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JOURNAL FOR WEEK ONE
June 23
through June 29, 2006
Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108
Running Days
  FRIDAY,
JUNE 23: 22
MILES (Sunny, 84 Degrees)
[Total Mileage to Date:
22]
 Stopping
Location: Near Elsie, Oregon
(click
here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping
Elevation:
443 Feet
Click
Here To View A 40-Second Slideshow Of The Start
(Windows Media File - 1MB)
 DAY 1: What a wonderful first day of
this trek. Following a couple of nice days with my family on the coast, we
began the day by going out to Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon at
8:30 a.m. where I had an interview with a reporter from the Cannon Beach
Gazette. During the interview an old high school friend appeared, Joe
Lochner. It was such a nice surprise. Others soon arrived, such as the
Sontag family and the Robertson family of my hometown, Missoula. Also, Rob Remler
(a friend of 25 years) was at the start
and he will be the one posting the updates to this web site for me from
his home in Portland, Oregon. My wife and children have been very
supportive of this endeavor and it was great to share the start with them.
My parents were unable to attend, but I talked to them via cell phone
shortly after beginning the trek - which started at 9:30 a.m. After taking
several photos, I was presented with some laminated signs that were well
wishes from the Russell Elementary 4th and 5th grade students who
successfully completed the Run/Walk Across America curriculum (www.seeusrun.com).
I was touched by their nice words and truly felt as though they were there
cheering me on.
The weather was perfect, with sunny blue skies and only a
slight breeze. I gathered some sand and water in a small jar from the
Pacific Ocean as a keepsake and then said a few words to those who had
come to the start. After hugs and handshakes, it was time. I began the run
with my four children running alongside me down the beach a ways to where
the beach access ramp was. After getting the stroller ("Bob" -
short for "Beast of Burden") out of the
sand, I had to empty the sand from my shoes before beginning. Then I took
off down highway 101, waving goodbye to my family. It was definitely a day
of varying elevations. The road seemed to either be going up or down, with
very little flat ground. Getting up the coastal mountain range was like
an initiation into this trek. It was a rather steep grade to climb, all
while pushing a 65-pound jogging stroller (nearly 1/2 my body weight). I stopped
for lunch at mile 11, taking a 1/2 hour to enjoy some shade. I then
continued on the narrow
coastal road where there was often either a very
narrow shoulder to run on, or no shoulder at all. After running 22 miles,
I stopped at the Camp 18 Restaurant, where Rob Remler had parked a
motor home - my resting place for the evening provided by Kevin and Janet
Jones. A shower and nice dinner
followed. It was a challenging first day
 with plenty of traffic heading to
the coast for the weekend (I run facing traffic). All in all, it was good
and this journey is now underway. Thanks for checking in! Time to do some
stretching... something "Bob" doesn't have to do! More will be posted
tomorrow.
Guestbook
Entries For Today:
Well Paul you now have your first day under your belt. Your Mother and I
are very proud of you and wish we could be there with you. You do know
that we will be following your progress on a daily basis and have no
doubt that you will end this adventure in Delaware. Take care of
yourself and stay safe. - Love, Dad (Tolsona,
Alaska)
Well, you're off! We are praying for you and cheering you on. God speed,
Paul. - The Worrest Family (Missoula, Montana)
Good luck I will be following your progress daily. I too plan on a solo
when I retire 4 years this coming February from VB to VB (Venice Beach,
CA to Virginia Beach, VA) following the length of US 60. Smooth sailing
and enjoy it! - John Price (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
From one transcontinental runner to another - best of luck on your cross
country journey. You'll see America like few others have. Savor every
minute on the road, interact with as many people as you can, take a lot
of photographs, and never get discouraged when adversity strikes -
because it will! - John Wallace, III (Seattle,
Washington)
Good luck Paul. I will be following your daily adventures from across
the Atlantic. I have been very impressed with your preparations and
attention to detail and know you will do it. May the wind be at your
back. May you meet lots of nice people and return safely to your family.
- Tony Mangan (Dublin, Ireland)
Paul and Family: Thanks for a great school year at Russell educating
students about physical fitness. The enthusiasm the run across America
created was tremendous. We want to wish you luck, enjoyment and 100%
support. - The Henthorn Family (Missoula, Montana)
Click Here For This Week's Photos!
SATURDAY,
JUNE 24: 25
MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees)
[Total Mileage to Date:
47]
Stopping
Location: Near Buxton, Oregon
(click
here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping
Elevation:
331 Feet
 DAY 2: I started at 8:00 a.m., thinking that
it would be an easier day than yesterday, but it turned out I had to go
over the coastal summit. And today was much like yesterday, with lots
of gains in elevation. There was very little flat ground. Half way
through the day, my illiotibial band near my left knee got tight, and
required icing for 10 minutes. I put a compression strap on it, and
continued on. Within 2 miles it felt fine. It was irritated because of
the elevations and the weight of the stroller, which I am adjusting to. I am now 47 miles into the
run, and enjoying a nice evening in the shade of the forest on Highway
26. Once again I'll sleep in the motor home Rob Remler drove out
from Portland for
these first couple of days. There was very little shade today, and the temperatures were
around 90. I saw a Dairy Queen sign that said "38 minutes ahead".
Since I wasn't in a car I had to do some calculating. I figured out that
I should reach the DQ in about 450 minutes (or 7½
hours)! The first pictures will be posted Sunday night. Thanks for reading!
Guestbook
Entries For Today:
Hi Paul, I must tell you how very proud I am of you for keeping your
promise to the kids of Russell Elementary. If you inspire just one child
to pursue his dream - it will be a job well done. May angels surround
you as you make your trek across America. God speed and God bless.
- Love Always, Mom (Tolsona, Alaska)
Hi Paul - Just looked up your website following posting on ultrarunners
listserve. What a phenomenal goal and how beautiful that you are keeping
your word. I just wish you would finish along the MA. coastline so you
could stay with my family. Have been following the Western States webcast all day, but what you are doing is truly remarkable and
inspiring. - Yours in stride, Mark (Wolpole, Massachusetts)
Good Luck and God Speed Paul!! I'll be visiting your site often to check
up on your progress. Have a safe journey. - Love,
Amy (Anchorage, Alaska)
Click Here For This Week's Photos!
SUNDAY,
JUNE 25: 25
MILES (Sunny, 103 Degrees)
[Total Mileage to Date:
72]
Stopping
Location: Near Aloha, Oregon
(click
here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping
Elevation:
213 Feet
 DAY 3: Today was a learning day... so
to say. I began the day at 7:15 a.m. and regret starting so late. The
temperature soared unseasonably high. It was 103 degrees, based on reports
and the thermometer signs at businesses. My GPS showed a high
temp on the pavement of 118 degrees. I put in 25 miles today, bringing my
3 day total to 72 miles. "Bob" (the stroller) was certainly a challenge in
the extremely high temperatures. Some towns that I traveled through had no
shoulder on the edge of the road, and no bicycle lane. Therefore, Bob and
I had to go up and down numerous old sidewalks that had no access ramps. Lifting 65 pounds of Bob up and down through towns certainly
can be tough on the shoulders. The day started out in the mountains and
ended just north of Hillsboro, Oregon. I should have ended the day 4 miles
further down the road at Aloha, but there were several factors that
prevented that from happening. Of course, the searing heat did not help
things and in a few places there was no shoulder on the highway and I had
to go "three-wheeling" with Bob in the ditch just to avoid on-coming
traffic. That resulted in a few scrapes on the legs, but nothing serious.
 I did, however, make a costly mistake in navigation today which resulted
in a 4-mile detour. Essentially, I went in a wrong direction for two miles
and then realized my mistake. I had to turn around and the four miles is
ultimately what I was short of in reaching Aloha... my intended stopping
point. So, tomorrow morning (in about 7 hours) I will take off from where
I stopped today and try to add those 4 miles to my scheduled day so that I can
end in Fisher, Washington. Either way, I should complete tomorrow in the
state of Washington with 100+ miles behind me. Regarding today's heat
wave, I stopped at the 15 mile mark to relax in a Dairy Queen and then
proceeded on. As the afternoon unfolded I stopped under a shade tree at an
elementary school to bring down my body temperature. After an hour break I
took off again. However, I had to call it a day when the 103 degree temps
did not subside.
Running without common sense is never good, and I'm not
going to begin now. So, I'm about 4 miles off pace and will aim to make
that up in the next couple of days. My body is responding pretty well and
with respect to any problems I can't say that I have any. A couple of
blisters, a little chaffing, a few scratches, and a bit of a sunburn in
areas where I didn't quite reach with the sun block. My left illiotibial
band is doing pretty well, although today it tightened slightly at the 12
mile mark. A little icing and it was taken care of. There's no way to do an
endeavor like this without a few issues to deal with, and so far I am
doing just fine. The body is truly quite remarkable and can respond in an
incredible fashion... if the mind will allow it. Today was definitely a
"mental" run in many respects. Thanks for checking in and to those who
have signed the guestbook I appreciate your kind words of support. It's
getting late and we'll try to post pictures either tonight or tomorrow. I
know that many are anxious to see photos, and they are coming! I've been
taking some as I run, and my friend Rob has also taken some on his
camera. So, please stay tuned! Thanks again and I'll talk to you down the
road.
Guestbook
Entries For Today:
Paul, I wish you good health and a speedy and safe journey. I must
apologize for not getting in touch to wish you well prior to departure. - Wayne Baker
(New Jersey)
Hi Paul. You have family near Annapolis, Md., and we've been following
this race. Jeanne told me about your race and I've read every website so
far. How proud everyone is! We need more people like you to set an
example for today's children. And how about that terrific job all the
4th and 5th graders did! We're cheering for you Paul, and we hope
to greet you in Annapolis in Sept. - Nancy Ozier
(Baltimore, Maryland)
Paul - Thanks so much for letting us be a part of your takeoff! Good
Luck!!!!!!! - The Robertson Family (Missoula,
Montana)
Hi Paul. I just learned of your run today in our local newspaper. You
are truly an inspiration - to kids and adults everywhere! Be sure to
enjoy beautiful northern Idaho when you pass through it. Good luck on
your journey! - Sharon Ullman (Boise, Idaho)
It was so great for our family to be with you, Vicki and your kids at
Haystack Rock for the start of this amazing journey. Thank you for
letting us be a part of this awesome project. Our cheers of
encouragement are with you each morning when you start, we think of you
many times during the day, and we cheer at the end of each day! We look
forward to seeing you in July! Be safe! - The
Sontag Family (Missoula, Montana)
Click Here For This Week's Photos!
MONDAY,
JUNE 26: 22
MILES (Sunny, 102 Degrees)
[Total Mileage to Date:
94]
Stopping
Location: Portland, Oregon
(click
here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping
Elevation:
203 Feet
DAY 4: Let me start this entry by
saying that it has been reported in the local news that yesterday and
today have been the hottest days ever recorded in Portland, Oregon during
the month of June. The
radio was reporting 102 degrees at 1:00 p.m., but I passed temperature
boards showing as hot as 106 degrees... and my GPS reported 120 degrees on
the pavement. In the past 32 hours (less than 1½ days) I have run 47 miles
in temperatures ranging from 80 (at 8:00 a.m.) to 103 degrees pushing 65
pounds of weight - a stroller that weighs 20 pounds when empty; my gear
weighing about 25 pounds; and, 2½ gallons of liquid weighing 20 pounds. In the
past 32 hours I have crossed a major mountain pass and have done
considerable climbing of various steep city streets, much of the city route requiring
me to be on sidewalks due to the lack of a shoulder or bicycle lane.
You have to keep in mind that I cannot run on the Interstate system, by
law.
 Since leaving Cannon Beach, Oregon last Friday morning I have logged
94 miles. Since reaching the initial cities of Hillsboro, Aloha,
Beaverton and Portland the pace has been slower than I prefer due to
traffic lights, cars, hauling "Bob" up and down sidewalks and much more -
the heat being the most significant factor. Today I got started at around
7:00 a.m. after my host, Rob Remler, dropped me back to the
point that I left off yesterday. Essentially, after running 22 miles in
100+ temperatures and the pocket of vehicle fumes trapped by the layer of
heat, my core body temperature was reaching a dangerous height. Although I
was drinking frequently (both water and Gatorade), I could not replenish
quick enough and got to the point where my body stopped producing sweat on
my arms and no salt was being expelled from my skin. The difference with
running while pushing 65 pounds up various terrains is that your entire
body is constantly working... the legs to run and the upper body to
control the stroller. My body is expelling a lot of energy in very high
temperatures. These were conditions that I could not simulate in training
and you really don't know how your body is going to respond until you're
actually in the situation. Based on my body's performance over the past
couple of 100+ degree days, I can say that it appears my body can
handle up to 25 miles per day while pushing "Bob" in 100+ heat. If I go
beyond that, my core temperature soars to a dangerous point and my muscles
are so depleted that replenishing them in a 12-hour period before I have
to start another day of running is difficult.
I ended today 7 miles from
the Washington border (which I wanted to cross today), and made that decision based on all of the factors
in front of me. Sometimes you need to just make a common sense call, and I
believe I made the right one. The forecast for tomorrow is "slightly
cooler". I should cross into Washington by 8:00 a.m. and then proceed on
highway 14 east. How far will I get tomorrow? At this point, that is
uncertain. Based on my acquired experience over the past 4 days of pushing
a weighted jogging stroller nearly 100 miles in oppressive heat, I can say
that I need to re-evaluate my pacing schedule for this trek. I will be
doing that over the next couple of days. The way that I look at it, it is
a lot like a coach in "the big game". Even though you prepare for the game
and are aware of what the competition can do, sometimes there are
unexpected plays or tactics that cause the coach to make adjustments. I am
now faced with making adjustments based on what I'm experiencing on the
road. I feel good and my body is responding well.
If there are students
reading this you should know that sometimes when you take on a challenge
you have to modify the game plan in order to increase the likelihood of
success. I am re-evaluating my pacing schedule and taking into account the
heat (and potential heat down the road) and the weight I am wrestling with
each day. When I start the day "Bob" does not seem to weigh very much.
However, after pushing him up mountain passes or up and down sidewalk
curbs all day, his weight seems much heavier by mid-day. That is just the
nature of doing a solo trek across America. It is a full-body workout and
requires a certain amount of mental strength - but not at the cost of
common sense and practicality. I know that this is a long entry, and it
certainly won't be the norm for this journal. However, I wanted you to be
aware of what is unfolding and what my thinking is at this time.
There is
NO thought of abandoning this trek. I simply need to do some careful
evaluation based on my actual experience over the past four days. Tomorrow
morning I will be back on the road, after a night of icing my legs (which
is very good to do) and ingesting electrolytes steadily for the next few
hours. Again, I am fine... just a bit depleted. I'm not discouraged, but
am actually encouraged at how well I have persevered with Bob through
these record high temperatures. I must extend my sincere gratitude to my
friend, Rob Remler, of Portland who has assisted me so much with the
routing through Portland. He is a true friend and I appreciate his
support. I am at his home tonight and likely will be tomorrow night as
well because he is willing to drive across the Columbia River and pick me
up to stay at his home tomorrow evening. I know that I won't make it to
Stevenson, Washington as scheduled. Again, adjustments need to be made.
Thanks for checking in and I truly appreciate the supportive thoughts and
prayers of those who are keeping track of my progress. Your words are fuel
that help keep me moving forward! For those of you who have written asking
where in the world the pictures are, they are coming. We should be able to
post some this evening. Thanks for your patience. We've been a bit busy.
As soon as I'm out of Rob's hair, he'll be able to post pictures more
regularly (he's the one who is maintaining this web site). Thanks
everyone... and I'll post again tomorrow.
Guestbook
Entries For Today:
Paul - Great job!! Keep up the awesome effort. I am following your
progress from Maui and will continue to do so when I get home to Idaho.
You are an inspiration to many people. - Jonathan
Wright (Kuna, Idaho)
Hi Paul - Just checking in to see how your trip is so far! We're getting
ready to see you on Sunday evening. Good luck running and we'll see you
soon! - Marlene Lacher (Lowden, Washington)
Straight Ahead. I appreciate your dedication to the children and the
sport. You are an inspiration. - Jason Ridgway
(Boise, Idaho)
Hey Paul, it was great getting to talk to you for a few min before you
took off, even if it was by accident! Congratulations and we'll be
cheering you as you hit Missoula and upon your return!
- Leslie (Missoula, Montana)
Hey Dad! Great Job so far on your run!! I cant believe that you are
almost out of Oregon already!!!! I cant wait to see you in Minnesota at
Bart and Wendy's wedding!! Know that I will be praying for you and
thinking about you! I LOVE U!!!! - Ashlin
(Missoula, Montana)
Click Here For This Week's Photos!
TUESDAY,
JUNE 27: 27
MILES (Sunny, 88 Degrees)
[Total Mileage to Date:
121]
Stopping
Location: Mount Pleasant, Washington
(click
here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping
Elevation:
115 Feet
 DAY 5: I love running! What an amazing
opportunity this is. Even though the heat has been bearing down on me and
slowly transforming my skin color to match my shadow, I am truly excited
to roll out of bed each morning and continue this journey. Perhaps that is
easy to say at the end of day 5 and only 121 miles down the road, but that
is what my mind and heart are saying. Today was a good day. I checked the
1st of 15 states off of my list... Oregon. I crossed into Washington state
this morning and proceeded to run to Mount Pleasant, Washington where I
ended the 88-degree day after 27 miles with "Bob" - my 65 pound stroller
buddy. I have been looking forward to getting to Highway 14 on the
Washington side of the Columbia River and today I reached that highway at
around 3:30 p.m. I will now be on that highway for the length of my
journey along the Columbia River.
On the way I had to cross over the
bridge that spans the Columbia (at Interstate 205), where there is a
sidewalk that runs directly down the middle of the north and south bound
lanes for about 2 miles. I was flanked by 8 lanes of interstate traffic
and to say it was loud (and windy) would be an understatement. After
crossing the bridge and entering Washington state I ran through some towns
such as Camas and Washougal. They're nice towns, but didn't offer much in
the way of shoulder room on the road. I was committed to old sidewalks
which slowed my pace a bit. The last 3 to 4 miles of the day were climbing
up a mountain pass that stretches up to Mount Pleasant, where I stopped
for the day. My friend from Portland (Rob) picked me up and I am now at
his home for the evening... my last evening with him. My plan for tomorrow
is to run 20 miles to Stevenson, Washington where I will stay in a
pre-arranged hotel. That will place me exactly one day behind schedule.
 With respect to the "schedule", I explained in
my last journal entry that the two consecutive days of 100+ degree heat in
the Beaverton/Portland area slowed my pace and got me a bit behind
schedule. Rather than push unnecessarily to try and "make up" time, I'm
going to simply chalk that up to uncontrollable circumstances and make the
necessary adjustments. I will log 20 miles tomorrow and get into Stevenson
at a decent hour, where I will go through my nightly process of repairing
and preparing my body for another day on the road. I'm taking it a day at
a time, letting the conditions and my common sense guide the schedule.
I've had a few people inquire as to if I am
running the entire time that I'm on the road each day. I am not. I
alternate walking and running as needed, based on the terrain, heat,
traffic, body response, and more. This is the kind of trek that requires
consistent self-monitoring, and I believe that I'm doing pretty well at
reading my bodies deficiencies and efficiencies while pushing a 65-pound
companion across the country. Running while pushing a loaded jogging
stroller is certainly different than just carrying your own weight
forward. It often requires exertion of the entire body, and at the end of
logging a marathon (+) each day the body knows that it has been through a
workout. The heat factor is simply one more element to juggle in the mix.
Today I met some wonderful people during my
breaks and was truly encouraged to read the guestbook entries
that were recently posted. Thank you to all who took the time to send a
positive thought! Again, this is an awesome journey and although I am
pleased to be 121 miles from the ocean after 5 days and record-breaking
regional temperatures, I am looking forward to what experiences await me
down the road. To the Russell Elementary students who put me into this
journey by their incredible effort this past school year (seeusrun.com),
I want to say thank you for doing your very best and succeeding. I'm
aiming to do the same! Be sure to check out some pictures we added to the
photo gallery. Time to soak in a tub, eat, stretch, ice and sleep... the nightly
routine. More thoughts tomorrow... from down the road.
Guestbook
Entries For Today:
Thanks to this program our daughter Madison has found a love of running.
(Madison was in the 4th grade). We understand the HEAT must be very
difficult, but keep in mind YOU are a true HERO to many kids.
- The Thomas Family (Missoula, Montana)
It appears that you have had a great start. Please be safe, take care of
yourself, and if you need to take extra time please do it. We look
forward to seeing you in Missoula when you go through. Thank your for
all you and Vicki have done for Russell School.
- Irene Hiller (Missoula, Montana)
You're on your way!! We wish we could have been there to send you off,
but we were with you in spirit, and we sent a shout out from Missoula
for you as you started!!! You are thought of often throughout the day
with many well wishes and prayers sent out to you. You are an amazing
individual and it has been an honor to be a part of this. Thanks for
showing the kids how to keep a promise and that hard work can and will
pay off! STAY SAFE!!! See you in July! - The
Rossmiller Family (Missoula, Montana)
Way to go, Paul! We can relate to the heat but cannot imagine running in
it day after day. Praying for cooler weather as you and Bob trek across
Washington. Hope to see you in July! - The McCalla
Family (Phoenix, Arizona)
Paul, you are doing an amazing job and have a great attitude. We will
pray for a little cooler weather!! Good luck, and I look forward to
reading your journal daily. - Debbie Jones
(Missoula, Montana)
I get the feeling that you're trying to run the whole trip. At least in
the hot, why not walk a bit - it'll increase the travel time of the day
but put much less load on your body. - Wayne Baker
(New Jersey)
We would've thrown taffy out the window on Hwy 26, but didn't want you
to trip. Hoping the sun isn't baking you to the pavement - your steps
each day are truly an inspiration for our whole family. THANK YOU!
- Martha Robertson (Missoula, Montana)
Hi Paul - I had been hoping that you guys taking off far to the north
would be spared the brutal heat that I encountered in Southern
California, but it looks like you're getting hit pretty hard, too. But
it also looks like your spirits are high and that you're enjoying
yourself, so I hope that very soon you get a few days in the 70's with
nice cool breezes. Take good care, and keep on keeping on!
- Tom Walsh (New Hampshire)
Paul - Thank you so much for the awesome updates. Please take care and
know that we are checking your progress daily and thinking of you! All
our Love and Best Wishes! - Wendy & John (Tolsona,
Alaska)
I learned about your adventure from my friend Karen Huckins, in Miles
City, Montana. I look forward to reading about your adventures. Thank you for
sharing. - Loretta Craford (Salem, Oregon)
Click Here For This Week's Photos!
WEDNESDAY,
JUNE 28: 21
MILES (Sunny, 88 Degrees)
[Total Mileage to Date:
142]
Stopping
Location: Stevenson, Washington
(click
here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping
Elevation:
207 Feet
 DAY 6: Got on the road this morning at
8:00 and ran one mile uphill to finish the mountain pass I was nearly done
with at the end of yesterday's trek. I then
enjoyed a cool 5 miles along the hazy Columbia River Gorge. I then had to
climb again and encountered a stretch of road that had no shoulder and no
ditch, but an incredible view. "Bob's" left back wheel got a little
scraped up as I was pinned against guard rails and concrete barriers for
several miles. I had one very close encounter with an oncoming
logging truck and an 18 wheeler which met right off my shoulder. The
logging truck came literally within a foot of "Bob" while
traveling about 50 miles per hour and I had nowhere to go.
After getting through that section the road developed a severe slant
(crown) on the shoulder. I had to run on that for many miles which
aggravated the muscles of my right hip and the top of my right foot.
As the day went on the temperatures climbed up to a high of 88 degrees.
I reached my final destination (Stevenson, Washington) by afternoon. It
was a
21 mile day. I am now 142 miles into the run after 6 days.
Tonight I am staying at the EconoLodge and will take off at 7:30 tomorrow
morning. Tomorrow will be a 31 mile day to Lyle, Washington where
I'll stay with a family. After taking time to think about
the schedule I've decided to change the pace of the trek to be
approximately 30 miles a day average (slightly less than the 35 miles per
day I had planned). After pushing "Bob" for 6
days and becoming more familiar with the energy requirement of this
journey I think this is a wise decision. My aim is to keep my
promise to the kids and finish in Delaware as they did. Those who
have offered lodging are being very accommodating and I appreciate their
support. Tomorrow will be a difficult day in that I have several
tunnels to run through. Some are long with no shoulder and local
police may be escorting me through. They are aware of when I will
be at the tunnels and would ensure my safety. I am continuing to ice
certain muscles and joints that are still adjusting to the demands of
pushing "Bob" through various conditions and terrain. All
is going well.
"Bob" is doing great and has had no flats or other problems. As
always, thanks for your support and prayers. Until next time...
Gotta run.
Guestbook
Entries For Today:
"My goodness Paul, you're off!! WOW! What a beginning with the high
temps. I know you'll be ok with the 20 lbs of fluids you're pushing. I
didnt' know that you'd be running pushing "Bob" We'll be praying for
you. - In Joy, Patti Catalano Dillon (New London,
Connecticut)
Paul! Hi! Wow! Not sure if you all remember me, but I'm Melanie, Mindy's
roommate from UM. Another former Missoulian told me about this and I
remembered hearing about your first training long ago from Mindy. This
is such a neat cause and I admire your determination. Wish I would have
known about this sooner I would have driven north to Cannon Beach for
your send off. Wishing you well! Take great care. Thank goodness the
heat has broken in Oregon eh? Hello to the family.
- Melanie Jones (Eugene, Oregon)
Wish we could have seen you off, can't wait to see you in Missoula. I'll
join you for the rest of the journey if I can ride in "Bob". Take care.
- Scott Bixler (Missoula, Montana)
You are an inspiration! I look forward to your updates , Take care & God
Bless. (Run Paul Run!). I have always wanted to say that. We runners are
a little weird that way. - Spazdogrunner (Sonora,
California)
Great job so far Dad in the trek!!! I wish you were here with us but we
know that you would rather be running then cleaning!!! I miss you a lot
and can't wait to see you in Minnesota!! Don't push yourself too hard!!
Love you! Remember that each step that you take brings you closer
and closer to the finish line!! - Jenna (Missoula,
Montana)
Continue your safe journey! It is so much fun to keep up with you, so to
speak! My parents are looking forward to seeing you in IL! Thinking of
you! Tell Ash she should be thinking of her book!
- Joan Kuchel (Missoula, Montana)
So sorry about the heat Paul! Sounds like you are being smart and
persevering, as we knew you would. You're in our thoughts and prayers
daily. Keep up the good spirits, they will carry you across the
country!! - Linda Brown (Canby, Oregon)
Hi Paul, You've faced the challenges from the beginning with
determination and grace. We can tell you're in it for the long haul by
the sensible decisions you're making. Keep up the good work and know
what an incredible example you are to everyone watching. Your family and
the Russell kids will KNOW they can do anything if they put in the time
and effort by seeing you complete this journey. Keep it up! Praying for
you. - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)
We have been watching your progress and the kids are so impressed. Emily
says she might make it three miles in this heat. We have been praying
for your body to remain strong and injury free. We will pray for cooler
weather and keep checking in. Way to go!!! - The
Joy Family (Missoula, Montana)
Hi Neighbor - It's so nice to be able to keep track of your progress.
I've been thinking about you every day and praying for the hot weather
to give you a break. Take care of yourself! Give my best to Bob and I
look forward to seeing you in July. - Kathy Noble
(Missoula, Montana)
Click Here For This Week's Photos!
THURSDAY,
JUNE 29: 31
MILES (Sunny, 87 Degrees)
[Total Mileage to Date:
173]
Stopping
Location: Lyle, Washington
(click
here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping
Elevation:
335 Feet
 DAY 7: Today I ran 31 miles from
Stevenson to Lyle, Washington. This brings my first week's total to
173 miles. During today's route I encountered two constructions
zones and five tunnels. One construction zone was actually a
blasting operation and they allowed me to run through without any
vehicles. I was scheduled to have a police escort through the
narrow, dangerous tunnels. However, the Washington State Police did not
arrive as planned. We called the State Trooper Office and was told
that they had no cars in my area. I was left to run through the
tunnels on my own. This required considerable sprinting and prayer
(the tunnels had no shoulder and traffic was moving at 50+ mile per hour).
In short, it was one of the most dangerous parts so far. Today's
temperatures climbed up to 87 degrees with slight overcast but clearing in
the afternoon. Tonight I am at the Huffman residence in Lyle,
Washington. They have been wonderful and I appreciate their support. Tomorrow I will begin the day running the longest, and last, tunnel
and arrangements have been made to have an escort through the tunnel by
some local supporters. The plan for tomorrow is 28 miles. The forecast is looking like it
will be the same. I feel that today was a good day in spite of the
dangerous tunnels. I'm going to continue to wear the support strap
on my left knee for a little longer while it strengthens up a bit from
the strain of the coastal range. More news down the road...
Guestbook
Entries For Today:
"Paul - YOU ROCK! I have never met you and just read the article in
the Cannon Beach Gazette. We will be sending warm, kind, caring thoughts
and prayers your way daily. You are an inspiration to several
generations, not just the kids at Russell Elementary.
- Tom Russell (Warrenton, Oregon)
Hi. We're the ones who saw you east of Stevenson today. Well actually,
Mom saw you twice. Our prayers for your safety and good luck are with
you. It's great to see a guy who keeps his promises to kids. Keep up the
good work. This is from Jessi. If we had someone make a promise like
that when I was in Elementary School, maybe we would have gotten farther
on our virtual run. Good idea. - Jessi Beebe and
Mom (Carson, Washington)
As crazy as it may sound, reading your journals makes me want to do
this. - Joel (W-S, North Carolina)
Click Here For This Week's Photos!
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