4/10/2011
So I started my day with an egg mcmuffin meal from McDonalds. Splashed all over the weather channel was news about the tornados in Iowa. Now the power of suggestion is a powerful thing and seeing the devastating power of mother nature can put paranoia into the calmest of people. I looked out the window and saw the trees swaying. There was a haze everywhere that looked like dust. I asked myself is this the day I get swept to Oz? Well my name isn’t Dorothy, I don’t have a dog named Toto, and I wasn’t in Kansas.
My mission for the day was to cross the border and get to Oklahoma. There I knew I would be OK. I know I’ve seen my share of dead animals on the roads over the past couple months but today really took the cake. The scent didn’t linger by the animals though. The strong wind carried the smell. So, I would smell the poor creatures several hundred feet after I passed them. At least the wind helped carry me.
The past few days’ late starts have really affected my running pattern. I find that I’m feeling strongest in the later afternoon. The only saving grace is that I’m now three plus days ahead of schedule. I plan on taking a day off once I reach Oklahoma City though. I’m not the only one feeling worn out. My poor New Balance are asking to be retired. They’ve got a couple of replacements waiting in Elk City. I’ll probably reach that city the day after tomorrow. I can’t wait for my new kicks but I don’t look forward to breaking them in.
I reached Oklahoma without encountering any people but I feel like I’m encountering ghosts from a time passed. The only way to understand what I’m talking about is to actually explore the old route 66. I don’t know if I’m hallucinating or if the elements are playing tricks on my eyes but, I see gas attendants filling up old Fords, and Chevys. I see kids eating ice cream and playing with a hoola hoop. I see a time when America was fulfilling it’s potential.
I ended up in Erick, Oklahoma. I found a great hotel for a great price. By now you all know how picky I am about having a hot bath. The Days Inn in Erick did not disappoint. The room is extremely clean. The air conditioner is strong, the bed and pillows are so comfortable. I’m getting sleepy writing about it right now. I’m going to put my head down. When I wake up I’ll let you know how I slept.
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