Day 3 - 36.60 Miles - Leasburg, MO to Newburg, MO

A friend told me that it "really flattens out" on this route after about 90 miles. In this picture to the right I'm well past the 90-mile mark. Maybe the person that told me this made a better choice on alternative roads?

At any rate, I'm still feeling pretty good, save for a little "twinge" on the left front of my leg that I seem to have mostly worked out & under control tonight. Not that I'm charging really hard, but I do feel happy about my pace so far. For "fast" runners the 110 miles covered so far hasn't been fast at all, but hey, this isn't a race and I'm having a great time! Plus I'm just a normal person - anyone with the will to try could do this - honest. Also, I haven't made it to AR just yet.

The going does get tough. Thinking you have an entire day of running solo and only interacting with "civilization" for very brief periods. All you get is to run by the van to snag a PB & honey sandwich and a quick word of encouragment. The "boosts" are fleeting at times.

But this lifted my spirits: Much to my surprise, a guardian angel showed up at about mile 6 this morning (vicious dog savior) - my friend & nutritionist (in that order), Lisa! Lisa really did save me from a dog trying to cross the street and go at me by blocking it with her car and gently beeping her horn. Worked like a charm, and I have the absence of bite marks to prove it. Thanks Lisa - you happened to show up in the nic of time! Lisa then parked her car and rode next to me on her bike for 6 miles and then we parted ways, but great to have her out for the short time that I did.

Another crewmember joined the efforts - my step-mom Peggy! She even covered a mile with me near the end of today's run! It was a nice addition to the day as well. Peggy has great taste in food & music - perfect for a support crew member. Peggy was only with us for today, but was a HUGE boost for me and Lauren. Thanks Peg!

From left to right: Lisa, Jason & Peggy

Lauren and I are joined tomorrow by the Ragin' Cajun, my step-dad Charlie, for 3 days starting in the morning. It's going to be fun for sure. Charlie has never met a stranger and is just the type you want rolling through tiny towns in rural Missouri scaring the locals.

To date most observers of the MO-AR TREK have contended that I am the crazy one on this journey. I'll be happy to be relieved of that distinction for the 3 days Charlie is crewing, because he's absolutely NUTS. I mean that in the best way possible Charlie ;) I’m looking forward to some good jokes.

Ok, going to rest up for the night and hope for the best tomorrow. Thanks for tuning in everyone and for all of your encouraging comments here. While I can't feasibly respond to all of them, I can promise you I read each and every one of them. They help a TON.

Jason

P.S. Along with forecated temperatures for the rest of the week, donations are really on the rise. We’ve eclipsed $5,500 already, all for Girls on the Run in Missouri – way to go everyone!