I’ve just finished a 44 km run. I felt surprisingly good, considering I’d already run 112 km in the four days prior. It was pretty much spot on four hour marathon pace. This could end up being my biggest week of mileage since I finished the world run. I’ll know by Sunday.

When this photo was posted during my run around the world, a lot of people expressed horror at how skinny I looked. I didn’t see an issue at the time, as I was feeling fine. However, looking at it now, I can see why they were shocked. It’s probably the skinniest I’ve ever been.

On This Day

Jul 29, 2012

Distance today = 57.71 km; Total distance = 9912.93 km; Location = Festus, Missouri – 38 12.740′ N, 90 23.764′ W; Start time = 0827 Finish time = 1755

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/204534418

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/204534389

I ran, not just my longest day for quite some time, but also my hilliest. The landscape south of St Louis is completely different to what I’ve been running through recently. It is hilly and full of forests. I did not see a single farm or crop all day.

I forgot to mention in yesterday’s report that I’m now in the state of Missouri – my 13th US state of the run so far. I also passed 8,000 km run in the US today.

When I awoke, it was raining steadily, although quite lightly. The region really needs rain. Half way through the day the sun came back out. I reckon the locals would have preferred a few more days of rain.

I don’t know if it was the hills, but I ended up with a really sore muscle up high on my right hip. I don’t think it’ll be a problem, but I’ll have to be careful with it.

Jul 29, 2013

Distance for today = 57.75 km; Total distance = 23,939.72 km; Location = Laura, South Australia – 33 10.859’ S, 138 18.103′ E; Start time = 0817, Finish time = 1735

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/350056778

I was a bit tired today, probably due to yesterday’s big climb. There was also a headwind. However, I still managed nearly 58 km, so things can’t be too bad.

The countryside continues to be spectacular. I am also running through towns now. After going 1,100 km without passing through a town, today I passed through four towns before reaching my destination in the town of Laura. Melrose is particularly quaint, and a mecca for mountain biking.

In Wirrabara, we met Carmel’s brother, Bernie, and his wife, Leslie. They are staying with us in Laura. We’re also expecting more visitors later this evening – more on that tomorrow, so stay tuned.