So on we go through Tennessee on to Jackson, where I am tonight. Comfortable day on old Hwy 70, on yet another record breaking hot day. I wonder what it’s like to walk in less than 95 degrees… hasn’t happened yet, thirty eight days straight. Tensay treating me well.
Can’t believe how fast these days are flying by, though each one seems to be very long. It seems like it was just yesterday I was in Hope (2wks), but about three moths since I left Austin (5wks)… who knows, not important. But I have found a really nice space during my daily walks, typically between miles 5 and 15 or thereabouts. The first couple of miles I get settled, little stiffness’s start going away, and then I just get into a really comfortable zone for about 4 hours, and I’ve been very consciously enjoying them. I remind myself why I’m doing this, and I have been working on getting rid of everything on my mind except being on this road, this place, these smells, this breeze, this music… and it is working, I’ve been absorbing every little bit of this I can, and it’s just going by too fast.
Once again I haven’t done the math or figured out the milestones, but I shall soon. All the data is stored, so it’s just a matter of compiling but it takes a little time. But again, the numbers aren’t nearly as important to me as the moments. I am trying to change my timing so as to give me more time to write this. I’m keeping voice notes along the way, but then forget to listen to them! And I’m starting too late.. going to try to start earlier, lest I fall asleep halfway through a sentence which has happened several times now.
Still in awe and utmost respect of the way my body has adapted to this routine of rest, exhaustion, more rest, more exhaustion, rest. Cycle length… about 24 hours! After I stop, my Garmin automatically analyzes the workout and calculates a “recovery time”. Anything over 15 miles calls for a 20 to 24 hour rest period, but unfortunately I don’t have that luxury!
(Now Wednesday morning… didn’t get to finish in favor of sleep, wasn’t voluntary, just happened, again :-)
My forecast for today
I told you I wasn’t going to mention the temperature again, but I’m really hoping things start to cool down. I’m very interested to see the differences in my future (cooler) walks, for heat has been a major factor since I’ve left, and everything that goes with it! I’ve been having to drink at least 10 liters of fluid a day, mostly water, but sports drinks as well, and other electrolytes. But the heat is ever present, hard to get away from on the road… I’m looking forward to eliminating this one particular very important variable, but for now, will just take it in stride..
Off I go… my shorts didn’t quite dry last night, neither did my shirt, but it really doesn’t matter at this point. They’ll be soaked within a few minutes outside, so who cares!