Go the Distance!: 2011

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 138 Fort Lee - New York City 15,7 miles (Final Day for PEACE RUN 2011 Running Across America)

The day has come when my journey come to an end.

Yes! Final run started at the west end of George Washington Bridge.

7 runners started to run together but after entering Manhattan more and more runners joined us.

Today was the day when Macy's Thanksgiving Parade was going on in NYC.

We took some detours and enjoyed running in the Central Park.

Beautiful sunny day.

It was just wonderful day for me.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

*PEACE RUN on MEDIA

1) Columbia Missourian http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/10/10/running-man/

2) Arizona Daily Sun http://azdailysun.com/sports/running/article_27cb0ef3-dccc-57b0-bbcd-6f1f32c459bb.html

3) Kansas Kingsman Daily News http://art43.photozou.jp/pub/852/163852/photo/95337488_org.v1317861615.gif

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Day 137 Secaucus - Fort Lee 11.2 miles ( The Day Before the NYC Goal)

The day after tough day of nightmare-like freeway run...

I almost made the same mistake again this morning.

On entering SR-3, I noticed I had taken a wrong route.

After that, I took side walk till Fort Lee.

Sidewalk was hard to run owing to people walking by the day before Thanksgiving Day.

Finished before noon at Mr.Ayabe's place.

He is the only one who watched the start of PEACE RUN in LA on May 25 and who will see my goal in NYC tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day136 Morris Plains - Secaucus 34.2 miles

This would be the first and last big mistake in 136 days.

As I was sick of running on a freeway US 46, I got out of it.

Tragedy started at the same time then.

It was impossible to correct the route to Fort Lee.

I completely got lost.

To make matters worse, I sneaked into free way several times.

It was a real adventure running on the freeway, where there was heavy traffic, all the cars were driving as fast as 60 miles per hour.

In some part there was no shoulder.

When it was raining, the visibility was very low.

I felt as if I had been running in the hell.

I arriverd at the motel in Secaucus, where I was not supposed to stay.

After I checked in, Mr. Ayabe who lives in Fort Lee, called me.

Yes, he was supposed to take care of me tonight.

He picked me up in his car and I had great dinner with his family in his place.

Tomorrow I'm gonna run to Fort Lee by noon.

And finally on 24th, I'll finish my PEACE RUN Across America.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Day 135 Washington - Morris Plains 35.1 miles

I have forgotten that I am still in the Appalachian Mountains.

7 to 8 percent grade hills are here and there.

Pushing MUSASHI is a tough job.

I cannot go easy till the end.

State Road 10 is terrible.

6 lanes divided highway but no shoulders at all.

Heavy traffic is almost trying to kill me!

I don't want to die!

I cannot die till I finish my PEACE RUN!

Tomorrow I'll be in Fort Lee, the entrance of Manhattan.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Day 134 Allentown - Washington (New Jersey) 31.3miles

Early arrival at the goal.

Here I am in New Jersey.

Crossed the Delaware River, saying goodbye to Pennsylvania.

I see the license plates of the cars, some of which read New York, Empire State.

The goal is drawing near for sure.

Weather will be nasty on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday but I will hold on!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Day 132 Shilington - Allentown 34.4 miles

Chilly morning but sunny blue sky!

Just ran to the goal without thinking of anything.

I often get lost especially in big towns or cities.

But today I didn't get lost.

According to the 39 instructions of Google Map, I was able to make it!

Here I am in Allentown, which became famous for the song sung by Blly Joel.

Next week! Just 4-day run will bring me to the goal of NYC.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Day 131 Palmyra - Shillington 36 miles

Cloudy all day.

Even in the afternoon the sky looked like the evening one.

Chilly wind blew but it's good for me to keep running.

Luchbreak at McDonald.

Ate hot food for the first time in a while.

36 miles for two days in a row.

Just a week to go.

NYC is just around the corner.

I bet I can make it!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Day 130 Carlisle - Palmyra 36.2 miles

Rained all day.

Ran under the pouring rain.

So wet!

The shoulder of the road became a river.

The intersection became a pond.

Rain got into both my shoes.

This rain will turn into snow tomorrow.

There seems to be some more hardship I got to hold on.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Day 129 Shippensburg - Carlisle 22.9 miles

When I was about to start, it had stooped to rain.

It was raining a bit while running but I didn't care.

Kind of humid because the temperature was high about 65 degrees.

I had been filmed by the staff of FUJI TV since last night.

Yesterday they filmed my dinner.

I guess it was far from something called dinner.

Today the crew followed me on the highway.

Early finish today at 12:30.

I was interviewed at the parking lot of the motel.

Next they will come back to me on November 24 when I finish my journey in NYC.

I don't know how I will be on air all over Japan and major cities of the US.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Day 127 Fort Littleton - Shippensburg 32.9 miles

There were two mountains on the way.

Both were 1500-1700ft with 7-9 percent grade.

Downhills were much harder than climbing because it gave lots of damages on both my knees.

11 days to go until I finish my run in NYC.

There are 8 running-day left.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Day 126 Breezewood - Fort Littleton 19.1 miles

US 30 still kept me climbing.

It is not easy in Pennsylvania to find flat roads.

Saturday...the highway was so quiet that I concentrated myself on treading my own way.

Thinking about so many things... my future, my past and my people.

I cannot imagine what I will be ten years after.

Autumn leaves were also running on the highway as though they had been alive.

Countdown for NYC goal has already started.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Day 125 Schellsburg - Breezewood 26.2 miles

It's been chilly all day.

Temperature was around 40 degrees afternoon.

Snowed on and off.

Sometimes a snowstorm blew up.

US30 is a busy highway crowded with lots of trucks and trailers.

I like quiet roads even no shoulders.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Day124 Somerset - Schellsburg 27.7 miles

After a day-off, I felt good.

Even if it was so cold, I enjoyed running and climbing hills.

Bald Knob Summit 2906 ft was today's highest peak.

Not that steep but I took my time.

So slow when I cimb but I can shift-change top gear in down hills.

Finished today's run before 2 pm.

Weather forecast says it will start to snow tonight.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Day 122 Donegal - Somerset 19.5 miles

Hill climb still lasts today.

Today's highlight was Mt.Laurel Pass 2728 ft.

Spent 2 hours climbing 7 miles.

Not so steep as it was yesterday.

It's been fun. More exciting than flat routes.

Anyway I have been running for 7 days in a row.

Need to take a day-off tomorrow.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Day121 West Newton - Donegal 23.7 miles

No flat road since I left West Newton.

How hard it is to climb the hills!

I had tough time climbing two big peaks today.

Elevation got higher and higher.

Once I reached about 2000ft.

Just 23 miles but my upper body got so exhauseted.

Got to go on. I cannot be beaten by hills.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Day 120 Washington - West Newton 31.1 miles

Mr.Kaneko, who lives in PA, came up to run with me this morning.

We ran together from the motel I stayed last night to the 4-mile-point from the start.

Thanks, Kaneko-san!

After that I enjoyed hill climbs.

Step by step, taking my time, I kept pushing MUSASHI, Baby Jogger.

At 3:30 I reached West Newton but something incredible happened.

I couldn't find the motel I was supposed to stay tonight!

Even local people didn't seem to know.

Google Map toold me a lie again!

It was fortunate that I was able to find B&B nearby.

Free Wi-Fi isn't avaiabe at B&B.

So I'm at local bar where free Wi-Fi is available.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Day 119 Wheeling - Washington, Pennsylvania 25 miles

Even if it was a hard day yesterday, I ran 25 miles following the hilly route.

Said goodby to West Virginia and said hello to Pennsylvania.

Finally the last one state I got to reach is ONLY the state of New York!

The East Coast is not so far.

Freezing morning.

But perfect sunny day again.

Temperature rose up to mid-50s.

Daylight Saving Time is over today.

I'm able to start running at 7 am.

Some more hills on my way.

I can make it for sure!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Day 118 Barnesville - Wheeling (West Virginia) 39.3 miles

How hard a time I've had so far!

So many hills I have climbed but almost 40 miles is too hard.

So many small towns I passed today.

I took DE TOUR because of the road construction.

And I got lost as soon as I entered Wheeling.

Anyway I finished at 6:20 pm just before the sunset.

Crossed the state line of West Virginia.

Tomorrow I'll be in Pensylvannia.

IMGP3325 posted by (C)KAY.T

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

*PEACE RUN on MEDIA

1) Columbia Missourian http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2011/10/10/running-man/

2) Arizona Daily Sun http://azdailysun.com/sports/running/article_27cb0ef3-dccc-57b0-bbcd-6f1f32c459bb.html

3) Kansas Kingsman Daily News http://art43.photozou.jp/pub/852/163852/photo/95337488_org.v1317861615.gif

Friday, November 4, 2011

Day 117 Cambridge - Barnesville 29.2 miles

Hilly route still continues.

Felt like running in my hometown Iga, Mie Prefecture.

Day after day more and more hills annoy me.

But I'll have some more in the East.

Warm 63 degrees sunny afternoon.

Tomorrow I'll enter West Virginia, then Pensylvannia the day after tomorrow.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG　http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Day 116 Zanesville - Cambridge 25 miles

Frosty morning but sunny day.

Running for the sunrise made me alive again.

Warm enough to run in the afternoon.

I can't remember how many rolling hills I ran today.

Climbed hills slowly but went down fast.

Finished at 1:30 pm earlier than I had expected.

Got a FedEx package from Jimmy-san.

New pair of ASICS shoes and new wheels and so on!

So very glad!

Feeling like getting Xmas gifts...

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site　 http://www.peace-run.com/

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Day 114 Hebron - Zanesville 30.7 miles

As soon as I left Hebron, it sttarted to rain. Looked like scattered rain, not so serious but I wore rain suits and got ready to get wet.

Some more rolling hills.
My legs were so heavy that it was getting hard to step forward because I'd been running hard these days.

Finally I arrived in Zanesville, where I could take a day-off.
Enjoyed shopping, got a lot of food.

It was fortunate that I ran 800 miles this month, my personal best record.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/
PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Monday, October 31, 2011

Day 113 Columbus - Hebron 33 miles

Yoshi-san ran with me from one point to another, pushing my MUSASHI, Baby Jogger instead of me.

He parked his car here and there.

After running, he ran back to his car, and then drove to the next point.

He ran about 34 miles.

Chilly in the morning but there was no wind and it was sunny, I felt warm in the afternoon.

Said goodbye to Yoshi-san around 1:30 PM.

He'll come and see me again after NYC Marathon.

Thanks a lot, Yoshi-san!

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Day 112 Springfield - Ccolumbus 34.0 miles

Frost and frozen mist...

They say it was snowing in the North-east coast.

Maybe they'll enjoy White Halloween!

Yoshi-san, a friend of mine came up and see me from Michigan in his car.

We had a party at night.

We met for the first time but I didn't feel like it.

Soon I'll be iin Pensylvannia.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Day 111 Dayton - Springfield 35.7 miles

Mostly cloudy but it's good for me never to sweat while running.

Some rolling hills annoyed me especially in the morning.

I'm wondering if I have already started climbing Apalachian Mountains.

There was one point where I couldn't find the street sign.

I was glad that Garmin GPS showed me the street name.

I arrived at the motel I was supposed to stay at 5pm but there was no vacancy.

So I ran back 1.2 miles where there was another motel and checked in.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Friday, October 28, 2011

Day 110 Richmond - Dayton(Ohio) 31.4 miles

Started in the rain at 8 AM.

Not that cold.

Maybe I am getting used to the cold weather.

Kept running without rest till 32 miles point.

Took a short break and ate blueberry pie and drank a sip of Gatorade.

Stopped raining in the afternoon.

Time passed so faast today I didn't take a look at my wrist watch.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG　http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site　http://www.peace-run.com/

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Day 108 New Castle - Richmond 31.3 miles

Perfect sunny day.

The sky was blue and it was warm enough to run.

A day after a long run, my legs were kind of heavy.

Tomorrow I'll take a day off to recover myself.

The state border of Ohio is almost there.

One month later, I'll be in NYC.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Day 107 Indianapolis - New Castle 38.8 miles

The longest run in the 2nd stage of PEACE RUN Running Across America.

It was raining early in the morning but cleared up in the afternoon.

Running all day with nothing in my mind.

Running is really moving ZEN.

It's very difficult to be ZEN master but I feel like getting closer.

The state of Ohio is just around the corner.

NYC is not that far.

I'm sure I can make it!

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Monday, October 24, 2011

Day 106 Plainfield - Indianapolis 22.3 miles

Cloudy but warm enough.

I saw a cherry tree blooming some flowers in downtown Indianapolis.

Short day. Finished around 2 pm.

Today a total distance from LA recorded 4000km (2500miles).

Another 1000km (620miles) , just one-fifth of the whole distance, is left to New York City.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG 　http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site 　http://www.peace-run.com/

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Day 105 Greencastle - Plainfield 28.7 miles

Another warm sunny day!

Norider-san followed me today too.

He drove some miles ayay before me, parked his car and biked back.

And then biked after me to support my running.

Sometimes the shoulders of the road were too narrow to push MUSHASHI, Baby Jogger.

The sky was perfect blue.

Indian summer was with me all the time for 2 days in a row.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Day 103 Terre Haute - Greencastle 35.7 miles

Warm, sunny day!

Really enjoyed sunshine for the first time in 3 days.

Norider-san came up to me from Chicago in his car and followed me on his bike.

Tomorrow is my 51st birthday but we had a party tonight.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site http://www.peace-run.com/

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Ｄay 102 Casey - Terre Haute 34.7 miles

Another tough day.

Rained all day and wind was so chilly that my hands were numb and me feet felt severe pain as if they had been soaked into ice water.

The temperature was around 40 degrees.

It'll be much colder tomorrow!

The happiest thing is when I finished my run at the motel.

But to my soorow there was no bath tub!

More photos on KAY'S BLOG 　http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site 　http://www.peace-run.com/

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Day 101 Effingham - Casey 36.2 miles

Rained all day.

It was around 40 degrees in the morning.

It is the coldest day I've ever had in this run.

I must have got ready to run in the cold rain but it was not that easy...

An 18 wheeler splashed mud water all over me when it passed by.

My hands were numb because of cold rain.

I could't open a cap of a pet bottle.

Rain sneaked into my shoes.

My socks were wet too but while running my feet never got cold.

I wished it had stopped rain in the afternoon.

After a day off in Effingham, it was kind of hard time.

PLEASE don't be too hard on me tomorrow!

More photos on KAY'S BLOG 　http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

PEACE RUN Official Site 　http://www.peace-run.com/

Monday, October 17, 2011

Day99 Vandalia - Effengham 34.1 miles

Many people go to church on Sundays.

But I don't.

Why?

Because the planet of earth is my church.

God must be with us all the time.

And I pray for WORLD PEACE.

I run for WORLD PEACE.

May all of us live in PEACE.

May God help us create WORLD PEACE.

More photos on KAY'S BLOG http://kaytaka.blog35.fc2.com/

Where am I? --- Google Map　http://www.peace-run.com/

Follow me @kaytaka on Twitter

Katsuhiko Takashige on Facebook.