Distance today = 39.53 km; Total distance = 10,370.92 km; Location = Olive Branch – 34 55.752′ N, 89 47.712′ W; Start time = 0923 Finish time = 1541

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/213413757

Another shorter day as I ease back into it – tomorrow I will get back to full length days.

But before I write about today’s run, let’s revisit last night. As mentioned yesterday, a local running group in Memphis, the Breakaway Runners, kindly provided the accommodation for last night, and we met with many of them in a local bar after their Monday night run. Matt, Barry, Brian, Becky, Jessica, Michael, Miles, and many others were great company as we talked about running and all manner of other topics. After dinner we headed down to Beale Street, the heart of the live music scene in Memphis – definitely worth checking out if you’re here.

The running group is a based around Breakaway Running, a Memphis running shop owned by Barry. I popped into the shop this morning on my way out of town. If you’re a runner and passing through Memphis, you must drop in, say hello, and pick up any running products you might need. It’s a top notch establishment, with much more knowledge on the floor than the chain athletic shoe shops. Thanks Barry and Matt, for the great company, accommodation, and running tops.

On my way out of Memphis, I accidentally stumbled upon one of the great iconic music locations – Sun Studios. This is where Elvis Presley recorded his very first song in 1954. It’s a small understated building that has since been the location for recordings by many of the world’s greatest bands and artists.

Later I ran across the border from Tennessee into Mississippi, my 16th US state of the trip. That means I have run in three states in the past 24 hours. It was also one of those days when I crossed both a meridian and a parallel (35N and 90W). While I am a bit sore, it’s actually not as bad as last time – I’m feeling pretty good.