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Click here to read some quick facts about Paul!    

In 1986, at 21 years of age, Paul Staso (pronounced 'stay-so') was a long-distance runner challenging the world record for the 46-day run across America from San Francisco, California to New York, NY. The planned run would require him to average 68 miles per day for 1½ months. He trained in Juneau, Alaska and Missoula, Montana for "Trans-America '86" and was supported by such companies as Timex; Gatorade; New Balance; Duracell; Spenco; and, Oakley.

Now let's roll back the calendar to six years earlier. At the age of 15 (in 1980) Paul was inspired by the determined efforts of cancer patient Terry Fox to attempt a run across Canada on an artificial leg to raise money for cancer research. Five years later he would find himself planning and training for a U.S. crossing aimed at a new world record and for raising awareness of the hunger and poverty relief work of World Vision International. Unfortunately, his 69-mile-per-day record attempt was stopped a mere 36 miles into the trek by a ligament injury while coming off of a sidewalk drainage curb (after 3,000 injury-free training miles). The temporary injury hindered his ability to sustain the record pace, and therefore the difficult decision was made to abandon the attempt.

The heartbreaking injury of 1986 was repaired through rigorous physical therapy and Paul resumed his running lifestyle. However, as the years ticked by other obligations took priority - such as college, marriage, children, careers, and more. However, on September 7, 2005 Paul started running right along with the 4th and 5th grade students at Russell Elementary School in Missoula, Montana. Their goal: to virtually run/walk 3,200 miles across the United States during the 2005-2006 school year. His goal: to actually run the students' route across America during the summer of 2006... solo and unsupported. Paul achieved his goal on October 20, 2006, and fulfilled a lifetime dream.

Paul's running career began in the 5th grade when his teacher, Mr. Cummings, encouraged him in his running. Mr. Cummings spotted Paul's ability and told him "You're a runner!" It was the first title that Paul had ever been given by a teacher, and Paul ran with the encouragement - literally. He continued to run on school track and cross country teams in Alaska each year from 5th grade into college - setting regional records along the way. He transferred to the University of Montana in January 1984 where he began to explore his endurance limits away from running teams and races. To see some running pictures of Paul from years gone by, click here.

His lifetime personal bests in both sprints and distance running include:

100 meters (10.9 seconds); 200 meters (22.9 seconds); 400 meters (53.6 seconds); 110 meter high hurdles (15.4 seconds); 300 meter hurdles (41.8 seconds); 1 mile (4:50); 3 miles (15:52); 10K [6.2 miles] (36:10); 7.6 miles (52:05); 1/2 Marathon [13 miles] (1:28:00); Marathon [26.2 miles] (3:35:00); 40 miles (7:44:00); 70 miles (15:18:00).

In years past, Paul has run to promote various charitable organizations, such as: American Cancer Society, World Vision International, as well as the National Marrow Donor Program (with which he is a member). He has coached state high school track and field distance running and hurdling champions in Montana, nominated in 1991 for Montana High School Track Coach of the Year, and was selected as an Olympic Torchbearer for the 2002 Olympics. Paul considers this run across America as his most special and meaningful running achievement.

What does Paul do when he's not running or promoting youth fitness? He owns and operates a small business which provides web site development and Internet marketing services (OnTrack Designs), which maintains this web site. He has worked in web site development for the past 10 years and specializes in web design and search engine optimization. His previous professional experience includes being an Elementary Teacher for a private school and a Senior Paralegal for the Office of Hearings and Appeals - U.S. Department of the Interior. Paul holds two B.A. degrees from the University of Montana and has received professional training through Microsoft's TechNet Program and Developer's Network. His web site designs have earned him several awards, including: the Golden Web Award from the International Association of Webmasters and Designers; the Gold Web Award from the American Association of Webmasters; and, the Design Firms Award for web site creativity and design; programming and compatibility; and, ease of use and effectiveness. His clientele represent numerous industries.

Get To Know Paul Better

Full Name: Paul James Staso (pronounced 'stay-so')
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Born: April 4, 1965 in Syracuse, New York.
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Age During 2006 Trek: 41
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Height: 5' 10"
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Weight: 150
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Waist: 31"
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Calves: 14½"
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Quadriceps: 20½"
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Chest: 39½"
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Biceps: 12½"
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Neck: 14½"
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Shoe Size: 10
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Resting Heart Rate: 50 bpm
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Began Running: Age 11 (5th Grade)
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Grew Up In: Primarily Anchorage and Juneau, Alaska.
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Current Residence: Missoula, Montana - since 1984.
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Siblings: 2 Brothers, 4 Sisters.
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High School: Graduated in Juneau, Alaska (1983)
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College: 2 B.A. Degrees From The University of Montana in Missoula.
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Current Occupation: Web Developer & Internet Marketing Specialist (OnTrack Designs).
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Previous Occupations: 5th Grade Teacher; Paralegal.
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Marital Status: Married to Vicki since August 1, 1987.
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Children: Jenna (14); Ashlin (13); Kyler (9); and, Brian (8).
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Faith: Christian. Has attended the Missoula Christian & Missionary Alliance Church for 20 years.
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Favorite Running Shoe: Asics GT-2100
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Past Sponsorships: Timex; Gatorade; New Balance; Duracell; Oakley; Spenco; Bob Trailers; Spirit Wireless.
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Favorite Non-Competitive Running Experience: Being an Olympic Torchbearer for the 2002 Olympics.
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Favorite Road Race Experience: Bloomsday 1991 with high school athletes I coached, and 60,000 entrants!
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Favorite 1-mile Fun Run: 2006 Riverbank Run in Missoula, MT with two sons (Kyler, age 8, and Brian, age 6).
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Favorite Track Experience: Winning the 1983 Alaska Region 5 Finals of the 110M High Hurdles in record time.
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Favorite Road Relay Experience: Ski-to-Sea Relay in Juneau, Alaska.
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Most Demanding Mountain Relay: Hatcher Pass Relay, Alaska.
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Most Fun Team Relay: Relay For Life 1996, Missoula, Montana.
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Most Memorable Junior High Race: 220 Yard Dash at the 1979 ARCO/Jesse Owens Games in Anchorage,
   Alaska. Jesse Owens watched the race from the sidelines. Mr. Owens passed away one year later.
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Greatest Running Achievement: 3,260-Mile Solo Run Across America (June 23 - October 20, 2006).
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Best Coaching Experience: Coaching long-distance runners at a private high school in Montana (1988-1992).
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Favorite Junk Food: M&Ms (both regular and peanut!)
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Preferred Vitamin Supplement: UltraPaks from Road Runner Sports.
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Preferred Sports Drink: Gatorade.
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Favorite Running Movies: The Terry Fox Story; The Jesse Owens Story; Without Limits; A Shining Season;
   Running Brave; Chariots of Fire; and, Finish Line.
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Most Inspirational Runners: Eric Liddell; Terry Fox; Andy Payne; Jesse Owens; Billy Mills; Bill Rodgers; Joan
   Benoit Samuelson; Steve Prefontaine; Roger Bannister; and Paul Reese.
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Most Drastic Weather Change: 22 mile training run that began with sunny skies and ended in a blizzard.
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Coldest Temperature Run In: 25 below zero in Montana (without wind chill) and 40 below with wind.
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Hottest Temperature Run In: 112 degrees in Arizona.
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Lifelong Running Goal: Enjoy it... Improve it... Share it... Balance it... Remember it.
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