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.

Categories: HOTS