Distance today = 45.03 km; Total distance = 13,805.74 km; Location = Woonsocket – 41 59.533′ N, 71 29.092′ W; Start time = 0825, Finish time = 1532

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/238045222

I found out last night that Hannah had organised a fundraising event at our house in Sydney, assisted by Grace, with the proceeds going to my run charity, Oxfam. It was a big surprise to me. The event was well attended and raised over $1,000, with prizes donated by various local businesses. I would really like to thank the following:

DJ Spinal for DJing the event

Shona Joy

The Runners Shop

Sven’s Pizzas

Paddington Arms

A Touch of Genius salon, Maroubra

Glamourfied

Diageo

Pulse Hair, Maroubra

Jewellery by Vintage Nights

Lovage Magazine

Jewellery by Ilana Davies

Thanks also to everyone who attended, and a special thanks to Hannah and Grace for organising it, and to Mark and Janet Lawrence for running the BBQ.

Despite this, I had a bit of a hard day. For some reason, my feet ached all day. The day was a little shorter than normal, but that was simply due to the distance to the hotel. I’m sure tomorrow will be OK, although I’ll probably get wet and blown about by the hurricane.

Luckily I ran along the Rhode Island coast yesterday, as it is likely to be inundated by a storm surge tomorrow. As I passed through Narragansett yesterday, I was right on the beach and, for the first time since Los Angeles in February, I could smell the ocean. I have taken it for granted all my life, having always lived within a couple of kilometres from the coast. The past eight months have been the longest I’ve ever been away from the ocean. While it’s a nice respite, I’d better get used to being inland, as I still have a few continents to cross.