But the journey is blissfully ended, at the northernmost point in Europe. I feel a little "dazed and confused", but elated at the prospect of not having to tenderize my long-suffering feet again tomorrow.
Celebrations tonight, then a 3:30am departure for the airport. I will be first on that bus.
Finally, a shout-out to two folks who helped me most - my long-suffering wife, who helped me hang in there with daily calls and emails, and Mike, who met me in Sweden with a care package and great messages from Austin.
Oh, and did I mention...I just ran across Europe - WOOHOO!
30 comments:
Congratulations Russel!!! You are without a doubt an inspiration!
Congratulations on a tremendous accomplishment that very few people in the world could ever hope to do. I've enjoyed reading your blog every day and following your journey.
What's next? How about this?
http://www.3100.ws
Congratulations again, Russell!
So, when's the next one?
Congratulations on a fantastic journey! You did it - what an incredible accomplishment!!!
Wow! that is all I have to say..you just ran over 100 marathons in 64 days...wow! that is all i can say....peace and rest to you....
Russ - what a fantastic achievement. Many congratulations. I have enjoyed your blog each day and am in awe of your dedication & commitment. Best wishes. Enjoy the journey home and the well deserved rest.
YeeHa!
We are all very proud of you!
Congrats
Congratulations Russ!!! See you with a cold beer in a few days...Cathy Bridge
Huge congratulations Russ!!! Austin welcomes you back with open arms. You did great!
Congrats Russ! Amazing!
Congratulations - simply an amazing accomplishment!
Congratulations, Russell! What an amazing journey. I think you can safely say that now you know you can do absolutely anything you want to. What is that quote -- something like, "the miracle is not that I finished but that I had the courage to start." Well, I think those were both miracles. Deciding to undertake something like this in the first place and then doing every little piece of what it took to do it all both take amazing grit. Well done.
Finisher's shirt? Dang, you should get an entire finisher's wardrobe. Maybe several pairs of socks in different patterns... :)
Awesome job, FINISHER. Way to keep it steady and DONE.
Congratulations on such an incredible accomplishment, Russ. I've been checking your blog daily. You've been an inspiration.
When I get bogged down during a run, I just think about the challenges you went through that day, and realize a few miles in the Austin heat is nothing.
You can now take a well-deserved break.
Woo hoo!! Congrats Russ!! If it makes you feel better, you won't need any Gortex layers in the 100 degree weather in Austin.
You set yourself a goal that many of us wouldn't even think of let alone attempt. Thanks for being such an inspiration. You've earned some serious R&R but I can't help but wonder - how are you going to be satisfied with retirement after this?
Looking forward to catching up in Austin.
Helen & Young
Congrats Russ! You are unbelieveable!
dude, way to go. this is an unbelievable accomplishment.
Awesome, Russ. Bed and Full English for a couple months now, eh?
Congrats, congrats!!
I can't honestly say that I always knew you were going to finish. I'm happy you proved me wrong and that you can do anything, and I hope that half of that attitude got passed on to me. You're the man.
Congratulations just doesn't say enough. You are absolutely amazing Russ. I hope you thaw out soon. Give your body a much deserved rest and enjoy a relaxing trip back to Austin. It really is amazing what the human body can accomplish and you've got an amazing mind and body to get you through this.
Leslie
I have so thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog each day, what an amazing journey and accomplishment you have achieved! I'm kinda sad thinking that I won't have your daily blogs to read each day. Congratulations and thanks for sharing your trip, your mental and physical strength are inspiring!
Beth
Ok, here's how I picture the finish...
"You saw the finishline, and immediately pick up the pace by about 3 seconds a mile. You didn't stop at the finishline and instead ran straight to the green van with the beer guy, and yelled: "Mister Blister!!!, get over here!" You ordered two REAL beers and deservedly drank a celebratory beer with Mister Blister!"
Exactly how it went down, right?!
; )
I hope you luck out and get an exit row on the flight home. If anyone deserves the leg space more than you, they're going to have to have a damn good story.
Russ, What an amazing accomplishment! Enjoy some well earned R&R.
-Degner
Congratulations Russ! I have no words worthy of such an accomplisment other than thanks for taking us all along for the journey. You have undoubtedly inspired something in each of us which is an incredible gift. I had the pleasure of seeing Claire just after you guys talked on the phone. I wish you could have seen her face!! You are an amazing athlete and person. Enjoy the return to your family and routine tasks that you longed for while you were gone. Take care of yourself. I hope you have a speedy recovery!
Congratulations and welcome back to Norway under more comfortable circumstances!
Congratulations! That is AMAZING!
Congratulations! I was given your blog address by a friend who knows you from Austin. What you have done is amazing!!!
congrats. now time to celebrate & get your fat back!
Congratulations, Russell. What a wonderful achievement! Although said so well by others, you are an amazing inspiration and I am in awe of your accomplishment!
It's so cool to see that sign -- 64 of 64!! What an accomplishment, an incredible feat. I can't imagine what kind of pedicures you've dutifully earned for the rest of your life. I bet your family and friends are so happy to see you realize this incredible goal! You've had this on your gameplan for a few years! I would say you exceeded expectations? G1 work? :-) Congrats, Russ!
Catherine Colbert
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