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Falls, wild animals and diseases apart, I know that simply tak-
ing the millions of steps I need to in this run is damaging my body.
The physical stress is enormous. It has been known for ultrarunners
to suffer injuries to feet, ankles, legs, knees and hips. Neck, shoulder
and arm injuries are common. Ultrarunners lose muscle tissue as well
as fat; their immune system can take a pounding. Some runners have
damaged their heart. I've been told that I could be dooming myself
to an old age of stiff joints and pain. I don't listen; I don't look that
far ahead in my life. I may not be alive in ten years' time. When I was
competing in the Trans-America race, I suffered a bad stress fracture in
my leg, and the doctor said I would never be able to run again unless I
pulled out of the race. I refused to quit. I figured that I was on the other
side of the world running my best in this race, and I didn't know if I'd
ever have the chance to do so again. I happily accepted the risk and
ran on.
If I can inspire people to make donations to the Red Cross, it
will be worth it. I've been luckier than most ultrarunners, who give
the sport away in their 30s or early 40s. I've survived as long as I have
because of my economical running style, my small frame and my resil-
ience. Mental toughness and determination play a part too. I guess I
was born to run.
I'm trying not to dwell on what lies ahead. When I've done New
York, I'll worry about Washington, then Texas, Central America, South
America and the South Pole. If I obsess about the challenges I'll be fac-
ing tomorrow and in the months ahead I could go out of my mind, so
I've made a decision: There's no point in fretting today about what I'll
come up against tomorrow.
A word about the location of my massage. We set up a table in a
little memorial square near to where we had parked the vans, in the
car park of Chappaqua Railway Station. Memorial squares are com-
mon features in many US towns. They are kept in pristine condition,
and the gardens are tended daily. The centrepiece in Chappaqua is a
monument depicting an American eagle along with the inscription
'For God and Country we dedicate this symbol to keep forever liv-
ing the freedom for which they gave their lives.' The names of local
men killed in five wars are listed underneath. The Americans are a
proud race.
Afterwards we all gathered at a local tavern for a delicious meal of
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