The sunny undulating roads of Central Missouri are a runners dream.

Westward Ho. … Since the Gateway to the West, or the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, we have followed the Lewis and Clark trail to Jefferson City, or ‘Jeff City’ as the locals call it, and beyond to Sedalia. Pioneers in our own right fulfilling the luminous vision in our expansion west, not of Thomas Jefferson and the United States, but of world harmony, we continue on.

My team had a simple day running through Tipton to Sedalia Missouri. The wind was strong at time and other times nice and easy, offering us a gentle caress as we floated across the landscape and over the rolling hills. A little bit cool but not too cold. The sky was cloudy and the sun only peeped in on us occasionally. The country was specked with small houses along the highway and some crop fields.

Roadside flora that you barely see at 55 miles per hour, but can appreciate when running 10 minute miles.

A herd of cattle with one llama gazed nonchalantly at the passing Harmony Runner until the runner gave them a solid scare with a sharp whistle and inspired them to run alongside with him till the end of the corral. The runner then proceeded to tell them about the run and our harmonious goals. They were our children for this easy Saturday run.

Brothers Justin and Austin pose in full camouflage with the team.

No ceremonies or any events for us today, one of the first laid back days for the team. However we did meet Justin and Austin on the road in front of their house. They each were wearing a nice army fatigue type shirt and were impressed by the scope of our journey and that it passed right in front of their house.

Antother Masterpiece from our resident Euro chefs.

Later we were accosted by a pair of menacing dogs as Arpan was exiting the vehicle. When they were rushing towards us to see who was parked in front of their house we took off for a more convenient location to service the approaching runner.

Full moon and flaming torch; two great sources of energy on our journey around the country.

Francesco had a fantastic running day, he was happy, cheerful, light, and smiling all the way up and down the hills. After his run he had a craving for ice cream so we went into a store together and he asked the gentleman behind the counter very nicely in his Italian accent if they had any ice cream, they did not. It was a liquor store. It was a little humorous because afterward we observed many gentlemen in Western Wear come into the parking lot hootin’ and hollerin’, looking for ‘juice’.

Just a shot we really liked. :-)

Ulegbek was back in action today. That’s right folks, today he ran 8 miles which is more than he’s run in the last three weeks due to knee problems. And he did it with a big smile and lots of style. The wind was blessing him from all directions except from behind. White fluffy clouds scattered across the ocean-blue sky offered him shelter from the sun and contrasted the infinite fields of green pasture.

Arpan and Jeremy on late night duty preparing the next days schedule.

My experience so far has been quite good. The adjustment from “normal” life to “harmony” life is interesting. No more 9-5, now my whole day is scheduled to accommodate our dynamic itinerary, but at the same time there is a real sense of freedom on the road. My first miles with the team have been slow and steady. But I am getting stronger quickly and look forward to longer and harder miles in the days and weeks to come.

Today we were very fortunate to have the Panera Bread Co. in Jefferson City offer 12 delicious box lunches for the runners thanks to Amy in the corporate offices. Manager Liz Benz made sure the lunches were ready to go this morning and Sara and Amber treated us well as they also offered Arpan and Francesco some coffee and bagels.

Before leaving ‘Jeff.’ City we discovered a flat tire in our minivan so Arpan and Francesco went to get it fixed at a local mechanic. He did not want to take any money for the repair even though we said almost nothing about the Run to him. Such spontaneous and genuine selflessness always touches our hearts.

Super 8 Motel in Sedalia gave us five rooms tonight. We are very grateful to Joanna Wagoner for the rooms and to Ashley for her kindness and friendliness.

Ashley Poindexter, our friendly Motel receptionist, shares a smile as bright as the flame.

We owe so much to these people everyday who offer us what they have in such sweet and selfless ways.

Erik on the Run

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