Day 61: Still Going Strong.

That's 6 straight strong running days. The streak is alive and well. I wonder if I have actually talked myself into feeling great during each run, or if I just happen to feel strong right now. I don't care, either way, as long as it continues, haha. I find myself almost giddy with excitement the closer I get to Texas. It's not that I haven't enjoyed New Mexico, quite the opposite actually. I have met many wonderful people in New Mexico, and have seen a bunch of cool things. I am simply excited to get through the longest state on the trip. In the end, I will have run nearly 415 miles in New Mexico. By comparison, Arizona is the second longest at 395 miles, and I will have about 370 miles in Kansas. The excitement in Texas is that I am only in it for 55 miles, and Oklahoma is even shorter than that. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to spend tons of time in both states, but after 415 miles in one state, it will be really cool to knock out 2 more states on the trip in about 6 days. I finished the run today about 30 miles short of Tucumcari, NM, so Mom and I drove ahead to it, and we are staying at a very nice KOA campground. We'll probably stay here tomorrow, Thursday, and Friday night as well. All is well from out west. As Mom was checking in to the campground, a huge RV pulled up behind the van. Out stepped a man in a WVU hat and shirt!! Got to meet Bill McKenzie (yes, the field goal to beat Pitt, Bill McKenzie) and his wife, who live in Parkersburg, and are huge Mountaineer fans!! Its always awesome to see people from West Virginia. Bill was very generous, and donated to my cause, so I wanted to thank him and his wife for their generosity. Other than that, I am still feeling very good. Spirits are high, and physically I feel pretty solid. Check in with you all tomorrow. Night.

Day 61: Running in honor of Dennis Carpenter.

Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony

Santa Rosa American Legion color guard at the bridge across the Pecos River.

Solemn words and taps and the wreath is tossed to the river below.

Day 60: God Bless Our Soldiers on Memorial Day.

Today, I ran in memory of many fallen soldiers. I don't ever feel that I can adequately thank men and women in the Armed Forces for all of their sacrifices. I just hope this run will be at least a small thanks to all of them. I've had this song rolling around in my head throughout this trip, and I couldn't think of a better time to post the lyrics to it than on Memorial Day. The song is by Tim McGraw, and is titled "If You're Reading This". The words will need no explanation when you read them. Every time I hear this song during my runs, I get very choked up, and often lose a few tears. I hope you all enjoy. Goodnight.

"If You're Reading This"

If you're reading this
My Mommas sittin there
Looks like I only got a one way ticket over here
Sure wish I
Could give you one more kiss
And war was just a game we played when we were kids

I'm laying down my gun
I'm hanging up boots
I'm up here with God and we're both watching over you

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed
That it would go
And if you're reading this
I'm already home

If you're reading this
Half way around the world
I won’t be there
To see the birth of our little girl
I hope she looks like you
I hope she fights like me
Stand up for the innocent and weak

I'm laying down my gun
I'm hanging up boots
Tell dad I don't regret that I followed in his shoes

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed
That it would go
And if you're reading this
I'm already home

If you're reading this
There’s going to come a day
When you'll move on
And find some one else
And that's OK
Just remember this
I'm in a better place
Where soldiers live in peace
And angels sing amazing grace

So lay me down
In that open field out on the edge of town
And know my soul
Is where my momma always prayed
That it would go
And if you're reading this
I'm already home

Day 60: On Memorial Day, I am running in memory of many fallen soldiers. First, PFC. James Heeter, SGT. Whyley Josh, and SP4. Franklin Ashley, all killed in Vietnam. Second, for Cathy Nichols' brother, Steve Jones, who died shortly after returning home from Vietnam. Third, for Connie Taylor's father, who died shortly after returning home from Korea. Fourth, for Charles Hardman, WWII veteran who recently passed away. Also, for friends of Holly Paugh who lost their lives. TSGT. Adam Ginnett, USAF, and 2nd Lieutenant Thomas K. "Kip" Albright, USAF. Many, many others as well

Mom's View of Santa Rosa, NM

The road between Vaughn and Santa Rosa was a lonely place.

This was the only tree in miles; there were windmills here and there, and on one ridge an array of the huge modern electric-generating windmills. A truck passed us carrying one new blade for these and it took up most of the road.

National Honor students at Santa Rosa's flag ceremony for Memorial Day. The flag was presented to the wife and sister of  Lt. Dennis V. Quintana who had been killed in Viet Nam.

Drew is wearing Purple Heart pin and Korean War pin as he meets District American Legion Commander Edward Salazar.

Amazing geographic feature in Santa Rosa.

Bride and groom ready to enter the Blue Hole for a scuba wedding.

Parents of the scuba bride and groom.

Restored courthouse for Guadalupe County

History fountain and gazebo in the background. We spent an evening here with perfect breezes and dark blue skies; it was so relaxing that we decided to sleep in supervan right there.

Two sections of Route 66 go through Santa Rosa; this section was 1926-1937. The main street was re-routed 66 after 1937. Now the main road is Interstate 40. (Drew was trying to keep his shirt from being ripped off his back by the wind!) The Comet II a great restaurant on both routes 66; its roots are about as old as the road.

Day 58: The Streak Continues.

Great day today!! 4 in a row! Great weather, body and mind were still on point, and I get a rest day tomorrow. 900 miles logged so far, looking forward to 1,000 milestone. I miss everyone back home, can't wait to see you all. I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Weekend, and please remember why its called Memorial Day. Gonna put my feet up, lean back, relax and enjoy the wonderful evening in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Goodnight.

Day 58: Running in honor of Theresa Hickman.

Day 57: Three in a Row!!

I won't speak much on the subject so as not to jinx myself, but today was the third straight good run. Haven't had four straight since the trip started, so I am really hoping for a good day tomorrow. It's kind of a streak. And streaks are a fragile thing, especially for a former baseball player like myself. Baseball players are notoriously supersticious, so I will be very cautious of what I do and say leading up to tomorrow. Great Bull Durham qoute: "A player on a streak has to respect the streak, you know why? Because they don't come around very often. If you believe you are playing well because you are getting laid, or because you are not getting laid, or because you wear women's underwear, than you are!!" Haha, I love that movie, and I'm sure Elliot will get a kick out of the qoute, 'cause she can basically quote the entire movie as well. Although I am not wearing women's underwear while running, I did commit something to my mind on the first day of this set of four, and it has seemed to stick the last few days. As I was beginning the first 4 mile stretch that day, I could tell in my mind that I was already complaining about little things again. "My hip is aching, my feet hurt, why is my knee throbbing, why is the wind hitting me sideways..." I was coming off a good rest day, and I should have been feeling good, but just a few minutes in, these were the thoughts I was allowing in my mind. Then, the song "8th of November" by Big-n-Rich came on the IPod. I don't think I'd heard it on this trip yet; if so, it was very early in the trip. The song has very special meaning to me. Always reminds me of my good buddy Mike Snyder. If you haven't heard it, stop reading this right now, and YouTube the song. I'll wait again... Ok. The song is a true story of the events that occured the 8th of November, 1965 in Vietnam, with regards to the soldiers of 173rd Airborne. It is an emotion-provoking song to me, every time I hear it. Came along at the right time for me in this trip as well. I realized after listening to the song that for the past few weeks, up in the high elevation, I have allowed my mind to develop a negative attitude with regards to my running. Without even really knowing it, I have been starting each day the past few weeks worrying about the things I cannot change. the elevation, the aches, the pains, the bad knees, the lack of energy. It's a self-fufilling prophecy. Had I heard the song 2 weeks ago, maybe it would have snapped me out of it earlier. I think I was meant to go through those weeks like that though. It allowed me to be awakened so nicely a few days ago. I thought very hard for the few minutes after the song ended about the young men in that story, and how they must have felt going through pure hell. The few that actually did survive, how they must have felt coming home, and throughout the rest of their lives. Perspective can be a very humbling thing, and I am glad this journey continues to give me a healthy dose of it. I said to myself right then, no more complaining, period. No more, for the rest of this trip. How dare I voluntarily take on this task, and then whine and cry when everything isn't peachy. How dare I sit here and complain about a little soreness (which obviously isn't that bad, since I can continue to run 20 miles a day). How dare I moan about a "lack of energy". These young men, and countless others before and after, suffered immeasurably worse hardships, for much longer periods, with far less energy, than I ever have the right to complain about. Some of them cannot complain at all, because they gave their lives for me. I feel ashamed at every little complaint I've made on this trip. Yes, it is extremely difficult, and yes, it is testing the limits of my physical and mental capacity, and beyond. But does that give me the right to bitch and moan about it. No. I CHOSE to do this! So, starting 3 days ago, I swore to myself that I would no longer complain about my little situations. I hope to stick to this, because it has made a significant difference in my mindset these past 3 runs. I feel refocused, refreshed, and once again, resiliant. And if I begin to slip, maybe I'll just remember to put that song back on and remind myself to have some perspective, and a nice big slice of humble pie.

Day 57: Running in honor of Don and Sharon Hudkins.

Day 56: Today Was a Good Day.

Good stuff today. Great weather, and I didn't see any live snakes, only a couple dead ones. Got a lot of sleep last night, and I think that helped with my energy. I felt strong almost the entire run. Finished up about 10 miles west of Vaughn, NM. Tomorrow I will change routes for the first time since early in Arizona. Gonna be leaving Route 60 and heading northeast on Route 54. It'll be a nice change of scenery, haha. Bout the only change will be when I pass signs on the road, they'll say Route 54 now. Spirits are high right now, so hopefully tomorrow is another good run. I'd like to have 4 straight good runs, don't know if I've had 4 straight the whole trip. Got to eat at Peggy's Diner again, and had the meal comped by the manager. Also, thanks to Kim Camp's brother, Holly Paugh, we got a free room at the Oak Tree Inn hotel owned by the same people. Holly has been working his tail off trying to get us some free stuff along the way, so a huge thanks to him for all the effort. Gonna rest, finish watching the Bulls/Heat game (Go Bulls!!), and take advantage of a hot shower and a bed for the night. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Day 56: Running for my friend, Carrie Hodge.

Day 55: Meh...

Today was kind of blah. Not bad, not great. Just your average 20 mile run, haha. Felt the effects of the Macho Goucho burger well into the first 12 miiles today. Saw another snake. I'll never stay near one long enough to get a picture, so you'll just have to take my word. It was big, coiled up, and ready to strike. The road right now has absolutely no shoulder, so I nearly stepped on it.  Most of the day, I ran in the left lane and hoped that no vehicles coming from behind would be passing other vehicles in the left lane. If so, I'd be toast. We drove all the way into Vaughn, NM tonight, simply because there wasn't any place between where I stopped and here. Good thing though, cause they have an old fashioned 50's style diner called Peggy's Diner here. I love these old diners. I'll take some pics tomorrow, or Friday, since we'll be staying here the next few nights. Still seems like forever til we get through New Mexico, and there isn't much scenery to enjoy right now, so I have really had to occupy my mind the last few runs to pass the time. Still about 190 miles left before a new state, so hopefully I don't go insane before then. Still looking forward to some lower elevation, because I'm just so tired at the end of each day. Gonna try to get some better sleep tonight, it will help not having the Macho Goucho in my stomach I think. Night.

Day 55: Running in honor of Allen and Loretta Truman.

Say hello to the Macho Goucho burger!!

The thing was almost as big as my head.

Mom's View-- of Mountainair, NM

Gran Quivira, part of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument

Ruins of the mission church

Ruins of the pueblo housing area

Second church at Gran Quivira begun around  1659 but never completed.

Shaffer Hotel Dining Room

The ceiling of Shaffer Hotel Dining Room; the original owner was quite an artist and interesting character!

Day 53: Two Walruses.

Is the plural of walrus, walruses, or is it walri. Maybe walreese. Anyway, a few months ago, Mom and Dad had the upstairs bathroom at the house on Church Street remodeled. As there was new tile on the floor, and caulking drying in the new bathtub/shower, the upstairs bathroom was off limits for about a week. I had just moved out of my apartment and back home to get ready for this trip; yes, I had to live with my parents for a while at age 32, haha. Anyway, because the bathtub/shower was out of commission for a bit, we were relegated to the stand-up shower downstairs. I've never really liked the downstairs shower much. It always reminded me of a dungeon, or torture chamber if you will. It is very dimly lit, the water pressure sucks, and most of all, I've always felt claustrophobic in it. It wasn't quite as bad when I was young, there was much more room in it back then. But a 262 lb adult trying to shower in it is quite difficult. We had a 7'0'' exchange student living with us my senior year in high school who had to shower in it for a year because he couldn't fit in the upstairs shower. I have no idea how he did it, unless he was secretly a world class gymnast with incredible flexibility. I swear, I used to laugh at myself while attempting to shower. I reminded myself of 2 walruses fighting over a piece of fish, only in a very small, confined cage. Probably sounded a bit like that as well. Has anyone has seen the movie "Tommy Boy" with Chris Farley, the scene when he is in the airplane bathroom trying to change into a suit? Yeah, it's a lot like that. If you haven't seen it, I'll give you time to YouTube the scene. I'll hold... Okay, got it now. Why am I bringing this up, you ask? Purely for entertainment value, and I just took a shower in a small stand-up shower at the RV Park in Mountainair, NM. I realized that since I've lost so much weight, it's not so bad, although not nearly as comical anymore. Ahh, its the little things along this trip that are exciting.
Anyway, the run today wasn't nearly as bad as yesterday. I feel much better, although not 100 percent, still the run was much more tolerable. And I get a day off tomorrow, YAY! I ran in honor and memory of Sidney Boggs, and I did a ton of reminiscing during the run about the many good times I had around him, and the many good conversations we had. Sidney was always ready for a joke or 6, some funny, most not so much. But I always laughed at his jokes anyway just because of the way he told them. I talked in the video this morning about how Sidney always asked how things were going in my life, and he was genuinely interested. I know I was just one of thousands of kids in this community that he cared about. I don't know how he could keep track of us all, but he sure did. Sidney was also around during bad times for me. He always had a free minute to talk, and always about me, and my life, and my issues. Sidney Boggs truly was one of a kind. A kind and gentle soul with a huge love for the kids in Roane County, and the heart to match. I am blessed to have known the man.
Thinking about Sidney today reminded me of something else. Last night, I had a chance to talk to Dad for just a few minutes because I was feeling so bad and needed to get to bed. However, while we were talking, he took the opportunity to read to me David Hedges' editorial column from last week's paper. Wow!! As Dad was reading it to me, tears welled up in my eyes and I got a lump in my throat. What a wonderful piece of writing, and I am so thankful I got the opportunity to hear it. Couldn't have come at a more needed time either. After a terrible running day, and feeling very run down, I needed a boost. I think Dad knew it just by hearing the tone in my voice. I want to take this opportunity to thank David for the incredibly kind words, and once again, thank the community for all the support. I take you all with me each day, and I can't wait to get home and thank you all in person. Til then, enjoy the journey with me. Night.

Day 53: Running in honor and memory of Sidney Boggs.

Day 52: Feeling Rough.

I'll keep this one very short tonight because I'm not feeling very well. Not sure if I'm getting a little sick, but I didn't feel well much of the run today. Gonna pound the Emergen-C and hope it goes away. Don't have time to be getting sick. Like I said, today was very tough. Not much energy, and my legs were aching from the start. I had to slow my running pace down to finish, and it still was an extreme struggle to get all 20 miles in. Had a 1,000 foot rise in elevation in a 2 mile stretch this morning which took what little pep I did have, out of my step. Luckily, the worst of the hills never showed up today. Unfortunately, they will be here tomorrow. We drove into Mountainair, NM for the night, and it is very uphill. So, I got that to look forward to, which is nice, haha. Thanks to the firefighting team down here from Oregon, who treated Mom and I to dinner and to Kevin and Ruth Turner at the Turner Inn and RV Park in Mountainair for letting us stay with them tonight! Anyway, I'm gonna try to get a ton of rest and get at least enough back to finish tomorrow. Then I get a rest day. Sorry tonight isn't very good, I'm just drained. Goodnight.

Mom's View--The Road to Mountainair

Start day 40 of running  on route 60, about 13 miles east of I 25



View to NE from 8 mile point



View to SE from 8 mile point

Small tumbleweed caught in fence at 12 mile lunch/rest place.

Rest place was near the railroad track, one of the busiest in the country with 1 1/2 mile trains going through about every ten minutes. It was actually kind of relaxing to hear them rumbling by.

Fascinating ancient Pueblo ruins and those of Franciscan mission church from 1600's.

Robert Sisneros, whose family owned the land with the ruins before donating it to public domain. He was walking down the road and I talked to him on his way down and back.

Robert's parents live here. Impressive trees for the desert!

Part of Abo ruins

San Gregorio mission church 1630

Day 52: Running for Steve Anderson, or Uncle Steve as I call him, even though he's not actually my uncle.

Day 51: Is Done.

Simple as that folks. The run was just average today. I felt alright most of the day, got a little run down towards the end. Almost got attacked by dogs for a solid 4 mile stretch through Bernardo, NM. That kept me on my toes for a while, haha. Enjoyed the beautiful weather today. First day I've gotten to run without  long sleeved shirt in a while. Back up into the mountains tomorrow, 7,000 ft + of elevation for the next 4 days, and then, hopefully, back out of the high elevation for good. I'd write more, and more eloquently, tonight if I had more energy, but Mom bogarted the computer for so long this evening, I'm just now getting to blog, and I'm nearly asleep as I type, haha. Gotta mess with Mom a little on here. Anyways, time for sleep, and lots of it. Night.

Day 51: Running for my friend, Brad Hickman.

Mom's View--Magdalena to Socorro

Clay Mac outside the High Country Lodge where we spent first night in the van and second night in a room. When we arrived, all the restaurants in town were closed but Char cooked us an excellent meal of spinach salad, homemade pizza, and bread pudding with fresh whipped cream while Clay entertained us with some of his cowboy country songs. He is an exceptional musician who has perfomed in the SW for 35 years.

Drew had breakfast and supper at the Magdalena Cafe and Steakhouse. Great place, no wonder it is almost always full at mealtimes. Thanks to Alanna VanWinkle for her support of the Wounded Warrior Project!

Start of Friday 5/21/11 run.

Going down into the valley to the town of Socorro.

End of 760 miles near Socorro, NM.

Day 50: This is Easy, haha.

Of course, I am joking. This is not an easy adventure. Quite the opposite, in fact. However, there are some days that seem much easier than others. Today was one of those easy days. It was a day badly needed as well, not only for my body, but for my mental health. The past couple weeks, as anyone who has been following along knows, have been some of the toughest times in my life. I guess in a sick sort of way, I am glad I went through them, because I wanted to test my limits on this journey, and go beyond them. I definitely feel that I have done that to some degree, especially in those few weeks. However, it is also very nice to have days that do not test me so much. Days that feel like Sunday strolls. Today was a bit of a Sunday stroll. I had a lot of energy from the start, and the day just flew by. The weather was very pleasant, although still "jacket weather" haha. Flat road greeted me all day, with a nice gentle 7 mile downhill run to finish the day. Yes, today was almost relaxing. Plus, we crept back into a bit of cell phone service at the end of the run, and I was able to talk to my dad and sister on the phone, and just hearing their voices was such a great feeling. Also got to talk to my buddy, Shawn Black, who I ran for today. It was great to hear from him and know that he was aware of his dedication today. He had me laughing a good bit, and offered some wonderful words of encouragement as well. I will definitely consider today a good one. We drove into Socorro, NM for the evening to shack up once again at a Walmart parking lot. Out of the entire planning process for this trip, I never really envisioned that 80 percent of the time, we'd be sleeping in a Walmart parking lot. Oh well, it has been interesting for sure. Got one more day of lower country tomorrow, and then it's back up into the 7,000 ft elevations for another 4 running days. After that, knock on wood, I will finally get out of the high mountains for the rest of the trip. I miss you all at home very much. See you soon. Goodnight.

Day 50: Running for my good friend, Shawn Black.

Mom's View--Over the Great Divide

Datil Well Campground

Super-van in Datil CG #2 with our picnic shelter and firepit and latrine in the background.

Sign at the campground --Datil was one of 15 former wells along the Magdalena Livestock Driveway. In 1919, the peak trailing year, 150,000 sheep and 21,677 cattle were driven to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway branch line in Magdalena.



There were still some big uphills to come.



Sawtooth Mountains

For those of you who like elk; they are everywhere--in campgrounds, in gas station parking lots after closing time, and yes, in Elk Foundation Wildlife centers. This was our lunchtime view after crossing the Great Divide.

The Very Large Array (VLA) 15 miles east of Datil has 27 radio telescopes in a "Y" pattern across the plains of San Agustin. It is linked to the Green Bank, WV system.

This telescope is closest to the road; they rotated in tandem 180 degrees as we went through the valley. As the winds get higher the position gets flatter until the "bowl" points straight up to the sky.

Flowers rare; varmit holes everywhere.