Lettuce, Wind, and Steady Miles (41 of Them)

The alarm went off at 5am, and I was up and moving. With a 41-mile day ahead of me and my legs already feeling the miles from the days before, I knew the best strategy was simple: start early, stay steady, and just keep going.

I left the cozy cottage in Fredonia just after 6am, heading back out to Highway 400 as the first light crept over the horizon. The sunrise was peaceful—a good reminder to take things one mile at a time. I fell into a steady rhythm and mentally settled into the task. No need to rush, just flow with it and protect my legs for the long haul.

Somewhere mid-morning, Rosemary and Larry—Vaughn’s parents—slowed down to wave and say hello. A sweet moment of encouragement that added some warmth to the road. Later, a group of road workers offered me drinks, and then Marc, a friendly truck driver, stopped to hand me a bottle of water. These gestures never get old—every bit of kindness adds to the fuel I carry with me.

About six miles from Eureka, Vaughn himself pulled over and handed me a head of lettuce for dinner. What a gift for a lettuce lover like me!

The final stretch into Eureka was tough. The wind picked up, and with about two miles to go, I was just ready to arrive. Sometimes it’s not the distance but the last little push that really tests you.

I chatted briefly with a woman working at a garden shop on the edge of town before checking into a motel. Brenda, the owner, mentioned there was good Wi-Fi, but as it turns out, the signal only works in her lobby. Ah well—running around the world teaches you to roll with it.

Now it’s time to shower, eat, and rest. Tonight’s dinner? Couscous lettuce wraps with nuts and apple slices. I’m so ready.

Thanks for being here, and for checking in again. This journey isn’t just about the miles—it’s about the people, the places, and all the little pieces of life in between.