Traveling Through Time and States

I started the day at 6 a.m., as usual. After packing up and having some breakfast, I set off just as the day was beginning to lighten. The air was still chilly, so I put on my rain jacket for warmth and my bright orange vest to stay visible on the road.

My route began on the highway, where morning traffic was quite heavy, and there wasn’t much room for me to run safely on the side. Thankfully, before long, I turned off before a junction and found myself on Highway 84, which led me straight from Bainbridge to Ashford.

Around mile 9, a car stopped ahead of me, and a woman stepped out. As I approached, she asked if I needed a ride. I smiled and told her she was the first person in nine days of running through the U.S. to stop and ask if I needed anything. We took a picture together, had a short chat, and then continued on our separate ways. It was a heartwarming moment that stayed with me throughout the day.

The running itself went incredibly well. My legs weren’t the fastest or lightest, but the weather was much warmer and fully dry, which made the miles enjoyable. I felt in rhythm and only stopped a few times.

At around mile 30, I crossed the Chattahoochee River, marking not only a state border but also a shift into a new time zone. After so much running, the time change threw me off a little, but three miles later I reached a gas station. There, I grabbed a gallon of water to refill my bottles for the evening and the following morning.

While I was packing my things outside the station, Shirley, a lovely woman with a charming Southern accent, came over and asked where I was headed. We chatted for a while, and I had to concentrate to understand her accent—but she was so warm and kind. Encounters like these truly brighten my journey.

With 7.3 miles remaining, I ran to an RV site called "Just Friends," where I had hoped to camp. Unfortunately, before I could even introduce myself, the owner yelled at me to get back to the road. Disappointed, I pressed on another two miles to another RV park.

The campground host wasn’t there when I arrived, and for a moment I felt unsure what to do. Thankfully, a man named Darill emerged from his RV just as he was heading out. I approached him, explained my situation, and he kindly tried to help. Eventually, Kyle, a man from the neighborhood, came and offered me a place to stay in his garden.

When I arrived at their home, Kyle and his wife, Nikki, went above and beyond. Instead of pitching my tent, they offered me a cozy tiny house with a sofa—no electricity or running water, but I could use their bathroom. They even ordered a big salad for me, and over dinner, we talked about life, adventures, and more. They gave me plenty of drinks, a snack bag, and best of all, I could do my laundry!

Hallelujah—and yes, I can use their Wi-Fi!

Life is good. Thank you, Nikki and Kyle, for your kindness, hospitality, and generosity. Yes, ma’am!