JOURNAL FOR WEEK THIRTEEN
September 15 through September 21, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15:  44 MILES (Sunny, 80 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,215]
Stopping Location: Mount Pleasant, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 715 Feet

DAY 85: Highlight of the day was getting to talk with the 5th grade students at Russell Elementary in Missoula via cell phone. Their teachers placed me on the classroom speaker phone and I had a chance to answer many questions. I appreciate their encouragement and support, and the loud applause. It really made my day. I look forward to seeing them later next month. It was great to share with them that I only have 985 miles to the finish!

This was a day of constants.  The hilly terrain was constant;  the head wind was constant;  the gravel was constant;  and my weariness was constant.  I logged 44 miles from Hills, Iowa to Mount Pleasant, Iowa.  I am staying at the Heartland Inn here in Mount Pleasant.  I spent a total of 12 and a half hours on the gravel.  The sun was shining all day and the temperature climbed up to 80 degrees. This week started out with me in NE Iowa where there was a lot of rain and some area flooding.  All of that water was hard on my feet and then I endured days of pounding on the gravel.  At this point I feel it's necessary to take a day off in order to treat my feet so that I can continue a little more comfortably.  In the past three days I've logged 120 miles, which is 30 miles above average.  I have one day remaining in Iowa and will now cross into Illinois on Monday morning.

Today was truly one of the hardest physical efforts I have ever done in sports. In short, the day was extremely difficult.  Sometimes it's hard to keep a promise, but in the end it will be worth it.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Have been out of touch since the Grade School kids finished. The RUN looks like it is a success. Keep the Wind at Your back and your Vision of Success in your sights and I wish you well. - Ann Denzer (Tacoma, Washington)

  Hi Paul - Just checking in on you. I'm hoping that you and Bob will come by Shields Elementary School. - Chelsea H. (Lewes, Delaware)

  You did very well on your running. Coach B, my gym teacher, told me a lot about you. keep up the good work. - Linda (Lewes, Delaware)

  We continue to check on your progress every day, and pray for your safety! It sounds like you are having quite a challenge with the gravel in Iowa. Scott was born in Independence and raised in Ft. Dodge, and remembers when all the roads had curbs at the edge of the driving lane, but we neither one realized they had been replaced with gravel! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments - you are doing an incredible job. It has been a thrill for us to be a small part of it and to cheer you on each day. Keep up the great work, stay strong and alert, and we'll see you back at Russell very soon! - Jan Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - You are welcome for the care package. I hope that you enjoy your time in Mount Pleasant and Burlington before leaving the state of Iowa. Perhaps we can bring you back to help lobby our state government for better road conditions. My parents have cycled all of the country and would agree with you that our roads are less-than-stellar for anything but driving a car (or farm machinery) on. Seeing you yesterday pushing BOB through the fog along a very busy stretch of Hwy 13 was really something. I'll continue to watch for your progress on this run. I can't wait to read your final post from Delaware. I've told some friends in Illinois about your visit. I hope they are able to see you along the way. Prayers and positive thoughts to you as you are entering the homestretch (relatively speaking)!!!!!!! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Just to say hi Paul and we read you everyday. I see the girls everyday at lunch and you can be so proud of them. They are good kids. Brian asks me how you've been doing? We pray for you. - Lee and Judith Hofferber (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul! Your closing in on it. We're all very proud of you. Hang in there! - Jeff (Alaska)

  Have been hearing from Stacey and Diana about your "stone" running path of the last few days. Dave Price, a former Missoula principal, has a wonderful poem about stones with white lines around them. They are better known as "Wishing Stones." When you step on one or see one, think of it as a wish form Montana for a safe, successful completion of your trek across America. Keep yourself alert. If you need an extra day or two of rest, please take them. The run will end when it is supposed to. We want you back in Missoula with your family healthy and whole. Our best wishes and thoughts are always with you and "Bob." Am anxious to hear how fast you make the run across the Mississippi. Another milestone completed. - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, I talked to Vicki earlier and we went to prayer right away. I am glad you made it and that you are able to rest tomorrow. I am praying for God's body guards to surround you all the way to the ocean. We want you back healthy and in one piece. We will also keep praying for your mental toughness. Your reliance on God is the right thing to do as evidenced by your success so far. The Joys are praying and cheering you on. Love, - Diane & Family (Missoula, Montana)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16:  DAY OFF THE ROAD

DAY 86: It was a good day off the road. I did a couple of media interviews, iced down, and stayed off my feet as much as possible.  Tomorrow I will run 34 miles from Mount Pleasant, Iowa to Burlington, Iowa.  I will take county road H38 to Mediapolis and then take highway 61 into Burlington where I'll stay in a Hotel.  I will cross the Mississippi River Monday morning and will then be in Illinois. The weather tomorrow is forecasted to be 72 degrees and cloudy with a chance of rain.  I have restocked "Bob" and am ready to face another day on the gravel. Below is an interview I did today. Click on the image to start the video.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul - YIKES - 12 hours on gravel! I do believe you deserve a day of rest. Running along the eastern part of Iowa is taking on a huge challenge. Most of the state is flat due to glaciers coming through the area following the ice age. However, those glaciers didn't touch the eastern border or the southwestern part of the state. Those areas ARE hilly! Take it easy and rest up. I shared your website with my entire extended family tonight at dinner. We will all be praying for you. The work you are doing to promote fitness is wonderful. Less than 1,000 miles to go -- FANTASTIC! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Paul - We’ve never met (UM M.A. 1977), yet I sense you have an opportunity now to exemplify (to Missoula students and others) even more than your already amazing, odds-defying achievement. If you clearly take care of yourself on that journey, and choose to adjust your own pace to respect and address your evolving needs, you may send an even more powerful message -- to not lose sight of one’s goals, or one’s own needs – in order to more comfortably arrive at the destination. Just a thought; you set your own rules. Thanks for your example. - Jay Schimke (Payson, Arizona)

  Hi Paul - I think it's cool that you are accomplishing such a hard task. I hope you come by our school. - Peyton Medd (Lewes, Delaware)

  Hi Paul. This is Ms Simkins' Class. We are reading about your weekend with Coach B. We cannot wait until you run by our school next month. Keep eating energy bars! Good Luck! - Ms. Simkins (Lewes, Delaware)

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17:  34 MILES (Sunny, 82 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,249]
Stopping Location: Burlington, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 607 Feet

DAY 87: Note from Rob: Goodbye Iowa.  Paul will be crossing the Mississippi River and entering Illinois, his 9th state, first thing tomorrow morning. The temperature was 73 degrees when he got up this morning, and it warmed up to 85.  He continued to run on gravel shoulders today for 34 miles from Mount Pleasant to Burlington, Iowa. He said he felt good, but his feet are still very sore from the many days of running on gravel. He plans to do 33 miles tomorrow to Roseville, Illinois.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  No guestbook entries were written on this day.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18:  33 MILES (Sunny, 80 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,282]
Stopping Location: Roseville, Illinois (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 745 Feet

DAY 88: I started my day today by crossing the Mississippi River into the state of Illinois.  The sun was shining and I ran 33 miles to the town of Roseville, Illinois.  It was nice to see a little bit more paved shoulder and about 90% of the day was running on pavement.  I'm staying with Rev. and Mrs. Cowell and have enjoyed their hospitality. 

I'll be on the road tomorrow for a 36 mile day to Farmington where I will stay with a local PE teacher, who is also a cross county coach. The weather is suppose to stay nice and today it even reached 80 degrees.

Some of you may be wondering about my weight status.  As many of you know, I began the trek weighing 145 pounds and during the heat of the summer I dropped to about 138 pounds (best "guesstimate").  I am pleased to report that I currently tip the scales at 142 pounds... if it's an accurate scale!

It's good to be in my 9th state and I will be in Illinois until Sunday Morning when I enter Indiana.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  The following are all from the Russell 5th graders. Some are in their entirety and some are a couple of lines! I hope you have as much fun as as I did reading all of them. Everybody at Russell is thinking of you and sending cheers your way! - Stacey (Missoula, Montana)

A lot of people thought we couldn't do it (run across America virtually) but we did. I hope that you will be okay and safe. Have a safe trip, see you in October. - Ollie

How are you and Bob doing? I have a lot of questions for you. I can't believe how far you have gone. I hope you are having fun... Well gotta run! - Austin

What's it like in West Virginia? How far did you run? How much do you miss your family? - Luke

How are you doing on the run? If you were in a race you'd be winning. I think it's great that you would believe in yourself. You had the whole fourth and fifth grade to encourage you. Do you kick Bob? - Chantelle

I think it is very amazing what you are doing. Kristy and I are doing this thing called Mission Possible. We go out to exercise a lot and eat really healthy. If I was doing this it would take me like 7 months. Have a safe rest of your journey. - Savannah

How is the run? How are you doing? Mrs. Staso read us your letter you sent us. How far are you? When do you think you are going to come home? - Samantha

I like following where you are on the web site, it is so cool! Savannah and I get together every Saturday to walk the track or ride bikes or something. We did it all because of you! Thanks! - Kristy

I heard about what you are doing and why your are doing it. I bet you are happy that you are almost finished. Not a lot of grown ups keep their promises. You only have a few more states to go. I was looking at pictures and since the nurses provided chocolate IV you should be able to run across America and finish. - Cheyenne

Good luck on your running. I am so glad you had us do it and then you did it. Will you see us when you come back? - Melissa

I hope you are doing okay out there! What is the average temperature in Minnesota? Hope you are having fun out there. - Emilee

I bet you are having a fun time running with Bob. I bet by the end of the run Bob's tires are going to be flat. I hope you finish the run in 1 month. - Tanya

I wanted to tell you I was thinking about you. How's the weather? I hope I get to see you again soon. - Sean

I'm amazed that you're almost there. I have a few questions for you; Is it tiring to run across? Are you getting a tan? Is it fun to run across America? - Kasey

I've ran so much that I've gotten in better shape and I got faster and I'm sure other kids have too! - Cami

Keep doing what you're doing. I can't wait for you to finish. - Justin

I can't believe you've already gone over 2100 miles! What next? Will you run around the world? Don't wear Bob out! - Nolan

How are you and Bob doing? We've been reading your website. Just KEEP ON RUNNING! - Lindsay

I hope you're having a good run. Keep running and I hope you meet new people. - Meghan

How is your run? Sorry I haven't gone to the web site. I haven't had time. - Baylee

You're doing a great job on your run? How far are you? - Tamara

Don't stop until you drop. Actually don't stop until you reach the finish. Good luck on the rest. - Madison

I am glad you are running across America. I would have never thought of you running across America for real. - Shavanna

It is so cool what you're doing for us. I want to interview when you get back, because I'm going to make a newspaper for myself so when I'm old and grey I can remember everything about school. - MacKenzie

I love that you kept your promise. I hope you make it back soon. Thanks for all you've done. - Ryan

You are really doing good. It was a lot of fun when we were running across America (virtually). We're cheering for you. - Aubrey

I hope your running goes good. Everybody is counting on you. You are really cool. - Sammy

I'm really glad you are doing this. I hope to see you soon safe back in Missoula. - Hannah

Keep up the good work. I bet you'll make it because we all did. - Brady

How are you? Is it tiring running that long? I would be really tired. Stay safe! - Lexi

  Congrats on making it into Illinois. I was hoping you'd find more pavement once you got over the Mississippi River. Keep on truckin'! You are doing GREAT! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19:  36 MILES (Cloudy, 58 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,318]
Stopping Location: Farmington, Illinois (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 745 Feet

DAY 89: Twenty years ago today, on September 19, 1986, I set out from the coast of California to attempt a run across America. That effort was stopped on day one by an unfortunate and sudden injury coming off of a sidewalk curb. Those who have read the History Page know about that attempt. Here I am... 20 years later. I am now 2,318 miles into this journey and never imagined in 1986 that I would be conquering this endeavor 20 years later, at the age of 41. Goals and dreams are an amazing thing. Sometimes when you least expect an opportunity to be able to do something, the opportunity arises. The 4th and 5th grade students at Russell Elementary in Missoula, Montana accomplished an amazing virtual run last school year (seeusrun.com), and as a result I am getting to experience the fulfillment of a goal I first came up with over 20 years ago.

It's important to emphasize that my main purpose for this run is to keep my promise to the students at Russell Elementary who did such a good job last year in virtually running across the entire United States within one school year. It was such a joy to be involved with that program, and to encourage the kids in their effort. My run across America was used as a motivational element to help them get across the country virtually. They did it, and now I am doing it for real. There's so much that I'm learning through this run, and so much that I'm experiencing. It has been a wonderful trek so far and I am incredibly fortunate to have this moment in my life. Hopefully my effort is conveying the following: (1) the importance of keeping a promise; (2) what it means to be committed to something; (3) the type of adventure that can be experienced if you take care of your body; and, (4) that you should always pursue your goals and dreams.

Today I ran 36 miles from Roseville, Illinois to Farmington, Illinois. I'm about 70 miles into this 9th state and am enjoying it. The terrain has been pretty flat and the temperatures have cooled down. Today it was only 58 degrees under cloudy skies, and I had a west to east wind to assist me. Tomorrow will be an easy 23 mile day into the city of Peoria where I will be spending the evening with Joan Kuchel's parents. Joan is one of the 5th grade teachers at Russell Elementary School and has taught both of my daughters. I'm looking forward to meeting her parents. Tonight I am with David and Rebecca Marvel in Farmington and have truly appreciated their support. I arrived in town just in time to see the end of the junior high cross country race (Rebecca coaches a local junior high team), and then I got to speak to the young runners and answer their questions. The Marvels then took me out to a wonderful Italian restaurant for dinner and I will be back on the road in the morning heading to Peoria.

I want to end today's entry by sharing some wonderful news with you that I received from Stacey Rossmiller and Diana Sontag - two sisters who have been such a help to me. They have done so much with respect to setting up lodging, handling media inquiries, taking shirt orders, managing donations, and much more. Today they called and told me that Montana Senator Max Baucus has agreed to meet me when I arrive in Washington D.C. next month and possibly go for a run with me. I will be taking one day off when I get there. Also, arrangements have been made for me to get a tour of the Capitol as well as the White House. I just can't believe it! I never imagined that my love for running would one day carry me into the White House. There's also a chance (and nothing is set in definite on this) that I might get to meet President Bush. That remains to be seen, but it is exciting to think that it might be a possibility. I'm definitely looking forward to reaching D.C. and especially for reaching the coast shortly thereafter!

It's important to keep in mind that none of this would have been possible without the contribution of ideas from my daughter Ashlin. We came up with the virtual run across America curriculum together, and I truly appreciate her love and support throughout all of this. Also, my wife (Vicki) worked so hard on implementing the program at Russell Elementary School and has been incredible over the past four months while I've been gone. I have an amazing family at home and I miss all of them. Kyler, Brian and Jenna have been very encouraging to me, and they're my children who have not had a big part in the virtual run curriculum. This entire endeavor has been an effort by our entire family, and I thank each of them for being such a wonderful support crew... even though it is from a distance.

Well, that's about it from this milepost. Thanks for checking in and rest assured that "Bob" and I are doing well and are making progress across Illinois. Only 4 more days and I'll be entering the state of Indiana!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hello, just read the article in the Mount Pleasant News about what you are doing and I think it is great. Keep up the good work and you are almost done. Congrats! - Jennie (Mount Pleasant, Iowa)

  Good luck! The kids loved talking to you on Friday! They feel so much a part of everything - and they are, of course... even the new kids! Tomorrow you will be staying at MY house - how fun! Good luck running from Farmington to Peoria! - Joan Kuchel (Missoula, Montana)

  I am currently virtually walking across New Mexico. The weather is not on your side these days; it is raining where I am right now, I guess it will keep Bob clean. You are an awesome inspiration!!! Pleasant thoughts as you go this coming week. My favorite word as I walk is HOPE (Happiness, Optimism, Patience, Enthusiasm). How about you Paul... what is yours? God Bless. - Maureen (Ontario, Canada)

  We all have been reading your journal since your visit. We are getting our first frost tonight: hope you stay ahead of this cold front! We speak of you often and hope your travels through Indiana is only eventful with hospitality and joy. - Mike & Sue Burns (Milan, Minnesota)

  Hi!!!!!!!! Paul you are doing great. I can't wait until you run past our school next month. - Erica Reese (Lewes, Delaware)

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20:  23 MILES (Sunny, 67 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,341]
Stopping Location: Peoria, Illinois (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 502 Feet

DAY 90: Today I ran 23 miles from Farmington to Peoria.  The day started out with 39 degree temperatures, but quickly warmed up to the mid-60s with plenty of sunshine.  I am staying with Zang and Bluma Freed (in their 90s), who are the parents of Joan Kuchel. Joan is a 5th grade teacher at Russell Elementary in Missoula.  I have enjoyed some pleasant conversation, and did an interview with the Journal Star, Peoria's local newspaper. Tomorrow I will be running to Secor, Illinois, and that will be a 25 mile day.