4/14/2015
I sprang out of bed a minute before my alarm started ringing. My internal clock was determined to keep me on schedule. I had a lot on my plate so I was happy to get an early start. I figured making a hot breakfast would have consumed too much time so I turned to my tried and true meal of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I used the cranberry bread Shannon had given me to make my meal more flavorful. It was easy, tasty, and rich in nutrients.
I arrived at the radio station a couple minutes early. The moment I stepped out of the truck pollen particles charged up my nostrils. I didn’t mind the microscopic nuisances as long as the weather stayed warm. I stepped into the wooden interior of the radio station, sat on an old vinyl chair, and collected my thoughts for the day. The D.J. Joe Young came out of the booth to greet me and Ruthie popped up full of energy. I never imagined I would be interviewed on a country music station. The moment Joe pushed the record button, the whirlwind day began. I went from the country music station to the pop music staion by walking to a room down the hall.
The interviews were brief but I was able to get my message out without any excess. I rushed from the station to the school. We picked up Crystal en route to South Hill Elementary. When we arrived, Ruthie escorted us around the campus. I noticed the immaculate grounds and hallways were embellished with posters promoting fitness, reading, nutrition, and stewardship. They signaled to me that I was in the right place. I felt warm inside knowing I had the chance to inspire young minds.
One hundred and thirty smiling faces welcomed me to the playground area. I had to shake off a little bit of rust since I had not had an event for a while. The kids helped me out by asking questions and giving me their eyes. It felt like the time with the fourth grade class was just minutes. I raced to the auditorium to present to the fifth graders and on the way Casey Jackson and Jennifer Jackson Sullivan presented me with a T-shirt with great colors and design. In addition to being extraordinary instructors they were also the proprietors of Sandy Feet printing. I wore the shirt while I spoke to the fifth grade class in the gymnasium.
South Hill Elementary was only the first school that day. I rushed from there to First Christian School where I met up with another runner Shannon Facchina. My vocal chords were receiving a workout to rival my legs. This engagement rounded out the ages of the children for the day. The kids in both schools were sweet and well mannered.
By the time one o’clock rolled around I was ready for a short nap. Of course at that time my schedule indicated that I needed to start conquering some miles. I was lucky that Sidney Burke had warmed up and was ready to go. There would be no nap just yet. We took off from Freedom Life gym and headed northbound. She would keep me company for a couple of miles and that would get my blood flowing. Crystal and I were sad to leave the town and our new friends but we had another school to hit the next day.
Big hills, small hills, and rolling hills peppered the road to Backstone. I took a quick break in Kembridge, a little over halfway to my destination. Beautiful colonial homes adorned the small town with one stoplight. The running area next to the street shrank but it was still manageable. My legs carried me to the Walmart parking lot. It had become a reliable and familiar spot over the course of our journey. Our trailer was comfy, the lot was quiet, and we had everything we needed.
Gloom rolled across the sky while we slept. The next day light sprinkles fell as I prepared to hit the Kenston Forest school. The small private school had classes for kindergarten all the way to high school. I would be presenting to the Mrs. Kris Walker’s seventh grade class combined with the sixth grade class. It was a tricky age group in terms of giving them an event with value but, I think I was able to reach them and engage their interest. When we were leaving they all came outside to wave good bye to me and Crystal.
The time we finished was well after lunch and the rain began to fall a little harder. I made the executive decision to use the time for a break. It was important for us to get ourselves together and run strong into Maryland.
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