RunAcrossTheUSA.com

[Matt]

After enjoying breakfast with the Hulls and fixing our flat tire, we were on the road by 8:00 a.m.

Our next stop was in the town of Winner, which gave us an opportunity to get supplies and take care of a few other needs. Brandon and I went to a laundromat to wash our clothes before they got too nasty. This was also a good excuse to get out of the heat. It was so pleasant that I actually fell asleep in the laundromat! We also bought groceries and stopped at the Pizza Hut. The employees at the Pizza Hut generously treated us to their lunch buffet.

Today we met some young adults who are participating in a World Harmony Run. They take turns carrying a torch as they run through 48 states --11,000 + miles--to promote world peace. There are several teams of runners working together in this run. The team we met consisted of three female runners--one from El Salvador, another from Bulgaria, and another from Russia. They had a support van traveling with them.

Brandon and I finished at about 9:30 tonight in Witten, South Dakota (population = 87). The Harters from Witten were kind enough to let us stay in their grandchildren's playhouse. The playhouse is a first for us. (We'll take pictures and post them when we have Internet access.) They have also invited us inside for showers and some food.

We are now halfway to the Pacific. Brandon and I have actually traveled over 50 miles more than our anticipated route mileage due to many factors, including:
> detours,
> wrong turns,
> long driveways, and
> WalMarts!
Brandon has looked ahead and has adjusted our route to trim off about 30 future miles.

At this point in our run to the Pacific, it is completely a mental battle to stay excited, focused and nice towards one another.

In closing, we want to pass on happy anniversary wishes to Brandon's grandparents in Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. Newlin are celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary today. Obviously, they have also reached quite a milestone.

My mom says there will be a news clip about us on TV6 (Marquette, Michigan) tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7:00 p.m. Eastern and possibly a shorter version at 11:00 p.m. Eastern. If you get that channel, I hope you will watch that broadcast. TV6 will use some video we or the Newlins took during our Run Across the USA.

That's it for tonight. Good night from Witten, South Dakota.