5/28/2011

Today brought about the toughest hills of Missouri. They were long climbs with no running lanes. The oncoming traffic was fast and some of the drivers didn’t seem aware of a person on the road. This is how the first ten miles passed. Luckily there was no rain other than a one minute downpour. I was fortunate enough to take cover in a little tunnel at that time.

After the hills, franchises began to sprout. The landscape changed from green beautiful trees and little lakes to strip malls and chain stores. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought I was in California or any other suburban city. As I watched all the familiar stores pass before my eyes, I began to get hungry. There were places to eat all around but I decided I wanted to have something special...

5/27/2011

Hello sunshine! Please stay a while. I think everyone here is a bit tired of the dreary weather.

Today was so pleasant I chose to take my time and bask in the nice weather. I ran the rolling hills yet again but today I enjoyed every minute of it. I guess I know they are coming to an end. Like I’ve said before, every state has their own unique characteristics. They have unique smells, one of a kind landscapes, and priceless personalities. I feel blessed to experience each place intimately. I’ve had the opportunity to absorb the tiniest details of the states I have passed. The best part is that it’s not over.

Today while running, I literally stopped to smell the flowers. I spotted a cart with a rainbow of colors and decided to start snapping some pictures...

5/26/2011

I think this year has produced some of the craziest weather I have ever seen. Schools are letting out for summer vacation. Seniors are graduating from high school. You’d expect sunshine and bathing suits. Instead, I see people wearing jackets. It’s just crazy I tell you.

After yesterday’s tornado scare I didn’t feel too secure in hitting the road. But, the weather channel reported that the storms were over. Running in rain I can do. I even like it. So after breakfast I packed my things and returned to my gypsy life. Perhaps it seems crazy to put myself in difficult conditions but after being on the road every day, a relationship with nature develops. You begin to understand when the elements are going to be destructive and when they are just slightly agitated...