Taking a trip that will send me through eight different states should make for an interesting week. 
The final Freedom Run of 2011 (or maybe two) will be taking place on the east coast, an area of the United States I have never been to.  Half of the states I’m going through, or stopping at during some point in the trip, I haven’t been to either.  I’ll take it for what it’s worth: a fun experience.

I’ve been told by many that I shouldn’t drive, but fly instead.  Some of these are the same ones that have told me doing “that running stuff” is a waste of my time, so there ya go. 

About the only negative out of this entire experience, which I don’t look at as negative but many would, is that it tacks on a little extra work, planning and focus on what you need to do before you leave to make sure you’re covered, mainly at work. 

The past few days it’s been looking at schedules, tracking days of what goes on at work and making sure my co workers know what needs to be done, who needs to be called at what times among some other things.  It adds a little extra that you’d have spread out throughout a week, but for me it helps to keep my focus.  You’re forced to think more about every little detail, hoping you don’t miss a thing. 

With the help of people I know who have been out to the east coast, a travel “agent” if you want to call him that and the Hentschels (the great people that are allowing me to stay with them for a few days while out there) it has made this planning process a lot easier.  From figuring out what time departure will have to happen in order to be at certain areas of the USA, to arrival times, race times and all of the fun stuff.  I’ve never had to plan so much for one run…or should I say…one, maybe two.  I’ve been invited to do a 5K event while I’m out there the Sunday after the half, before I head on the road back to the great state of Minnesota. 

Preparation for the run has been not as intense as the start of the year.  I’ve still been doing the cross training which includes circuits, kettle bell training, biking, elliptical, biking and a few other activities that keep me going.  I’ve honestly barely done any running.  A one or two mile warm up followed by the cross training, a few sprint runs which totaled about 2.5 to 3 miles each…at the very most, 4.5 miles worth of intervals, but only a couple in the last few weeks.  I know what needs to be done, I know my body is ready for it, and I know mentally I will be prepared.  No worries at all. 

I’m just looking forward to this experience.  I never thought I’d want to take a cross country road trip in my life time.  Thing change, and for the better.  I hear that I need to be very careful, many times.  The way I look at it: I have to be careful just walking out of my house.  Bad things can happen anywhere.  They have happened here, but that doesn’t mean I should live in fear of what could or might happen while I’m on the road.  I appreciate people being concerned, but sometimes it gets to the point where they try to scare you, hoping you don’t try something you’re looking forward to. 

Keep up with the trip on here…I’m going to try and blog while I’m on the road.  Not while I’m actually driving, but when I make some stops, including the first night near the Ohio/Pennsylvania border and while I’m out in Massachusetts. 

I’ve also agreed to call into the radio station I’m on weekdays from 1-5pm (Gold 101.5 FM KRJM in Mahnomen) and do a “radio blog” updating our listeners of where I’m at and what’s going on out east.  Every weekeday at 3pm that will happen while I’m on the final journey of this year.  Should be fun!  My chiropractor Gabe Wiener of Fosston Chiropractic Clinic in Fosston, MN (www.fosstonchiro.com) is sponsoring this show along with another one of my supporters, Brandyn Dahl, owner of Home Crown Realty in Twin Valley, MN.  (www.homecrownrealty.com)

I also appreciate the support from my family, friends, co workers, my boss, race directors,  my trainers – especially Chris - and so many other people I don’t even know that have gotten in touch with me from before and into this year.  I’ve had many runners, military members and supporters, military families and individuals reach out to let me know their appreciation and respect towards what we do.  Everyone noted and many more have helped to make this an unforgettable experience again in 2011. 

I hope Massachusetts gets a good feel for what’s happening when they see Old Glory flying high by the Atlantic Ocean September 24^th.  North Dakota felt it in May…Minnesota felt it in June…Michigan earlier this month on Labor Day weekend and now, for the third half marathon in a row not only will I race in a state starting with ‘M’, but I’ll run by another body of water, this one, a little bit bigger than Lake Superior. 

This will be the fifth state I’ve run in with the flag.  All 50 is not my goal.  I’ve been asked that a lot this year since I’m doing four halfs in four different states.  But just like my life changed resulting in the forming of this team that runs to remember our fallen soldiers…goals can change too. 

Check back soon, the journey continues Tuesday, September 20^th at 4:00am. 

We’ll be sure to make the finale of 2011 a special one on the east side of the United States.  Maybe if I give out a good enough yell after crossing the finish line, those still fighting to keep us free on the other side of that ocean will hear it. 

Wicked Half Marathon – 7:00am ET – Saturday September 24^th, 2011