I will cut to the chase. My Team Green and I were met first thing by the Russian media, ( T.V. and newspaper ) yesterday at the exchange point as we geared up for our 9 am- 3 pm stage.

I was asked to "take one for the team" and do the interview which I accepted without hesitation. Here are a few of the questions that were put forth and my answers and perhaps some of the answers to those of you who are asking the same questions of us, me, runners in general.

#1: what is your day like?
answ: I have been arising at 4 am the last week and a half, when not on that running shift, and running 7 miles then go back and sleep, then either eat some breakfast right away, if time permits, or get in van and ride, sometimes as much as 2-3 hrs, to the exchange point to begin or 40 mile team leg.
While one runner runs, the others either sleep, talk, read, observe scenery, blog, eat a snack.
it gets boring sometimes depending on scenery. We have had a long stretch in Russia ( Siberia area ), with much heat and BIG horse flies ( deer flies they are called in North and South Carolina, USA ).
It is cramped and we get tight while sitting for a long time.
We joke, we know when not to speak. sometimes we are on edge and just want to be left alone. We listen to music or ipods ( for those who have one, not me, yet ).

#2: Do you think this run will have a lasting effect?
Yes! there will be lives and communities changed for the better when access to safe drinking water is obtained. That means lives saved. That means HOPE for a better way of life, to at least begin coping with other pressing issues. but, numero uno, is water. WATER is LIFE!

#3: How can this run help Russia?
Again, we are global messengers, out to tell a story through those town in every country we run to and through, that there is an urgent crisis but there too are solutions. You and your community, the make-up of your community, are the answer. The only non-solution is to do nothing. More than one billion people in the world lack access to safe drinking water. 100% of the donations to the Blue Planet Run, 100%!!!, are dedicated to water projects around the world. We can assist areas of Russia in need, too. to get started, go to www.blueplanetrun.org

#4: Why do you run?
For good health and fitness. To stay competitive in racing, even at my 60 years of age.
to remember those years of youth, running and playing.
to not be a spectator
to engage in joy.
to, through running, be a selfless, contributing member of society, that is giving back, helping someone in need. being connected to not only my community, but also my country and my world.

Just a few sample questions asked and my answers. Laura was also interviewed while Taeko stretched her legs to begin the team's first 10 mile leg.

The Russian interviewers were very polite and seemed very interested in our story. we had an interpreter but some of their gestures I understood very well without anyone saying a word. A nod, a smile, a handshake was enough communication at times to know that we understood each other perfectly clear. Sometimes it is the unspoken that says more than the spoken. "little things mean a lot"!

Peace and blessings to each of you and yours.