This week we speak with Rickey Gates, a Salomon Athlete, via phone. Rickey shares his story about running from coast to coast. Rickey writes:

"From March 1st to August 1st, 2017, I traversed the width of America - from South Carolina to San Francisco. My 3700-mile-long route took me on trail, road, river and snow. I ran through plains, desert, mountain ranges and cities. Snow, rain, wind, heat, sun and darkness. Mostly, I ran alone, but occasionally some friends would join me. I am currently processing this trip - in words, photos and how I anticipate it to effect me in the future.

For much of the past fifteen years I have been traveling to every corner of the globe. I sort through photos and find myself running a Norwegian ridge line, ascending a volcano in Uganda, sleeping alongside my motorcycle in Tierra del Fuego, floating the Amazon on a banana boat. Running has brought me to many of these places. Motorcycles, bicycles and odd jobs and a have brought me to many others.

It has occurred to me that I have seen more of France than I’ve seen of South Carolina. I’ve explored the Alps more than the Ozarks of Arkansas. I know the Antarctic Plateau better than Colorado's neighboring state of Oklahoma.

They say that you cannot know the world without knowing your own backyard. In a time of uncertain politics and a crescendo of differences, I have chosen to slow things down, simplify my life and get to know my country at a step-by-step intimacy."

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