AMERICA ON A RUNNER'S HIGH: Running through sprinklers

Cedar Rapids runner Chris Wolfe is spending the month of August on his third annual running trek across America. Here's an excerpt from his Monday entry on his blog, "America on a Runner's High ... Trails West," written from his stop in Wichita, Kan.:

I had checked out the trails in this “Old Cowtown” before I left.  It looked very promising with several miles of paved bike path running along the Arkansas River.  I started out on the east side of the river.I first came to Veterans Memorial Park and made a respectful jog through, slowing to take note of the memorials that are well put together.  After a few minutes, I headed back to the river and towards the Keeper of the Plains landmark…VERY cool.The “Keeper” stands high and at the point where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River join together.  I crossed over the “Little” on a pedestrian bridge to where the Keeper was ready to greet me, sorta.  I entered his domain to the sounds of Native American drums and chants, literally.  It was a circle complete with information on Native history and had background music for affect…yep, very cool.  I planned to come back, when I had more time.

Read more, including Chris' itinerary and the charities he's supporting on his two-week trek, at his blog,

I first came to Veterans Memorial Park and made a respectful jog through, slowing to take note of the memorials that are well put together.  After a few minutes, I headed back to the river and towards the Keeper of the Plains landmark…VERY cool.

The “Keeper” stands high and at the point where the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River join together.  I crossed over the “Little” on a pedestrian bridge to where the Keeper was ready to greet me, sorta.  I entered his domain to the sounds of Native American drums and chants, literally.  It was a circle complete with information on Native history and had background music for affect…yep, very cool.  I planned to come back, when I had more time.

"America on a Runner's High ... Trails West."