4000 Miles and Counting

Today started early — 5:20am — so I could be ready for breakfast at 6am. As I climbed the stairs, Renita and Brent were already up, preparing breakfast and coffee with so much warmth and care. The wooden board filled with fresh bread and cheese slices looked absolutely delicious, and once again I realized how incredibly spoiled I am. Every meal they have offered me was prepared with such love — a gift I deeply treasure.

Last night, Craig, their oldest son, asked if he could run a few miles with me this morning. Of course, I said yes. So after a beautiful breakfast together, Craig drove me and Renita back to the bakery in Marienthal where they had picked me up the day before. I organized my buggy, and then Craig and I set off running into the misty, cool morning.

The shoulder of the road was, thankfully, mostly wide enough for us to run side-by-side, though Craig had to move back and forth a few times because of traffic. I appreciated the short conversation we shared while running very much. Craig is a wonderful young man — kind, thoughtful, and a great running companion.

Just shy of two miles in, Renita pulled up with the pick-up truck. We said our goodbyes, hugged, and then I was back on my own.

The run today was peaceful — I stopped only a few times to drink and eat. Somewhere along the way, I crossed a time zone. It left me briefly confused when I arrived in Tribune, wondering why it felt so early.

But that thought quickly faded as something much bigger struck me:

Today, I crossed the 4000-mile mark on my world run.

Another incredible milestone. There’s still a long way to go — about 12,300 miles left — and not even a full quarter of the world yet, but I’m making real progress every day.

After arriving in Tribune, I found a bakery again where I could sit down, do some work, and wait for James and Elaine to pick me up. James had actually seen me running yesterday — he drove his truck slowly beside me while we chatted for a few moments. Today, he drove an hour to come get me. We loaded the buggy into his truck and had a great conversation during the ride back to Scott City.

At their home, I had a refreshing shower and a little rest before we headed out to meet Sharon, Dan, and their children — where I would stay tonight. Sharon had called me yesterday while I was running and, by evening, kindly offered me a place to stay.

When we arrived, Sharon had prepared an absolutely delicious Indian meal, and Elaine brought dessert. I felt spoiled once again. Sharon, besides being an incredible host and talented in handwork, is also a baker, and I had the treat of tasting her sourdough bread — pure heaven.

It’s late now, and I should get some sleep. Tomorrow, Sharon and Dan will drive me an hour back to Tribune so I can continue on.

4000 miles done, 12,300 miles to go.

I'm so grateful for your support. Thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep moving forward — together.