A Different Celebration

100 days on the road. What a milestone! Today was not how I had originally imagined it, but it was still special in its own way. After deciding yesterday to slow down for a couple of days to give my left leg some rest, I actually slept in until 7:30 AM—something that rarely happens. My left lower leg is a bit swollen, and I feel some pain with certain movements, but I’m not too worried. A few years ago, this would have made me anxious, but with experience, I’ve learned to trust my body’s ability to heal.

For now, the key is taking proper care: reducing activity, using pain and inflammation medicine, and elevating my leg. It’s good timing to be near Little Rock, where I can manage shorter distances. Injury prevention is always my top priority, but after 100 days of running, a few bodily issues are to be expected. Whether it’s a false movement, shoewear, or just an occasional lapse in form, minor setbacks are part of the journey. The important thing is to take the necessary steps, be patient, and use this time to focus on things I don’t always get to when running my usual high mileage.

So today, I walked. A slow and steady 12-mile recovery walk from Carlisle to Lonoke. It gave me time to reflect on the past 100 days, take in my surroundings at an even slower pace, and appreciate the road in a new way. I even listened to a podcast—something I never do while running. The road stretched out endlessly, and though I would have preferred to celebrate pain-free, today was a good reality check.

The morning started with a relaxed pace. After sleeping in, I took my time talking to my family—always a highlight—then had breakfast: cereal with raisins and milk, paired with my home-brewed cold coffee. I left the hotel after 9 AM, another rarity, but hey, a special day deserves a special late start. Just as I was about to leave, I ran into a man I had briefly seen the night before. He had just pulled up, realizing he had left an important shirt behind. He was heading to a veteran gathering, and the shirt was meaningful to him. In a blink of an eye, after hearing about my journey, he generously handed me money. His name is Sinbad. A wonderful man.

With my mind already set on taking it easy, I embraced the recovery walk. Step by step, pushing my buggy along the quiet backroad, I soaked in my surroundings differently than usual. My mind wandered through memories of the last 100 days, reminding me of all the incredible experiences, the people I’ve met, and the lessons I’ve learned. Even though I wasn’t running, I was still moving forward—and that’s what matters.

Once I arrived in Lonoke, I was able to check into my hotel early. I used the time to wash my clothes, go shopping, and make a plan for the next few days. Now, here I am, reflecting on the journey so far, incredibly grateful for all of your support.

Bear with me—this minor setback is just my body telling me what it needs. No worries, no hurries. I’ve learned to be patient and trust the healing process. Tomorrow, I’ll take on a slightly longer walk but still give my leg the care it needs.

Thank you for being with me on this adventure. Keep dreaming big.

Much love, Andrea