in bed! You sound so positive - keep up the good work! And don't worry I will do some extra shopping and TV watching just for you - it'll be hard but I think I can manage. Love ya
Way to go Russ, your incredible journey is inspiring! Jill and I wish you all the best!!! Keep up the good fight my friend!
Dick and Jill :-)
Russ,
You've run 25 days - I believe that's 8 days longer than Germany? You should be very proud!
A group of us were talking yesterday about being in a rut and not doing anything of real meaning. We started talking about dreams we've let slide. You wanted to run across Europe and you're actually doing it. You are truly amazing.
Take care of yourself.
~ Helen
OMG, Russ, if you miss TV, you should watch this dvd of the first season of Coupling!! You'd laugh so hard that you'd forget what hurts!!
What's the current toenail tally?
Keep your head in the game, Russ!
You are a superman! Stil drinking martinis in London. Will keep one cold for you. Respect.
Sending you positive vibes from the ATX!
You're doing an amazing job!!!
I've had the sniffles and thought I'd better sleep in the last 2 mornings. Then I thought what would Russ do and I got up and ran my meager 3 miles. It's hard to stay totally lazy after reading your blog every evening. Hang in there.
June
Go Russ Go,
Talk about coaching by example...After following your journey I can't think of a single reason not to go out and run everyday. Thank you coach.
Russ, I am continually amazed by what you are doing.
silke
Don't worry about Sweden Russel.
First you have to swim through the East Sea. Didn't Ingo mentioned that?
;-)
Enjoy Germany
Markus
A German in Colorado
Post a Comment