Crazy Hills
In my previous writing, I marveled at the hills of Illinois, and detailed the trials and triumphs of running these hills. I also described Missouri’s relative flatness in comparison to Illinois. So it may seem a little odd that I am writing almost the exact same thing about Illinois in comparison to West Virginia. But West Virginia’s hills make Illinois seem like a pancake. The elevation got higher than 1400 feet, meaning steep hills that left us gasping for air, and left our legs drained of energy. Now, being a cross country runner, I consider myself a decent conqueror of hills, and hills such as those of Illinois I can coast up with relative ease. But the hills of West Virginia had me whipped, only one thing kept me at a good pace: the downhills.
One good characteristic of these hills is that they crested and immediately changed into ridiculous downhills, steeper downhills than I have ever encountered in a cross country race. At the bottom of each downhill, an immediate steep uphill cheerily greeted you, so the intense momentum of the downhill would drive you up the hill at a decent pace. This is how Michael Gurley and I came to run the fastest four-mile yet on this trip. We blasted the downhills, our legs flying, and then pounded up the hills. I felt like puking at that run’s conclusion, but it was probably good for me.
Scenery
Looking off the top of a West Virginia hill and seeing into a valley that is interrupted by hundreds of subsequent giant hills may be the most wondrous thing I have ever seen. To see what seems like miles of tree-topped hills stretching into the sky is truly a beautiful sight. I fell in love with West Virginia’s nature.
Pennsylvania
The Mighty Hills of West Virginia were tamed at the border of Pennsylvania. The hills continued, but not as severely, and the running was considerably easier in Pennsylvania. Otherwise it was not much different– though the scenery wasn’t as good.
Two Days…
Prior to writing this I was informed that we only have two more days of running. I was blown away and saddened by this news. I will miss all the states we have been through, and the experience of a lifetime that consists of running, eating, and trying to entertain oneself in a van. But I also anticipate going home to my friends and family.
good writing!!
I learned about your trek just over a week ago. I found myself returning to it regularly, wondering how you guys are doing. Weird…because I don’t even know you, but it seems like I do. I probably feel this way from reading some of your great blog posts. I’ve thought about leaving comments, so now I finally am.
I mean this with all sincerity… even though I’ve never met you guys, I do know you. And I am very proud of what you have accomplished. I hope you are not too bummed about the lack of media coverage. The media has been ignoring this issue for a long time. Most of the efforts on behalf of the victims of Darfur have been done at the grass-roots/local level, often without the help of the media. You may not have had an impact on the media, but you have had an impact on people, including me. Personally, I look at you and your story, and I get a great feeling inside. Sometimes, the amount of Hope that I have in our society fades to low levels. But, thanks to you, my Faith in your generation has become quite a bit stronger. I want to thank you for this gift. May God continue to bless you, so that you may continue to bless others.
Hey Guys,
Its Friday nite and I am wondering how it all turned for you fellows. I have been talking about you for the past two weeks to anyone who would listen.
You have done a great thing and should be very proud.
Karen
I am glad to say the team has made it back safely and soundly to Wichita. The trip was a success each and every way possible. I am touched by everyone’s thoughtful words and I thank you all for the attention you have given us for the past 2 and a half weeks. We wont forget how it had inspired us throughout the run. Again, thanks, and don’t forget to look at the other blog from the run at http://catchitkansas.com/global/Category.asp?c=138459.
You guys are incredible. What a committment you have made to humankind. I’m proud to have you represent Wichita and East High School.
Julie