Distance today = 51.24 km; Total distance = 6102.13 km; Location = Cheyenne – 41 07.444′ N, 104 50.635′ W; Start time = 0926, Finish time = 1704

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175585109

I started the day with two options – run on the shoulder of the interstate freeway, or run on a dirt road that paralled the freeway. I chose the latter, and it seemed to be the right choice.

However, after nearly 20 km on an uneven corrugated surface with lots of large loose stones and gravel, my ankles and feet really started to suffer. The rest of the day was a little painful because of it, but nothing that some rest won’t cure.

I crossed from Colorado into Wyoming this morning. That’s the sixth US state I’ve run through so far. I finished in Cheyenne, the state’s capital, where I struggled to find a way across the freeway to the hotel. The surrounding landscape is a little sparse, with no trees anywhere other than in the towns, where they’ve been planted by humans.

However, I did see some things of interest. At my lunch stop – a bison ranch – I saw a new born Shetland foal. It was only about as high as my knees – the smallest horse I’ve ever see, by far.

I also ran past the Warren Air Force Base. This was the first place that ICBMs were housed (for those who don’t know, that stands for Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile). In effect, it’s where the first US nuclear missiles were stored, ready to be fired – thankfully they never were. And a little trivia I learned from the information board – they were capable of travelling at 16,000 miles per hour.

A big thanks to the Candlewood Suites Motel in Cheyenne for a great deal on the accommodation. This place is fantastic value – one of the best facilities we’ve encountered so far, and superb staff.