Hospitalization

Was doing my daily skin check and saw a spot that concerned me.   A later check revealed it had grown.  Had to ask about which hospital to go to at the concierge desk.  Those kind of questions create a lot of commotion.

Took a cab to the Emergency Department.  Doctors confirmed my diagnosis.  Admitted me and started a rotation of IV antibiotics.  Hope to be discharged in time to make it to my next race in Oregon.

Alaska

I'll lead with the spoilers, another marathon finish, so another state done.

The race is point to point, with the race providing transportation to the starting line.  I arrived early enough to board the first bus to the starting line (several hours before the start time). A transportation volunteer denied me access to the school bus because she believed I was a safety issue for the AB (Able Bodied) runners.  Then she apologized that I would not be able to do the race.  I answered that I would have a longer warm up than I usually do before the race, and set out for the starting line.

Did fairly well on my navigating to the start line.  Did take at least one wrong turn, and eventually emerged from tall grass in front of a Air Force Police guard house.  Had an interesting conversation with some heavily armed individuals who were disappointed the only ID I had with me was a bib for the marathon.

Arrived 5 minutes before the start.

Another race with 4 flats.  Only had 3 spares tubes with me.  For the fourth flat took the tube out of the rear tire and put it on the front wheel, dragging the flat behind me.

Bear sighting around mile 14, according to the notices at the aid stations.  Hoping I would not have to fix a flat around mile 14.  People were asking me if I was worried about the bear.  I replied with the classic answer I don't have to be faster than a bear, just have to be faster than the other runners.  Except for sitting on the ground fixing a flat, I am almost always faster than the runners.

In Alaska

Interesting time trying to get through TSA to get on the plane.  With all the travel surprised I don't have more problems.

Minnesota

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Minnesota

Wisconsin

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Wisconsin

Iowa

Another marathon finish and another state done.  Tipped over the halfway done point. Did the first half in less than 6 months, and have more than 6 months to finish the last half.  Again I don't want to jinx myself, but that kind of stat build confidence and the vigilance to extra careful with my health and equipment.

In Iowa

Indiana

Another marathon finish and another state done. Almost halfway done.

In diana

Michigan

In Michigan

Ohio

Another marathon finish and another state done.

In Ohio