JOURNAL FOR WEEK FIFTEEN
September 29 through October 5, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29:  40 MILES (Sunny, 60 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,625]
Stopping Location: Converse, Ohio (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 817 Feet

DAY 99: This was a 40 mile day from Bluffton, Indiana to Converse, Ohio. Yep... I'm in Ohio! Whew. This is my 11th state and it will take me 7 days to run across it. I am now 2,625 miles into this journey. I'm 82% done!

Yes, the excitement of nearing the finish is starting to slip into my daily thoughts and emotions. However, there are still 575 miles to conquer - and those won't be easy miles. The traffic is getting thicker as I move further east and it's only going to get worse, particularly as I approach Washington, D.C.

Today was a pleasant day on Highway 81 in Ohio. There's not much of a shoulder on the highway, but it is not a frequently traveled road. Therefore, I was able to use the car lane quite a bit. Tomorrow will be a 36 mile run from the small town of Converse to Ada, Ohio. As I write this I have ice on my legs and am keeping my eye on the clock to get to bed at a decent hour. I'm enjoying the hospitality of Kay and Dick Patrick this evening, a wonderful couple who have graciously taken me into their home for tonight. Kay made a terrific lasagna dinner (my favorite!) and soon I'll be enjoying some apple dumplings before wrapping up this long day.

The weather was pretty nice today (60 degrees and mainly sunny), however the clouds rolled in this afternoon. The forecast is for rain tonight, and an 80% chance of rain tomorrow. So, it looks like my rain gear will get used once again. "Bob" and I run in all kinds of weather... sun, rain, wind, hail, tornado warnings, etc.

It's hard to believe that I started this week by entering into Indiana and I'm ending it by entering Ohio. The states are chipping away pretty quickly now and I'm feeling good. On Friday, October 6, I'll enter West Virginia. The beach is getting closer!

Thanks for stopping by to see how things are progressing. This run involves 15 states and I've now completed 10 of those states. After being on the road since June 23rd it energizes me to think that I've only got 3 more weeks until this trek is finished.

More tomorrow from the small town of Ada, Ohio. Gotta run... to have some apple dumplings!

Click to view another newspaper article with a nice picture.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hello Paul - This is so exciting. Kenneth and I are so impressed and wish you continued good health as you finish your goal. You've inspired so many young people. Our very best to you and may Bob's wheels keep turning. - Ken and Nancy Hansen (Stevensville, Montana)

  You stopped by our small town on 10/20 and now you're hundreds of miles east of here. Thank you for allowing us share in this experience, good luck and Godspeed. - Curt Whisker (Eureka, Illinois)

  Paul - I haven't posted in awhile, but sure have followed your progress daily -- it's almost an obsession! I'm so pleased you're seeing the way to the end now and I'm excited to watch the progress of a promise fulfilled and a reuniting of a family!! I continue to pray for your safety and pray for Vicki and the kids. I'm glad you'll be reunited in DC for a period - that will be such a wonderful experience to add to the memories of the journey. Best wishes and keep persevering!! We'll pray you onward! - Tracy Henderson (Castro Valley, California)

  Hi Paul. Wow! Ohio already!! The states are flying by now, just like they did last year with the Russell students! We continue to follow your progress every day and pray for your safe journey! And how exciting that Vicki and the kids will be able to meet you in Washington DC! I'm so glad they will be there to help you celebrate your accomplishment! We can't wait to see you back home in Missoula! Take care! - Jan Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - The children all enjoyed your visit yesterday. It was great. Thank you for stopping in our area. You were inspiring and you have a natural talent with kids. Thank you for promoting health and fitness. Safe Travels from the walking club at Lancaster Elementary in Bluffton, Indiana. - The Lancaster Children (Bluffton, Indiana)

  Dear Paul - I hope you have a good run. You may come to Lewes on my birthday! I hope you are okay because some bad people threw a coke at you. I hope you are having FUN!!!! - Emma Ludwicki (Lewes, Delaware)

  Dear Paul - Be safe and don't get hurt. You are doing great. Keep up the good work. - Ashley Avelleyra (Lewes, Delaware)

  Mark another state off your list! I know you have to take it a day at a time and sometimes even a mile or a step at a time, but take a deep breath... smell it? That would be the smell of the ocean. You're closing in! As you know, we talk of you often. I'm not sure what Diana and I are going to do when you finish. Besides breathe a big sigh of relief that is! We'll call you from the Rolling Stones concert with our 2 weeks notice. Well... maybe we'll give it 3 weeks just to be nice! Keep on headin' east! - Stacey Rossmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  Another State done! Way to go. I marvel at your ability to keep on running. Your good experiences certainly out way the bad ones. What wonderful memories you will have. I will never doubt my two daughters again. They were determined that you would not spend a night in the tent. To that end Diana has worked wonders for you. Stacey has been determined that you would have goals to reach for that would help to enhance your journey. The Capitol in Helena, encounters with Vicki and the kids on the side of the road, phone calls with the Russell kids, M & M drops, new tires for "Bob," phone interviews with Craig and Al, and now the White House. Wonder what is in store for you on the Beach at Lewes? Keep yourself safe, enjoy the beautiful fall colors of the East Coast, and enjoy the completion of your dream. We will see you in Missoula soon! - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30:  34 MILES (Cloudy, Rain, 60 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,659]
Stopping Location: Ada, Ohio (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 958 Feet

DAY 100: This was a 34 mile day from Converse, Ohio to the town of Ada.  On my way through Lima, Ohio I was stopped by the local Television Station for an interview and upon arriving in Ada I was interviewed by two reporters. 

The day was cool and cloudy, and I only had one thunderstorm that produced lightning and rain. I'm spending tonight with Justin Bergman and his wife Amber. Justin is the head baseball coach of Ohio Northern University. 

This evening Justin had his entire team come over for a BBQ and an opportunity to meet me.  This involved over 50 guys and I had a chance to speak to them about the run.  They asked some very good questions and Justin gave me a team hat and shirt, and a baseball that was signed by each of the players.  I appreciate his thoughtfulness and support of this trek and would encourage you to visit their site. (Ohio Northern University)

Tomorrow will be a 34 mile day to the town of Upper Sandusky where I'll stay in a motel.  The weather is forecasted to be clear with no rain for the next couple of days.  That's it from this milepost.  More tomorrow from farther east.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  You were a topic covered at Kaytlin's 4th brithday party today. During the discussions Stacey and Diana suddenly realized that you have run through many miles of corn fields, talked to Craig and Al from a corn field, but have not said that anyone has fed you corn. Have you had corn? 18 more towns to run through! Way to go! - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey Paul! You Rock! Keep running, your almost to the beach! Good luck and stay safe! - Carey (Milford, Delaware)

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1:  34 MILES (Sunny, 74 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,693]
Stopping Location: Upper Sandusky, Ohio (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 846 Feet

DAY 101: Today's run of 34 miles from Ada, Ohio to the town of Upper Sandusky means that I've now completed 2,693 miles and have 507 miles left until I reach the Atlantic Ocean. That's a great feeling. In only 19 days from today I'll be dipping Bob's front wheel, and my running shoes, into the ocean water. 85% of this journey is now behind me. I've completed 10 of the 15 states and will finish off the last 5 states in the next 507 miles. Here's how the remaining schedule looks:

Ohio - 4 more days remaining
West Virginia - 6 days
Virginia - 3 days
Maryland - 3 days (I'll take 1 day off in D.C.)
Delaware - 2 days

That's it!  Whew... I'm getting there. I've been running in Ohio for three days and tomorrow I'll pass the halfway mark of the state. On Friday I will enter West Virginia.

Today was a beautiful day. Sunshine and temperatures in the 70's were welcomed after yesterday's thunderstorms. The next two days are supposed to be sunny and 80 degrees, so it looks like I'll have dry weather for working my way across eastern Ohio.

I'm looking forward to meeting the students of Shields Elementary School in Lewes, Delaware - which is only about a mile from the finish line. Many of the kids have sent some wonderful encouragement notes in my guestbook and I truly appreciate their support. It will be great to meet them and to be able to share some thoughts with them about this amazing journey I've been able to do. I'm also looking forward to being able to share the trek with the Russell Elementary School students who sent me out on this run across America. I just love talking with kids and challenging them toward greater health and fitness. I've enjoyed the opportunities I've had on this trek to speak with people of all ages about my journey and the importance for maintaining proper health and fitness. I hope to have more opportunities after I am done pounding the pavement with Bob.

Well, it's time to ice down my legs and rest up for tomorrow's 40 mile run to Mansfield, Ohio. It will be a long day, but it will bring me one more day closer to the Atlantic Ocean! Thanks for checking in on me at this point. I'll keep on running!

Note: The Lima News (in Lima, Ohio) had a story on the trek in today's edition. You can read it by clicking here.

I want to thank Mike Courtad, acting Superintendent of Upper Sandusky public schools, for arranging the donated lodging for this evening at The Comfort Inn. I truly appreciate it.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul, How are you doing? Hope you get here soon. - Brittany Reese (Lewes, Delaware)

  Hi Paul - It looks like the end is in sight! Keep up the good work. Stay alert and be safe. I'm thrilled Vicki and the kids are coming to DC. This will be a memory of a lifetime for you all. Can you smell the salt air yet? It won't be long! - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, you sound as if you are really re-energized and ready for the rest of this run! You are doing an amazing job! - Leslie (Missoula, Montana)

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 2:  40 MILES (Cloudy, Rain, 63 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,733]
Stopping Location: Mansfield, Ohio (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,243 Feet

DAY 102: The weatherman was very wrong! He said that today would be around 80 degrees with sunshine. I awoke to cool temps, clouds, and a light sprinkle... which turned into a significant rain for the last ten miles of my day. "Bob" is drying out as I type this. The wind blew pretty hard for awhile and the shoulder on the edge of the road varied all day in width and quality.

Today's trek took me 40 miles from Upper Sandusky, Ohio to the small city of Mansfield. I'm on pace and am now over halfway across Ohio. My total mileage across America as of today is 2,733. I have 467 miles left to the ocean! Yep... I'm starting to get excited!

Not much to say about today. I just pushed hard through the 40 miles. There were no interviews or roadside chats today... just chipping away miles.

Before signing off, I want to wish my Dad a happy 73rd birthday! I hope I'm as fit when I'm his age! (I love you Dad). That's it from this rainy milepost. The "new" forecast is for rainy mileposts for the next couple of days. I'll keep my rain gear handy!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  It was a pleasure to meet you today! Good luck on the rest of your trek, and thank you for promoting such an important idea! - Carl Copeland (Bucyrus, Ohio)

  Hi Paul, How are you doing? How many miles have you done so far? Is the weather okay? By the way, I go to Shields Elementary. How old is you daughter? I have a sister, her name is Emily and she is three years old. - Alyson (Lewes, Delaware)

  Paul, WOW! It's so great to read that you have less than 500 miles to go. Keep up the great work! I can't wait to read about your quick visits through these last few states. Way to go! - Amanda Reese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Paul... I just read your news from yesterday... what an exciting challenge you have accomplished already! We hope you and the whole family get to meet the President as he should be impressed with you also. Mel finished the Twin Cities marathon but it was slow... he was happy to finish. We will be in D.C. Oct. 26th as Mel and Alex will run the Marine Corps Marathon on the 29th. I think of your great accomplishment every day when I read your webpage. Congratulations! - Arlene Opstad (Big Lake, Minnesota)

  Paul - As I read the journal entry of the day (my daily routine) I was remembering our days back at Valley Christian School and I realized you're still teaching kids, but now your classroom is much larger! What an incredible opportunity. You're doing a great job - keep it up. - Glen Small (Newport, Oregon)

  Wow Paul, less than 500 miles to go. What an incredible accomplishment! You have been such a wonderful example of courage and perseverance to so many people. I hope that the last few weeks of your journey are wonderful and I will be praying for your safety and endurance. - Kendra Gingerich (Missoula, Montana)

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3:  35 MILES (Sunny, 80 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,768]
Stopping Location: Wooster, Ohio (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 997 Feet

DAY 103: The weatherman was wrong again.  The rain forecasted for today did not happen.  Instead, the sun was out all day and it was 80 degrees with high humidity.  Today's 35 mile route from Mansfield, Ohio to the town of Wooster was very hilly.  Most of the distance was without a decent shoulder and required "Bob" and I to often be in the weeds. 

The highlight of the day was having dinner with Pastor Scott Brooks, his wife JoLynn, and their three children. For those of you who don't know, Scott used to be the worship pastor at the church in Missoula that our family attends.  He now is a pastor in Wadsworth, Ohio. It was so good to see a familiar face and I appreciate them driving to Wooster to spend some time with me. They also brought new tires for "Bob". I've put the tires on and these will likely be the tires to reach the beach. 

Currently, I've completed 2,768 miles and have two days remaining in Ohio.  Tomorrow will be a 34 mile day to the town of Dover and I'll be running on Highway 250, which hopefully will have a decent shoulder. [this is not a county road]

I'm in a hotel tonight and will also be in a hotel tomorrow night. I don't have Internet access (I'm dictating to Rob via phone) and may not until I reach West Virginia, the next state.  At this point I will be running in a southeast direction for a few days which will direct me around Pennsylvania and put me in a more direct line with Delaware. All is going well and I'm feeling good.  Thanks for checking in.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  The bottom of the route page is getting very close. It reminds me of the light at the end of the Hiawatha trail tunnel - still a ways to go but the end is in view. Congratulations on a well run summer. Stay safe, Stay focused and take care of yourself. - Rob Remler (Portland, Oregon)

  I just wanted to say great job getting so far and good luck with the rest of the way... about a week ago I thought of running across America and when I started to research it I came upon your site and I noticed that you passed through my town only a few days earlier and I didn't even know it... well anyways you have really inspired me to keep my idea alive about running across America... thanks. - Sam (Peoria, Illinois)

  Good luck! I am so impressed by what you're doing and why you are doing it. Keep up the good work - you're making huge strides in history (no pun intended). - Meg (Missoula, Montana)

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4:  34 MILES (Sunny, 79 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,802]
Stopping Location: Dover, Ohio (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 650 Feet

DAY 104: This was a 34 mile day from Wooster, Ohio to the town of Dover. It was warm (79 degrees), sunny, humid (97%), and slightly breezy. In the last mile of the day I experienced the hardest rain so far on this run. It poured for about 10 minutes... and I'm talking hard! The water was running along the street curbs like a river. Yep, I got soaked (as did "Bob") We've been drying out for a couple of hours now.

The first 15 miles of the day provided a nice shoulder along highway 250. However, the shoulder then disappeared and I was in the weeds for much of the remaining distance. Of course, there are some hard stems on some of the weeds which scraped my legs as I progressed. Then, the sweat on my legs entered those scrapes and caused a consistent stinging feeling. It's always nice to have a shoulder along the edge of the road in order to avoid such unwanted discomforts!

Today I saw a sign for the lowest gas prices I've seen during this trip. The "Marathon" gas station (good name!) had gas for $1.99 per gallon! The 18-wheelers were abundant on the road today! Whoa! There were several instances when a semi truck got pretty close to Bob and I. I had flashbacks to Highway 12 in northern Idaho! There will be a lot of traffic from here to the finish line. So, to say that the rest of this trek will be "easy" is certainly inaccurate. There will be many people, cars, trucks, street lights, highway ramps, cross streets, and more to watch out for. All of these things can also make my time on the road each day a little longer than I prefer simply because these circumstances can cause delays.

At this point, I am 88% done with this run. I have logged 2,802 miles and have 398 miles left to go until Bob's wheels, and my running shoes, touch the sand at Cape Henlopen on the Delaware coast. Whew... I'm finally to the point where I have less than 400 miles to go. That's exciting! Some of you have asked how many days off the road I've taken since I started on June 23. The total number of days "off" has been around 11. Those days were taken periodically along the route as needed. So, I've been "on the road" for about 90 days. That means that I've averaged 30 miles per day so far since I left the Oregon coast.

If you haven't noticed, Brett Rodli posted some pictures in the photo gallery. I really appreciate him getting some pictures added for you to see, as well as a couple of videos. I've taken soooo many pictures, and the photo gallery only contains a small portion of what my digital camera has captured. I'm looking forward to putting together a PowerPoint slideshow after I return to my hometown.

Upon arriving in Dover, Ohio today I was interviewed by the local newspaper, and that article will likely run in tomorrow's issue. They told me that it will be put online at their web site and we'll provide a link to it once it has been posted.

Tonight the Rolling Stones are performing in Missoula, Montana. I guess that 25,000 people will be in attendance of that outdoor concert - including Stacey Rossmiller and Diana Sontag, two ladies who have helped arrange my lodging... and have been encouraging since day one. I hope each of them have a wonderful time rocking out tonight. I can't imagine that the Stones will be performing too much longer, and it's surprising that such a famous rock group is performing in a relatively small town in Montana. Rock on Missoula!

Tomorrow will be my last full day of running in the state of Ohio. I will enter West Virginia on Friday. I'm pleased that I've been able to stay on pace through the states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. I haven't had a day off the road since I was in Burlington, Iowa on September 17. Since that time I've run about 550 miles. My next day off will be October 17 in Washington, D.C. (when I'll see my family and tour the Capitol and the White House).

This week is the largest mileage week I've logged since this run began. This is a 251-mile week! That's an average of 36 miles per day. I had scheduled some larger mileage days during this stretch of the run (particularly in Illinois and Indiana), mainly due to the relatively flat terrain. However, I'm now in a part of the country where there are many more hills. Today was like running on a rollercoaster track! As I enter West Virginia and Virginia I will have some more mountainous terrain to traverse - including the Appalachian Mountains. So, there are some significant challenges still ahead.

Tomorrow will be a 40 mile day from Dover, Ohio to the town of Cadiz. I'm in a hotel this evening and will be again tomorrow night. Hopefully the weather will be dry and the temps a bit cooler (and perhaps a little lower humidity level). Okay... maybe I'm hoping for "ideal" conditions, but after covering more than 2,800 miles I think it's okay to "wish" for ideal conditions.

I want to send out a thank you to the anonymous elderly woman in Dover, Ohio who stopped along the road and donated $1.00 of her bingo money to the run. I truly appreciate your kind support!

Thanks for stopping by this milepost to check in on me. All is going well and although I'm a bit fatigued, I am persevering and am determined to reach the beach. Time for my nightly ice treatment routine and to relax. Hope you enjoy the pictures that were added to the photo gallery. More tomorrow from my last stop in Ohio!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul: I just spent some time viewing your web page (photos, videos, etc.) and enjoyed every moment. After which I spent some time praying for you. This is my first time writing in the guestbook and I'm thrilled with your progress and excited to know that God is taking you through each day and every step of the way. I hope you're enjoying His creation as you get the great opportunity to be in it on a daily basis. God bless you in a very special way today. - Danny Myers (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey Paul, I hate to tell you this but you're going to miss the Rolling Stones concert tonight. Sorry. Keep on truckin' and watch out for that banana peel. - Keith (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul - How neat that you got to see the Brooks family. I haven't seen them since they came to Missoula to adopt baby Zach. Well, only 16 days left! Incredible! You are so close! I just love reading your journal - would like to see some more pictures! BE safe! - Chris Benson (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!