Posted by Gail Marino on September 02, 2004 at 07:25:32:
In Reply to: RACE ACROSS AMERICA-Louis Rodriguez updates posted by Gail Marino on August 02, 2004 at 09:02:43:
RAA DAY #54 WEDNESDAY 8/04/04
The weather conditions today are a runners nightmare, as we leave from the Billie Creek Inn in Rockville, Indiana to our destination, Indianapolis for 50.6 miles with a cutoff of 14 hrs 27 min. When I loaded the truck it was dark & drizzling. By the time of the start, it was not only dark, but it was thundering & lightening with pouring rain & heavy winds. The visibility was extremely poor, along this dangerous, winding, hilly road with a small shoulder. I can visualize the runners that were wearing reflective vests, as I drove up close to them. Lou's reflective vest was actually protecting both he & Taka, as Taka tucked in behind Lou. After a few hours the rain slowed down, then alternated to on & off, until the sun finally made its presence in the afternoon.
I stopped for gas at a Phillips station/country store in Billie Creek. The owner told me that his wife is a 5 year breast cancer survivor, with a history of 5 separate scares, 3 benign & 2 malignant. Although he is not a stranger to cancer, he took some pamphlets to bring home to his wife. After 10 miles, Lou & Kaz were together. At 17 miles, Kaz went on & Lou continued on walking, waiting for either Don or Taka or their crews to show up. When they didn't show at 23 miles, he decided to sit for a while. 20 mins went by, until Ryota showed up, then G, Dons crew. They are 2 miles back, because their crews go 2 miles ahead & Ryota confirmed, this as he pulled up to take my spot. So now we know, they are ok & within cutoff. It has become a habit for us, to check in on the others, ensuring they will make cutoff, because the alternative is too painful. Bruce showed up again today, to show his support for everyone, as well as offering his filled coolers of drinks.
Once in Indianapolis, the traffic was much heavier. We were in the city again. Everyone finished within cutoff, but it was another long day. Taka & Don finished in 14 hrs, just after 8 pm. The clerk at the desk had our package of breast cancer pamphlets, that Yeison sent us overnight delivery. Till tomorrow.
Lou & Agnes