Solo and Unsupported Run across America blog rerun. Posted every weekday at 8am. Buy the now complete book and full story at www.abrahamlouis.com/runningwater

The Baby Jogger gets a name at the end of the longest wooden pier on the west coast is a Ruby's restaurant.

And so it begins… Jon and I drove down to the Oceanside pier around 8am. The weather could not have been better. People were out surfing, skateboarding, running, fishing and hanging out. This town reeks of beach culture! As Jon and I walked across the Oceanside’s wooden pier, we approached Rudy’s Restaurant. The diner is advertised with a huge red sign that reads Ruby’s, and I immediately knew it was the perfect name for my jogging stroller! After taking some pictures, Ben, Sarah and Caleb found us along the beach. With my feet in the Pacific Ocean, I filled a small bottle with sea water. In the days ahead, this bottle will be a constant reminder of how far I have come. It was hard to believe that every step I take towards the Atlantic Ocean will represent 200 people that do not have access to clean water!

This was it. This was the beginning of a journey that will test my limits, challenge my body, play tricks with my mind and match no other extreme physical experience I endeavor. By the time it’s all over, I will have literally climbed the amount of elevation equal to reaching the edge of outer space. The opportunity is incredible but the odds against me are great. However, today the weather is beautiful, and my legs are fresh. I made my way through Oceanside and out to the country.

At mile 27 I hit a hill that was 2/4 of a mile long. I must admit these hills made for some breath taking views (no pun intended). The day dragged on and before finishing the hilly 33 miles, I had consumed a cliff bar, power bar, two energy gels, three oranges (sponsored by trees) and 3.5 liters of liquid.

At the end of a long first day. The farthest I have ever run in a single day, and it was only day 1

I had been on the road for eight hours and decided to call it a day. We drove back to Ben’s house in the dark. Sarah and Ben had a feast of chicken waiting for us! I treated myself to a bath tub full of ice water! It’s a great feeling to be on the road and put the months of questions, anticipation and preparation behind me. Thank you everyone for the good luck texts and notes. It means a lot to me. Well, it’s 9 pm and I’m off to bed. Tomorrow we will do it all again. THIS IS RUN CAMPING!