9/3/2015
Breakfast was a simple affair. The little diner next to the motel served us two eggs, hash browns and toast. The familiar meal transported me to a time in my childhood. Funny how scent and taste can evoke memories of another time. The food slid right down my throat and filled my morning hunger. It was time to kick some rocks, polish off the day, and begin my much awaited days of rest.
The country roads remained naked. I could hear the sound of crunching rocks, the blowing air, and little else. I guessed most sounds didn’t like traveling the distance of the vast prairies. Occasionally large farm machinery would pass me like a tornado. They were hidden in large clouds of advancing light brown dust. In their wake I tasted powdered earth. It had to have been better for me that the exhaust of the cars on the highway.
There were days when I had the company of friends; humans and animals. On my way to Glen Ullin, one of each joined me. A truck pulled up next to me and a middle aged man asked me if I needed a ride. I told him I was out running and he mentioned he was driving ahead log some miles as well. I asked him if he wanted to join me so he pulled over, parked his car in a little open patch, and began putting on his gear. As I ran toward his vehicle, the black oval sticker with 26.2 came into focus.
Nicky was a furry brown bundle of energy. She jumped out and ran towards me like a greyhound. It was nice having company for a few miles. We chatted about the local sights and about running. With company, the time passed almost instantly. The trailer came into view and I settled down to have lunch. Dan and Nicky continued running to achieve their mileage goal before turning around. Nicky enjoyed lapping up some cool liquid refreshment before leaving for the return trip. The sound of the slurping turned on my thirst and I cracked open a cold juice after they took off.
The last few miles should have been a cinch. They weren’t difficult but they were annoying. I had tried to eek out one last day on my decrepit footwear because I knew a fresh supply of shoes awaited at Kevin’s house. When the first buildings emerged in the distance my feet rejoiced and I found the final gear and made my final push. It was time for a couple days of rest and relaxation at Crystal’s dad’s place.
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