JOURNAL FOR WEEK ELEVEN
September 1 through September 7, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1:  28 MILES (Partly Cloudy, 75 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,840]
Stopping Location: Mankato, Minnesota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 830 Feet

DAY 71: Today I ran 28 miles from New Ulm to Mankato, Minnesota. The weather was 75 degrees and partly cloudy, with rain expected over the weekend.  Traffic was very heavy, partly due to travelers heading out for the Labor Day weekend.  As I entered Mankato, the road became very congested, much like an interstate, despite being a state highway; the busiest city since Portland, Oregon.  Tomorrow will be a 31 mile day to Waseca, where I will be staying with a family.  Tonight, I am in a motel. To date, I have done 1,840 miles, and I am over halfway across Minnesota. 

Yesterday, I forgot to mention something in the journal that I wanted to share with you.  As I was running along, a girl on a recumbent bicycle came rolling up behind me and told me that she was hoping she would get to meet me along the way.  As it turns out, she lives in Missoula and read about me in the local newspaper in July.  She was biking from Missoula to Michigan to visit her family.  We walked together for a little over a mile and then we both resumed our journeys.  You never know who you will meet on the road. 

Bob is due to get new tires in Rochester, and he has had the same tires since Helena, Montana.  These tires currently have 1,074 miles of use. Bob is definitely ready for new tires! Life is good, all is well; more tomorrow.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul. Just a short note to let you know how great you are doing. As I mentioned on the phone the further east you get the more congested it is going to get. It will become very confusing working your way through the larger cities. Your pace right now is just about right. It is allowing you to get into the towns at a decent time of day so that you can locate your hotel/motel, have dinner, get some well deserved rest and most importantly take care of your feet and legs. Don't be concerned about the finish date, your body will dictate that to you. Keep up the good work and above all "stay safe". - Dad (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Okay dude... you saw geese flying south yesterday... KICK IT IN THE BUTT and get moving!! You are going to have a hard time running in snow boots and Bob doesn't have studded tires! We really do have lodging in Lewes so you have that to look forward to. The states will start going faster as will the miles. Diana and I should be totally stressed by that point! We'll call ya from the Rolling Stones concert to give you our two weeks notice! GOOD LUCK!! We're thinking of ya... you read between the lines and take that how you wish! - Stacey & Diana (Missoula, Montana)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2:  31 MILES (Rain, 70 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,871]
Stopping Location: Waseca, Minnesota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,152 Feet

DAY 72: It was a day of rain gear.  The heavens opened up and soaked me today.  31 miles today from Mankato to the east side of Waseca.  I can say with confidence that I am the first person to run the full length of the new highway 14 into Waseca.  The new highway has been constructed but is not yet opened to vehicles.  I chose to run on it, and the state police who saw me, didn't stop me.  Wide shoulders, 15 miles without traffic, great stretch to run...tonight I am staying at the residence of Carroll and Grace Galvin.  Tomorrow I will run 26 miles to Claremont, and the forecast calls for rain and temperatures in the 60s. 

Bob didn't have the best day today.  After nearly 2,000 miles, the parking brake cable finally broke.  That is something I will have to repair in the coming days.  It is currently drying out in the Galvin's garage.  At the time of this writing, I have been in Waseca for 6 hours, and it has rained the entire time.  The rain gear is dry and ready for another day.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul - Best wishes for a safe journey. My family really enjoyed your brief stay in Springfield and will continue to view your journal on a daily basis. I had to smile yesterday during my run when I was getting sore and tired. I thought of you and what you are accomplishing on a daily basis... I had to push myself harder and pick up the pace. Our girls won their volleyball match 3-0 Thursday night!!! I know they appreciated your talk. Hope you enjoy the rest of your journey. Best wishes. - Paul Pieschel (Springfield, Minnesota)

  Hi Paul, You are an inspiration! I am a '72 UM J-school grad. I learned about your site via UM MONTANA magazine. Great and fun site. I have spent the last 31 years as a sports physician. I sent your link to my e-mail list as required reading. I would love to talk with you when you have completed your challenge and are rested up. What an inspiration to the kids and the rest of us. - Khelly Webb (Long Beach, California)

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3:  26 MILES (Rain, 68 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,897]
Stopping Location: Claremont, Minnesota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,286 Feet

DAY 73: After a pleasant evening with Carroll and Grace Galvin in Waseca, Minnesota yesterday, I got on the road this morning with Claremont, Minnesota in my sights. After 26 miles, I was there. However, they were 26 very soggy miles. The rains continued today and were very drenching. I had three people stop and offer me coffee, and two people stopped and offered rides. Minnesota is a very kind state and the people have certainly been concerned for my well being! I declined the coffee and ride offers, but it was nice for people to offer.

As I ran today I began to think about the meaning of "Ultra Marathoner".  Essentially, an Ultra Marathoner is one who runs distances more than the standard 26.2 mile marathon distance. I'm averaging 30 miles per day on this run across America, which is certainly more than a marathon a day. However, in my mind an "Ultra Marathoner" is one who regularly runs in races above the marathon distance... typically running 50-mile or 100-mile races. That's not where I'm at in life right now. I don't train for or do those types of races. I'm a full-time husband, father of four, and business owner. My life does not lend itself to training heavily for "ultra" running races. With that said, my trek across America would more appropriately fall into the category of "Journey Runner". A journey runner is one who runs for multiple days, covering large amounts of distance over a continuously changing terrain - and in varying conditions. That more aptly describes what I'm doing. However, there are those who prefer to refer to me as an "Ultramarathon Runner".

David Blaikie is a former journalist, athletics historian and statistician.  He's also the founding member of the Association of Road Racing Statisticians, and is the former president of the Association of Canadian Ultrarunners. I really like his view of ultrarunning and ultra runners. He states:

"... Perhaps the genius of ultrarunning is its supreme lack of utility.  It makes no sense in a world of space ships and supercomputers to run vast distances on foot. There is no money in it and no fame, frequently not even the approval of peers. But as poets, apostles and philosophers have insisted from the dawn of time, there is more to life than logic and common sense. The ultra runners know this instinctively. And they know something else that is lost on the sedentary. They understand, perhaps better than anyone, that the doors to the spirit will swing open with physical effort. In running such long and taxing distances they answer a call from the deepest realms of their being -- a call that asks who they are ..."

That's an interesting perspective of the type of long distance running I am doing on a daily basis across America. I wanted to share that with you so that you would have a better understanding about "ultrarunning" and the titles applied to people like me. Again, I do believe that a "journey runner" is a better way to describe me since I don't go out on weekends and participate in ultra-endurance running races. However, I guess that I can be put into any of the mega-endurance categories for runners (Journey Runners or Ultra Runners or Ultramarathoners) without argument. The bottom line is that I cover a lot of distance each day, and "ultra" is just one way to describe the distance as being very far.

Well, now it's time to get some "ultra" rest. Tonight I am staying at the home of Merl and Anna Mae Norman. They picked me up in Claremont and transported me (and "Bob") to their home just north of Rochester. I appreciate their kindness and support of what I'm doing. They're terrific people!

Tomorrow I will run 30 miles to Rochester, Minnesota - where I'll take a couple of days off the road. I'm looking forward to the events scheduled for Tuesday at the Mayo Clinic. I'll be speaking to some area school children on the Mayo campus; meeting physicians and the mayor; giving a presentation about P.A.C.E. Run 2006; and, hopefully getting to visit some children at the Mayo Clinic who are being treated, as well as children at the Ronald McDonald House. The local media will be covering my visit and I look forward to sharing this trek with others. It's important to me that everyone understand that the 4th and 5th grade students at Russell Elementary put me on the roads this summer due to their dedicated effort last school year to virtually cross the continent within 9 months. I also would like other teachers to learn about our curriculum and perhaps give it a try in their schools.

It's nearing time for a haircut, but that will likely wait until the trek is completed!

Okay, time to call it a day. As always, I appreciate your support of this journey and for your encouragement. If you haven't had a chance to sign the guestbook yet, perhaps now would be a good time. Encouraging words are fuel to my heart and help me to keep moving forward down the road. Gotta run... to bed!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  There were no guestbook entries made today.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4:  30 MILES (Sunny, 77 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,927]
Stopping Location: Rochester, Minnesota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,024 Feet

DAY 74: The sun was shining today and the temperature climbed up to 77 degrees! After two days of running in the rain, I was able to dry out. I enjoyed a 30-mile run today from Claremont, Minnesota to the city of Rochester (population 85,000 and the home to the renown Mayo Clinic).

On the way to Rochester, I had the pleasure of being presented with M&M's, PowerAde, and some homemade cookies from a wonderful family. It was the sister of Grace Meier of Hettinger, North Dakota - whom I had stayed with on August 12. It was a nice visit on the edge of the highway and I appreciate their kindness. They live in Rochester and were aware of my arrival today. A special thank you to their daughters for the wonderful frosted cookies! That gave me a boost to get into Rochester.

When I reached the edge of Rochester, I was greeted by Dr. Randy Thomas and his wife, Jodi... and a few of their six children. Dr. Thomas and his son, Josh, ran with me a few miles to the hotel that I am staying in this evening, and which the Thomas family donated. After a nice run through town, I showered and then was picked up by Dr. Thomas for a very nice dinner at his home where I got to share some experiences from the road and the purpose for this journey. I'll be sharing similar details with the local media tomorrow while I'm at the Mayo Clinic - where Dr. Thomas works in the cardiac division. The Thomas family truly made me feel welcome and comfortable. I appreciate them taking the time to have me to their home, and I wish their children a great school year... which begins tomorrow!

I will be in Rochester for the next two days, doing some interviews, presentations and visitations on the Mayo Clinic campus. I've truly looked forward to reaching this point and am encouraged by the interest shown here in the P.A.C.E. Run 2006 project and the curriculum we implemented last school year at Russell Elementary in Missoula, Montana. I have now completed 61 percent of this journey across America and am very close to the 2,000 mile mark. I'm being encouraged each day by people I meet and am feeling very good about the trek. I'm getting to share the purpose of this run with more people, and that's important to me. I'm enjoying the adventure and hope that more students will get to follow my progress now that the school year is getting underway.

I know that tomorrow, September 5, the students begin classes at Russell Elementary School - where my wife is the P.E. teacher and where we successfully did the virtual Run Across America curriculum last year. For those students reading this (and my wife and children!), I wish you a fantastic school year and I look forward to seeing you next month after I get back home to Missoula! Wow, I can finally start saying, "I'll be done next month". That's exciting!

I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day. I truly "labored" today... through 30 miles. But now I get a couple of days off to meet people and share details about this journey. I'll provide details tomorrow evening. So long from southeast Minnesota!

Footnote:  I thought I'd share with you the newspaper article that was printed in The Miles City Star (Miles City, Montana) on August 9th:

Cross-country trek inspires students

Paul Staso had an idea to combine his old job of being a fifth grade teacher, his current job of web developer and internet marketing specialist and his lifelong love of running.

His other aim was to help his wife, Vicki, in her job as P.E. instructor at Russell Elementary School in Missoula.

His idea was to create a program in which Vicki’s students would enter the miles they ran in gym class, and take a virtual trip across the United States from the Pacific coast in Washington to the Atlantic coast in Delaware.

Staso was an ultra marathon runner in his younger days and tried to set a cross-country record until an injury stopped the attempt. When he introduced the virtual run program to the students, Staso got the idea to provide the students with a goal. He told the fourth and fifth grade students if they completed the virtual cross-country run during the school year, he would run it for real during the summer.

Staso said he had never seen a group of students become so dedicated to a cause in his entire life. Now he is on the road keeping his promise. He passed through Miles City on Monday.

Before he set out from the Washington coast, Staso set up a web site, pacerun.com, where he posts a diary of his trip with pictures taken along the way. This allows the students to keep track of his progress over the summer and see photographs of the area they traveled virtually during the school year.

Staso’s only company during this trip is BOB, the cart he pushes in front of him as he runs. BOB stands for Beast of Burden and was given to him by the BOB Trailers Inc. The cart carries his extra clothing, food, emergency equipment and a solar panel to recharge his GPS unit, cell phone and iPod. The cart weighs about 65 pounds loaded, and Staso says it is worth every ounce.

When Staso turned into Miles City to spend the night Monday he had completed 1,100 miles of the 3,200-mile journey and was a day ahead of schedule. Staso headed out on the Baker highway Tuesday morning hoping for some cooler weather to join his trip soon. He has averaged 94-degree days on the trip so far. If he continues averaging 30 miles a day for the rest of the trip, Staso will find himself in Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware in mid-October.

Staso hopes the fun of the virtual trip program he created and the inspiration of his own trip will help instill a lifetime of healthy exercise in students, not only in Missoula, but everywhere.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, We are looking forward to having you stay in Wolcott, Indiana. We are following your progress and praying for your continued safety. - Mike & Connie Lehe (Wolcott, Indiana)

  No rest on Labor Day for those on a mission. You have gone from drought to flood. I'm glad that you got a few pleasant days in between. I have been getting to work early every morning so that I can have a few quiet moments before students arrive to read about the previous day's journey. I can't believe that you are already in Minnesota. It seems like just a few days ago you were hitting Idaho. Keep on truckin'. Bob (my husband) and I both bought Asics yesterday. Maybe they will make you a sponsor. You have sold at least two pair already! - Emily Wicks (Lewiston, Idaho)

  Hi Paul - Just checking in to see how you are doing. I have told a couple of people at the YMCA who compete in local races about you and now each time I see them they ask me where you are and how you are doing! One of them told me she was getting tired during the last part of her run and she thought about you and it motivated her to keep going! I hope all goes well with you at the Mayo events and I think it's neat that you get to speak to the kids about fitness. In these times of technology it can be hard to get kids outside doing stuff. Carry on! - Chris Benson (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, You are doing GREAT! I hope your visit in Rochester goes / went well. The work that is being done at The Mayo Clinic is fantastic. I'm a Luther College grad (in Decorah, IA) and have e-mailed a number of folks to look out for you (and hopefully contact you about staying at their place). The next few days through southern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa will be some beautiful, albeit hilly, country. It's some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Midwest. Can you perhaps post your route into Cedar Rapids on the 10th? I coach Team In Training in the area, and we'd love to come out on the course and provide some encouragement. We'll be doing our long run in the morning, but would be ready to cheer when you get close. Take care ... hope you are drying out from so much rain. Stay safe ... prayers are heading your way always for a very safe and healthy journey. - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Paul, I have been trying to figure out just where and when you and Bob will cross the Mississippi River? What is the width of the River where you will cross? You must be seeing some beautiful fall colors starting to show up. Will be anxious to hear about them. Lewes is closer!! Stay safe and healthy. You are doing great! - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

  My wife and I met you in Missoula at my sister Kathy's house during your stop. Best wishes and we're happy for you that the temps. are lower and you don't have to breathe any more smoke from the Montana forest fires. Keep it up and we pray for Bob's tires. - Eric & Shirley Noble (Black Diamond, Washington)

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5:  DAY OFF THE ROAD

DAY 75: Today was my first day off the road in Rochester, Minnesota. I awoke to sunny skies and met Dr. Thomas in the lobby of the hotel at 9:00 a.m. to be taken to the Mayo Clinic. At 9:20 a.m. I was on a local radio station via telephone to talk about P.A.C.E. Run 2006. After that, Dr. Thomas introduced me to several people in his department and took me on a tour of their facilities. I felt very welcomed and then spent some time responding to e-mail messages until I met with the local television and newspaper reporters at noon. I did the interviews at the plaza, which is surrounded by Mayo’s professional buildings. After the interviews had concluded, some local 5th grade students from St. John the Evangelist School were brought to the plaza so that I could tell them about the trek and answer their questions. It was a wonderful time and the students had some very good questions for me. I received a Healthy Hero Award from the Mayo Clinic and the mayor of Rochester presented me with a pin from the city. I then was treated to lunch by Mrs. Norman, whom I had stayed with a couple of evenings ago before running into Rochester. My wife’s cousin, Bart Hanson, and his new bride, Wendy, joined us for lunch and we had a very nice time. Then “Bob” and I were transported to Bart’s home where I put on his new tires, which were waiting here in Rochester. Now I am relaxing during the late afternoon.

Tomorrow I will be joining the Mayor, Ardell Brede, and some staff from the Mayo Clinic, for a half-hour walk at 12:15 p.m.  It’s something that they do each Wednesday and has become quite popular. “Bob” and I are looking forward to it. Afterward, I will be going to the Ronald McDonald House to visit some young patients and their families. Then, I’ll be going to the children’s ward of Mayo to visit some more children. I may also be visiting some local schools and speaking to a few classes. So, my second day off will not really be “off”, but it will be very worthwhile. I will hit the road Thursday morning to continue down Highway 52 toward Iowa – which I will cross into on Friday.

Today was the first day of school in Minnesota for many schools. It was also the first day of school back in Missoula, Montana – my hometown. Vicki and our four children were back in the classroom today and it’s hard to believe how fast the summer went by. I began this journey on June 23… only 2 weeks after the last school year ended. Now a new school year is underway and I’m encouraged to know that there’s only 6 weeks remaining before I’ll see the Atlantic Ocean. Now that the students are back in school, perhaps they will be able to follow my trek on a more consistent basis.

It truly is important to me that I keep my promise to them. If you haven’t learned about that promise, you should go to the promise page. That will give you a better understanding of why I’m out here. We live in a world where many promises are stated but often put aside unfulfilled, and where some people go back on their word without a second thought. I want my run to be the fulfillment of a promise… one that was made to motivate the 4th and 5th grade students of Russell Elementary School to give their best in virtually crossing the entire continent within one school year. There were certainly students who did not believe that I would follow through with my promise, and some were amazed that I actually loaded up “Bob” and drove to the Oregon Coast to begin this 15-state journey. Even more were amazed when I ran into Missoula, Montana after the first 650 miles. Now I am nearly 2,000 miles into this promise and I intend to go 1,200 more… to the finish line in Delaware.

If you’ve followed my trek since the beginning, you also know that it’s important to me to demonstrate to the children the importance of being committed to something, and seeing it through. This run is certainly not easy, and there have been days where I’ve stopped in my tracks and wondered if I’m making any kind of difference in the lives of others. I’ve wondered whether my steps are really making an impact in more than just the pavement. It has often been on those days that I’ve opened up the guestbook of this web site and read the wonderful comments people write. Then I’m refueled and confident that my effort and tiredness is impacting lives. Commitment is not always easy. Barriers arise that sometimes make us question our initial motives for beginning. That can occur in many things were take on in life. It’s getting over those barriers and regaining focus and strength that is crucial to success, and as a result our ability to endure and press forward is magnified. I have been strengthened many times on this run in many ways by the barriers I’ve encountered, and that strengthening has been in several areas – physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. This run is not only carving the muscles of my legs, but it is also carving my character in a way that is unexpected and positive.

It is also important to me that this run be a demonstration to children that if they take care of their bodies, it will have the physical ability to take them on some wonderful adventures. I could never do this trek across America if I were 70 pounds overweight with high blood pressure. I simply wouldn’t be able to take the demands of the daily distance, heat, and other difficult factors. My body can carry me across the United States, but ultimately it is my mind that is doing the most work. I am constantly working mentally. I’m thinking about my running form, the road’s surface, the traffic, eating, drinking, balancing walking and running, the route, and much more. My thoughts occasionally wander to my family, my business, my friends, my past, my future, and other areas. The mind is constantly processing and working to press the body down the road. It is true that running across a continent is more of a mental exercise than a physical one.

There is no denying the fact that today’s children are not as physically fit as those of the last generation. The news from a recent report in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity is that childhood obesity will almost double in the next four years. Their prediction is that by 2010, nearly 50% of all children in the U.S. will be overweight. The study states that “only significant changes in diet and lifestyle can change this prediction.”

So, is childhood obesity REALLY a problem? You may want to consider the findings of a fitness testing program sponsored by the Chrysler Fund Amateur Athletic Union. The test involved 9.7 million youngsters between the ages of 6 and 17. The results showed that children are getting slower in endurance running and are getting weaker. Should that be a surprise? No, not really. Inactive children, when compared to active children, have higher blood pressure and lower levels of heart protective high-density lipoproteins. You’re probably thinking… “What is this guy saying?? He’s been around those Mayo Clinic physicians too much!” Actually, this is information I’ve been aware of for well over a year, and data that helped to encourage me as I encouraged the kids at Russell Elementary toward their goal of virtually running and walking across America last year.

Paul listening to a child's question. Click Pic For Big Image

Bottom line… inactive children are more likely to become inactive adults.

So what is it going to take to get today’s kids more fit? In my opinion, it’s going to take creative methods of getting kids active. It's important to get their minds occupied with more than just losing weight. Their minds need to be engaged in an adventure. If all the child is doing is thinking about the weight that needs to come off and is running like a hamster on a wheel, then that child will likely lose interest quickly and opt for a candy bar and his or her favorite television program. Children’s minds are constantly being stimulated in our electronic world, and their minds are becoming more and more tuned into things that make them process mentally (such as video game challenges) and react as a result (such as using a computer game joystick). I believe that fitness can be combined effectively with learning, and that a child can go on an adventure of learning while getting fit at the same time. That’s what we aimed to do through our Run/Walk Across America program (seeusrun.com), and it was very successful. Kids lost weight, gained endurance, and acquired greater self-esteem. The objective was to get the kids thinking about the path they were covering and learning about the locations that they were "virtually" encountering. At the same time, they were moving and getting fit.

Ultimately, the P.E. class was combined with the academics of the classroom to provide the kids with an adventure... without leaving the school grounds. Sure, there are certainly things we’ll improve upon the next time we do the curriculum. But for the first year, we were very pleased with the results. My hope is that more schools will challenge their students with virtually treks, while tying in learning opportunities at the same time. It takes a bit of effort on the teacher’s part, but if we’re going to get the growing problem of childhood obesity under control it is going to take ‘effort’ by many people… teachers, parents, coaches, and others.

Paul doing a Television Interview. Click Pic For Big Image

More than 108 million adults in the United States are either obese or overweight. That means that roughly 3 out of 5 Americans carry an unhealthy amount of excess weight. Many adults are modeling an unhealthy lifestyle, and today’s young people are growing up in the growing shadows of those adults. This truly is an issue that can be effectively addressed, and there are many programs that are doing a wonderful job. However, more effort is needed by more people.

What can you do? Well, look at your life and see if there is just one thing that you could do differently to improve your overall health and fitness. Then, do it. I know that is a rather simplistic view and one that may seem unrealistic to some. However, a step in the right direction needs to be taken, no matter how small. So, see if there is one thing that you can do to make a difference in your own health and fitness, and as a result you’ll have the potential to make a positive impact on the life of someone else… and maybe that person will make a change in his or her own life. When you toss a pebble into a pond, there is always a ripple effect. One positive decision can cause a ripple effect that can turn one good choice into many good choices.

Nearly 2,000 miles ago I ran away from the Pacific Ocean pushing a jogging stroller. I had no idea what, if any, impact that this run would have on the lives of others. Today, it is clear to me that I am making a difference. My run across America is my pebble, and I’ve seen the ripple effect in the pond we call the United States. What a journey… what an opportunity… what a run. I’m very fortunate to have this moment in my life where I can use my ability in running to try and positively impact others. What are your abilities? Are you using any to positively impact those around you? If not, what’s stopping you? I truly believe that if more people were to boldly step out with their abilities, that many of the dark events of this world would be overshadowed by those who are trying to do good.

Well, this has turned into a novel today and you’re probably tired of hearing me on my soapbox. I’ll step down now and I hope that you can be a pebble in your little corner of the world’s pond.

I want to end today’s journal entry with part of a nice letter I received today from my 13-year-old daughter, Jenna. Her words help me to realize the difference I’m making with my effort to run across America. She writes:

"Dear Dad… In Delaware (at the finish line) you will look back on all that you did. When you look back over your shoulder at all the way you ran, you will know you changed a lot of people’s lives forever. You’ll know that you found things out about yourself; you kept a promise; you changed a lot of people’s lives (including mine); and, you completed your dream!"

Yep... I’m a blessed father. Thanks for visiting this mile marker with me. Until next time, be a mighty pebble in that pond!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Congratulations on being 2/3 of the way!! The final 1000 miles will be soon be behind you.
Recently you mentioned the Run Across America t-shirts in your journal -- I'd encourage those who are helping Paul out during this run to order one. They are such great advertising for PACE 2006 and when I wear mine, I get to tell more people about it. They are fantastic shirts. I also saw the article about you in the Fall 2006 copy of the Montanan. Your following is becoming larger by the day. Thanks for sharing the Miles City Star article in yesterday's journal entry. We are looking forward to your report on your time in Rochester. Sounds like you will be busy the entire time. - Karen Huckins (Miles City, Montana)

  Hope your days are going well! We are starting school in a few minutes and I'm in "withdrawal" for a Staso! I guess I have to wait a few years! Have a nice day... thinking of you, as the kids will be today also! - Joan Kuchel (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, I (we) become more inspired each time we check your journal. You spoke of the mental challenges you face and that is what continues to impress me the most - your ability to re-focus each day and clip off 30 miles - truly a mental test you continue to ace. I hope everyone who reads your journal (young and old alike) absorbs your advice as it is a voice of experience. Your toughness and persistence are impressive and it appears to me that you are getting stronger in all areas as the miles add up. Keep the press on and thanks for your perspective and thoughts. Safe travels! - Brad Huse and Family (Bozeman, Montana)

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6:  DAY OFF THE ROAD

DAY 76:

Watch the ABC Television Report from Rochester, Minnesota about P.A.C.E. Run 2006 (1.42 MB)
(To download the video, right click on the link and select "Save Target As" and save it to your computer's hard drive)

Watch the NBC Television Report from Rochester, Minnesota about P.A.C.E. Run 2006 (2.5 MB)
(To download the video, right click on the link and select "Save Target As" and save it to your computer's hard drive)

After a very restful sleep, I enjoyed a wonderful breakfast that Bart and Wendy Hanson prepared for me and then worked a little on the upcoming route through Iowa. At noon I met the mayor of Rochester, Ardell Brede, for a 1/2 hour walk with some other people who gather each Wednesday for a walk with the mayor during the lunch hour. "Bob" came along and we enjoyed sunny skies as we strolled around area sidewalks. The mayor then wished me well on the rest of my trek across America and arrangements had been made for me to take a tour of both the Ronald McDonald House and the Children’s Hospital. Many thanks to those who made me feel so welcomed. What wonderful facilities the Mayo Clinic has for treating ill children! Also, the Ronald McDonald House is truly a place where smiles abound and care is of utmost importance. You can visit the Rochester’s house at www.ronhouserochmn.org.

Two local television stations aired news stories of my visit to Rochester and the purpose for my trek, and there was an article in today’s local newspaper.

My time in Rochester is now coming to an end. Tomorrow I will be back on the road and heading south to a Minnesota town called Preston (on Highway 52), where I’ll stay in a hotel. It will be a 35 mile day… my last full day of running in Minnesota.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Bart and Wendy Hanson for their kindness and support while I’ve been in Rochester. Bart is my wife’s cousin and works at the Mayo Clinic. He and Wendy just returned from their honeymoon to Norway and I’m grateful to them for taking in this runner for a couple of days.

Also, my time here was made particularly special by the efforts of two people with the Mayo Clinic: Dr. Randal Thomas, Project Director of CardioVision 2020, and Traci Klein, Cardiovascular Communications Consultant – Public Relations. Both have extended encouragement beyond measure and I thank each of them for their efforts of helping to promote the virtual trek curriculum that we implemented last year at Russell Elementary School, and my journey across the United States. Dr. Randal is committed to preventing cardiovascular disease through innovative projects and community action. His work is making a difference, and it was a pleasure meeting him and being introduced to the work he’s doing.

Tomorrow Rochester will be in my rearview mirror and Iowa (my 8th state) is on the horizon. "Bob" has his new tires and I have my next pairs of running shoes. So, we’re both ready to return to the road. I hope you enjoyed the pictures that were posted yesterday of my presentation at the Mayo Clinic Plaza. Also, we’re getting copies of the television news stories that were done about the trek while I was in Rochester and we’ll be posting those for you to download and view on your computer. Well, that’s about it. This has been a wonderful two days off the road and I feel rested and ready to head into the final 1,200 miles of this journey.

Gotta run!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Keep heading our way Paul! Your journal entry yesterday recommended each of us find one small way to improve our overall health and then use it in our daily lives. Great inspirational advice! Thanks. While some of us may consider ourselves relatively fit, there is always another step. It reminded me of a book I read years ago. The book was written by a Japanese farmer who was trying to encourage his fellow farmers away from chemical use and toward a more holistic method of farming by using rice straw for mulch to enhance the soil and keep weeds under control. He called his book "The One-Straw Revolution." What you're doing my friend is a 3,200 mile revolution!! - Frank Adams (Georgetown, Delaware)

  I had the pleasure of hearing you speak yesterday at the Mayo Clinic. I am truly inspired by your mission. I don't know what amazes me more, your heart or your ability to physically run so many miles day after day! You'll never know the exact number of people you touch, but rest assured there are thousands. God bless you for your efforts and I pray you finish your journey healthy and safely! Keep believing! - Rachel (Rochester, Minnesota)

  I enjoyed meeting you and "Bob" today during the noon walk with the Mayor. You are an inspiration! I hope you meet your goal and your message gets across to children AND adults. - Rhonda (Rochester, Minnesota)

  Paul, I want to thank you for stopping by the Ronald McDonald House today and visiting with my son and I, and the rest of the folks here. We don't have much to do here, other than treatments. This is a highlight that we'll enjoy sharing with people back home. Your determination and good sense of humor will inspire us during our stay here in Rochester. Good luck and God bless. - Peter Steinbach (Rochester, Minnesota)

  I tuned into your journal today for an update. I have been away from contact with your web page for some time. When you were traveling through Montana and had a couple of bad experiences I was contacted as I work for the Highway Patrol and I put out the word across our state for a little extra watching out for you. Since that time I have been intrigued with your mission. I pray that you will finish in good health and good spirits. I pray the Lord protects you each step of the way with angels before you, behind you, around you, above you and beneath you. As my mom's friend used to say, "May the Lord put a bubble around you and bring you safely to your destination". What an adventure !!!! - Judy Murphy (Butte, Montana)

  What great news stories in Rochester. It was really fun to see them. I worked for a summer in Rochester at Rochester Methodist Hospital. Seeing your footage and reading your journal brought back some great memories. Way to go and keep on keeping on. Our prayers continue with you daily. Vicki and I got to eat dinner together last night. Pete was out of town too so we were keeping each other company. We'll try to take care of them till you get home. We keep praying for you and know God will take care of you too, so you can come home soon. God's speed. - Diane Joy (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, I have been following you everyday. Thanks for all the advice and all that you are doing for people that you will never meet. As I sat in my house this morning I was trying to talk myself out of going to the club to exercise. Well, guess who entered my mind? I thought of you and Bob. I thought about how you get up every morning to run 30 plus miles. And I wasn't going to get into my truck, drive 2 miles, and exercise for 45 minutes. Well, guess what? I went to the club and exercised. Thanks! You made my day easier. Stay healthy and safe. - Darla Orbistondo (Juneau, Alaska)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7:  35 MILES (Sunny, 88 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,962]
Stopping Location: Preston, Minnesota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 958 Feet

DAY 77:  Ran 35 miles from Rochester to Preston, Minnesota under sunny skies. I appreciate my wife's cousin, Bart Hanson, running with me for about 5 miles as I navigated my way out of Rochester. Thank you for your encouraging words this morning, Bart! I was stopped by interested folks a few times during the day, but it did not delay me too badly. I'll have a 35 mile run tomorrow and at the 18 mile mark I'll cross into Iowa. Thanks to Barb Barrett for meeting me at the hotel this afternoon with her kind gifts. I truly appreciate it. I will be staying with some cross country runners from Luther College tomorrow night in Decorah, Iowa. The day will begin at 6:30 a.m.  Goodbye Minnesota, it has been a pleasure.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  There were no guestbook entries made today.

Click Here For This Week's Photos!