Day 9 - Mooresboro to Woodbridge

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Total Mileage : 24 miles
There was a big party on the second floor of our Comfort Inn in Gastonia last night, and I was anxious about what to expect running through the city, so I woke up tired, dejected, and unsure if I even could make it 10 miles much less 25.  As usual, Cheryl talked me off the proverbial ledge, and by 8:00 our team ledt for Six Points, Mooresville.

To be honest I thought this day was going to be one of running down the streets skipping to  gas stations and trying to find parking lots and fast food restaurants where we could avoid cars. In fact it turned out to be one of the nicest rural runs I've had in a long time, ruck sack or not. We changed our route on the fly, finding the less traveled roads north of Shelby and passing through some really pretty countryside, surrounded by working farms, streams, and wooded areas.

The most amazing thing though, is as I struggled through the first few miles, Jason (who is helping out today) decided he would run with me. Jason's a very fit guy, but his longest run was a 5k. He's more of a crossfitter. I'll jump right the end of the story... because Jason ended up running the entire 24 miles with me at a 13-minute pace! That is an incredible achievement.  

Becky and Stephanie provided support along the way, and every few miles they would pull over and to get refreshments and food, and they brought lunch. It was great teamwork all around and I'm sad they are leaving.  But the tribe is always changing and every iteration brings new experiences. We met lots of interesting people along the way, and I met the friendliest and prettiest black dog....She literally layed down in the middle of the road for a belly rub....
We got growled, barked, or lunged every half mile by dogs, so that should be the expectation going forward!  

All in all this turned out to be a great day full of surprises. I started in a dark place, and I'm thankful for the friends who helped pull me out of it and assisted me along the way. Without them, or Cheryl, I would crumble in a heap when faced with the task of hauling 25 lbs on my back for 6 or 7 hours.

It's hard to believe that we are actually 30% done!

Comments

Stephanie Olson said…
I have had an awesome 2 days on this journey with you! I am so glad jason was there today although we continued to worry about him! ������‍♀️ You are both amazing! Keep rucking Richard! I will probably see you sooner than later! Love to the entire team and you especially for dedicating so much time and effort. Witnessing it firsthand is truly indescribable! You’ve got this and we’ve got you!!! Happy Trails in day 10! We want video of Jason in the morning! ������
May 6, 2021 at 9:50 PM
Kaleb Dutil said…
Nice work. I would love to link up with you when you come through Wilmington if your still planning on the 22nd. I will be doing a 24 hour ruck that day to raise funds for International Justice Mission. It would be great to spend some time with a fellow F3 brother.
May 7, 2021 at 3:23 PM
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