Running SOUTH down Highway 1
Yes folks, we ran our last complete marathons out of Canada almost 6 days ago now and entered America via Calais, Maine. And can you believe it, it was the fastest and friendliest border crossing any of us have ever had. Our thoughts of being stopped for unknown security reasons because our stinky shorts, shirts and runners were going to set off the Bio Hazard alarms were immediately quelled as we breezed through customs. I think the wind must have been blowing in our favour .
We even got one last “good luck” from two fellow Canadians who’d seen us on TV in Halifax and caught up to us as we were crossing the bridge towards the border. Hoots and cheers of congratulations were coming from every car as we proudly ran in front of the 4,444 miles pasted on the front of the E-volution RV with Vanessa and Simon filming the magic moment!
Passports checked, questions answered, and we were off running through the state of Maine, to our destination, Bar Harbor, to participate in the Mount Desert Island Marathon (the Big Surr of The East). Race director Gary Allen welcomed us in like old friends (could be a “Groundhog Day” happening here with repeat moments of kindness).
The course did not disappoint it’s name, as Steph and I ran through some of the most incredible scenery and continued meeting amazing people who really got what we are doing and offered encouragement and other opportunities to connect along our route (did I mention we’re now running SOUTH all the way to Florida? ) with introductions to friends and associates.
On October 20th we said a “teary-happy-see-ya-soon” good bye to our amazing 1st Road Manger, V, Vanilla, Vanessa the beautiful! She is most likely (and we hope) sleeping today to catch up from the last 5 ½ months. We love you V and are sooooo pumped for your next adventure. Thank you for sharing your brilliance, your dedication and ability to just “roll baby roll” with the ever changing Run for One Planet action! We seriously couldn’t have done any of it without you.
We had an incredible event with Cathy Lewis at Peninsula Elementary School yesterday and met another eyes-wide-open group of kids who taught us a few things with their knowledge and understanding of the Planet and our interconnectedness. Thanks Cathy, for being another “local hero”.
Our 1st events in America and amazing time in Bar Harbor ended last night with a scrumptious organic dinner and intimate speaking session at College of the Atlantic – the first carbon neutral university of the US! Thanks Tonia for setting us up. We had a blast!
If Bar Harbor is any indication of what kind of reception we’ll have as we run and speak around America, our tour to inspire Action for our Planet looks to be starting off with a bang.
Hey Matt:
What you guys are doing is unreal. I’m sitting here watching Canadian Ironman on TV – it made me think of you so I checked the website . Wow – coming up on 5,000 – makes me tired just thinking about it. Robin had told me about your start day back in May but Denise and I were out of town. I’ll make sure to be in town for your return. The message you are sending to people around the continent is so important. Hang in there and good luck. After I hit “send” I’m going to the donations page.
Cheers,
Grant
Comment by Grant McIntosh — Friday, October 24, 2008 @ 1:20 am
Hey you two,
Well You are finally over here now! Awesome! I can’t wait to hear more. I hope you guys keep up with V and hope everything turns out well for her. Miss hearing from you guys! Keep it up !
~Jenn
Comment by Jenn — Friday, October 24, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
Hey guys!
It was awesome for Melissa & myself to be able to send best wishes with you as you crossed the border into Maine!
You have really made me stop to think about the little things we can all do each day to help the planet! It all adds up!Thank you both for being such an inspiration to others!I have been talking about it to others as well & encouraging people to stop into your website!
Sending prayers & well wishes to you as you continue your journey… one step @ a time!
Tracy H
Office Admin – Charlotte Realty http://www.charlotterealtycanada.com
Part Time Announcer – Today’s Best Country 98.1 The Tide http://www.thetide.ca
St Stephen, New Brunswick
http://www.canadaschocolatetown.ca
Comment by Tracy H — Wednesday, November 5, 2008 @ 10:06 am