It's been a long time since I have blogged

Sorry for the neglect.  I have to say, with social media recording every aspect of our lives, it hard for me to go here and update, yet again, my experiences.  However there are sometimes that you have to write.  and I feel the need now.

When I left you I was just embarking on the Race Across Arkansas Journey.  6 days 6 marathons across Southern Arkansas.  I have to say, it was an amazing experience.  I could have not had two better women to experience this with.  And what I can tell you I brought away the most was the knowledge that I'm stronger than I think I am.

 We endured log trucks, ginormous insects, cambered shoulders, narrow overpasses with trucks, rain, heat, blisters but it was some of the most fun I had in a long time.

 I'm so happy we decided to do this and we had a great time doing it. 

 The group, Andi, Me and Yoni

 Impromptu potty breaks.

 Aid stations

 Sightseeing

 Quite finish lines.

 Open landscapes

 Interesting characters

And success.

There has already been a lengthy race report written on this by my friend Yoni, So I'll just include a few of my observations here.
1.  There is so much poverty in Southern Arkansas.  The dilapidated homes, run down schools, homeless and drug addicted folks wondering the streets.  We saw it.  Everybody needs to see this.  We live in bubbles in our own little middle class worlds and if you don't see it first hand you can never even begin to be empathetic.  The problem is too widespread and deep to be handled by churches and charities, there need to be real initiatives to improve communities and build hope where there is nothing but death and poverty.  Unfortunately, people don't see it or they block it out.
2. There is so much kindness in Southern Arkansas.  We were so welcomed by the communities, especially in the end of our journey. 
3. Finishing is joy.  The last day in Lake Village was the most joyful.  We ran faster than we ever did the last few miles.  Running around the lake in the last bit seemed like a never ending journey. 
4. Duct tape fixes everything.  No explanation really needed here.
5. Your body adjusts to things.  Day one was easy, day two was the hardest, at the very beginning.  Then after a few miles, it was fine. by day 4 I was feeling good, even with over 80 miles on my body for the week.  The last day I wanted to run hard and fast, but after about 10 miles I decided sticking with the intervals we planned was best.  Our bodies healed each night and by the next morning I was not even sore. It was very strange.
6. Running multiple marathons makes you very hungry.  Buffets were our best bet.  I ate things I would never dream of eating before a marathon.  Pancakes and eggs before a run?  Only during Race Across Arkansas.

Race Across Arkansas was an amazing journey.  The Race crew and organizers were some of the kindest people I have meet, the other runners were some of the most fun and eccentric .  I will never forget it and will always appreciate it.