Day 8: Shawnna Pinson

Today we ran from Moab, Utah to Aspen, Colorado. Things got a little mixed up and unexpected.... to say the least. 

We got off to a late start… We left around 6am – not bad – and we drove up the mountain into the Rocky’s. For the safety of our runners we decided not to run up the mountain for several reasons. One: the mountain was a 5,000 ft climb. Two: it’s a one way street when you get up there a bit and would have been impossible for the vans to turn around. And three: the animals and strangers lurking in the woods…

So we drove up the mountain and then got lost! We spent hours wondering around the streets. At 8am, we ran into a private property sign and had to turn back around and find yet another route! By 9 we were down the mountain thanks to the help of many campers. But we were not where we wanted to be. We ended on a different side of the mountain. Turns out we did a giant loop. So 4 hours into our day we were a mile away from our host last night getting gas. After a quick subway stop we were driving towards Aspen.

Finally, we got to Aspen. 10 hours after we left Moab the first time! If you look the two cities up on Google maps it says 3 hours and 48 minutes... Not for our 4kforcancer team. We just really enjoy sitting in the car and bonding! Especially since we can't do that anywhere else???... Some teammates were disappointed and others were excited to have another rest day. We had the chance to run in Aspen if we wanted. I walked down to town with Kim B. and Elizabeth; we got amazing ice cream from Paradise Cafe and Bakery. YUM! 

After our trip to town we ate dinner at the host church. Dessert before dinner :D 

Today's trip was dedicated to Shawnna Pinson. 

I don't personally know Shawnna. She is a friend's friend. My mom and C.C. are really good friends. They go christmas shopping together one weekend every winter. We have known C.C.'s family since my younger sister and C.C.'s youngest daughter went to preschool together. 

Shawnna Pinson is a good friend of C.C.'s. Currently, Shawnna is battling ovarian cancer. 

To C.C. and the Zaino family, thank you for your support with my run! My supporters never realize how much it means to me to have them donating to and following my trip. Shawnna was on my mind throughout the day. When we were lost and unsure what to do I thought of how similarly she must feel. I am glad she has such good friends to be there by her side during her battle against cancer. She is in my thoughts and prayers - as well as those of my teammates. 

Total miles: 89 miles