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Upon awaking early this morning, I felt it in my bones that I'd be up to something ambitious for the solstice. After all, how often do we get 15 hours of sunlight? I decided to take full advantage of it for once! I started with a big celebratory breakfast, my head swimming with ideas, and then I moved on to what I usually do next in my routine: go for a run. I promised myself today I would go extra far - 10 miles - since I had energy leftover from yesterday. It was lightly raining out, but I wouldn't let that deter me. I put all my trance music on shuffle, mused "Thjalfi, check this out," and just went for it.

I took our national park trails for the scenery and rain cover, and I was passing town after town before I knew it, leaving familiar territory behind under the comfort of tall canopies. The trails were sparse with only the most intrepid of souls as we nodded in respect, allowing for my sole, uninterrupted captivation of the natural splendor. As I drew near my rough checkpoint, I took more notice of the distance signs to the state boundary. Then I started recognizing curious smells and sights I hadn't glimpsed since my childhood. I decided right then that I'd run all the way; to D.C.

Something possessed me, comrades. I can only describe the sensation as attuning to the environment; harmonizing with the elements. For, up to that point and all the way to my destination, I experienced no traces of aches or exhaustion. Through the rain, sights and smells became increasingly gorgeous and fragrant, until I triumphantly and symbolically crossed the state boundary. I snapped a few quick photos, and then turned back. Around a quarter of the way back, my legs began to stiffen. About halfway, I started aching. Three quarters of the way, I was experiencing minor pains and give-out. Then, as I was slogging back, the elements started catching up with me and my extremities became clammy. Yet I made it home, without injury or cold! And I rewarded myself with a sandwich worthy of a champion! After stretching, showering, and icing down, I finally plot my run into Gmaps.

Can you guess how long I ran for?

21.2 miles