May 8th

I made it to Martiansville, Virginia today. My 30 mile run was done in record time. I knocked 25 minutes off my regular time. An animal got my lunch today and left the sandwich half eaten. That's a first, picky varmint I guess. The sign said 27 miles to Danville so I will make it there tomorrow, God willing. I have 34 days of 30 mile runs. I received an E-mail from Bob Brown today, the winner of 2004 Race across America. I didn't help him or Russell much when I went down to support them, they were totally under control and self sufficient. Running smooth. 97 days 2662 miles.

May 9th

I had great surprise as Allen and Mary Firth came out and supported my run today. I was so glad to see them. Allen is the director of many races across America and has also done a solo run across America. They are a great inspiration to me and just what I needed for last part of this run. They told me how to treat blisters talked me into buying new shoes for the rest of run and we had a great dinner together. I could talk to them for hours. They don't just sit around getting older, they keep challenging themselves as him and Mary walked 1300 miles with packs across Britain last year. Allen just finished a 500 mile journey and still walked with me today as I ran to keep up. These two were made for each other. I was so glad to see them. Although there is no official run across America record book, I consider his site the most official, and would be honored to have him list me as completing this run. His site www.runacrossamerica2002.com (NOTE: The weblink is no longer valid). It was good to see you Allen & Mary.

Ran 30 miles today, through Danville and past by about 3 miles. Run seemed easy today because of my company. It was a cloudless, beautiful day. I have to go to footlocker now, as I promised Allen, and try new shoes, Mary said he hates to see people in pain when they don't have to be. So far 98 days on the road 2692 miles. About 8 days left, unless I get new shoes, then only 6 days left.

May 10th

Cloudless day, 82 degrees. As I promised I bought a new pair of shoes and I think I got a good pair this time. I felt a little silly not knowing what to do about a bad blister, I never had one on my foot before. Allen said to take a needle and thread and run it through the blister and out the other side cut the thread leaving about 1/2 inch each side, this will keep blister holes open so it always drains, cover using duct tape, I used white cloth sports tape and it worked, no pain with that at all. Swam in pool last two nights and I hope this reduces swelling some. Good day, easy rolling hills and trees, a house now and then, no shoulder but light traffic and I was done before it got too hot. Rand McNally online says 176 miles to go!!

Ran about 3 miles past South Boston, VA today, ran 30 miles today, so far 99 days 2722 miles.

May 11th

Well, the big news today, at about my 27 mile mark I passed the best sign I have seen yet. It said: VIRGINIA BEACH 149 miles! My 30 mile run today put me 146 miles from my final destination. I will finish on Monday and home by Tuesday! I also passed through Clarksville and just past town I got an 8 ft shoulder to run on. It was 85 degrees today and I lost a lot of fluids, which reminded me I still have 5 days to go, so watch it! My feet were better (thanks Allen) after soaking in the pool for 2 days and getting new shoes and really elevating the bottom of my mattress at night resulted in less swelling. Today I had more shoe string hanging out this morning to tie shoes and I was able to put my thick replacement insoles in and shoes were not as tight as yesterday, this makes for softer heel strike. I like these shoes and will probably buy another pair again. About the blister I had for two and a half weeks, it's gone completely now. I have thought about the finish for so many years and I can't wait!! Day 100 today! 2752 miles 27.52 is my average for 100 days, I would have had to make it to 2800 miles today for a 28 mile per day average, missed by 48 miles only. This Run to the Ocean will be 2900 miles! Wow!

May 12th

Well, today my 32 mile run took me through South Hill, VA and just short of Lawrenceville, VA. I lost my 8 ft road shoulder at 15 miles and had to rough it on and off the road for next 17 miles, light traffic for the most part, I have had worse. The scenery looks like back home in Illinois now, rolling hills, familiar trees, farmers are bailing hay already today. It was 76 at the start and it's 89 degrees now. I am not a real hot weather runner. I talked to Jason Gross who completed his run across America last year. No one can talk to another like two guys that have done this. Like two guys that have been to Vietnam, they, and only they, really know how it was. Just like this. I will be talking to Jason more later. This is so mental now, the days are so long, and hot. I still say Monday finish. My feet are getting better everyday and if it gets cooler I will run farther. 101 days 2784 miles!!

May 13th

Rained last night, just a sprinkle at start and it was a cloudy cool day. No shoulder for 20 miles, a lot of grass running which is a killer on legs. Just got a 4 ft shoulder and a strong wind in my face for rest of day, set a record for most times for hat blowing off. Lots of semi trucks all day, double lanes. Ran 32 miles today through Emporia, VA and stopped just short of Drewyville, VA. Not much for scenery, some trees, some fields, 4 lane traffic, easy rolling hills. I am ready for Ocean views. We will move motels tomorrow up to Suffolk, VA for a couple days. Didn't have any energy today so I only did 32 miles. So far 2816 miles 102 days.

May 14th

I ran 33 miles today as I wanted to get to Holland, VA where I finished today. Still don't know how far it is exactly to the water, but after tomorrow's run we will drive to finish and know for sure. A few firsts today as I saw the biggest (dead) snake on the road today, this thing was fat, (except where truck ran him over) and I saw more white tailed deer than anywhere else, that kind of surprised me. Hot today, I haven't been eating right so that's probably why my energy level is low. I am running on pure enthusiasm.