The fellas experienced a few firsts on their first full day in New Mexico. They began the day at about 7:30-7:45. They began to make their way toward Caprock, with mile markers along the road. Matt said that this was a big change from Texas, where there were no markers at all. Matt said he liked the travel without the markers more, because he wasn't happy staring at them all day long.
At around 11 am, Matt got a call from the University of Redlands Head Cross Country Coach. Matt talked with him for a while, completing his phone interview for the Graduate Assistant position in the school's Cross Country department. While Matt talked, Ken and Andy rested for the rest of the day's travel. Matt said the interview went very well, and he is very excited about the opportunity to coach at Redlands. I have known Matt for a while, and he really has taken running seriously. He has evolved as a runner, and loves the sport outside of his own competition. I think that he would really enjoy the coaching experience, and I hope it all works out for him!
The guys made it to Caprock, and to a restaurant in town. The restaurant had just recently closed, but that did not mean the trio was out of lunch. Reba, the woman who owned and operated the restaurant was very excited to meet the team, and felt bad that her restaurant was no longer open for the guys to indulge. She graciously offered for them to come to her home, where she would have lunch waiting for them. The driveway to her house was very long, but it was worth the trip. Roast beef, green beans, asparagus, and salad were given to the guys to chow down. Durkin said it was an excellent feast! After lunch, they thanked Reba, and got back on the road.
The team decided that they would tack on some mileage to the days travel in an attempt to decrease the amount of mileage they would have to cover tomorrow. Archie, who the fellas had met a few days prior, offered to help them complete this task. The guys would run about 39 miles on the day, and then Archie would pick them up and bring them to Roswell to rest for the night. And that's exactly what happened! Archie even ran with the guys for about .2 miles, getting himself on the Official Cameo Appearance list.
The scenery today was even better than the days prior. The team made its way off a plateau they had been traveling on for quite some time right after leaving Caprock. Matt said they could now see miles into the distance. The landscape included rolling hills and a gigantic mountain. The mountain was about 100 mile away when they first saw it, and it was massive. Now that they are getting closer, it is getting even bigger! The guys also had their first run in with an antelope and a roadrunner! Matt said that the Coyote was all over the place on his roller skates, but just could not hang with the faster, smarter roadrunner! (the Looney Tunes coyote folks!)
For the rest of the night, the guys will be heading to an Italian restaurant with Archie and some of his friends to get some food. They have asked Archie about the deal with Roswell and the alien activity. Archie told them it was better not to ask! So I guess you just never know what may happen! After dinner, Matt expects an early 8 pm bed time, after the trip's longest official mileage day. Another long one is in store for them tomorrow, but they are confident they will have no problems at all.
Keep checking in, and keep movin'!
- Rick
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