7/24/2011
The temperature dropped over ten degrees today. I felt amazingly strong. After the record heat of the past few days, today seemed like a piece of cake. Of course after nearly half a year of running you’d think I’d know better than to think the cooler weather meant smooth sailing. The first eighteen miles flew without a hitch but then I decided to take a lunch break.
The Chinese food hit my stomach like a rock and I felt crippled for the next half hour. I continued on because despite my achy tummy, something about being so close keeps me restless. After my stomach ache dissipated some cool rain began to fall. I liked it at first but then I remembered I was running with a camera in my pocket. Having had some disputes with the gadget gods several times on this trip already, I didn’t feel like making them angry.
I took shelter under an archway that belonged to a trucking company. It was actually kind of nice sitting, relaxing and watching the rain fall. I began to have a solo karaoke session thinking no one was watching me. Well, the security gaurd happened to be around the corner and I guess he didn’t appreciate my vocal stylings. He politely asked me to leave. His timing was pretty good actually. The rains were beginning to disappear. Unfortunately with the rains went the cool air. What was left was a hot sun and humidity. ARRRRGGG!!!!
For some reason the next eight miles wasn’t too bad. I had to fight through some serious chest high shrubbery along the 1,9 truck bridge into Jersey City but the view to Manhattan took my breath away. Before my very eyes was the skyline I’ve been running towards for five freakin months. Was my adventure real? Or, was it just a sweet dream? This wonderful moment was interupted by my growling stomach. I had to make it to the support vehicle to have a go at round two with the Chinese food. Did I mention my masochistic tendencies? No worries, I was victorious.
I took off for a quick five miles and thought I’d end my day there. Well that’s what would have happened in the ideal situation. But, surprise, my cell phone battery died. With a mile to go it doesn’t sound that serious. It wouldn’t have been a big deal if I wasn’t relying on the thing for my map. Lucky for me I carry a spare battery in my pocket. Unlucky for me, the screen went on the fritz. After pulling out and putting in the battery a couple of times I resorted to the ancient form of fixing electronics. I began to hit the thing. No success.
I knew I was a minute or two away from my destination but, it was getting dark. I didn’t want my support to be stranded in the middle of Union City. I again turned to the police. Officer Glaser was super cool. I think I disturbed his phone conversation with his wife but he didn’t seem to mind. Suddenly the intersection popped into my head. It was only two blocks away. Just to be safe officer Glaser told me he’d circle around. I still couldn’t believe the phone decided to go out this close to the end.
Found the vehicle. Checked into a motel. plugged my computer in. Suddenly my phone decided it wanted to function. Part of me wanted to throw it. The other part of me was filled with relief.
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