Day 24. Scottsdale to Chandler – 20 miles

9/18/2014

The sun came back strong but there was a hint of fall in the air. The itinerary for the day included speaking to a group of kids at Coronado High School about the importance of literacy. I had spent the previous night thinking about how to approach these kids. With the cross country team it was easy because I could fall back on the topic of running. With this class I would need to bring the message home and I would have to make it interesting. I felt very comfortable with these kids as they connected with what I was saying and doing. I have a bunch of new Facebook friends now and hopefully they will follow and be inspired by this journey.

It seems as though every place we rest we unload a bunch of items. Normally I believe in travelling light. But on this journey even the bare minimum seems to be a lot. I come to cherish the days I get to run without the baby stroller or hydration pack. Some comforts are sacrificed in the name of adventure. After speaking with the kids I had to help Crystal load the trailer. By the time I got on the road the sun was out in full force. I ran in the midday heat but it was my hydration pack that was a hinderance. The straps dug into my shoulders as I trotted along. Crystal drove to the ASU campus area, offloaded her bike, started riding and met me at my halfway point. We met on a bridge that connected Tempe to Scottsdale. Both of us had worked up a thirst as evidenced by my drenched shirt. A veggie sandwich would provide the energy needed for the second half of the day’s journey.

The day’s run was streamlined as much as possible to eliminate the need to constantly check for directions. It only took me three streets after lunch to reach the Residence Inn in Chandler. The staff had a warm greeting waiting for us. Hydration, snacks, and a bubbling Jacuzzi provided the perfect landing. I decided get as much rest as possible because there will be a few hard days to come.