Distance traveled: 100 miles
Personal running distance today: 10
Total personal miles to-date: 190.5 miles
Today's dedications: Nancy Natoli
My running buddy: Kenzie
Weather: Sunny, 90s, humid
I was pretty bummed to be leaving CoMo this morning, especially since I had gotten to see my parents, grandparents and so many friends, but knowing that we were heading to St. Louis helped out a bit. The team packed up and did our dedication circle before we snapped a quick picture of all of us in front of KD. I'm so thankful that we were able to stay here for the night!
Today I was running with Kenzie, and we are both coming off of some injuries. Our first leg of the day was out on the country roads and we actually did really well together. However, after we had finished, the road we expected to go on for a while had ended. Additionally, some people weren't liking the country roads with no shoulders, so we created a Plan B. We drove to St. Louis, unloaded bags at Washington University (where a residence hall had offered to house us), then did our miles in Forest Park.
It was a hot, sticky day in the city to be running. Kenzie and I set out with a group of girls to try and conquer the last 7 miles. Somehow miraculously, we finished. It was long and tough, though. I took an amazing shower afterward, got ready and then headed to Matt and Adam's new apartment downtown!
I took the MetroLink to get there, which, if you know me well, you know that I loathe public transportation. It's just not for me. But I sucked it up and hopped on the train to get downtown. I was very impressed with their new apartment, they're such adults now!
We watched the end of the Germany/Argentina World Cup game, which I was disappointed with. Then we watched a couple movies and got some pizza for dinner. It really wasn't anything too crazy, but it was so good to be hanging out with my BFFLs again!
Adam took me back to Wash U that evening, and a thunderstorm was just rolling in as I got into bed. Which, by the way, Wash U gives their students Tempur-Pedic mattresses. Like WHAT? Needless to say, I slept like a baby that night!
Day 30: REST DAY - St. Louis, MO (Monday, July 14)
Weather: Partly cloudy, 80s, storm in the middle of the day
I slept in until 9:30 this morning, which I had no idea I could do anymore. This trip forces me to get up early every day, so my internal alarm clock is pretty set on that. I think the mattress was so comfy that I could have slept for days, though. After waking up, I was in a group that headed to Mercy Hospital in the cancer center for our first chemo care bag drop.
This. Place. Was. Amazing. Since it's in St. Louis, naturally it was all Cardinals themed and too cute! I was obsessed with the decorations. We also met 2 kids who were there as we walked through and they were so sweet. It's amazing how strong these little kids are who are fighting much bigger battles than I could ever imagine.
We headed back to Wash U after the massage to hang out with everyone. A big thunderstorm started, which was kind of exciting to see because it feels like we've hardly seen ANY rain or storms this whole trip. As it blew over, I decided I should introduce my teammates to some authentic St. Louis cuisine: of course we headed to Ted Drewe's! We all had way too much frozen custard, then headed back to Wash U and I took a nice nap.
When I woke up, free Chipotle had arrived at the residence hall. I indulged in a giant burrito before Matt came to pick me up so I could go back to their apartment and hang out again. Tonight we watched some New Girl, then the Home Run Derby. We also went to get ice cream (again, which I am currently SO full of that my stomach is killing me). I loved being able to spend time with Matt and Adam even though I don't have much time in St. Louis.
Now I'm back sitting on this Tempur-Pedic mattress and it's really calling my name...so I think I'm going to have to give in to the sleep. Tomorrow we head to Effingham, IL. I'm actually driving the food van tomorrow to get donations for our team for meals, so I won't be running. I'm excited to be in the van with Joe, though. It should be a great day!
Run happy,
Natalie