there are a lot fewer runners on the road tonight.
29 have dropped.
18 have finished.
28 of the original 75 remain in motion.
always moving towards the rock.
a long line of limping, weary souls
who have faced now nearly 8 days
since they were dumped beside the road in gaffney south carolina.
.
the last few are nearing the tennessee line.
the piedmont is behind them
the appalachians are behind them
now kimsey mountain highway is behind them.
.
in front of them is the rock.
.
the adventures are not over.
there is a lot of work yet to be done.
but the rock is out there
calling to them.
.
jamie and josh are ahead of the reaper.
not enough to be comfortable.
but it feels better when he is behind you.
.
only odie and diana go into the 8th night trailing.
.
with a few hours before the next finisher
the crew at the rock is anxious to get a nap.
we never know when the opportunity will come again.
.
after the nightly discussion over where the reaper crew must be in the morning
even the weary meat wagon lady is getting some precious sleep.
.
odie and diana…
they face a long and lonely night of pressure.
again.
.
they battle on to preserve the right to do the same thing again tomorrow.
.
so close….
.
only 90 miles from the rock.
you know they do not want to let it get away from them now.
not after everything they have endured.
.
but so far….
.
90 miles is a long way,
even on fresh legs.
and their legs have not been fresh for a long long time.
.
vaya con dios odie and diana.