Day 26,27 & 28 MashUp of reflections

It's times like these that I reflect back on life when I've had these same vulnerable, uncertain feelings in my life. I easily reflect on several times in my life when I've had these same feelings actually, but in particular, let's talk about Days 26, 27 and 28 when I was making my way across the U.S. on foot via running/walking back in 2015. 

David and I are currently on Day 26, 27 & 28 in 2021 which is hauntingly similar to Days 26, 27 & 28 in 2015. For 78 days, I made my way across the United States via US60 (mostly) back in 2015. I was also blogging at the time, to let family and friends know that I was indeed okay, and reflect on the ups and downs of that wonderful journey. And the same can be said for this most recent journey, as well. 

There are so many correlations from the Day 26, 27 and 28 blog posts from 2015 compared to our now-happening Day 26, 27 and 28, 6 years later here in 2021. How about we review those 3 days from 6 years ago, all while I was making my way across the U.S. running and walking from Venice Beach, CA heading to Virginia Beach, VA. A journey of just over 3,100 miles. (See 2015 blogposts for the whole 78 days of road side fun)

DAY 26 in 2015 during my trek across the U.S.

Titled: WHAT IS NORMAL

As I was talking to David this morning on the phone, he mentioned something about "going 60 miles in new shoes today". I hadn't given it much thought, but maybe that isn't normally what people do in new shoes.

Altria’s are my running shoe of choice

My new "normal" has taken over. Any type of food any time of day. Wearing dirty clothes, shopping at convenience stores. And going 60 miles in new running shoes. I can assure you, this is temporary, and what I have to do to make it out here. Some of these motels I've been in would normally require some kind of therapy after staying there. 

This motel, for example. It’s really a motel. 

I just don't have time to overthink it. I simply see: shower, bed, and warmth after all the miles in each day.

Getting to Clovis, New Mexico today is a blessing. Get ready, Gates:  It was a A$$ whooping. There, I said it. I haven't covered (completely) some of the somewhat unpleasant details of some of the days because by the end of the day, they all magically disappear, and only the good is left. And it is not in my nature to dwell on the "not-so-good" part of any day.

So I will give some "ugly" details of what really happened today.

First, it started out beautiful! Starting early because of the high mileage. (Total mileage today was right about 63 miles). The high mileage was necessary due to the bad weather coming, and neither of us are a big fan of camping in the rain. So, we traveled long to get to a motel.
During those miles today, I experienced:
High traffic on US60, which results in noise "pollution" for hours and hours.
Rain - off and on, some worse than other times . Never enjoyable due to the temps falling.
No thunder/lightning (Sheryl, no selfie of me hiding under a tree today).
Wind - cross winds, tailwind (for a minute), but mainly headwinds.
Terrain - slow, gentle ups (not alot of downs today)
So, after I wrote that just now, it doesn't sound that bad. It's just that it was 63 miles of it, I guess. My main time-sucker was taking on and off my rain gear (it gets quite warm), making sure everything is covered on my cart, getting food out of the cart throughout the day, on and off with my regular jacket, and correcting hot-spots on my feet, while they get used to my new shoes. The reason my jacket and rain gear was off and on was because the weather changes quickly. Clouds, rain, sunshine, rain again, clouds, little sunshine, cooler wind, etc. You get the idea.
I am most grateful to be inside now. It's going to rain most of the night, and tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, we go 35 miles to Friona, TEXAS! There is one motel there, and we will stay there. Our biggest obstacle will be: more rain tomorrow. But after that, the weather looks to be sunny from Tuesday on. So I can deal with it tomorrow. It's never pleasant, but it's part of doing this. And so we will!
Hygiene Report:
Even though I got in later than usual, I threw a load of laundry in the washer here at the motel. I ate a banana with some PB, and showered. Man, do I feel better!
We are both going to start a little later tomorrow, maybe around 7am? Part of it will depend on the rain and conditions. Looks like a cold front is pushing through, with a high tomorrow of 48.

Wind + cold + hours outside = this

Good news? I don't go too far before I'm in Texas! And interestingly enough, another time zone change occurred, and I'm now on Central time. I lost an hour, today of all days, dang it.

Better get to bed to be ready for what tomorrow brings. I'll be as ready as I can!!

Happy Monday to everyone!
Cyndi
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DAY 27 in 2015 during my trek across the U.S.

Titled, I'M STILL ALIVE?

Okay, now THAT was a day of rain! Driving rain straight on. Head wind, then add cold. Are you wondering: is she asking herself "Why" yet? Nope. I'm still in. All in.
It was a short (35 mile) day, but with the cold rain and wind, I was whooped again. I could not help but think about ALL those beautiful days in a row. This was going to happen eventually. And it did.

Enough of the whining now. I'm in Friona. It's a lovely little town! The Friona Inn is BY FAR the nicest motel I've stayed at so far. For 48.00 a night, it's a deal!! Many of the motels have been nice. Maybe I'm a little partial too, because I needed this tonight.
Bonus? Grocery store across the street, DQ next door.......sweet!!
Here's a recap of today:
GOOD:
Short mileage day (35)
Cart was rain-ready
My rain suit is amazing
Had food ready for the day - with easy access
No sunscreen necessary today
I'm in Texas now!!!!
The motel is AWESOME
About to eat some dinner
Easy terrain - rolling
Lots of stores and food nearby (and open!)
Ready for tomorrow

NOT SO GOOD:
Cold rain
Driving rain
Headwind
High of 46 degrees
Wet socks/shoes

So I thought about all this today, and realize the GOOD outweighs everything else. So I'm happy!

Tomorrow's agenda?
After two rough days, the plan will be to only go 22 miles to Hereford - and REST!!! How cool is that?!?!? So excited!! Life is good.

Hygiene Report:
Hot, hot, hot shower. I feel so clean, and so does my cart. It got a good "rain" wash today. I wiped it down real good and it's sparkling! Everything is out of it air drying - just to make sure things aren't damp, and getting gross somewhere. I bought a bottle of lotion at the store across the street, and put about 6 layers on me. Feeling and smelling much better! My feet survived, too.

Thanks for everyone's concern today. It was not a pleasant experience. Actually, a bit shocking. I hear it's still raining around there, too? April showers are all around us.

Rain lurking, ugh

I hope your Monday was warm and dry. I don't think I will ever complain - in any way - about a sunny day again. They are magical! And I appreciate them.

Let's try this again tomorrow!
Cyndi

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DAY 28 in 2015, during my trek across the U.S.

Titled, SHORT DAY

This is, by far, the shortest day I've had yet. It has perfect timing, considering the last couple of days.
I'll take it! The terrain has changed drastically. I'm loving the fields and fields of cattle, green crops growing, and the crops blowing in the wind - as if they're dancing. This is Beef Country!! Beef packing plants, agricultural businesses, huge tractors everywhere......esp driving down the shoulder toward me. Still plenty of trains! And much flatter, too. The headwind was a bit evil today, but I bet it won't be like that everyday. I just put my head down and move as best I can.
I really like this place. I want to move in one of those homes, down the long dirt road, into the farm, that leads me to my log cabin. With horses, goats and even a grumpy donkey. All the chickens are running loose, chasing each other. David and I in our Wranglers and boots. We go to the Taco Shack on Friday nights for our Mexican food treat. Wake up......You're day dreaming again!! Well, it sounds good to me.
Tomorrow, I will be in Amarillo! I'll run to Canyon, first, then head up to Amarillo. I'll be going to a store called Get Fit, while I run through town. My running buddy/friend, Gates, has hooked me up with a care package he sent there. And the store will provide me a new pair of my favs......Altra's! (which I'll stash in my cart for about 800 more miles). How cool is that? It's going to be around 42ish miles. And I'll stay the night in Amarillo at a real hotel. Yes, that's spelled correctly. A hotel......not a motel. No, it won't become a habit. Motels are more "my thing" out here. I've grown to appreciate them greatly. Besides the Friona Inn last night, my other fav motel was Copper Mountain Motel.

 

Definitely a fav

My running cart could hardly through the tiny door,
into the tiny guest room

That was the one motel where the rooms were like a guest room in someone's house. People are very creative with their motels! Unfortunately, not always in a good way. 

Anyway, I'm ready for my day tomorrow, esp since I had such an easy day today. And I got a lot of rest.
Hygiene Report:
I showered, of course. My cart is pristine from its rain bath yesterday. Everything is packed back in its place. I'm using my new lotion I bought yesterday, like crazy. And the motel here in Hereford is wonderful. I've got food and drink ready for a longer day tomorrow, and look forward to a relaxing evening tonight. I may even turn the TV on? I put my laundry in the wash, and am about to go get it and hang it to dry. When I went and checked on it, it was in the "wash" phase. Omgoodness, the water was disgusting. I've lost touch with how dirty my clothes are!! The last couple of days, with cars and trucks splashing the wet, road muck on me must have slipped my mind. Probably because yesterday, I lost myself. Yes, I went into "survival mode", and lost Cyndi. It's true. I was a zombie. Luckily, the Friona Inn saved me. I showered and slept, then found myself again this morning. I was back. I don't want to do that again.
Speaking of losing touch, I don't seem to keep up with the day of the week very well. They all run together. (Is that a running pun?). So when I begin to wish you a Happy ________, most of the time I have to look up what day of the week it is. So there's "good and not-so-good things" going on out here. All I know right now is that I'm in the Beef Capital of the World. Yep, the sign says so, so it must be true. Hereford. Maybe the winds will shift and I'll have a tailwind tomorrow. A girl can wish!
Cyndi

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Fast forward 6 years and here we are. The parallels of the feelings and thoughts, though now on a new and even more-difficult journey are fascinating. On Day 26 in 2015, I was going over 60 miles in new running shoes. And, I was well-aware that what I was doing was not considered normal, and also knew it was a temporary situation as I was moving through it. Fast forward to David's Day 26, Friday, which was spent at MDA running his "own" 60 miles consisting of more radiation, appt with ophthalmologist, and appt with Dr Lu, his chemo oncologist. This, too, is temporary and not normal in our "usual" life. He's lost more weight. He's beat. And just like back in 2015, it is a A$$ whooping. Yes, it rained then, and it rained today here in Houston even being a chilly 48 degrees. Even more ironic, I'm still having bananas and peanut better while David prefers a PB&J instead. Close enough. These longs days are tough, no doubt, here in Houston. High milage days as I like to call them. They leave you physically and emotionally drained. Those days back in 2015, on the road running, bring about parallel feelings and outcomes, even though one is ultra-running and the other is cancer treatment. One chosen, the other, not a choice. Yet, we know this "not normal", temporary situation is a means to an end. David is not heading to Virginia Beach, but instead, Gunter, Texas to move about living his life again. With the grace of God, he will.

Then, Day 27 in 2015 I find myself fighting against the rain, wind and cold. I know now that that is nothing compared to cancer treatment. I think any cancer patient in treatment might consider a trade for cold, wind and rain. 

Storm’s a brewin 

David is enduring a storm all his own. Radiation and chemo is taking him to hell and back, not to Virginia Beach. And wait, they take you there and don't even bring you back. You have to do that all by yourself. You're welcome. Cancer treatment takes you to the core of your being, peeling away all layers of yourself, exposed to the point that your soul gets lost. You wonder where you have gone. His fatigue is daunting and unrelenting. Even though my Day 27 in 2015 was tough, there's no doubt his Day 27 is tougher. Going to the end of the world and back is exhausting. And once again, there's irony in these parallel days......it's the light that shines inside us at the end of the day reflecting on all the good that happened that day. We smile at each other in the late evening hours, and know that even though he may be lost right now, he will be found.

On Day 28 in 2015, I fondly remember loving the short day. But what I remember more than that is the desire to live in a house, down one of those gravel, tree-lined roads where a house lies, with chickens and donkeys. As I ran by property's, farms and ranches all while yearning for that life, I had no idea that in only a mere 1 1/2 years that David and I would find our own tree-lined gravel road with the house at the end. And that we would acquire farm animals one-by-one, with 2 donkeys and 2 guard dogs that already came with the property. I dreamt it in 2015, and realized my dream in 2016. This is but one example that encourages David and I to continue dreaming, and know that we can - and will - realize more of our dreams. We've learned the importance to dream, but 'realizing' those dreams is what life is all about. We often dream about David's cancer being obliterated with this treatment, so that we will continue to move forward dreaming and realizing many more dreams with God by our side. As much as we oftentimes want "our Will be done", we know good-and-well it's God Will be done, and trust in this story he has written for us. 

And the dreams continue, as on David's Day 27, exhausted with fatigue's grip tight, David looked at me and said, "I'm going on that fishing trip that's planned at the end of March. I'm going". He and his buddies planned a week/weekend fishing trip at the end of March 2021 months and months ago. And he'll be there. I know you will, David, I know you will. 

He is in survival mode, just as I was on Day 28 in 2015. I lost Cyndi then, and David has lost David now. He will also find himself, with time. He, too, doesn't have to keep up with the days of the week (just his daily milage, I mean, his appts). He too is a zombie, as I was. But what I know for sure is, the winds will shift and he will get a tailwind. With time. There's more head-wind days ahead for him. I used to tell myself while on the side of the road, "That's okay, the head winds will make me stronger". And you know what, they did. And as David fights against the head winds, he will persevere. The tail winds will take us home. Later. When it's time to get back home. For now, we have more miles to cover, my brave one. Keep fighting against that cold, wind and rain. You'll awaken in a warm cozy bed (luckily not in a motel) and experience the "good and not-so-good" things out there. You'll find pieces of yourself here and there. Just pick them up, as the puzzle is one-of-those 10,000 tiny pieces puzzle, and we'll find them all and put life back together again. For now, what is normal? Exactly where we are, is our normal for this season of our life. We are still alive, and God is carrying us through the storm. We get lost sometimes in life, but trust me on this, you'll find your way back home. We just need a little more time, that's all. Running across the U.S. is nothing compared to chemo and radiation. Nothing. What I love about the relationship of the 2 vastly different journey’s is that not only do we absolutely support one another through it, so do all our same favorite friends and family, still by our side. Knowing that God saw us through back then, and will now, getting us safely back home. 

Patience, my friends. All my love,

Cyndi

Finding my way, as you were with me
in spirit, the whole journey. I choose that journey, while 
you were given yours - to endure 🙏 and persevere. 
And you shall show them how it's done 💪

Random favorite pic from the trek.........
The motel dog, Kujo, taking up residence in my motel room, checking things out 

And lastly, we are getting close to YOUR Finish Line, David! Keep up the good work! Looking GOOD!

Love how it’s the three of us here again, together,
forever 🥰 My sister, Sheryl and her steadfast support