One of the best parts about a journey like the one that we are on, is the diversity of people that we get to meet and interact with along the way.

9/22/2021

We got in just in time to grab dinner at the Graham Arms Hotel and as we enter the dining area there was another table with two couples there as well.

Of course, we don’t blend into well coming off the road late at night, so we ended up chatting and were very warmly embraced by them as well as the staff…. everyone donated some cash and we traded stories.

The subject of running the London Marathon came up which turned iut to be quite the fascinating discovery as Trevor (pictured in the far right back above), had run the first London Marathon in 1981. One of 7,751 runners of which only 6,255 finished.

Eventually we settle back into our table do you have a few drinks and eat.  Trevor then approach our table and said that he would like to give me his 1981 commemorative marathon T-shirt and that it had an interesting story. Apparently they didn’t start computer records until the second running in 1982 so when they offered the runners of the first London Marathon a special commemorative shirt, the 1981 marathon records had to be transcribed by hand, so they were no finish times on the shirts, only finish numbers of which Trevor was 3989 (You can see it on the shirt above) which he recalls was three hours And a half, roughly.

So at 8 AM this morning, Trevor came back to the hotel to give me the shirt, I am just blown away by this incredible geasture and the experience.  I then surprise Trevor with my 2018 Chicago Marathon shirt, which initially he refused, but relented after some insistence and seemed very touched by everything.

Once again I am super inspired by the people that we meet  and the excitement and thankfulness that they show for the efforts that we are putting forth.  This is what the trip is all about, connecting with people where, of course we raise awareness for Parkinson's disease but inspiring each other as well, which is a huge perk.

We’ve lost a bit of our social connections and interactions in this difficult time, this is just a reminder for me of how our  shared and common humanity inspires in all directions.  I am leaving the hotel to walk this morning inspired by Trevor and his beautiful gesture, excited for what the coming days will continue to bring. I hope to see you out there on the road

Bill