Landmark Run Coverage and Slideshow
By Scott | November 1, 2007
It’s been 3 solid days since the conclusion of the run and I am feeling good. I was a little sore but am coming together in a hurry. I’ll take the week off from running before getting back at it next week. A most enjoyable cross country run at the Living History Farms takes place in a few weeks in Des Moines, IA and I am excited to get back to it for the 5th straight year. I decided to put together a slideshow of photos from the second half of the journey beginning in Gothenburg. I will try to get a show of the first half together later. I hope you enjoy it.
When you are done watching the show, take a minute to read some of the coverage of the finish.
Omaha World-Herald Article
Girls and Boys Town News
(Click on the speaker to play music with show. Click on the +/- to speed up or slow down slideshow. Click anywhere on the show to view larger, better quality photographs)
Topics: Landmark Run | No Comments »
The Return - Day 10 Mission Accomplished
By Scott | October 29, 2007
I started this run back on April 19th with the sole intention of completing it in the span of 15 days. Back then, it seemed like a reasonable expectation. 32 miles a day over 8-10 hours a day, spread out over 15 days. No problem right! That’s what I thought. Things went smooth for several days early on, in fact they might have gone too smoothly. I cruised, I smiled, I ran each day like I didn’t have to run another 30+ miles tomorrow. In hindsight that was a huge mistake. After 7 days and 200+ miles a pain began seeping into my left ankle. Day 8, the pain became greater. Day 9, Day 10…. you get the idea. I’ve never had the experience of not being able to bear weight on my legs, but this was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I would be horrible in child birth. Thank God I am not a woman :-). I came to the conclusion after 3 days of trying to walk the rest of the run that I was not going to make the progress I needed to make even given the luxury of extending the trip as necessary. I called the first leg of the trip off after 232 miles with the statement that:
“This is not a failure and I am not quitting, of that you can be sure”
First and foremost I made that promise to myself, then my kids, Girls and Boys Town, and most importantly the kids of Girls and Boys Town whom this was for in the first place. I would have had a heck of a time knowing I had made a promise and not followed through on it.
On October 20 I set foot back on the road near Gothenburg knowing that I would finish this run, regardless of what it took. I came to grips with the fact that less than six months ago I had stopped momentarily and would have to take a different approach to finishing. This meant I would have to SLOW DOWN, enjoy the sites, enjoy the days, ENJOY THE JOURNEY. Don’t they say, it is the journey that matters, not the destination? I said it myself the first time around. Life is a marathon not a sprint. It is not meant to be rushed every minute of every day. I broke that rule in April. Not this time. Don’t get me wrong, I still ran, and I ran most of the time, but I did walk when I felt like walking. I stopped and took photographs. I sat down and rested when I felt like it, and best of all, I ATE when I felt like it. Now you tell me what is so crazy about that?
I was blessed with 10 absolutely beautiful days to run in (actually 9 1/2). These were the kind of days that make you want fall to stick around forever. The temperatures hovered in the 60’s, clouds rarely made themselves present, and the wind was almost always at my back. You’ve got to be kidding me. Why didn’t I think of doing this in October in the first place? I LOVED every minute of it. I did not want to stop at the Missouri River. I wanted to keep going in to Iowa and as far as my feet would take me. Reality hit and I know that my “real life” beckons for the time being, but you never know what the future holds. NO, this is not out of my system and YES, I would without question do this again and again.
I began the day at 192nd and Dodge, a mere 4 miles from Girls and Boys Town. I approached the campus around 11 and saw a familiar face peering from the pine trees that line Dodge Street. She said congratulations! More than that, she said “there are a whole lot more down the road”. Right then and there, I realized just how memorable this day would be for me. As I approached the campus entrance, I was greeted by the village Chief of Police, Chief Crowley and was escorted to campus where 200+ students and co-workers were waiting my arrival. I simply could not contain myself. I cried and laughed and was just HAPPY. I am not sure anyone who was there will know quite what there presence meant to me, but I do. I was especially thrilled to see so many of the students lining the street, after all this run was as much for them as it was for me. You simply have to see these kids and meet these kids to know just what Girls and Boys Town does for them. No words can explain. We had a little ceremony at the Boys Town pylon on campus and I and some of my volunteers had the pleasure of eating lunch with Girls and Boys Town Executive Director, Father Boes. The time between 11 and 1 is a time I would like to etch in my memory. It will certainly occupy a space in my mind as long as I live.
Unfortunately, the Missouri River was still calling from 10 miles down the road, so I had to get moving. I spent the next couple of hours winding my way through the maze that is Dodge Street before finally reaching the river and Lewis and Clark Landing. Unlike the arrival at Girls and Boys Town, the finish was just me, a photographer from the World-Herald, and the river. It felt good to take a breath, look to the north and south, and realize that I had reached my destination with Iowa and a future endeavor perhaps waiting in the east. That will have to wait for another time.
There are so many people I need to thank. Most of you know your contributions.
Jordyn and Kolby — You are my inspirations and my reason for doing the crazy things I do. I Love You
Mom and Dad — You never asked questions, you just knew I could and would do it. That speaks volumes.
Father Boes — Thank You for your support and your willingness to spread the news of the run to the kids.
Judy — You have know idea how good it was to say what I was thinking and be greeted with the possibilities. This started with you.
Andy and Denise — You called me things like crazy, but you always made yourselves available when I had some nutty idea to run to Lincoln or try to run the Wabash Trace to the Missouri border. I’ll still do that you know! How’s next weekend sound? You have no idea how grateful I am to call you my friends.
Jamie — What boss would join his employee for 18 miles? Not many. Of course you’ve done more than that, but hey, it was a monumental achievement for you, wasn’t it? I think we all owe it to you for the beginning of the GBT bike craze. I called it rehab.
Kristi - You were a vocal leader at the headquarters building and I was happy to have you in my corner. You may be the single most selfless person I know. I hope you know, you are one reason I am able to call this a success.
My co-workers in IT - I think a person is lucky when he can call his co-workers, friends. It makes it a whole lot easier to come to work. It is especially nice to have a few people that don’t mind putting you back in to place on occasion.
Paul Staso — Paul is an amazing human being who I went to for advice. Paul is, himself a runner and has completed a solo run across the United States. His endeavor to be the first to ride and run the same route in the same calendar year was cut short, but Paul also is undeterred in his efforts to help kids with his creation of the P.A.C.E. Fitness Foundation. Paul has a knack for timely encouragement and wisdom. He is one person I would try to emulate in a heartbeat.
Thanks to everyone else who has offered their prayers, encouragement, and constant support. There are simply too many to mention.
Most importantly, Thank You to the kids at Girls and Boys Town. Words cannot express how blessed I’ve been to do this on your behalf. Keep your feet moving forward, chin up and your eyes on the prize in all that you do.
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run | 11 Comments »
The Return - Day 9
By Scott | October 28, 2007
Finally! Day 9 is in the books. It was another beautiful day. I decided early on today to just take care of myself and enjoy the day. It hit me sometime around noon, that I would be done tomorrow. It really hit me when I began seeing signs for Omaha, West Dodge and South Omaha and it reeeaaaallllyyyyy hit me when I stopped for the day at 192nd street and could see the flags of the West Dodge car dealerships.
I went from Wahoo, past Mead, Yutan, the Platte River, Venice, the Elkhorn River, and finally Elkhorn before calling it a day today. In the spirit of taking it easy and enjoying the day, I decided to take pictures of almost every piece of trash I encountered in a half mile stretch of road. The rule was that I could not leave the roadway and the trash had to be in plain site. Remember, the photos are ALMOST every piece and most were no further than two or three feet from the road. There were plenty of pieces I missed. It really is sad to think that people cannot contain their trash long enough for it to find a trash bin. I can’t help but notice the parallel between the many cigarette packs I saw and the total lack of respect a smoker has for their body. I could get on a soap box, but I need to remember no one is perfect, least of all me, but if you are one of those who finds it necessary to use the roadside as your own personal trash can, please think before you toss the next piece of trash, whatever it is.
I did not let the trash dampen my enthusiasm as the day was like all the others. A highlight of the day was a surprise visit by Kristi of Girls and Boys Town. She was in Omaha and on her way home, and decided to play a game of where’s Scott. She found me and I was thrilled as usual to see a friendly face. Kristi has been one the single biggest supporters of this run and has never been at a loss for encouragement. She is only one example of the many great people that keep GBT running. I simply cannot get over how fortunate I’ve been to finish this run under such excellent conditions. Tomorrow will be no different. The only difference is that I will sleep in my own bed. Yesss, I am excited about that!
The trick tomorrow will be to continue to take it easy and not try to just get it all done in one shot. I am a little sore, but in different areas than before and I’ll get to the river whether I run, walk, crawl, or slither.
I was picked up today by a person who would rather not be named…. (you know who it is) and was the proud recipient of BBQ at Famous Dave’s. I am now writing this to you on my last eye. I think I have an eyelash keeping it propped open.
Tomorrow will start at 9:30 and I’ll again take my time getting to the river, running and walking as I please. Anyone want to give a wannabe vagabond a ride home?
I was able to get photos of the last several days posted to the gallery.
Good night and thanks again. I have not replied to everyone who has taken time to write me personally but I want you to know that your words, thoughts, and prayers have been nothing short of huge in keeping me going to the finish.
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run | 10 Comments »
The Return - Day 8
By Scott | October 27, 2007
Day 8 is in the books. Today was yet another ideal day for running and I enjoyed every minute of it. I began the day at the junction of Highway 92 and David City and ran east to Wahoo, where I am staying the night.
I was happy to be joined for a little while by Andy and his wife Denise this morning. Denise got to see a little of the Nebraska harvest and Andy ran with me for about five miles. We had lunch in the little town of Weston, about 6 miles west of Wahoo. I made it just in time to see the not so mighty Huskers doing their best to tame Texas, at Texas. They must have a had a little magic as they went out to a 17-3 lead before falling 28-25. I never thought I would see the day when I would be thrilled to see Nebraska lose close, but a loss like this on the road, is so much better than some of the big losses they’ve experienced lately.
I am preparing for two more days on the road. Tomorrow, I will tally about 25 miles to Elkhorn before I wind up the trip with a relatively short 16-17 mile run to the Missouri River on Monday.
I am looking forward to finishing what I started and will see you tomorrow, hopefully with some photographs.
Thanks,
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run | 6 Comments »
The Return - Day 7
By Scott | October 26, 2007
Well, I am going to make this short and sweet. I am using the computer at the front desk of the Rose Hotel in David City. The room at the Rose was arranged for me by none other than Tami Peasinger and I could not be more grateful. I have a king size bed, a great room and I am next to Pizza Hut. It doesn’t get any better. When I am finished typing this, I am heading straight to my room and catching some Z’s.
Once again, as has become standard fare during the run, I had absolutely perfect weather. Today there even clouds, and I take back everything I said about clouds yesterday. They were niiicccceeeee. Not too many, but enough to shield me from the sun a little. Everything that could go right today, did.Cindy made a wonderfully delicious breakfast. We took pictures with me and the kids Rylee and Pierce, and Jeff took me in to Osceola to begin the day. About a mile outside of Shelby, I ran into Jamie Pearson. Jamie and headed back to Shelby, where he put away his bicycle and joined me for the roughly 17 mile jaunt to David City. I think he got a little more than he bargained for, but was not turned off. He mentioned at the end that this will not be the last time he does that. Good for you Jamie! We also had the pleasure of meeting Fred Miller, an old Marine (once a marine always a marine) who still does his calistenics daily at the age of 80, farms 200 acres by himself, and restores classic cars. Fred is truly one of a kind and meeting him was simply one of the best experiences of this entire trip dating back to April. It is people like him that make you take a step back and realize what a work ethic really is.
I am now full, fat, and happy after dinner at Pizza Hut and will sign off for the night. Tomorrow brings a very hilly stretch between David City and Wahoo, but the weather looks to be as good as has been and I am up to the challenge.
Thanks to everyone for their comments. Once again, your words go farther than you know in helping me to complete the run.
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run | 7 Comments »
The Return - Day 6 Blue Skies Again
By Scott | October 25, 2007
Same story, different verse. The skies are shining on me… literally. In the last several days, I have forgotten what a cloud looks like and quite honestly could care less if I ever see another. I’m sure some farmers in this part of the country might wonder what I am thinking, but it is very hard to complain about what I have been privy to the last week.
Today, I made the trek from Central City on Highway 30 to the little town of Osceola. Along the way I said goodbye to the Old Lincoln Highway and hello to highway 92. I was not disappointed. Sure, there are the fields filled with corn stocks waiting to be harvested and the cattle lots, but the scenery is a notch above what I experienced along Highway 30 and only figures to get better the further east I run. I had the pleasure of having Andy along again today. I am sure he wasn’t as thrilled about it as I was, as he discovered, not one, but two flat tires on his bicycle after yesterdays ride. The flats put a damper on his ability to be a part of the run. As for me, it was still nice to know there would be a friendly face every few miles of the day. Andy is back in Omaha tonight and I will be joined by another co-worker, Jamie Pearson tomorrow. Unlike Andy, Jamie will attempt to join me for the 18 miles between Shelby and David City. Lucky for him, I will have begun to wear myself out between Osceola and Shelby.
I am also very fortunate to be staying with the Brantings of Shelby tonight. Jeff, Cindy, Riley, and Pierce. They have been exceptional hosts to me. It didn’t hurt that we ate New York Strip Steaks, roasted potatoes and garlic bread tonight. My dream meal on my dream trip. I’ve had a good time getting to know them in what little time I have. Lucky for them, I will not be making my stay a regular occurrence.
I am thrilled that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Omaha is just around the corner and the distance is now dipped to double digits. If all goes well, I will stay at David City tomorrow night, Wahoo Saturday, Elkhorn Sunday, and my own cozy bed on Monday.
I did take pictures today but am unable to share them with you yet. In fact, you may have to wait until Monday to get caught up on my photos between now and the finish.
In the absence of photos, I chose to include a few autumn quotes and phrases that describe what I’ve experienced the last week:
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus
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Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. ~Carol Bishop Hipps
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No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace
As I have seen in one autumnal face.
~John Donne
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Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence
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I think I am in heaven on earth. The only sad thing about this trip is that is has to end.
 Thanks again to everyone for their support. I look forward to fulfilling my promise to myself, you, and the kids.
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run | 13 Comments »
The Return - Day 5 It Keeps Getting Better
By Scott | October 24, 2007
I am starting to sound like a broken record, but there is simply no better way to describe the last few days other than perfect. Yeah I said it… perfect, perfect, PERFECT. Another cloudless sky, another day in the 60’s. So what else could add to this day?
Besides the fact Andy was along today, I encountered one of the ugliest human beings on the face of the earth just before reaching Chapman. It was my brother Jamie on his way back to Hastings from Central City. He had been in Central City working and stopped to say hello. Perfect timing! It was lunch time and I WAS hungry. I finished the run in to Chapman, hopped in Andy’s car and drove to Central City for lunch at Woody’s with Andy and Jamie. Yes, I did go back to Chapman and run the route back to Central City.
I did discover Central City, a town I had not been in before and found it to be a very nice mid-Nebraska city. It did have a drive through coffee shop after all, and you know a town has arrived when it can make that claim. Yes, I had a hazelnut latte and it was perfect as with everything else these days.
Tomorrow, I am on my way to Osceola. I don’t expect much between Central City and Osceola. You never know, sometimes the best things in life are the least expected, so I could be in for the time of my life.
Someone please tell me what these markers mean.
I have added a photo gallery. It is very remedial gallery. Check it out at:
http://www.teamgiddings.com/landmarkrun/gallery/
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After writing this, I had a few minutes to think about what a lucky man I am. I have a two beautiful daughters, great family, great friends. I work for Girls and Boys Town. How many places would allow their employee the time to fulfill one of his dreams and be as supportive as they have been? I’ve heard from family, friends, family of friends, co-workers, Girls and Boys Town kids and Family Teachers, and people I have never even met. I’ve made friends (Jay in North Platte comes to mind). I’ve had time to reflect on past, present, and future. I’ve been allowed time to contemplate the important things in life. I AM incredibly blessed that I am to be able to do this for me and for the kids of Girls and Boys Town. I shudder to think what will go through my mind if I ever have the opportunity and time to take my dreams across the country. For now, I will be thankful for the moment.
Thank You,
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run | 12 Comments »
The Return - Day 4
By Scott | October 23, 2007
One more day down, one more perfect fall day. What more can a guy ask for?
Todays run took me through Gibbon, Shelton, Wood River (otherwise known as Stick Crick), Alda, and to downtown Grand Island. I feel as good now, maybe better, than I did on day one and am looking forward to what remains of the run. In less than one week, I’ll be pulling into Boys Town and Omaha for the final stretch.
I am also fortunate to have my very good friend Andy join me for the next two days. Andy took time away from work to accompany me Wednesday and Thursday. I am especially glad he will be around Thursday as the stretch from Central City to Shelby might be one of the longest, least populated of the run to date. Andy will not be a couch potato while he is with me. He brought his bike with him and will have the pleasure of virtually riding circles for seven hours while I shuffle down the road. Lucky him.
It is now 8:24, I just downed half a Papa Rays pizza, three brownies, and two cups of coffee, and I want more. I think I’ll just do what any self respecting distance runner would do and go to sleep on a full stomach. Boy, I hope no doctors are reading this.
The long and short of today is that it was once again more than I could ask for and if it all holds up, the rest of the trip will be just as good.
Thanks again!
Scott
Topics: Landmark Run | 7 Comments »
The Return - Fall Splendor
By Scott | October 22, 2007
If I had to give up one day like yesterday in order to receive a day like today, I would do it every time. First of all, yesterday was great, but today, now today was a different story all together. Today is what fall is all about. It is one that makes that makes me want more and more of fall. The changing colors, the temperatures, the crisp blue skies, are all simply far too amazing to be indoors. These are the days I dream about.
Honestly, I don’t feel like talking much, so I am just going to include some photos of the day.
Thanks again. I’m looking forward to yet another fantastic day tomorrow.
Topics: Landmark Run | 4 Comments »
The Return - Day 2 1/2
By Scott | October 21, 2007
The theme for today was cold (not too cold), windy (yes, but at my back), rainy (uh huh, but not heavy) and downright perfect! The three elements mentioned contributed to a nice day to run…. in my opinion. Some people may consider me nuts, but I think I’ve already proven that by the fact I am out there to begin with.
Today took me from Lexington through Overton, Elm Creek, and Odessa. Tomorrow I’ll be on my way to Kearney and Gibbon. It should be a short, rather enjoyable day. Heck, I may even find myself cruising through Cabela’s before I say goodbye to Kearney. Gotta have some flexibility after all. Aside from today, it looks like the weather will be on my side. In fact, it might even be, GASP… too warm with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70’s. What’s a guy to do? Beggars can’t be choosers, so I will just count my blessings and be happy it is not snowing.
I can’t go another day without giving a big thumbs up to my mom Jane. For the last two and half days, she has virtually been my personal aid and chauffeur, taking me to and from starts and stops. More impressive is the fact that she has set aside work of her own in order to help me out. Thanks Mom! What would I do without you?
As I said earlier in the post, today was cold, windy, and rainy. Lucky for me, the rain did not last too long. Maybe two hours of slightly heavier than drizzle rain. Just enough to soak through my not so waterproof jacket. Why didn’t I wear a rain jacket you might ask.
The answer is simple…. I am not very smart. Yes, it’s true. I even had one in the car calling my name. What confirms the not very smart statement even more is that I actually put the rain gear on AFTER it stopped raining. If I had been one of kids, I would have been standing there with an I told you so look on my face. The rain did clear up and I made my way through the tiny central Nebraska towns of Overton, Elm Creek and Odessa. Mom and I stopped for an hour in Elm Creek (about 19 miles in to the day) and had a delicious, and I do mean delicious lunch at Mama’s cafe.
I had Chicken Fried Steak surrounded by a huge mound of mashed potatoes and gravy, corn and a dinner roll and I ate it all. Even better… I ran eight more burping up what I just ate, enjoying every minute of it. I am a simple simple man and even the tiniest things can make me happy. There was one more bonus to an already good day. I found a brand new Union Pacific ballcap on the side of the road just after passing through Odessa. I considered it a gift from the gods, considering I’ve seen more trains come and go in my time running through Nebraska. I feel as though I should be an engineer, I’ve waved at so many of them.
Anyway, today was a good day and I am looking forward to many more. Thanks again for your support.
Until tomorrow….
Topics: Landmark Run | 7 Comments »