Prior to the run, I naively believed David and I might be able to finish each day’s run by 10 am or so. Now, nearly four weeks into the run, we’ve found our feet usually haven’t hit the pavement until 10 am at the earliest. Yesterday was probably out fastest mileage at about 10 minute miles. That lasted for 16 miles or so. The 9 miles that followed were considerably slower. We were glad to see Kris and Olivia at when they pulled into the parking lot at dusk at the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park in Valentine, Arizona.
Speaking of Valentine, today is Valentine’s Day so it’s fitting that I thank Kris for the endless work she performs to keep us going. She’s got far more on her plate than any one person can or should be expected to do. In addition to taking care of our needs on the run, she’s working with folks back in Sitka to make sure things get done there and she’s phoning ahead trying to figure out where we’re staying each night down the road.
Recently, my cousin, Helen, volunteered to set up GMO free events in the towns we’re running through. Thank you, Helen!!! Looks like we’re speaking at a library in Flagstaff and we’re available for additional presentations, seed swaps, book signings, pot lucks, media interviews, etc.
As the youngest living person to run across the country, I’m convinced David’s got a future as a motivational speaker. David’s not as convinced as I. What do you think? Would you like to hear David talk about his love for running and lessons learned from tackling such an enormous undertaking?
In the mean time, we’ll continue to “Watch For Ice” as we run in balmy shirtless Arizona weather. We’ll take in the legend of historic Route 66, and we’ll take side trips like Hoover Dam when possible.
If you’d like to be part of our team, either from your home or with us on the road, please let us know and we’ll put you to work.
If you’d like to donate, PLEASE DO SO! Donations continue to trickle in on our website and we’re in need of mucho mas dinero. Thanks to everyone who has contributed thus far!
So as usual, we’re getting a late start this morning from Valentine. But off we go with GMO Free USA seeds in our pockets and books in our seed stroller. The number one question we get when we talk to people about GMOs is this: “What’s a GMO?” We love the conversations, love sharing the seeds, and spreading some knowledge as we Run For a GMO Free USA.
See you on the road!
Love the photos of spots on Route 66 and the helpful ice warning sign. Best of luck for the coming miles.
Have you approached Runners’ World or one of the other mags (or a natural health mag) to cover you perhaps in serialized format?
After Needles, will you be going thru Oatman, AZ? Fun place. If I remember correctly, Ed’s is along the way too!
It’s a privilege to be a part of such an important cause as yours is, Brett! GMO’s have long been a significant health issue in this country. Too many people simply don’t understand what’s going on because the fact that they’re buying genetically modified foods at the grocery store is shrouded in secrecy! I deeply regret all those years I wasn’t buying organic foods, and insisting on packaged foods that are “non-GMO.” Still battling my 2nd bout with BREAST CANCER (which I WILL win) has brought this issue to the forefront for me. CANCER is a multidimensional disease that involves body, mind and spirit–but it certainly doesn’t help my case to have been consuming cancer causing foods every day on top of everything else I was doing! We need to continue to GET THE WORD OUT concerning GMO’s–and Monsanto! If (God forbid) our country doesn’t have what it takes to provide its citizens with appropriate legislation protecting us from GMO’s (and pesticides, as well), then at least being educated concerning GMO’s can give us the knowledge we need to make a shift to organic. So–GO TEAM! Keep spreading the word! Your efforts will ripple out and have a far greater impact than you can possibly imagine.