We had a very nice experience running into the town of Gregory, SD today. A reporter had come out to take some photos and while we were running past the town, she asked, "Aren't you going into town to meet the people?" We ran a couple blocks into the town and were surprised, in a sense, to find a very warm reception there waiting for us. We hadn't expected this. The group was organized by the Rotarians and were comprised of mostly Rotarians and their children.

Gregory locals pass the torch.

Andy Thomas, an outstanding human being, runner, Rotarian, and financial service manager, met us at the gates with a warm heart. He organized the reception for us for which we are very grateful.

Wonderful children hold the torch with joy filled hearts.

Thank you for arranging our refreshments. We enjoyed the coffee, juice and sweet rolls.

After our meeting with the Rotarians, we were approached by a man who offered us a free chiropractic treatment, or tune-up. His name was Dr. Marvin Braun (second man from the left), and we immediately obliged to accept his offer. Marvin is an energetic and self-giving man who was very supportive and enthusiastic to our Run. His offer was very well timed because I was able to get my shin splints treated. Also, my body structure was leveled, neck adjusted, and hips and pelvis aligned.

(Ben Stukel preparing to give Erik Low Level Laser Therapy)

Another neat thing they did for me was called "Low Level Laser Therapy."

Essentially a laser beam is applied to the area of disrepair, in my case the muscles around my shin, and energy is displaced there. It acts as a hyper-stimulator, multiplying macrophages (white blood cells) to speed the process of recovery.

My shin splints went away after that and so also did Dave's sore achilles tendon.We can't thank you people enough for your self-giving hearts and outstanding professional care.

Gregory was a surprising oasis of loving reception and care in the middle of the vast plains of South Dakota.

Wheat fields are aplenty in the Dakota's.

Our photographer, photographed.

Deepra never misses a chance to cool off his overheated body after a run.

Lakota local offering his blessings and support.

Hey boys, what's for dinner? Don't worry...it's Pizza Hut.

We were so happy to get a complimentary meal from Pizza Hut, our first meal in a restaurant in a long time. We had a salad bar and two types of pasta. Thank you Sarah and Pizza Hut! (Yuyudhan and Dave, you're off the hook.)

Shujah Khan from the Broadway Inn is truly an exemplary human being and harmony builder. He's done many kind acts, such as allowing people to stay on his property in Texas during the Hurricane Katrina disaster in New Orleans, to adopting and taking care of senior citizens and others in need. He believes in giving what you can to the world because when you leave the only thing that matters is not what you have, but what you gave. He told us we could come back at any time to stay at his place. Thanks for your kindness and self giving.

– Erik Amrhien

Distance: 107 miles

Team Members:
Shyamala Stott (Scotland), Abhejali Bernardova (Czech Republic), Uddyogini (Australia), Bansidhar Medeiros (Maui), Yuyudhan Hoppe (Minneapolis), David Morrison (Orlando), Dave Sigurgeirsson (Iceland), Deepra Zaytsev (Russia), Erik Amrhien (Chicago)

Harmonemail:
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