Day 152: Almost Home!!

Well folks, here I sit, just 8 miles away from completing one of the most amazing trips of my life. Good run today, even with Ambler Ridge, haha. It was great to hear all the people honking their horns as they drove past me today. I even had a couple of people actually stop in the middle of the road to wish me well. I also had the opportunity to go speak to the students at Walton Elementry/Middle School after the run today. I had a blast talking with the kids and hanging out with them for a few minutes. I am also very excited to see some more familiar faces this evening at Alan and Terry Lupardus' house. Happy that I made it home before Kristin popped, haha. Basically, I am just purely happy!! I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow and completing this journey!! One more day!

Day 151: Too Much Excitement!!

First, I want to thank everyone who was able to make the trip to Charleston for the WV Power game Saturday night. I was absolutely overwhelmed by the number of people who made it. I was also quite overwhelmed by the situation itself, so much that, I apologize for not getting to talk to everyone nearly as long as I wanted. I just hope I was at least able to say hello and thanks to each person who showed support by attending. Also, a huge thanks to Kayla Morris for all the hard work during the game.
As for the run today, fantastic!! I really am enjoying running through familiar territory. The weather was so nice today and I felt so good, that I decided to run an extra 3 miles at the end of the day so I could start my run tomorrow at the Park-n-Ride of the Clendenin exit. 2,380 miles officially complete, only 26 remain between me and the end of this amazing journey. Can't wait to see everyone Wednesday!!

With Family and Friends, Huntington to St. Albans

Downtown Huntington

An interview with Ashley Smith for WCHS and Eyewitness News

Maddie gives up her bed to Aunt Judy

Dylan gives up his bed to Andrew

Dan is already asleep in his own bed.

Miranda Starcher is a friendly face at Applebee's

Running along the Kanawha River to St. Albans

Crossing the Ohio River, Home to West Virginia

Cousin Mike and Charlie greet us in Kenova.

Day 148: Excitement!!

The excitement has nothing to do with the run today. In fact, the run today was terrible. I was exhausted and was having trouble breathing. But,  I really don't care much about the running right now, because everything else is so exciting. I got chased down at the end of the run on Route 60 by a couple of Spencer natives. Martha Crihfield and Ann Reynolds actually made it a point to drive up and down 60 until they found me. What an awesome welcome, and I want to thank them both for coming to see me. After getting a nice, long nap, we drove over to Kanawha City to see my good friend, Miranda Starcher at Applebees. It was so wonderful to see her and it gave me a huge boost mentally. Lastly, we are very fortunate to get to see my cousin Steven and his family, and we get to stay with them tonight. It is so nice to finally see friends and family. I basically feel like I am already home, and I'm just exercising now, haha. I am just hoping I can finish tomorrow's run with a little bit of energy. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the WV Power game tomorrow evening!!

Day 147: So Close Now!!

At this point, I am basically just blogging out of habit. Really, I don't have anything new to say. Still very excited, still getting closer each day, still lots of back pain. We've been staying with my cousin Mike and his family in Milton the last 2 nights, so I feel like I am home already. Except for the 20 miles each day I still have to run. Being in West Virginia is so wonderful, and running here is also much more exciting. I ran through Marshall University's campus this morning and got to see all of the students hustling around campus. I was hoping by chance to see a couple students from Roane County there, but no luck. I am running on Route 60 all the way to Charleston and it is a very busy road. Thankfully, there is a decent shoulder. Basically, I am trying to soak up every last moment of each run on this trip, and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of good ole' WV. Also very excited to see a bunch of Roane County people on Saturday evening at the WV Power game. All is well on the road for now.  See you all in a few days.

Invitation to City of Spencer Celebration for Drew's Return

Hello All,

I want to let everyone know that the City of Spencer is having a celebration when Drew reaches his destination at the Roane County Courthouse in Spencer, WV around 12:00 noon on Wednesday, August 31.

Please come and join in the celebration of Drew's amazing run across the United States.

Kate J. Burbank, Chair

Drew Miller Celebration