Distance today = 0 km; Total distance = 15,414.07 km; Location = Buenos Aires – 34 27.800′ S, 58 29.779′ W; Start time = n/a, Finish time = n/a

It certainly is pleasant to have a mental break from running 50 km every day. As much as a like being on the road, I’m enjoying being normal again, at least for a while. I’m still running each day – so far the distances have ranged form 5 km to 14 km each day. But this is much easier to take, both physically and mentally.

No doubt everyone knows about the tragic massacre in Connecticut. This was of particular relevance to me, as my run took me very close to this town only six weeks ago. I have refrained from expressing any political opinions in my blogs, and I’m not about to do so now. However, I thought the following statistics were worth posting, seeing as so much “debate” these days unfortunately consists of opinions rather than facts, such as those outlined below.

In the 16 years from 1980 to 1996, there were 21 mass shootings in the US and 13 in Australia (a mass shooting being defined as four or more deaths). In 1996, some of the world’s strictest gun control laws were passed in Australia. In the 16 years since, there have been 41 mass shootings in the US, and in Australia – zero.