Day 30: Back to the Grind.

Finally got back on the road today after a bunch of rest. Felt great to run again. I've only run 2 out of the last 6 days, so my body has had plenty of recovery time. I made it from the east side of Mesa to Gold Canyon today, and I am now officially over halfway thru Arizona. Only 10 more running days til I reach New Mexico. I am excited to conquer another state, but I will definitely miss Arizona. We have met some wonderful people here who have really helped us throughout the trip.
Today started out quite interestingly. We got a much later start than usual, probably because we had trouble leaving the Radisson Hotel. Man, I am really gonna miss that place. Had to drive about 15 miles to get to the starting point for today's run. When we got off the interstate and stopped at the off ramp, I noticed that the van was hissing at us. The hissing got worse very quickly as we continued driving. Suddenly I started to smell the distinctive scent of antifreeze. I asked Mom if the gauges were okay, and unfortunately, the van was suddenly beginning to overheat. By the time we pulled into the gas station where my run was to begin, there was water spraying out from under the van. Not the way we wanted to start the first day back on the road. Luckily, Adam was here to pull road crew duty, or I may have had to scrap today's run. Mom just happened to meet a good sumaritan at the gas station. We only got his first name, Jim, but hopefully he reads this blog. This man, out of the blue and with people waiting on him, stopped what he was doing, and in very nice clothes, crawled on the ground to assess the damage. Then he jacked the van up to find that a water hose was broken and spewing water. He took 15 minutes out of his day, got filthy, lost a clip, diagnosed our problem, and found a place for Mom to take the van to be fixed, all out of the kindness of his heart. So thank you Jim, wherever you are.
With Mom and the van sidelined for the morning 12 miles, Adam took over as road crew. He drove 4 miles ahead, and then rode his rented mountain bike back to meet me while I was running to keep me company. He had originally planned to run a little with me, but he sprained his ankle badly just before he came out. Having him ride along with me made the morning 12 miles just fly by. Mom was stuck at PepBoys til 5, so we grabbed lunch at JB's Restaurant, and then crashed out in his rental car. Not quite as comfortable as the back of the van, but it did the job. Finally, after 6 hours, $170, and a re-routed waterhose, Mom rejoined the crew.
The afternoon 8 miles felt just as good as the morning 12. Very little pain today. Finished up at Gold Canyon after dark this evening, which I would prefer not to do. Maybe I can actually get up on time tomorrow and get back on schedule. Hopefully the van will cooperate as well. Adam insisted on treating us to another hotel for the night, and he found a great deal at the Superstition Inn and Suites. Another big thanks to James McCallum at the front desk for the discounted rate. James is also a 27 year Army veteran. Once again, I was humbled as the 27 year Army veteran thanked me for what I was doing. I just wanted to mention James and thank him again if he happens to check this blog. Like I said, leaving Arizona is going to be tough, but if I meet even half as many wonderful people the rest of this trip as I have here, I will be truly blessed. Well, that's all for now. Gonna' check for holes in my eyelids now. Night all.

Day 30: Running for my great friends, Kim and Dana Camp, or momma and poppa as we like to call them.

Radisson Made Us Feel Royal--Mom's View

Adam Anderson; JanMarie O'Connell, Sales Manager; Amanda Alvarado, Catering Manager; Drew Miller; Ms. Chris Grabel, Director of Sales; Jill Turski, Sales Manager; Mathew Ezor, Director of Rooms.

Drew with JanMarie O'Connell and Ted Trembath, General Manager of the Radisson Phoenix Airport North

Hard not to have royalty on one's mind today, but the staff at the Radisson Phoenix Airport North, located at 427 N.44th Street in Phoenix, AZ, have made us feel very special during our stay here! They have encouraged us and pampered us and supported our cause. I will definitely be looking for Carlson hotels (Radisson, Country Inns & Suites, Park Inn, Park Plaza) everywhere I go.

Quick Thoughts on My 2 days of rest.

I just wanted to send out a couple of thank you's for the support I have received in the past few days. First, I have to thank my cousin Chrissy and her husband Tony for housing us for 2 days and for all their support. Huge thanks to my best friend Adam for flying all the way out here to hang out with me for a few days and for treating me to one of the best meals of my life!! Thank you to Joe Wallace, producer of the Matt and Ben Morning Show on KNIX 102.5 for setting up the interview, and of course thanks to Matt and Ben themselves for doing the interview. A big thank you to Ryan O'Donnell and Alonso Garcia, Jr. from KTVK-3TV, Channel 3 News for taking the time to do the story on my run. Great job on the story!! And most definitely, thank you so much to JanMarie O'Connell and the staff at the Radisson Hotel Phoenix Airport North for your support and generosity. I have been absolutely blown away by the kindness of JanMarie and the entire staff for these 2 days we've stayed at the hotel. There just aren't enough words I can use to express my gratitude for al the support we have received in the past few days. Phoenix has definitely shown me a lot of love. If I get even half the support the rest of the trip that I've had these last few days, I will be truly blessed throughout this journey.
Gonna' go check out some sights now with the rest of my last day off. I think Adam and I may drive up to Sedona. Back to the grind tomorrow. No worries right now though. I'm actually riding very high, and looking forward to the rest of the trip.

Mom's View--Camelback Road to Scottsdale

Drew and Matt Peterson at the end of 12 miles run on Camelback Road.

Entry to Chris and Tony's place in Scottsdale.

Chris brings in exercise equipment from pool/commons area.

Cousin Chrissy's couch--very comfy!

Thanks for the hospitality Chris and Tony.

Cameraman Alonso Garcia, Jr. for Channel 3 News leaning far out the window with camera almost on the ground to film Drew for "Good Evening Arizona" segment. Thanks to Ryan O'Donnell for the fine story!

Day 27: Still Going Strong.

The human body is an amazing piece of equipment. I am constantly shocked and surprised at my body's ability to run 20 miles, day after day. I am also surprised at its ability to recover at the end of each day. I am very excited each day that I finish that I feel like I am actually getting stronger, and developing better endurance. I just hope this feeling continues. I just can't believe it. 21 days. 420 miles. I am only 11 running days away from being in New Mexico. I love Arizona, but I can't help but be excited about crossing another state line.
Got to run the first little bit today with my cousin Chrissy, which was great. She and her husband Tony have been so wonderful to Mom and me the last couple days. It's great to catch up with them, since we don't get much of a chance to see them. The weather continues to cooperate with my running schedule. I will soak up all the nice weather I can get before I get into humid country. Not much else to update you all on, other than I got to stuff myself at the Waffle House at the completion of today's run. All I can say is it's a good thing I'm running across the country, or I'd be gaining weight at an alarming rate. Excited to see my buddy Adam tomorrow and hang out for a few days. That will give me a much needed emotional lift, as it does get a bit lonely on the long road home. Many miles by myself and my thoughts. It will be nice to break that up for a few days, haha. Very tired now. I think I'll sleep for a bit.

Day 27: Running for my friends, Stephan and Brandy Portillo.

Day 26: Good to be back on the road.

After my first two day break, I finally got back on the road today, running from just south of Luke Air Force Base through northern Phoenix. I was excited to get back to running, because I was starting to get very restless yesterday. Also, I had company on my morning 12 miles today. Matt Peterson, on of the EMT's we met in Morristown, decided to run with me today. Matt and his wife opened their home to Mom and me for Easter dinner on Sunday. What a great family. Matt just started running regularly about a month ago, and up until today, his longest run was 6 miles. He said he likes to challenge himself, and he did just that today. He challenged himself, and he succeded amazingly, smashing his previous best by 6.1 miles in completing the 12.1 mile morning run. For me, it was wonderful to have some company while running. I enjoy my music, but sometimes it's nice to have someone to talk to.
My body responded very well after the 2-day layoff. Everything felt pretty good, and energy was high. The morning 12 seemed to fly by. The weather was great today. I did find today that I much prefer to run on asphalt compared to concrete. I was on concrete sidewalks most of the day, and I can definitely feel it in my ankles, hips and calves. No worries though, I'm only running one more day before I get 2 more off. I better not get used to this schedule though. Adam is flying in on Thursday afternoon, and I am excited to get to hang out with him. It should make tomorrow's run a little easier, knowing I have another extended break. It is nice to feel like my body is starting to recover more rapidly, and not hurting as much during the runs. It has me quite excited for the rest of this journey.
I was running for my friend Justin Cooper today, so I did a lot of reminiscing during the run. I had a lot of fun hanging out with Justin and playing music. I was also fortunate that he asked me to be in his wedding, as well as perform a song for him and Desiree. It is so wonderful seeing my friends happy. Seeing them find their soulmates. Seeing them find their calling. For those who don't know, Justin got the call to ministry a few years back. He is doing such great things and it makes me so proud to have him as a friend.
Tonight, we are staying with my cousin, Chrissy, and her husband Tony. I am glad to get the chance to hang out with them for a couple days, since I haven't had much of a chance to see them in the past. They are awesome for letting us stay with them too, and letting me shower!! Like I said before, it's the little things I am really appreciating on this journey. Hopefully tomorrow is as nice as today has been. We'll be in Mesa at the end of tomorrow, where we get to meet Tony and Chrissy at the Waffle House!! I am seriously gonna' gorge myself at the end of tomorrow's run. And I'm not gonna' feel a bit bad about it, haha. Night.

Day 26: Running for my friend, Justin Cooper

Surprise in Arizona--Mom's View

Welcome to Surprise, AZ

Nice park for relaxing Easter Sunday afternoon after being welcomed to Palm Vista Baptist Church.

Andrew doing that relaxation thing!

Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, AZ

Drew meets airman at the Lightning Gate at Luke AFB

AMN Brian LeFevere is from MI (for our Michigan relatives and friends)

We had met EMT Matt Peterson in Morristown and he just happened to see our van parked in the Palm Vista Baptist lot as he drove by Sunday morning. He and his lovely wife Kasey invited us to their home in Surprise for an Easter feast. Matt and his friend Derek decided to run the first 12 miles with Drew on Tuesday...Cool!!

Day 23: The Times, They are a Changin'...

I couldn't help but rip off Bob Dylan at least once in this trip. I hope I'm not just getting ahead of myself, but the last few days of running have been very nice. There have been the normal little aches and pains, and a brief hip problem, but as far as stamina and energy, I actually feel like I am getting used to the daily grind. My good friend Jacob Fetty has been giving me tons of advice along the way. One thing he said was that my body should start getting used to the daily running within 30 to 45 days. Well, I've always been kind of impatient, so after day 19 of actual running, I'm hoping that I am starting to at least turn the corner. It is amazing what the human body can get used to, and how quickly it can happen. I think back to just 5 months ago, sitting on the couch, weighing 262 pounds, and doing absolutely nothing. I had let myself do nothing for almost 6 years, and it was a real shame. I was once in very good shape, for a long time. I had basically forgotten that person for the past 6 years. My dad always did his best to interject little sayings into our conversations to try and motivate me to do something, without actually saying, "Get off your lazy ass and get in shape!". Dad has always been like a zen master when it comes to subtle and subconscious motivational techniques. He should write a book, after he masters the lawnmower that is, haha. Anyway, one thing my dad has always said to me is this: "Never forget that you are an athlete." Very simple words, but they are so profound. I will be honest with you all, I forgot. I forgot how good it felt to compete. I forgot how much satisfaction I got out of pushing my body to its physical limits, and beyond. I forgot how good it felt to be worn out after a good hard run. Hell, I forgot how good it felt to be able to bend down and tie my shoes without having to come up for air midway through.
I often think back to when I was a kid, and how active I was. Always playing some sport. Always moving and running. For goodness sake, I was the first 4-sport letterman at Roane County High School. Yes, me, this slovenly 262 pound waste of athletic gifts. I can't help feeling deep regret for the years I wasted doing nothing. Some really good years to be playing basketball, baseball, running, etc. From age 25 to age 31. Those are some prime years right there. That is not to say that I was miserable. Just miserable physically. And when I am miserable physically, I can never be fully happy mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I suspect a lot of you are the same way. I do regret losing those years, because I can never, ever have them back. I am, however, using the anger I feel over allowing myself to do that, to fuel the raging fire I have right now to push me home. I am re-opening all of those doors to things I used to love doing. Like play basketball, and not as a power forward like I've had to be recently. I mean, like the quick thinking, slick passing, still terrible shooting point guard I used to be. One thing I miss so badly is baseball. I want to play again. And I will. Sometimes in random conversations with strangers, the subject of sports comes up. I'll tell them I used to play baseball, and actually tried to walk on at WVU. They inevetably say, "as a catcher, or a first baseman, or a DH?" No offense to any of those positions, but when I tell them I was a middle infielder, I can almost immediately see the look of "yeah right" in their eyes.
A few years ago, Dad and I took a trip across the country. I am so fortunate to have been able to do this with my father, and it is one of the greatest trips I have ever taken. We went to see Abe Lincoln's memorial, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon. All of these places were as amazing, and humbling as I had hoped. But the one place I will remember most, well, really isn't an actual place, except in the movies. We got to visit the Field of Dreams, where the movie was filmed. The field is just as the movie projects, in the middle of cornfields in nowheresville, Iowa. But anyone who has seen the movie would know just how special this place could be for a father and son. Especially my dad and I, who have spent more hours together practicing baseball than anything else we've ever done. The movie has always been special to us because of our love for the game. There are too many great quotes to get into, but the one that got me the most, and still does, is when Kevin Costner's father shows up at the end, and Kevin's character asks his father, "Hey, Dad, you wanna have a catch." I am tearing up right now as I type this. A little silly I guess, but it means that much to me. So when Dad and I made it to the Field of Dreams, walked onto the field, and Dad asked me if I wanted to "have a catch", I cried. For probably the first minute that we stood on that field, tossing a baseball back and forth. It was the first time we had tossed baseball since I was about 18 years old. Still to this day, one of the most profound moments in my life.
I tell you all of that to tell you this. Other than that moment, I have basically forgotten how much baseball meant to me. I lived and breathed it for so long. I gave too much blood, sweat and tears to the game to allow myself to just forget. But I almost have. That is, until this run. I fully intend to begin working on baseball again when I get home, and hopefully I can get back into it enough to at least play in a Men's League somewhere. Just one more chance to give my heart and soul to the sport I so loved as a kid.
That is what this run, this journey is allowing me to do. It is allowing me to dream of things again, but not only to dream about them, to actually do something about those dreams. What a great feeling. Oh the Times, They are a Changin', yes they certainly are, and I am very excited about that.

Mom's View of the Awesome Day

Lunch/rest break at Best Western with WIFI access



End of Day 22 run at Morristown Post Office



Yes!

The awesome Circle-City/Morristown Fire Department (and EMT station) with Marlin Nightengale, Adam Tharp, and Jason Palmer. Wonderful hospitality and support for our mission.

Day 23: Running for my friend, Andrew Hedges.

Day 22: Awesomeness!

First let me say that my aircard for the computer isn't working, so I'm doing this from my phone. The title of the blog is definitely how the run turned out today. I knew the first 10 miles was to be a gradual downhill run all the way into Wickenburg, AZ, so I was ready for that. I was not prepared for the pain that suddenly started in my right hip. After 4 miles of every other step hurting, I gave Mom my usual take on the start of the run. "I just wish that one damn day, I could run without something hurting!", I proclaimed loudly to her. I tend to get a little self-righteous in face of adversity from time to time. I was just hoping for it to go numb for the next 8 miles. The good thing about it was that I occupied my mind so well by complaining in my head that those next 8 miles just breezed by. Downhill slopes plus great weather, and other than the hip, no pain to speak of. I broke for lunch at 2pm, and we drove back to the Best Western because the manager said we could relax there during my break. There have been some great people along this trip so far. I slept very well during the break, even deep enough to dream a bit. If only Jessica Biel were actually my girlfriend, as she was in the dream, haha.
As I was stretching for the afternoon run, I could tell that my energy was high and my body felt well rested. This was an exciting feeling, especially since I didn't know what road lay ahead. I soon found out that what the road offered was 8 straight miles of uphill, out of the valley that Wickenburg was in. That didn't bother me this afternoon, actually, nothing did. I felt so good that I came out of the gate running fast and never let up. All 8 miles uphill, and I just kept running fast. Part of me thought, "maybe I should slow down and save some". But, there have been so few times early in this journey that I have felt this good running, and I was going to take full advantage of the feeling. I finished the 8 miles uphill in just under 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is an average of just over 10 minutes a mile. That's a pretty good pace for a 210 lb. man to run after already running 12 miles. It got me thinking that I really wish I was down around 170 lbs. 'cause this would be a heck of a lot easier, haha. But I didn't sign up for this because it was going to be easy. What a great feeling to finish the day. A great sense of accomplishment. Another small victory early in the journey.
We stopped at the Morristown Fire Station to ask if there were any camping places nearby. Let me tell you all, if everyone else we meet on this trip is as wonderful as these firemen, what a trip it will be! First, they offered to let us stay in their parking lot. Then, they offered to let me shower. Then they offered to let us use their kitchen to cook dinner. Then, they helped mom clean her dishes. They also offered us ice, and told us to use the station anytime throughout the night if we needed. Finally, a couple of them even donated to the charity. I am just blown away by the generosity of these men and women. I will post a pic of them when I get the computer working. In the meantime, I definitely wanted to recognize them by name on here. So a big thanks to the men and women of the Morristown Fire Dept. Especially Marlin Nightengale, Adam Tharp and Jason Palmer. Feeling very good all around after day 22. Hopefully there are many more days like this ahead.

Good Road Crew Finds Shade In The Desert---Mom's View

Buckaroo's sign. How did we miss that the first couple of passes? Very possibly the best food between Parker and  the Phoenix area!

Buckaroo's Restaurant and the right lower portion which next winter season will open as a sports bar and grille. 

Burro Jim Motel is classic restored 1950's

Cyote Flats Cafe attracted  cycles from Maine and Montana and cars from Wyoming and Alaska!

Day 21 run...Drew crossing after 4 miles

That pose means a good 4 miles!

View at rest break after 12 miles is the entrance to the Jarvis Ranch

Across route 60 from the Jarvis spread...this one's for sale.

A very good road crew can find shade in the desert for lunch/rest time! This road leads to Matt and Robin's place in Arizona and to the home of another gentleman, whose name I failed to get. Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement. And for the shade!

Day 22: Running for my friend Jason Ash.

 Sunset over Lake Havasu.

RV Park at Hope, AZ. Beautiful sunset!!

 I stopped randomly during the run on Highway 60 to snap a few pics with the IPhone.

 The view from the end of today's run.

Day 21: Smooth Sailing.

Today was one of those running days I'd like to copy and paste every day for the rest of this trip. All was well today. My body felt rested and recovered. I was energized, and finished today's run with relative ease. The road on Highway 60 has been absolutely wonderful. Some inclines and declines, but mostly rolling hills of level ground, and wide shoulders on which to run. The weather was absolutely fabulous. It felt like it was about 80 degrees with a cool breeze blowing at my back to keep me cool all day. Also, my  little "blood" issue was non-existent today, which was a relief. I'll keep monitoring it for the next few weeks still, but it seems for now to be getting better. Right now, I am 9 miles west of Wickenburg, AZ, and 62 miles away from Phoenix.
This morning started wonderfully, with a message from my sister on the blog that had Mom nearly throwing up from laughing so hard, and had me in tears laughing. Elliot is a fantastic writer, and has the gift of comedic timing. If you haven't read her description of my father's attempt at domestic life around the house in Mom's absence, please go to the comments from my post yesterday. It will have you laughing hysterically. I hate that it's at Dad's expense, but anyone that thinks they know my father will be pleasantly surprised by this "other" side of him.
 I got some really nice pics from the road the last few days on my phone, so I'll upload them in a sec.
Since the day of running went so well, and we didn't have many other options tonight, we got Dad's permission to get a hotel room for the night at the Best Western in Wickenburg. The front desk worker was wonderful, and told Mom that he has a son serving in Iraq right now. Just another great reminder to me to keep pushing. Also, as I was sitting in the van waiting for Mom to check in, a couple walked by the van and read our signs. The woman said she thought she had heard of me somewhere, but couldn't quite place it. Finally, we found out that she had read the story in the Lake Havasu paper. What an awesome surprise!! And a big thanks to David Bell for doing the story!!
So all is well for now in Arizona. Gonna' switch the schedule up in the next week and a half. Only going to run 3 days in this set, and take off for Easter Sunday. I am also going to take the regular day off on the 25th to try and let some of my injuries heal. I'll run the 26th and 27th, then take off another two days on the 28th and 29th, to hang out with my buddy Adam, who is flying out to see me. After that, my body should hopefully be nearly completely healed, and it's back to the 4 days on, 1 day of rest routine. Very excited about the next couple weeks. That's all for now. Night.

Day 21: Running for my friend, Jeremy King, or Fred as I call him.

Day 20: Hooray for Rest Days!

Today was a rest day. So, I did just that. We were back at the Ramblin' Roads RV Park again last night, and might I say, I'm enjoying the life of an RV'er. Since today was my rest day, I decided to sleep in. All the way up to 11:30 am. Definitely needed the rest. I did a whole lot of nothing today. Sat around in the van, checked the facebook site, stuffed my face full of food, and got a chance to catch the Roane Co./Calhoun Co. Doubleheader on WVRC's website. Way to go Raiders!! It was really cool getting to listen to my buddy Ty with Mark Martin on the radio. They sounded good. Mom piddled around the RV Park most of the day, I think just waiting for me to get out of the back of the van. Finally, around 5pm she decided we'd go eat at a little restaurant up the road that a few of the local ladies had recommended. I barely even noticed the town of Harcuvar when I ran past it a few days ago, let alone Buckaroo's Restaurant. The town was barely even a town, but the restaurant was really neat. And the food was AWESOME!! Got to meet and talk to one of the owners, Joanie (not sure if the name is spelled right). Very nice woman, who gave me some very good advice on avoiding rattlesnakes. Sidenote: I am absolutely scared to death of snakes. Joanie's co-worker told me that her grandmother suggested I make as much noise as possible so as to scare the snakes away. I am definitely going to utilize that advice. I have instructed Mom to fashion a couple of sets of noisemakers out of our used cans of vegetables. I will be tying them around my ankles and dragging them behind me like a newly married couple's getaway car. May even paint "Just Married" on the back of my shirt for laughs. Nah, I guess I'll just continue to keep a watchful eye out for the slithering creatures, and make a lot of loud noises as I am running. Tomorrow's road should be mostly flat, level ground, with still a wide shoulder on which to run. Hopefully it will be a nice run. Another sidenote: only 7 more days 'til my buddy Adam gets to fly out to Phoenix and hang out for a few days! I can't wait! It will be a great boost for me, which I definitely need early in the trip. Anyway, gonna try and grab some shuteye. I'll check in with you all tomorrow night.

Day 19: Feels Good.

I'm keeping tonight's blog short and sweet. As bad as I felt the last 2 days, is just how good I felt today. The road was level, flat, offered lots of running room, and there were cool breezes all day. It was more of a nice little Sunday stroll (on a Tuesday) than a grueling 20 mile run across the desert of Arizona. My legs felt remarkably strong considering that just a day before, I was ready to leave them behind and try to finish the run standing on my hands. 20 more miles in the book, which makes 320 so far. 90 miles away from Phoenix, Arizona. Still 9 states and some 1,800 miles separate me from my ultimate goal. I wish I had more energy to elaborate on today's run, but I am just plain ole worn out. YAY for rest days!! Goodnight.

Day 19: Running for my good friend Bruce Hines.

Day 18: The Gas Tank is Still on E.

That is E, for empty. When I thought I had nothing left to give yesterday, I was apparently mistaken. Compared to today, I had worlds of energy. I got up earlier today to try and beat the searing heat of the desert, which I did. But my body just didn't respond. The whole morning 12 miles was kind of a blur to me, because I felt like I was becoming slightly delirious all morning. My legs were dead from the first steps I took this morning until the last steps I took for the morning run.  Everything was dead, from my legs, to my arms. After 8 miles, I reached the RV Campground we stayed at last night, and seriously considered calling it a day at that moment. But, my stubborn old mind just wouldn't let me quit. I figured, hell, if I can just drag my legs along for 4 miles, I'll get a nice rest. So I started the last 4 miles of the morning. Now, the campground is in a town called Hope, Arizona. And I use the term town very loosely. The "town" consists of the RV Park, the Hope Church, a convenience store that is completely shut down, and a diner next to the store that is also shut down. As I was beginning my last 4  miles of the morning, it was a gentle upslope at first. About a half mile out of Hope, there is a sign along the road that reads "You are now beyond Hope". Those words were an omen of what was to come in the next 3 1/2 miles. Let me just say, it is very difficult to even move your legs when your energy is gone. It becomes nearly impossible running directly into a stiff breeze, uphill for 3 1/2 miles. And thats exactly what I got. Like a punch drunk fighter beyond his years, that refused to go down (or was just too damn stubborn and stupid), I kept moving. Up, and up, and up, and up. I kept thinking "Please Lord let there be flat ground around this turn", but it was not to be. 3 1/2 miles straight uphill, to finish one of the hardest mornings I've ever had, running or elsewise. I might also mention that at this point, I am either pissing blood, or diluted cranberry juice concentrate. Sorry for the graphic nature of the previous statement, but it is the truth. And I am slightly alarmed by this. At least my kidneys don't hurt, so hopefully it's nothing too serious.
Thankfully, I was able to finish the morning, and once again, I debated on calling it a day. But after an extended rest, I felt decent enough to torture myself mercilessly for a few more hours. Had the road and the wind not changed for the afternoon, I don't know that I would have finished today. I believe the good Lord heard my prayers/incessant whining about the wind and the road and the hills and my legs and, well you get the idea. As the afternoon run began, I had a slight uphill slope again, but the road was newly paved, with a nice wide shoulder on which I could run. Not more than a half mile in, I crested the death march hill and was greeted with flat, straight, beautiful, glorious road. Oh, and I forgot to mention, the winds had shifted in my direction. So, for the last 8 miles today, I almost had the ability to recover while running. What a blessing. I can't honestly say that I would have quit had the road stayed narrow and hilly, but I will say that I am very thankful I didn't have to find out. I made it to just short of Wenden, Arizona at dusk, feeling extremely tired, but also relieved that the day was over, and somehow more emboldened mentally by the fact that my mind basically told my body to shove it, and that it was coming along for the ride whether it liked it or not.
We drove back to the "town" of Hope, and are back at the RV Park for the night. And I am very happy that I get to ride in a van up the death march hill tomorrow morning. Here's hoping tomorrow's road is once again flat, level, and wide, with a helping wind. But, if it's not, oh well, I push forward anyway.

Bouse to Hope and Beyond--Mom's View

Don't think the change from 3 to 5 grouches happened as Drew and I went through town!

Full moon peaking through palm branches as we prepared for desert dreams in the van parked between Faith, Hope, and Charity Streets. Perfect for Palm Sunday!

This looks a bit rustic, but Ramblin Roads is a great RV park! It even has a little desert golf course out back.

Near the top of what Drew calls "Death March Hill"

Day 18: Running in honor of Pastor Mike King and Miss Ginn.

Day 17: Yet Another Test of Endurance

The word for today was: Tired. This is the word, because this is what I felt, from start to finish today. I can't pinpoint 1 particular reason I had no energy today, but I just didn't have much in the tank today. Nothing on my body really hurt, at least any more than it normally does. I was simply gassed. I'm sure the 100 degree heat beating down on me didn't help either. But these are the things I have so rigorously prepared for mentally. I figured, if my mind can fight it, than my body has no choice but to fall in line as well. I made the statement during training, "My body keeps trying to tell my mind to quit. Apparently my body didn't get the memo, it is not nearly strong enough to tell my mind what to do." That was very true today.
I shuffled along today, basically willing my body to continue moving along the very hot, and narrow road of Arizona Route 72. I had basically nothing left in my body today, but my mind is constantly being refueled with high-test with every word of encouragement I recieve from home, with every individual for which I am running each day, and with the memory of every man and woman who has put on a uniform and said, "Sleep well Andrew Miller, I've got your back tonight".
First, for the words of encouragement from back home: I hope I have adequately expressed my thanks for each person that sends me messages from home. They are a constant emotional lift for me when things have been tough out here. So, thank you all and keep them coming. In particular, today I received a video that Mike Snyder and James Carpenter got of Owen Schmitt wishing me good luck on the run. Now, if you know me, you will know how big of a fan I am of Owen Schmitt. This was such a shock to me, and may be the coolest thing that has ever happened to me, no joke. So, a big thanks to those two for somehow getting that.
Second, for each person I am running daily. Each person I dedicate a day of running to is someone who has influenced my life in a positive way. Someone for whom I am a better person for having known. I take this person, or these people with me on each step of the day I am running for them. I am constantly thinking of good times we've had, and things we've done together. Today, that was Caleb Nichols. What an awesome dude. It was very easy to keep my mind occupied today, because we have a lot of memories. I laughed a lot to myself today, because Caleb has always known how to keep me laughing.
Third, for the soldiers. They are never far from my mind, and heart on this trip. They can't be. I won't allow it. They are the reason I am trying to raise money. They are the reason I can even do this run, carefree. I got to meet another Marine today. His name is Anthony Nelson, and he lives in Bouse, Arizona. It was a chance meeting, sort of. It was chance because I was just finishing my lunch break and stretching for the final 8 miles of the day. It wasn't so much chance that I think we were parked on the entrance road to his ranch, and he stopped to see who was sitting in the strange van with the signs. At first, he though we might be a folk singing band of the same name, leading him to wonder if there was a folk festival coming through the town of 875 people that he hadn't heard of. After talking with Anthony for a little while, I found the he was a Marine stationed out of Hawaii. He was such a nice guy, I felt like I'd known him for ever, after only a few minutes of conversation. I am constantly excited to meet new people on this journey.
Finally, I had some deep reflection time. I was about 16 miles into my day, just about finished, when John Mayer's "Say What You Need to Say" came on my shuffle. I'll post the lyrics:

Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only . . .

Say what you need to say

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say 

This song, for some reason, reminded me of my Grandpa Kincaid today. Maybe it's because I am getting close to Phoenix. See, I had moved to Phoenix about 5 years ago to caddy at the TPC at Scottsdale for about 3 months. The day  I left, I was at Main Street Exxon filling up my truck with gas for the trip. Barbara and Pa just happened to pull in beside me. It wasn't that I hadn't seen them lately, but I was getting ready to leave, and I may not have had a chance to say goodbye in person. Usually Pa didn't get out of the vehicle, but for some reason, this time he did. He got out, and I got to hug him, and tell him I loved him, and that I'd see him back in Spencer in a few months. It was the last time I got to see him. I wasn't out in Phoenix more than a month when I got the call that he had passed away. I took it very hard, and for the longest time never forgave myself for not being able to make it home for his memorial service. I felt, for some reason very selfish that I'd just up and left for Arizona, leaving my whole family behind, and I was miserable in Arizona at the time. I didn't realize until a couple years ago that I had been given such a wonderful gift. The chance to say goodbye to Pa. There were so many other times in my life that we just said hi to each other, or he would sit on the couch while I watched tv, without a word even being spoken between us. So many other days, I'd randomly seen him and Barbara driving, and he wouldn't even get out of the car, and I wouldn't even go to his window to say hi. I guess I just thought I'd say hi later. I was given such a great gift, the ability to hug Pa one last time, and tell him I loved him. That song just reminds me so often to try my best not to take these wonderful moments for granted, and to try to tell people what I am feeling more often. I shed a few tears during that song today. But they were a mixture. Tears of sadness because I can no longer see Pa, but tears of joy that I knew him, that he was such a wonderful man, that he was such a wonderful influence, and that I got the chance to say goodbye. That is all.

Got to meet Milton Miller, who is running from Miami, FL to Los Angeles, CA, on the same road as I'm on!!

His run is called "100 Days of Madness", What an amazing coincidence, and with the same last name, haha. Freaky.