Night 38, Day and Night 39

Where do I start?! Last evening, I checked into the Osage Casino and Hotel, and awaited the arrival of my sister and brother-in-law, Sheryl and Gene. We had fabulous rooms there (love you, Osage Hotel in Ponca City!!). I got there first, and was in the restaurant when they arrived. It was so good to see them. I feel very "unlike my usual self " being a road warrior, and seeing them brought me back to real life. I needed that. We ate a great meal (quesadilla and dessert!), then headed for bed. The following day (Day 39), would consist of
1) Gene, Sheryl and I set out for the day together from Ponca City, heading towards Pawhuska.
2) Gene would go 5 miles with Sheryl and I down US60, then turn around and go back to the hotel for a total of 10 miles!
3) Sheryl and I would spend the day going to Pawhuska together - 40 miles total.
Now, Sheryl 's longest run yet is her half marathon. Please keep that in mind.
We start at 5 am, in the dark. We have our lights, and head out. I'm happy to report no rain at this time! We move along, talking and enjoying it all. Then after 5 miles, we tell Gene "bye", and will see him after awhile - as he went to get the car and pack up their stuff. Sheryl and I continue on. We move, running some, fast walking some. It's rolling terrain. No "flat" for us today!! The sun rises, but it's not easily recognized because it was so cloudy. And it would remain cloudy all day. That was nice because it kept the temperature "just right". As we moved down US 60, we talked and talked. Before we knew it, 15 miles had passed. Then at 17 miles, Gene came by in the car and brought us breakfast.  Thank you, Gene! He makes a great crew!!! At the same time, a truck pulled over, and two guys got out, asking us "what are you kids were doing?!. We talked and explained. They seemed really nice, and surprised! They said 'nothing much' was there in Burbank, where we happened to be at the time. This would be a day of 40 miles - with nothing in between towns. Gene decided he would drive to Pawhuska to see how many more miles til the motel there. We said "See you later!", and kept moving.
We enjoyed looking around, talking, having cloudy weather (no rain yet!!), and enjoying the day. Sheryl was rocking the fast walk, and we ran the downhills. That is, until the headwind picked up. It did try and deter us, but we kept at it. I could see Sheryl's determination. She would do everything it would take, to stay all day with me, until the 40 miles were done. At 20 miles, she was still looking great! Gene came back to report about 20 more miles to Pawhuska. We can do this! He brought me coffee and tea - and I was super happy about that! Now he would go back to Pawhuska, and await our arrival.
The headwinds would not let up, but we kept pushing through. Finally, around 30-32 miles, it started letting up. We were able to move more easily, but by then, your getting tired. We knew we were getting closer and closer to Pawhuska. 8, then 7, then 6 miles! We were almost there!! Uh oh,
sprinkles. We started moving - running, actually - to get to town. When we got into town, the rain started. It felt good - and we were almost there! Sheryl felt a little light-headed, but after having a banana and some water, bounced back into action! This happens - as we push and push ourselves. Sometimes a little extra food and drink does the trick.
Sure enough, we are super excited, and see the motel sign! Gene had already checked me into my room, so we went right in. DONE! Really done! Sheryl went 40 miles. Out of the blue, think I'll go 40 miles today, in wind, rolling hills and later on, rain. No biggie. Done. Awesome job, Sheryl!!!! I enjoyed every minute, and it made my day wonderful! Thank you for sticking it out. It was simply amazing.
To celebrate, Gene took us for Mexican food. He had scouted out this restaurant, as I mentioned, he is a great crew! All three of us ordered a chicken quesadilla! It was delicious. I admit to eating the most, and my bonus was everyone's leftover to have later at the motel. There was enough for another meal for me! We got dessert, extra whip cream, of course.
After they took me by the conv store, they dropped me back off at the Black Gold Motel. I hated saying goodbye, but it was time to do so. My heart was heavy, as I would be alone again. They need to get back home, to their life, their bed. I so appreciate that they choose to spend this time with me this weekend. Thank you, Sheryl and Gene. I had a blast, and enjoyed ever minute.
Here I sit in the Black Gold Motel, where the lady who runs it, wears a gun in a holster, on her belt. Not sure what that's all about? I did get the first room by the motel office. It seems okay around here? There's obviously something I don't know about. And I don't want to know about.
Hygiene Report:
I showered! No clothes washing tonight, as it looks like a lot more rain tomorrow. The Rudd Motel, in Nowata, OK (tomorrow night) said they have laundry facilities. I'll wash everything there tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to it.
What I'm most looking forward to now - is my Sunday. David and Lauren are coming to find me on US60, and have a Mother's Day meal with me. This weekend is the best one, yet!!
So I set sail from Pawhuska to Nowata tomorrow. 47 miles. Long day, esp if it's raining! Time will tell. I hope it ends up being a day like today was. Cloudy, with a touch of rain. Ill let you know......
I hope your Saturday was as wonderful as mine was!!
Cyndi