11/13/2014
We have begun to lose track of our days. Only our events keep us from completely forgetting the time. Of course we are aware of the changing seasons due to the temperature and weather but the premature frosty breath betrays the autumn: especially here in southern Texas. Our journey began in scorching heat but somehow, without the gradual transition that is fall, we jumped to icy cold.
We thank our stars for the last minute rally from Susan, Mario, and the Hampton Inn Uvalde. The warm room sheltered us from frosty temperatures. I took advantage of the complimentary hot chocolate and cookies more than once. After a couple weeks without a hot bubbly tub, my body was ragged. I drew a bath of salts and sports rub alcohol and jumped in without hesitation. I relaxed and soaked in my special muscle rejuvenating concoction. I only combined the treatments because I wanted to give my body a proper pampering.
On our 74th day on the road we had an event at Uvalde’s Robb Elementary School. The principal Christa Dillard ran a tight ship. It was evident that she wanted the kids to get the most out of their school experience and she expected excellence from her students. I wanted to give the kids in this town something memorable, a little something they could carry with them, even it was tucked away in their subconscious. I spoke to two sets of kids and they ran with me as well. It was loads of fun sharing a few pearls of wisdom with them. Despite my best attempt at ending the event on time, the event ran over the expected time. I found it difficult (as usual) to end the event without answering every question.
We tried our best to hit the road but the darkness was quicker than my feet. Day 74 was done. We’d add the miles to the next day which meant day 75 would be another day of running over 30 miles.
It turned out that day 75 was the coldest day yet. Even the warm water seemed to steam. I threw on one layer, two layers, three layers of clothing, to run, and I was still cold. My muscles refused to cooperate on the first six miles. The chilly air overpowered the rejuvenating pampering of the previous day. Snow gloves failed to keep my hands warm and my mind forgot to stay in the moment. I began thinking about the cold days to come. When I passed Sabinal after 12 miles, I rubbed my nose thinking it was wet. However, I discovered it was just numb. I wondered if the sweaty clothes and cold air were getting to me. It was motivation to get to my destination. I even skipped a great photo of a vulture perched atop a newly deceased deer.
The first landmark upon entering Hondo was a correctional facility. There were signs that read, “Don’t pick up hitchhikers. They could be escaped inmates”. I reached Crystal shortly after the penitentiary. She had parked our trailer at an R.V. Park but they didn’t have facilities for us to bathe. We were happy though. We were grateful for the warmth and electricity.
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