Frisco Railroad Run

Published April 27, 2019

There are just two things that need to be accomplished on race day:

1) Make it to the starting line

2) Make it to the finish line

Simple as that ~ Dean Karnazes

Documentation submitted & certified – just a matter of finishing my last FOUR marathons. All roads lead to Deadwood, the ‘Wild West’ South Dakota town where I’ll complete my SECOND 50 State journey ‘round our diverse/inclusive country. Vast different script than plays on TV media.

Juneau to Portland MAINE. Birmingham to Hilo. Our bonds are STRONG. Same heartfelt support & appreciative cheers in Meridian, Mississippi as in St. Paul, Minnesota. 6 continents now under my belt, still absolutely NOTHING BETTER than Team U-S-A, nowhere on Earth. Home.

Two-week run break. Starve a cold, feed a fever? Whatever the adage, ignored chest colds can also develop pneumonia. Legs rested/strong on Thursday but lacked lung capacity after 8 miles. One step after another, just gotta get it done today. Run, walk, crawl – pace myself & FINISH.

Willard Missouri. President Truman rode a train thru Willard (1948), town’s claim to fame. 4 hours from St Louis, 3 south of Kansas City. Luckily for me, only a 10 minute-drive from Springfield Regional, DIRECT flight from Denver. One chance daily, same plane back. Thanks, travel GODS.

Friday afternoon travel, Saturday morning run. Bib pick-up at the Middle school. 6am Start.

Few steps of greenway before the first show of water. Dark clouds. Low grumble. Two distant lightning sheets, ‘nother slow rumble. Rain first 6 miles & that was that. Storm threat gone.

Marathon delay didn’t affect my day – 50k DAY. Wasn’t lapped [by marathoners] ’til Garmin ticked 17/18, ‘bout same time I started to WALK. Day goal to run 16 miles. Pushed two past target. Long FOUR-HOUR (13-mile) return to Willard. No mas, nothing left. Excuses. They always come easy.

SUN 2^nd Half & a HUGE unexpected SURPRISE. Adam & Tye from ANTARCTICA. WHAAAT? Moment, time. Memory compartmentalized with penguins, my Punta Arenas hang-crew. In MISSOURI? Stopped, hugged. Crazy life. Ya just never know 🙂

31 miles. Check, done. Railroad tie plaque & a YMCA shower. Really really LONG day.

Wisconsin next. 8 days away. Uff-Dah, You-Betcha, I got this. Only THREE states to go!