12/28/2014
My hunger woke me from my sleep. I stumbled downstairs and searched for the breakfast room like a zombie. I was surprised to enter a packed breakfast area. I had no idea Biloxi was such a popular destination. The Oak Manor provided all the usual continental breakfast items and one special item. I poured my milk over some frosted flakes and consumed cereal for my first course. The cereal was followed by eggs, fruit, and yogurt. I wanted to get various nutrients into my body before I started putting away the Krispy Kreme donuts.
The breakfast of plenty did little to eliminate my sluggishness. My body crept back under the soft white sheets in search for rest. I didn’t have much time to rest as Crystal had arranged for an interview with WLOX; the abc affiliate in Biloxi. After a couple rotations in bed I abandoned the idea of more rest. My focus turned to preparing my body for the day. I poured the remains of sports alcohol into my bath and lined the bottom of the tub with large grains of Epson salt. It propped me up and readied the body for another day of pounding pavement.
The interview took place in a heavy fog. The cloud remained on the ground throughout the interview and on. I took off right from the hotel parking lot. I encountered another two mile bridge a mile into my run. I couldn’t see through the 99% humidity. I ran in obscurity for most of the town of Ocean Springs. Crystal found a great Mexican restaurant at the end of town. We would take a break at La Fiesta Brava. What surprised me on this day was their ample vegetarian selection. Crystal was unable to finish her spinach and mushroom enchilada so I polished off her meaty dish.
Bright rays greeted us outside the restaurant. The fog lifted and I could see for miles and miles. I ran into the town of Gautier and suddenly the fog was thicker than ever. I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. When I reached another bridge my heart began to pound. There was a wide running lane but there was no dividing wall for protection. The cloud on the ground had me timid about crossing the body of water. I did what I have always done in these situations. I said a prayer and I went for it without looking back. The day ended in Pascagoula with plenty of time before the news would air.
We found an establishment that would let us watch our story. It was a local place with plenty of friendly customers. It was pretty quiet in the joint until the story aired. After that it felt like we had a few new friends and one big party.
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