Time to Move On

Daily miles 30.70 | Total: 5,408.76 miles

I woke up at 4:50am, the RV still cold and quiet. I made my usual cold coffee and stepped outside into the crisp morning air. The campground was still asleep, except for the gentle steam rising off the hot springs. The first light of day began to paint the sky in soft colors behind the hills—it was peaceful, beautiful, and full of emotion.

I wandered a little, soaking it all in. Then came the moment I had both dreaded and accepted: time to wake my crew, time to say goodbye.

Time to get ready.

Time to be grateful.

Time for tears.

Time to remember.

Time to move on.

I ran out of the campground, and they drove away passing me. Unlike every other day, there would be no family crew stops along the road this time. They had said their goodbye. My new crew, Michael, would come find me later in the morning. And so I ran—into the open, quiet day, letting my mind and heart process it all.

The road stretched endlessly through eastern Oregon, framed by sagebrush on both sides. Small hares darted across the pavement. Gophers stood frozen, watching me pass. Birds soared above or danced in flocks, creating mesmerizing formations. It was just me, my thoughts, and this wild, beautiful world.

At mile 17, Michael arrived. He pulled over and greeted me with such warmth and energy that it lit up the moment. He handed me a protein bar, refilled my hydration, and we agreed on our next meet-up spot. As he drove off and I continued running, I smiled—grateful again for the kindness and commitment of the people who choose to support me out here.

Eventually the sagebrush gave way to deep green grasslands. I made my way through Burns, then Hines, and just a few miles out of town, Michael had found us a great place to stay for the night. He cycled down the final hill to greet me, and together—me still running, him cycling—we made our way to the campsite. When we arrived, he handed me an ice-cold protein shake. A simple gesture, but one that felt like gold.

We sat in camping chairs beside Route 78, enjoying the afternoon, chatting easily. Later, he drove me back into town so I could recharge my devices and catch up on some social things from a restaurant. Another day behind me, another chapter beginning.

Thank you for following along. Back on the road tomorrow.