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

Mom's View--Morehead to Grayson, Kentucky

Hillbilly taxi in Morehead. Actually the town is an eclectic mix of culture influenced by Morehead State.

Trying to get that back pain under control for the day's run.

Evening meal at the Smokey Valley Truck Stop in Olive Hill.

Day 146: Country Roads, Take Me Home!!

 

Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah River.
Life is old there
Older than the trees
Younger than the mountains
Growin' like a breeze.


Country roads take me home
To the place where I belong:
West Virginia mountain momma
Take me home country roads.

All my memories gathered 'round her
Miner's lady stranger to blue water.
Dark and dusty painted on the sky,
Misty taste of moonshine,
Teardrop in my eye.


Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong:
West Virginia, mountain momma,
Take me home, country roads.

I hear her voice, in the mornin' hour she calls me,
Radio reminds me of my home far away
And driving down the road I get a feeling
I should have been home yesterday, yesterday


Country roads, take me home
To the place where I belong:
West Virginia, mountain momma,
Take me home, country roads.

 

Day 145: Soooo Close!

Well, I am now just 21.8 miles from the West Virginia state line, according to Google maps at least. Of course if I am feeling well enough tomorrow, you know I'm going all the way into WV. The excitement I feel right now is probably going to keep me from sleeping well the rest of the way home. Been doing a lot of reflecting on the trip the last couple days, and it is now starting to sink in that I may actually finish this amazing run. This entire journey has changed me in every good way I could have possibly imagined. I have been truly blessed the entire 5 months on the road and I am so thankful to all of you for your continued support. See you in West Virginia everyone!!

Day 143: Blah Blah Blah...

Blah blah blah blah, home, blah, back hurts, blah, day off, blah blah. That is a deep look into my brain right now. I think I'm gonna chug some coffee and see what happens. Just 2 more running days until I get to see that beautiful West Virginia state line!! Mmmm, good.

Day 143: Running in honor of Susan Shreve

Day 142: Running in honor of Connie Taylor

Day 142: Continuing through the Pain.

Today was another successful run. Successful because I finished all 20 miles again. However, I am still running with pain. I may be the most stubborn man in the history of the world. Good luck to whatever woman eventually becomes my wife, haha. I am in good spirits due to being able to complete the run today, but I am still being extremely cautious with every step I take. I know at any time, my back could go, and I could be forced to stop. I can only hope that it stays just strong enough to finish tomorrow so I can get a rest day to try to recover. Hoping for a miraculous recovery before the next set begins on Tuesday. Thanks for the continued prayers and support. Also, I was running in honor of Connie Taylor today. Once again, the blogsite is not working properly and won't let me upload the video. Sorry.

Day 141: Mental Relief, Physical Pain.

Sorry I didn't blog last night. I was so freaked out about my back injury yesterday, that it completely slipped my mind. For those of you who didn't hear, my back went out yesterday about 15 miles into the run. Now, when I say "out", I can't exactly pinpoint what happened. I've had issues with my back for years, going all the way back to high school. I used to call them lower back spasms, but I'm not really sure if that is the problem. It may actually be nerve problems. Whatever it is, all I know is that, in the past, when it happened, I could barely even walk for a week, and running was completely out of the question. So, when I felt my lower back give out yesterday, it sent me into an intense panic. I hobbled to the finish and spent most of the evening scared to death that the run was, in fact, over. With only 11 running days remaining, I thought it may all be over, just like that. When I got up this morning, I could barely stand, let alone walk. Fear was the word of the morning. I prepared for the day's run like normal, but I was trying to prepare my mind for the possibility that I would not be able to run at all today. Only one way to find out, so we drove to the starting point and I tried to stretch a bit. Still freaked out, I told Mom to wait a few minutes behind as I started, in case I couldn't go. I was absolutely shocked as I started running that I could actually move, although very slowly and very painfully, I could move. Still, I was not sure how long I could run, because, at any moment, my back could completely give out and I would have to stop. It was in my mind, every step of every mile today, all the way up to the last step at the end of the 20th mile!! When I finished today, it was one of the biggest feelings of relief I have ever felt. Although every step was painful and uncomfortable, I was able to run. I figure, if it's gonna hurt, at least it's hurting while I'm moving towards home. So, today was a success because I was able to run and finish. I am still in a great deal of discomfort, and I am still very worried about tomorrow's run. I know, at any moment, my back can go, and I could be done. I am taking every step cautiously, and hoping and praying that I can run again tomorrow. Today was also a great relief. I want to thank each and every one of you for your prayers throughout today's run. I guess I am just not meant to coast home. I guess I am just meant to go through another trial at the end of this journey to keep me from becoming complacent. I am supposed to fight through this one last hurdle to remind me that I need to stay focused, all the way to the end. I just hope I can make it to the end.

2,220 Miles

Talking to the owner of this old farmhouse while waiting to see whether or not Drew will be able to run with his back pain.





10 miles into the run

Not surprising that the town of Judy has this convenience store.

We drove on to Morehead to look for lodging, hoping to spend four nights in the same place again. Thanks to General Manager, Robert Humphries and assistance from Desk Manager, Lamont Seaborough for making our stay at the Hampton Inn possible. We have been very fortunate to find people who are willing to support "The Long Road Home "





Day 141: Running in honor of Trina Satterfield.

Mom's View of August 18 Run

My Old Kentucky Home--log version...

...brick version

Drew has been running several miles with back pains by this point.

Finishing all 20 miles

Ford Family Hospitality in Lexington, Kentucky!

Charity and Keith Ford made us feel right at home, as did the boys and dogs. Four wonderful nights in Lexington, KY!

Logan, Sawyer, and Cooper--the Ford boys

Boudreaux (front) and Molly

Day 140: Running in honor of the "BD Boys", haha. Scottie Bennett, Matt Spencer, Matt Harper, Rick McClanahan, Jason Ash, and the Wampus Cat.

Day 138: Narrow Roads Home.

109 running days finished, 2,180 miles complete. Today, I ran on some of the worst road of the whole trip. I don't think route 460 was meant to accommodate foot traffic. No shoulder whatsoever. In fact, most of the time, the white line was falling off the side of the road. Also, one of the busiest roads I've been on, which made the run extra stressful. Just an estimate, but I nearly got hit by 7 dump trucks, 2 big rigs, 4 school buses, a couple of motorcycles, and a horse and buggy. Ok, the last one didn't really happen, but it would have been hilarious if I had to go ditch diving to avoid an Amish Earnhardt. Made it about 4 miles east of Georgetown, KY, for anyone still following the route. In just 7 running days, my eyes will gaze upon that beautiful "Wild, Wonderful West Virginia" sign for the first time in 5 months!! To say I'm excited about this would be a major understatement. I think Mom has officially gone into shutdown mode for the trip. She is past ready to get home, I believe. Got a day off tomorrow, looking forward to getting fully recovered and full on some epic breakfast feasting. By the way, I was running for Bret Powell today. Got the video loaded on facebook, but this blogsite apparently has also gone on shutdown mode for the trip. Won't let me load videos. Oh well, we may all limp into Spencer by the end, but at least we will make it.

Mom's View--Frankfort to Georgetown, Kentucky

The Kentucky Capitol
Drew liked the run down the hill from this scenic overlook!

Parked here at the end of 5 miles during run 109. The farms are gorgeous, but the road is horrible for running; narrow, no shoulders, steep drop off, and very busy high traffic area with few places to get off the road.

The view across the road at the 5 mile stop. 

Close to 10 miles of run 109 on route 460

In Georgetown for mile 15

Two adorable mini Dachshunds entertained me at this stop while Drew ran.

Scott County Court House in Georgetown across from Subway, Drew's main post-run eatery!

Day 138: Running in honor of Bret Powell

Day 137: Mucho Good-o!

The homestretch has been very kind so far. Wonderful weather, beautiful scenery, and TONS of energy!! I barely feel tired after the 20 miles right now. It has made the time fly by, which is a good thing as I inch closer to the West Virginia state line. Just 13 more running days and I will be setting my feet on the courthouse lawn! And, I feel it is my duty as a WVU fan to point out so close to the beginning of football season that Pitt did, does, and always will suck!! LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, MOUNTAINEERS!! That is all.

Day 137: Running in honor of Cathy Nichols.

Day 136: The Start of Horse Country.

What a beautiful run today! I got just a taste of the immaculate homes and land that horse money can buy. Absolutely stunning. Another perfect weather day gave me the opportunity to enjoy the scenery. I've also been able to nearly fully recover after each run the past few days, and I am finally getting back to almost normal after the 7 week heatwave. I have now completely abandoned any thoughts of being able to block out the excitement of home, as I get closer and closer. At the end of this set, in two days, we will be just north of Lexington, Kentucky, a mere 130 miles from West Virginia!! Mom and I have been so fortunate to get to stay with Mike and Debbie Jones the last 4 nights. They have treated us so well, we almost feel like we are home already, haha. Home cooked meals, comfortable beds, a huge TV, etc. I'm going to have trouble leaving here. The good thing is, tomorrow, we will drive forward to Lexington after the run to meet up with Toby Ford's brother, Keith. We will be staying with Keith and his family for the next 4 nights. I swear, we are really getting spoiled at the end of the trip, and I am loving every second of it. I continue to hope for good weather and good health as I am winding down this amazing journey. As always, I look forward to seeing everyone at home in a couple weeks.

Mom's View--Route 60 through Shelbyville

Five mile stop; too early to shop for fresh veggies.

We are officially in "horse country"

Old Kentucky hospitality

Sunday morning before church starts at First Baptist

Shelbyville, one of many historic building styles

Community Theater

Veterans Memorial

Shelby County Court House

This fountain was installed to celebrate the completion of the Shelbyville public water system in 1895.