After a great stay in Winner, South Dakota at the Buffalo Trails Motel, Prabhakar, Kaspars and I started an early morning run as the heat started to build steadily. By the time we finished our run at noon, it was already in the 90’s, about 32C. As we ran our miles to meet the second running team of the day, I encountered some very friendly folks from the area.

Running into the small town of Burke, a friendly and fit looking woman named Cheryll Williams stopped her car to greet us. She was a local fitness trainer and seemed quite inspired to see runners going through the area. She offered us some sports drinks at the local convenience store and wished us a safe and successful trip home. Her enthusiasm and friendliness helped to make the hot and hilly morning more enjoyable.

Soon thereafter, in the town of Gregory at a service stop for the runner, two young children stopped on their bicycles to greet us. Allie, a young ten year old girl, and Rhett, a nine year old boy, were so curious and friendly as they asked very intelligent questions about our run. I thought that Rhett was Allie’s older brother, but it turns out that Allie is Rhett’s aunt. These two young relatives gave us much joy as they seemed quite happy holding the torch and offering their goodwill.

Even though we were not running through very populated areas, we just kept meeting wonderful people who offered their support and wishes. Running out of the town of Herrick with only a few hundred in population, a pick-up truck stopped on the side of the road to take a photo of me running with the Torch. A whole family got out and held the Torch for a few photos on their camera, but this time our camera was not around. I hope they can send their photo so I can share it on our website of this very friendly and supportive family.

Besides these very welcoming locals who helped us through our hot run today, we also were entertained by the very green and rolling hills with miles and miles of corn and soy farms. The endless corn fields seemed to have just started appearing on our route today, and I am sure they will go on and on for days if not weeks. I remember one farmer telling me years ago that they usually alternate between soy and corn each year, one crop helping the other in terms of soil enrichment.

Farming seems like a real science and looks like a tremendous amount of labor. We take for granted at times where our food comes from when we easily purchase it at the local supermarkets or vegetable stands. I really am developing a deeper appreciation for the farmers who work so hard growing us our daily meals.

As I run for hours past the millions of young corn stalks I think that by the time we get back to New York in exactly one month, perhaps I will be buying some of these to have on my dinner table over fifteen hundred miles away. With this thought, I feel much more grateful and harmonious that I can experience what sustains me from its very origins.

Settling into the Days Inn for the guys team

and the Broadway Inn for the women’s team, we were quite pleased to be in Yankton which we will run through tomorrow morning.

Thank you to Walmart for providing us with many gallons of water to fight the heat on the road.

It is a very nice and good size town and the people were very warm and friendly. It is always comforting to know that you are welcome in a town where you are just going to pass through briefly.

Gratefully,

Arpan (N.Y.C.)

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