At the start of 2020, with no knowledge of what was ahead, I was having a tough time getting out the door for runs. The awesome Kathy said that I could make a goal to run to visit her in South Dakota. Since Kathy always gives good advice and is so amazing at so many things, I was quick to agree!
It has taken me much longer than I was expecting as I have spent a large portion of 2021 sick or injured, but I am so close, I could cry.
I really wanted to get there for the Fourth of July as I have always wanted to experience a US July 4th as it seems so much bigger than Canada Day, but alas that just didn’t happen.
To date I have ran 1,940 kilometers and am standing at Crow Creek Road on the outskirts of Belle Fourche, South Dakota.
When looking up Belle Fourche, it appears they are very proud of being the centre of the nation and Google also says that it is very near the georgeaphic centre of the United States when Hawaii and Alaska are included.
Belle Fourche was founded in 1903 and now has an estimated population of just over 5,000 people. It was named by French fur trappers for the beautiful sight of three rivers coming together and was a hot spot for fur trading. Farmers and ranchers took over from the fur traders and the railroad even came through this spot on the map. Seth Bullock is considered the founding parent of this city and turned it into the largest livestock shipping centre in the world. The city still provides support for the wool, cattle and bentonite industries.
Belle Fourche seems to grow athletic people as three athletes hail from this city- Lloyd Eaton, Jason Kubel, and John Strohmayer.
What I have learned mainly this month is that I wish I plotted my route as I did the mileage so I would know how long of a run I needed to get to the next city. Hopefully, barring issues, I will be at Kathy’s for my next update.
Have fun!
AJ
A Petite Slice of Life 
I have enjoyed your run to Kathy’s house, especially since I had no goals to push. How long are you going to stay with her? You can’t immediately start running to another goal. I wish you’d come to visit me, but I fear it is much too far.
Lol I have no set plans, but we will see what happens. I would love to run to you but fear I wouldn’t be there for at least ten years. I’m not sure what I am going to do next, but I have enjoyed learning about places as I have moved along the route
You have made it fun for all of us.
I’m glad:)
How exciting! You have done so well. I’ll be cheering you on as you approach the finish line 😃
Thank you!
I’ve enjoyed watching your run all this way – and doing my own ones during the year I know what a slog it can be!!
It has definitely taken me longer than I expected, but it has been so fun learning as I’m going!
You are at the perfect place for the 4th of July! Belle Fourche has a fabulous 4th, they pick Miss Rodeo SD there this weekend, have a great rodeo and community fireworks! You’ll be here in just a week or two!
Oh good! I can’t wait to see a rodeo as I have never seen one!
You were in the US for the 4th of July, just not in the right city, but close. I love that you are taking the time to learn and share about each stop along the way.
It’s been really interesting. I guess you really can’t take the teacher out of me🤣🤣🤣
Yay!! You are almost there! At least you are in the same state. Hey, I wonder if Kathy wants to strap on some running shoes and meet you half way!
Lol nope I need to do the whole thing:)
1,940 kilometers so far – wow!
Getting there