#GVRAT1000k UPDATE

Quick Update:
13,162nd place
316.7 miles is the distance yet to travel by August 31, 2020
49.9% through Tennessee (just past Tracy City)
BEHIND THE BUZZARD - eta September 9, 2020

As many of you may know there is currently a 60 Days of Hustle happening.  Folks are getting daily accountability and traveling with me along my journey across Tennessee.  You can still join me as well.  Just visit the 60 Days of Hustle page on this website.  It ONLY costs $8!!!  So, I will be going live on Tuesday morning to give an update and answer any questions the group might have.  That happens in the private Facebook group you’ll be directed to once you JOIN.  Just read everything on the 60 Days of Hustle page, which will only take a little over 3 minutes.  I timed it and I actually made a small edit in that time too.  There’s a podcast episode if you’d like to listen to that.  It’s 8:30 and the last 90 seconds is just reflective music, so, you could go to www.jonhoward.co/60daysofhustle and take in all the information in just a little over three minutes of your time, a little over 11:30 if you count the podcast.  Then, make your decision on whether or not you want to join the 60 Days of Hustle.  Ok, enough about all that.  Let’s get to the #GVRAT1000K UPDATE!

GVRAT1000k UPDATE!

July 1 in the am

Hannah and I walked around down by Lake Minnetonka in Wayzata, MN for a bit while Elli had cross country practice.  These miles count towards a finish and they do add up, one step at a time.
The gumball picture came from a pin image I created for the other business I own with my wife.

July 1 in the afternoon

I picked my route as I ran and stumbled upon this nice little 8.5 mile loop.  I'll use this run again to maybe buy myself a day off.  The flies were thick.  I ran without a shirt for a bit and quickly put it back on.  This is hopefully the last time this summer I forget to bring a bandana with me on the trail.

July 2 in the afternoon

This picture I took as I was preparing to leave the house.  It takes me far too long to leave the house but with the heat I want to make sure I don't forget anything.  It's a bit like the old "measure once, cut twice" saying.  When it's this hot and humid outside and you're 4.5 miles from the car it's not pleasant at the least and potentially quite dangerous if you don't have what you need.  Lot's of salt and a little water.
This run I left with what I thought would be 15 miles worth of fuel.  I probably could have made it that far but would use what I learned about that particular fueling combination later in the week.

July 3 in the evening

After running the past couple days in the heat and humidity it was quite refreshing to run in the cool of the night.  We had a small family party we attended, then I came home and did a short run.  It was still steamy, but much cooler than mid afternoon to be sure.

July 4 in the heat of the afternoon

AFTON SOLIDARITY RUN

On the Saturday around the 4th of July each year there is a trail race held here in Minnesota called Afton Trail Run.  There is a 50k option and a 25k option.  It's always a great weekend and it's one of the few true local ultramarathons  in the Twin Cities area.  This year due to COVID19 concerns Afton was cancelled.
After eating far too much food at a feeding that lasted around two hours and resulted in that feeling you get when you've eaten way too much food I went for a run.
As I recovered from eating I mapped out what the rest of my afternoon would look like.  I mentioned earlier in the week I thought I had enough fuel for 15 miles and stopped at 9.  Today, having had that dry run a couple days prior, I planned a bit differently.  I figured I'd have a steady drip of cake, pie and cookies to run on and loaded up some electrolytes.  I brought two bottles.  One had about 3x sweat mixture and the other one was about one full sweat.  I had concentration options and I also had my hydration pack full to the top with cool water.
I am happy with the pace and it actually felt like I was moving slower than I was.  I was just starting to really settle in to the pain when I arrived back at my car, drove home and said goodnight to my family.

July 5 in the afternoon

I'm just trying to settle in and get the minimum for a few days here. 

July 6 in the afternoon

Running starts to feel a bit like it's a part of you, a part of your job.  Every step, whether running or not, has value and legs "feel" all the time.  Most everything becomes about moving forward.  I'm excited  as I continue on this journey.  I'm excited to see how deep can I go?  What will I learn about myself this time?  Will I have the honor of impacting others in a positive way?  Don't know.  Just. Keep. Moving.