1st Lt. Jonathan Edds Before describing the fabulous day we had running the Blue Ridge Parkway, I want you to know 1st Lt. Jonathan W. Edds… John was the middle of three sons born to Barry and Julie Edds. Joel was his older brother. Josh was younger. All three boys graduated from the U. S. Military Academy Read More …

First, tomorrow’s Memorial Day run will be dedicated our son-in-law, 1Lt Jonathan Edds, who was killed in action in Baghdad, August 17, 2007. More about that tomorrow. Today’s run was was relatively easy by Blue Ridge Parkway standards (for my Florida running friends however, translate to horrendously steep!). Tropical Storm Bonnie was our friend providing overcast Read More …

The first full day in North Carolina was terrific–great weather (albeit warm by the end of the run), a great guy to run with, the hustle and bustle of Memorial Day Weekend, and folks greeting us along the way. We had a challenging climb up Bluff Mountain that I handled carefully due to the issue Read More …

Today’s run/walk started near Fancy Gap at Milepost 200 and ended in North Carolina at Milepost 221. The route took Rhonda and me through “old stomping grounds” since her family lived in Galax when we met in 1976 and I spent the summer of 1977 in Galax. In addition to the “old” sites, the Blue Read More …

RWR Day 10 is in the books ending at Milepost 200 in Fancy Gap, VA. Issues with the left leg continue to slow me somewhat–but then this is not a race; it’s just a matter of mental patience. I made a mistake yesterday affecting today’s run, explained below. Day 10 Run After a sunny, warm Read More …

Day 9 began with much concern over an injury to a muscle in my lower left leg. The injury occurred in Roanoke Sunday and became progressively worse through Tuesday. Good news–I ran very cautiously and it’s better this afternoon than the last two days. We had a great day–lots to see, but, someone turned up Read More …

Day 8’s run started at Milepost 140, just down from Sweet Auntie’s Holler, and ended at Milepost 160 near Floyd, VA. It included lots of rolling hills with just a couple climbs. I took it gingerly. Day 8 Run Today’s terrain was much less challenging; however, I have an issue with my lower left leg. I’m Read More …

Day 7 was a mostly uphill run with Bent Mountain the obstacle in the way. I have some pain in my lower left shin; so, I approached the day cautiously–challenged nothing. The run was completed without a significant problem. I took the chart from yesterday and created a new menu item that will be updated Read More …

Ray interviewed by WDBJ reporter Christian Heilman After running 5+ extra miles in Day 5, today was only 14 miles. Today was a beautiful, more relaxed run across the Roanoke Valley that included crossing the Roanoke River (Beautiful!), an interview with WDBJ to be aired beginning Monday morning, and an end on Roanoke/Mill Mountain. Day Read More …

Key words for Day 5 were: flexibility, patience, and gratitude. Note: Again today, the blog post must be abbreviated. It’s been a long day! Day 5 Run Today’s run was interesting. I started in fog and drizzle. The sun finally broke through in the afternoon. The run started north of Peaks of Otter between Mileposts 80 Read More …