We have had delays in getting this post out; we do not always have good internet access along our route. These five days brought about a new game plan and changes for us both. We assessed Dave’s running and health patterns more rigorously to be sure we were being both effective and safe in how we carried out his journey. These assessments resulted in changes to Dave’s running routine along with plans to increase rest and nutritional intake.
In Ocean Rescue Run
Running Strategy
May 12th, 2016 (Day 25)
total distance completed: 55.71 km / 34.62 miles
start: Petaluma, CA
stop: Healdsburg, CA
ran by: Santa Rosa and Windsor
total distance achieved to date: 1064.06 km / 661.18 miles
The beginning couple of weeks of this run were spent navigating Dave’s initial set of injuries (blisters, left ankle and knee joint problems, etc.). After working these things out we started focusing on how Dave could achieve the greatest distance each day without being too tired. Suffice it to say, this wasn’t easy. At first we tried getting up earlier and having Dave run later but this didn’t allow for a lot of time to sleep; ultimately this left Dave exhausted during the day which caused him to run slower and cover less distance. Next Dave tried running faster but for a shorter amount of time. Unfortunately this strategy was ineffective as he still had to run for at least 8 hours a day and it was not possible to keep up the required speed for this amount of time. After these attempts we tried a third strategy which so far seems to be working well. We get up at a decent time (usually around 7am); Dave runs for 2.5 hours; 30 minute break; 2.5 hour run; 1 hour lunch break; 2.5 hour run; 30 minute break; and then 2 – 2.5 hour run (depending on the distance he has already covered). So far this seems to be working and we will continue on with this routine to learn of the long term effects on both distance and Dave’s physical state.
May 13th, 2016 (Day 26)
total distance completed: 53.42 km / 33.19 miles
start: Healdsburg, CA
stop: Hopland, CA
ran by: Geyersville, Cloverdale, and a whole lot of wineries! (Rodney Strong is the only one I remember as we sell it at my work!)
total distance achieved to date: 1117.48 km / 694.37 miles
Today we were in wine country. Nice terrain, pretty quiet on the roads which is always welcome, and a little on the hotter side but not bad. Dave is still getting used to his new routine but it seems promising. It’s nice not to have to wake up too early as rest is so important in order to let his body recover from the previous day. The 2.5 hour bouts of running are good for both of us as I am able to get more blogging and social media work done. Having less breaks and timed ones are good because once Dave sits down it is hard for him to get back on the road again. I think knowing that he’s covering good distance while not having to be on the road quite as long has served as a good motivator. The scenery is beautiful, it is quiet along the run and there has been a lot of wildlife, such as deer and coyotes, to look it.
May 14th, 2016 (Day 27)
total distance completed: 58.37 km / 36.27 miles
start: Hopland, CA
stop: Willits, CA
ran through: Ukiah, Calpella, and Redwood Valley
total distance achieved to date: 1175.85 km / 730.64 miles
Today was a long one! We use GoogleMaps to map out Dave’s route as they have an on-foot option which gives the best route for him and tells him where he can and can’t run. This has proved to be immensely helpful for us both since I can see exactly what his route will be. However, despite this there are routes that Dave has to take that are difficult for me to get to. At the end of the day today Dave was on the 101 and then turned off onto a walking route that I couldn’t drive to; this ended up pushing him over his goal time and distance and he was obviously super tired and achy – we will see how things pan out tomorrow. These types of things are par for the course and for the most part we have been very lucky. Although our plan of fewer breaks and longer run times had been going well Dave mentioned he was still feeling a little weaker than he’d like. We strategized to combat this with increased sleep and nutrition. We are now focusing on upping his nutritional intake by about half and also focusing on providing him with a lot of calories through fluids (gatorade and protein shakes, etc.). We need to be really proactive with this in order to stop and hopefully reverse some of the weakness that is occurring.
To raise awareness on the effects of plastic waste in our oceans and funds for management solutions in Raja Ampat, Friendly Drifter Co-Founder David Pennington began the Ocean Rescue Run on April 18th, 2016 at the US/Mexican border and will end in Vancouver, Canada. The route for the run along the Pacific Coast Highway was chosen to connect ocean coasts, remove international boundaries and bring attention to this global issue. “Some of our western technologies, plastic culture and production have had serious negative impacts on the environment, all over the world. I feel we have a responsibility to create solutions for areas ill-equipped to deal with the waste issues.” states David.
The Ocean Rescue Run is approximately 2700 km / 1740 miles. If you have the means and wish to participate please visit the Go Fund Me website. Additional details and more information on our program can be located on our Home and Participate pages. News and articles can be found on the Media link.
Thank you!