M-I-SS-I-SS-I-PP-I

2 50Ks west of the river, today I’d bridge-cross & begin a trend east of the Mississipp’.

2-night stay in Lake Village = 3am alarm for Day 3.  Striking a balance between lodging nearby [our] next day start & the treat of two nights in the same bed.  No checkin, no unpack/repack routine, immediate post-marathon shower & a break from daily highway travel.  So… somedays you welcome a dark 3am start ‘though it still comes early.

Another state park, more GPS coordinates.  Well over 70 degrees; HEAVY still air.  No breeze, no cell signal, isolated — later, most leafy green cover I’d seen all series 🙂

60+ miles in so far.  Even with TheraGun massage, notice Days 3 & 4 are the worst physically.  Everything hurts, mind’s fighting ya… doesn’t seem any end in sight.  7 days [mentally] more like months away.  So… you walk the beginning… in the dark, with a headlamp.  Ya group with your best end-of-race walk buddies & listen to stories.

Dave from Raleigh.  He’s lap one, lap 2.  Chey (gal attempting Guinness Record/baby-in-stroller) shows an hour later, runs a Half, appreciates the company.  9:30/10:30 minute pace.  Just like that… 16 miles completed.

And then... a day early… it begins to rain.  Light gentle summer drops.  Temp becomes something bearable.  Tree canopy amplifies the patter.  Frown upside down.  Mini miracle.  Run/walk/jogged remainder of my 32.  Thank ya Lord 🙏

Leroy Percy State Park, MS