Strong day of running today as I completed 33.8 miles that included getting over the coastal range. Got an early start and was able to put in some good miles on a pretty busy hwy toward Lincoln City. I have driven hwy 22/18 dozens of times to get the coast but it is definitely different running it. The shoulder was pretty wide for most of it but there were stretches where it was fairly non-existent. Toward the latter part of my run I stepped into a very swampy ditch to avoid a car. After changing shoes and socks I was on my way again.
As I ran to the rest stop just outside of the Van Duzer corridor there was a group of people cheering me on. Turns out they were from Austria out visiting a professor from Western Oregon University and were also making their way to Lincoln City. They were impressed with the run and wanted to meet me. During lunch I had a lengthy interview with a reporter from the Chronicle of Higher Ed, the primary Higher Ed news source so I’m looking forward to seeing that article.
Most importantly today is mine and Paddy’s 31st Wedding Anniversary. Coincidentally, we're getting to stay at the Chinook Winds Casino who donated a room to support the run. We had a lovely dinner and are enjoying the view of the ocean from our room. Tomorrow I have an event at Oregon Coast Community College before heading north to Tillamook.
