A 740 mile run across the state of NC to raise money in the fight against cancer
Day 12 - Hot, hot, hot!
Don't ask me how he did it. None of us can be really sure. But he did. Today Scott ran forty-eight miles (probably more, due to a detour around the airport) in the blistering heat. He did so with an incredible amount of inner strength and perseverance and an incredible amount of help from others. While he's icing his legs and recovering from the day, he wanted me to fill you in on how things transpired. So here goes:
The best part about today was the unending support from friends Scott had along the way (I call it "home-road advantage"). He started running at 6:30 a.m. just north of Jordan Lake with several running mates - Les Chaffin, Jeremiah Joyner, and Ralph Karpinos. Another friend, Mary Heaton, rode her bike with them. The air was hot, humid, and heavy by 7 a.m. but the friends kept on, pounding the pavement for 13 plus miles with Scott. Scott loved starting the day with all of you! After an hour or so, Mary took a short break to serve as navigator, but ended up riding her bike with Scott through the heavy afternoon heat, for probably over 35 miles. Scott says it really helped to have her on the bike with him. Thanks to you all for running and biking with him!
A hugely important role was played by Diane Kelly - friend, neighbor, running mate, professor at UNC, and today "primary support person" for Scott. She drove the car, managed the water, Gatorade, food, heat relief (wet towel), sock changes, and first aid. Other friends have had this job and they will all testify to the fact that it is a demanding one. And Diane did it in 99 degree heat. You are amazing, Diane! Fortunately, mid-morning she was joined by Stacey, who works with Scott at the School of Information and Library Science at UNC. Stacey became Diane's right-hand woman and helped organize the supply car and made sure Scott stayed cool and hydrated. Forrest Heaton and I helped out whenever we could without getting in the way of their well-oiled machine. You go girls!
Scott also had a pretty large group of cheerleaders along the way. In the morning, Mike, Sharon, Katie Edmiston (and Joy) joined Karen Fisher, Bob Warren, John Walkup, Tyler Adams and the rest of us to send Scott on his way. A couple hours later, a whole crew of Scott's co-workers arrived to cheer him on (and left Stacey as a bonus!). As the day continued we were also joined by Julia Trimmer, Keith Glidewell (who posted photos), and John and Susan Walkup. A special thanks also goes to Jeanne and Monte Brown who let Tyler hang out at their house and play with Colin and Derek instead of sitting in a hot car for hours! They fed us dinner, too, and brought supplies on Friday night. Thanks so much! There are more people who have done kind and generous and supportive things this weekend and in the weeks before and Scott is extremely grateful.
I share all of these names with you primarily to thank them for taking the time to support Scott in this incredible effort. But I also want to let you all know that Scott has been overwhelmed by the support you have given him. He has known for a long time that he could not do this run by himself. As hard as he is working as he runs mile after mile after mile through internal and external pain, he can't work hard enough to do this by himself. He relies on the help of others. And you all have given him that support in so many ways. He wants to make a difference for people who suffer from a horrible disease and you all are helping him do so.
Well, it's late and I've rambled enough. Please know that Scott plans to face tomorrow (another scorcher with a 48 mile agenda) using the same perseverance with which he has faced the last 480 miles. He is grateful to have friends like you all. For you and for all those still battling cancer, he will keep running for as long as his body lets him. For now, rest well, Scott. Tomorrow's coming.
Mindy
The best part about today was the unending support from friends Scott had along the way (I call it "home-road advantage"). He started running at 6:30 a.m. just north of Jordan Lake with several running mates - Les Chaffin, Jeremiah Joyner, and Ralph Karpinos. Another friend, Mary Heaton, rode her bike with them. The air was hot, humid, and heavy by 7 a.m. but the friends kept on, pounding the pavement for 13 plus miles with Scott. Scott loved starting the day with all of you! After an hour or so, Mary took a short break to serve as navigator, but ended up riding her bike with Scott through the heavy afternoon heat, for probably over 35 miles. Scott says it really helped to have her on the bike with him. Thanks to you all for running and biking with him!
A hugely important role was played by Diane Kelly - friend, neighbor, running mate, professor at UNC, and today "primary support person" for Scott. She drove the car, managed the water, Gatorade, food, heat relief (wet towel), sock changes, and first aid. Other friends have had this job and they will all testify to the fact that it is a demanding one. And Diane did it in 99 degree heat. You are amazing, Diane! Fortunately, mid-morning she was joined by Stacey, who works with Scott at the School of Information and Library Science at UNC. Stacey became Diane's right-hand woman and helped organize the supply car and made sure Scott stayed cool and hydrated. Forrest Heaton and I helped out whenever we could without getting in the way of their well-oiled machine. You go girls!
Scott also had a pretty large group of cheerleaders along the way. In the morning, Mike, Sharon, Katie Edmiston (and Joy) joined Karen Fisher, Bob Warren, John Walkup, Tyler Adams and the rest of us to send Scott on his way. A couple hours later, a whole crew of Scott's co-workers arrived to cheer him on (and left Stacey as a bonus!). As the day continued we were also joined by Julia Trimmer, Keith Glidewell (who posted photos), and John and Susan Walkup. A special thanks also goes to Jeanne and Monte Brown who let Tyler hang out at their house and play with Colin and Derek instead of sitting in a hot car for hours! They fed us dinner, too, and brought supplies on Friday night. Thanks so much! There are more people who have done kind and generous and supportive things this weekend and in the weeks before and Scott is extremely grateful.
I share all of these names with you primarily to thank them for taking the time to support Scott in this incredible effort. But I also want to let you all know that Scott has been overwhelmed by the support you have given him. He has known for a long time that he could not do this run by himself. As hard as he is working as he runs mile after mile after mile through internal and external pain, he can't work hard enough to do this by himself. He relies on the help of others. And you all have given him that support in so many ways. He wants to make a difference for people who suffer from a horrible disease and you all are helping him do so.
Well, it's late and I've rambled enough. Please know that Scott plans to face tomorrow (another scorcher with a 48 mile agenda) using the same perseverance with which he has faced the last 480 miles. He is grateful to have friends like you all. For you and for all those still battling cancer, he will keep running for as long as his body lets him. For now, rest well, Scott. Tomorrow's coming.
Mindy
Comment
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Comment by Stacey on June 8, 2008 at 10:35pm - I am pretty thrilled just to be friends with Scott. Being able to help him the tiniest bit yesterday was such a fantastic use of my time. I can not imagine an afternoon better spent. Thanks to all for letting me join in and special thanks to Scott for being a super hero. Oh, and WooHoo!
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Comment by Diane on June 8, 2008 at 9:21pm -
When Mindy says it was hot ... she means it! Yesterday was miserable, but no one told Scott. He didn't notice. He didn't notice the horrible traffic (look at the pictures -- there are always cars). Much of the run was on two-lane highways that were heavily traveled because of new developments. Judging by the speed at which everyone was driving, the speed limit must have been about 70! It was dangerous with little shoulder. Mary and cycle was a great defense against the traffic. She is very brave and provided a great shield for Scott.
And the heat. Oh my gosh the heat. Did I mention this heat? Scott worked through it like it was a bag of chewy spree.
The support was fantastic. Mindy has described the whole crew. A big thanks to Forest for supporting the support crew. His gatorades and sandwiches came just in time! Stacey was the most excellent co-pilot and having John and Susan near the end was a real treat.
The running crew in the AM was tough and determined -- Brian's comment is on target -- these guys were cutting through the soupy AM heat at rocket speed. Speaking of speed, at the end of the day I couldn't keep up with Scott.
And those extra miles ... picture this: Scott running down Aviation Parkway. A four lane road. Speed limit 65. Sun in full force. Heat radiating from the road. Overpasses and exit signs provide the only shades. Jumbo jets cruise overhead.
Now picture this: Support crew amazed and concerned. Stunned at the wide-open heat that continues into eternity. Wishing the road would end. Approaching the end of the road. Wait. Something is wrong. The roads to quite match. Not with the detailed maps or the Gazateer or the other map. Panic. We find our way. And come to an 'artificial' dead end -- we see where we need to go, but we can't go there because the road is closed. (!). Road closures always make me look for Bo and Luke Duke, but even the General Lee couldn't help us out this one. We managed. And Scott continued. In good spirits.
Today, I told Cindy about where this happened and within 1 minute she rattled off every single road that gave us a problem. They were all followed with, "that road is closed" or "dead ends now since they build 540' or 'can't get through any more.' As you enjoy the conveniences of 540, think of Scott and his run.
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Comment by Dan Thorpe on June 8, 2008 at 2:58pm -
Scott,
On behalf of all those that have been impacted from cancer, THANK YOU for every mile you run as you're raising funds and awareness. Everyone at your local ACS office has enjoyed following your journey on this blog. Thanks to Mindy and friends for their wonderful updates!
Dan Thorpe, American Cancer Society
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Comment by Brian Payst on June 8, 2008 at 9:39am
- The man runs too fast! I got to Lystra and Fearrington on my bike around 7:15 and was not able to catch up. I think maybe you turned right when I had to go straight to get back to the house. I really wanted to come out and ride with you for a while to show some support, but it looks like that was well covered by others. Best wishes for the continued journey (and nice cover story in the Chapel Hill News on Sunday !)
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