Today was the last day of my run across the country and there were only 10 miles between we were staying and the last point! I ran for gram, grampy, Bill, TJ, Bailey, Shelby, Greta, and Sydney. We ran together as a team for all of those miles and it was amazing to finish. We split our run up because we couldn’t get there until 12 but had to be out of our host by 7:30. We stopped at a café for breakfast first and met up with the riders. I got some toast and a smoothie because we still had a way to go. It was 2.5 miles in, so it was a nice way to break up the mileage. The route was so nice because we had a trail to run on and sidewalks for most of it. We stayed at the breakfast spot for a little over an hour and then headed to our next spot. 2.6 miles out, the van was waiting for us with some water and fruit snacks, we stopped there quickly and then headed up this crazy hill! It was so fun and didn’t seem that bad though because there were so many bikers out and they rode by us as we went up. Our team bikers were also next to us as we were going up and that was cool. Someone even yelled out “go 4k” as we ran past and that was really cool to think that they might have been an alumni. Then we had the tricky part where we had to cross under a small tunnel with no shoulder. A park ranger stopped to see what we were doing and then said to just be careful, and we had a car wait and follow us in so we could make it across safely. It was a relief to be on the other side of that tunnel. Then some riders were going up this huge hill to a viewpoint, but Mary and I both were injured (me with shin pain and her with hip) so we stayed down at the bottom near the Golden Gate bridge while the other runners went up. Then it was time for the moment I had been waiting for since 2019, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. It was actually terrifying though, and I couldn’t wait to get off of it because of the rude cyclists. Our cyclists didn’t have a great time crossing the bridge either, so we were all happy to be on the other side. When we were waiting for the rest of the team, someone stopped to ask us what we were doing, and it was cool to share where we came from all the way in San Francisco. Then it was time to do the mile together to the end. Unfortunately, we lost the riders somehow and we ended up still being in our separate ways, but we did come together at one point and that was cool. Someone even shouted at us that we were almost there because he saw our van. I had the directions on my phone, but I put it away too soon because we took a wrong turn and ended up coming in the wrong way to the ceremony! It still worked out and I ran and gave everyone a huge hug. Then we ran back and came in with the bikers together and it was so happy! After that we had our arrival ceremony and we got alumni bracelets and flags! We did our cheer one last time and dipped into the ocean. They shared that I was top fundraiser – all thanks to you guys! The final total being $15,651… wow, thank you! They also gave a backpack to all the directors. I wouldn’t have been able to finish this run without you and your support. To finish the time, I got my bag from the van for the final time and cleaned off the windows. I said goodbye to everyone and then headed to the hotel with my family. I was so happy to be with them. We had some Applebee’s for dinner it was delicious. I had a great shower and enjoyed a bed to sleep in!
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Today was another 6 mile day, but from twisting my ankle the other day, it got worse so instead I stayed in the van and did some driving so I could get through the 10 miles tomorrow. I dedicated today to Lori and TJ again. We started our day slow again and enjoyed some breakfast from a café. I got some chicken fried steak and tea! It was really good. We also shared superlatives in the morning, and I got most likely to go to sleep first (I just know I can’t run without sleep!) After that we drove to the running spot and they ran their miles. For the second leg, they ran to the host – which is always cool to do. For lunch, we headed to this place called Mix and had salads with the last of our donated venmo money. I got a Caesar salad. Then we headed back to the host to get ready to see Ulman staff and clear the van out completely. I got everything out of the van, except for what was Ulman’s and talked with Jules and Megan (2 Ulman staff members). They took with them one of the rider vans because the following day we only had 2 drivers - they drive the vans for us so we can all participate! For the end of the trip, we did a 4k tradition where people share their confessions. For example, one person wasn’t on the chore list all summer and didn’t say anything until that night! That was funny, but I didn’t have anything crazy to share. We also had paper plate awards that we gave each other and I had Mike. I was pretty proud of my plate and was excited to present it to him. I also loved my plate that Rose made me – it even had Ollie on it :) As soon as that was done I went right to bed! It was so late so as soon as it was over I was ready for bed and excited to do the last day! It was about 10:30 by the time I finally was in bed. Today was a 6 mile day and we made it to Santa Rosa, CA (just a little out of the way to San Francisco). I dedicated today to Lori, the sister of a dear friend, and Mike and Olivia, two connections of the people we met at the kava shop. It was a good mile day and we ran through the vineyards again. It was very pretty. We stopped for breakfast in the morning with the riders and I had a breakfast sandwich and some tea. After the run for the day, the riders were able to get lunch donated and I had a chick-fil-a sandwich. It was so good! I was so full though after eating it. Then, we got our shower stuff ready and started cleaning out the van so we could get it vacuumed and ready for arrival. It was nice to get everything out of the van and organized. We had our showers at Planet Fitness again so that worked out well. Dan, Max, and I then vacuumed the van and then when I got back, laid everything out so people could take the snacks and items they need before throwing things out or donating any unopened food. We also stopped for Panda Express for dinner after vacuuming and was able to use a gift card my co-workers donated! It was my first time going there and it was pretty good! I also was able to bring back a diet coke for a teammate. After that, James, Casey, and I went to Barnes and Noble and then a sushi place. I was out until 9, which is so late for me on this trip, but when we got back I was able to get set up and ready for bed. I got my mini fan out last night and slept really well. AND mom, gram, and Will made it to California- so now we’re so close but I still have to wait to see them on Saturday. Today was a 7 mile day to Napa and I dedicated my miles to Jenny, a co-worker’s mom, and Tracy, someone I knew from high school. The miles were so flat today, which was really nice! I enjoyed running with Sydney and Dan. At mile 6, my ankle slipped out from under me though and it hurt so badly that my tongue hurt? Thankfully the van was right there so I just got in and let it rest with ice so I can finish the last couple of days strongly. We ran through some vineyards today which was really cool and we even got to be on a trail for some of it! For lunch, we got Ike’s sandwiches donated and I got a chicken sandwich and it was really good. After that, we found a planet fitness near our host to take showers at. Some people missed out on the nail salon yesterday, so the whole running team ended up getting our nails done. It was really fun and I got a light shade of pink manicure. After that, we walked around the little shopping center and I got some nuggets and a milkshake from an ice cream place. Then we headed back the host and I was persuaded into going back out to town for dinner – but really just to spend time with some friends because I already ate. I ended up getting some corn on the cob but was so full from earlier so it squeezed into the last bit of my stomach. I left early from dinner because I was just so tired and I got ready for bed and am now writing this before getting to sleep (Its 8:30 – crazy how tired I get on 4k). I have to post this later because the wifi doesn’t reach the room we’re in and if I’m honest, I am ready for bed! So you’ll be reading this later :) Overall it was a good day. Today was a much needed rest day in Davis, CA. It is a college town so it was fun to explore. I woke up on my own around 8am and then headed down for some free breakfast at the hotel. After that, I used the free bikes that the hotel had to ride the mile to the team and help decorate our vans. It was really fun decorating the vans and we worked on them all together to get it ready for our arrival in San Francisco. After the vans were finished, I had to take the bike back, but some riders were riding their bikes into town so I rode with them. It was a lot of fun to ride in the group with them on the roads that were built just for bikes – it was really cool and it is crazy how many places there are for you to park your bike here. They stopped for some food, but I kept riding to return the bike. When I got back to the hotel, I sat down for a second and posted a blog. Then, I met James and we walked to a bookstore to look around. I got a book! Then he went to get a hair cut and I walked around some more alone and then found a chicken place to stop for lunch. After lunch, I found some friends at the book store and went in and said hello and everyone bought a book – I thought that was pretty cool. Then a friend, Bethany, said she was going to get a pedicure so I decided to join along with 5 other girls. It was really nice and fun! Then we went for tea, but accidently walked into a Kava lounge. I guess maybe if a building says 18 + it isn’t a normal coffee place. Kava is a root that makes you feel very relaxed and apparently makes your tongue go numb. They decided to get some to try, but I just got some water! After that, we went to Chipotle and I got a cheese quesadilla. Then they wanted to get tattoos (crazy day haha) and I went along for moral support. All of their tiny tattoos turned out really well. Then, we went for some more ice cream and just happened to meet up with more people in the team when we got there. I got a vanilla cone of course. Lastly, I headed back to the hotel and typed this up and now I am so excited to get to sleep in the comfortable bed :) I didn’t take as many photos again today, but enjoy the new vans! Today was a 9 mile day and I ended up doing my last driving day! I dedicated my run to Nathan, who was someone I met at school while doing a fundraiser and he was cancer free for 10 years that day. Mary was the navigator with me and it was a good driving day. At one of the stops, we stopped at an Ace Hardware and I got a hat to hopefully wear on the last day! We drove through Sacramento and our host for the day was at a fraternity house. If you know me, that is just not my scene, so I ended up getting a hotel to sleep in a bed and also to provide a shower to the team. Once we got to the host, the runners came to the hotel to shower and then we headed back to the house to meet with everyone for dinner. Dinner was donated from a pizza place. After dinner, I got a ride back to the hotel to shower and relax. I enjoyed a mocktail and then went for wings (that actually just came out as plain chicken nuggets) and some ice cream. I slept so so well last night with the comfortable bed and pillow and am so grateful that I got the hotel! I didn’t take many pictures today, so here are some older photos that I didn’t have earlier because they were on other phones! Last night I smelled a little smoke in the air and had to check if we were okay with the wildfires. That was something I haven’t had to do before. Thankfully everything was okay and we were able to spend the night and get moving today. Today was a 10-mile day, but my hip pain has been pretty bad so I decided to just do half of the miles. It did hurt, but it was okay. I dedicated today to TJ and my grandpa. Our miles were pretty good and the first 3 miles were all downhill. It was a crazy and beautiful run. After our run, we went to two Subways to see if they would donate and unfortunately we were unsuccessful. Some people got Subway and others went to a pizza place and got some pizza donated for lunch! Then we headed back to the host and we were able to do showers and laundry. The host was a huge church and it was really nice to be able to spread out. The same pizza donated dinner for tonight and I also had a happy meal from McDonalds (not too healthy but oh well). I also tried to get caught up on posting my blogs, but unfortunately the wifi stopped working before I was able to do all of them, which is why this one is late. I had to try to post them before everyone came back from an outing they went on. Once we were all on the wifi, it just didn't work. I slept in a cold room that night and besides my hip it was pretty good. I think the sleeping pad is starting to not help the hip either, but its almost time for real beds! Another day and not so great at that. Today everyone except 3 people were going to take rest days because of injuries so we ended up just going to the park and doing a team bonding experience day. We started our morning at 4am to get to the park before 6am so we could get in without a reservation. We got to the Yosemite around 5:30 and we were able to watch the sunrise. It was 33 degrees on top of Yosemite, and we ended up turning the heat on because it was so cold – thankfully I put on pants that morning. Unfortunately, the heat and cold, cracked our windshield so now we have to keep an eye on that, but hope it will make it to the end of the week (one week left!) The views were beautiful in Yosemite, but I did take a quick nap after the sunrise. Then we went down to the valley and got some breakfast and looked at the giftshop. We planned to go horseback riding, but the stables were closed so that was sad and then we tried to rent bikes, but they didn’t have enough in our size so we just did some walking around instead. Then we heard from the riders that they were going to stay in Yosemite for a bit so we drove up to cheer them on and then met them at the Village Shop. I was hoping to take a group back to the host so we could get some showers and go to sleep (because we still had an hour drive) but unfortunately people had other plans, which is okay, but there was just a lack of communication for the people that wanted to leave. I ended up being at the park just in the car and walking around for 12 hours… which took away the me time I usually get to recharge. It made the evening very difficult and with some unknown high anxiety I wasn’t able to eat lunch which I think had a huge impact on all of this. When we finally left at 5:30, I got some pizza and then did a wipe shower when I got back. I also did some sink laundry and hope it will all dry by the morning. Finally, I am able to get some sleep which is much needed. Today we woke up to rain which isn’t ideal, but the host said he hasn’t seen rain like this during the summer in maybe 11 years, so it is probably actually a good thing. We really did bring the rain with us I guess. We also woke up to our van door opened because a bear got into our van last night (the door was unlocked so he just let himself in). Thankfully it didn’t leave any damage and just took some snacks – including the candy necklace hanging on the mirror. We also found out that the road we were supposed to take was wiped out due to mud slides so we had to change up today. We ended up running around lake Tahoe and the riders biked the permitter. We also ended up having less miles and only did 10 day because of that. Today I dedicated my miles to Sean – someone I used to work with who had cancer and to Bill. Because of the rain, we ran in the rain and I think it got heavier as we went, but as soon as we finished our run, the rain stopped. I ran with Sydney, Dan, and Greta today and it was a nice run around the lake and in the woods. It was nice to be around trees again. After the run, our host from before opened their doors for us to go back and eat lunch for leftovers so that worked out really well. I had another hot dog :) Then we were able to go back to the same place for showers and I was so excited to get a shower because of how cold I was with the rain. I took probably the hottest shower yet on 4k and took my time to get warm. Then I put on pants and a sweatshirt for the car ride to the next host, which was an hour and a half away in Lee Vining. We stopped at McDonalds on the way there for free fry Friday and someone also went to chipotle. We got some expensive gas before hitting the road. We have some riders in our van this time around since they did their ride at lake Tahoe rather than to the host. On our way to the host, we went through the California check in (because we had to go back into Nevada to get to where we were headed) and that was kinda cool. They just let us go past and we didn’t have to start so that worked out. Our host this time is more strict that usual so they provided sheets for us to lay our sleeping pads on. Today was the second to last rest day and it was really nice! I also forgot to share that yesterday we made it to California!! I slept in until around 8 and got up slowly. I had a small breakfast and then caught up on my blogs. After that a message therapist came and I got a little massage, which was so nice. I shared with her what my injuries were, and she was able to focus on them. It felt really good! Then we went to a local coffee shop, and they had an iced lavender matcha latte and it was so so good. Probably one of the best drinks I’ve had with matcha. Originally, we were going to go ice skating because they offered it to us for free, but people changed their mind. Instead, I ended up going mini golfing and looking around some stores with James. I also got some pizza for dinner, and it was really good. It was a fun day. After that we came back to the host, and I laid down for a little bit to rest since it is a rest day! Later after that we had burgers and thankfully hotdogs for dinner. It was very good. It was also a maildrop day, so I got 2 cards and that was exciting! Thank you, mom and Howard and Barb, :) A reporter also came to interview us, and I talked with her as well! I went to bed pretty early for a big mile day the next day and slept very well besides the hip hurting a little bit throughout the night. These hosts were so great and helpful. |
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