JOURNAL FOR WEEK SIXTEEN
October 6 through October 12, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6:  21 MILES (Sunny, 70 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,863]
Stopping Location: Wheeling, West Virginia (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 665 Feet

DAY 106:  I didn't have cell or satellite phone reception last evening but I'll share some brief details about yesterday.  It was a 40 mile day from Dover, Ohio to the town of Cadiz.  It took quite a while to log the 40 miles due to winding roads, hills, no shoulder and many semi trucks.  I actually arrived right at nightfall. After ordering pizza in my hotel room I got a good nights rest and was back on the road this morning. 

Today was a short day of 21 miles from Cadiz, Ohio to Wheeling, West Virginia.  I arrived at my hotel early and immediately started to rest and relax.  I prepared another picture and video CD for Brett which is being mailed in the morning. 

Tomorrow will begin what may be the most challenging week of the run.  The plan is for me to tackle 262 miles over the next seven days through West Virginia, including the Appalachian mountains.  I spent considerable time thinking through whether or not to take a day off at this point and decided to press on.  Tomorrow will be a 40 mile day to the tiny town of Littleton, West Virginia.  Littleton is located just off the southwest corner of Pennsylvania.  The main factor for successfully completing the daily mileage over the next several days will be daylight.  I'll be logging several days at or above 40 miles and currently there is 12½ hours of daylight here.  For safety reasons I don't particularly want to run in the dark.  This stretch of running through West Virginia will be similar in many ways to northern Idaho. 

I have 397 miles to go and have completed 2,863 miles.  The total mileage of the trek is actually 3,260 miles.  The original "guesstimate" of 3,200 miles turns out to be a bit short.  On October 17 I'm scheduled to see my family at the White House.  On October 20th, which is a Friday, I should arrive at the finish line on the Delaware Coast.  That's only two weeks from today.  Although I'm excited about the finish, I have 7 challenging days in front of me and am completely focused on successfully and safely completing the days ahead.  I fully understand that I must continue to be flexible in the schedule as needed.  I will not do anything that is too risky or unwise.  I have run into the autumn colors and have left the farm lands behind.  The weather has been nice, sunny and in the 60's.  I would appreciate your prayers as I enter the final stage of this long trek.  As always I appreciate you checking in and will provide Rob with daily updates via phone because I doubt I'll have Internet access during the next week.  Also cell phone reception may be a challenge, however I still have my satellite phone and will use it if necessary. Hopefully it will pick up a signal. 

Tomorrow I begin my journey through the 12th state of this trek and will keep my eyes straight ahead to the coast.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hey Paul! Everybody at Shields Elementary is excited to see you in a couple weeks! You must be a fantastic runner, being okay to run nonstop! Everyone at Shields are hoping for you to get here safely! See you soon! - Kate Wenner (Lewes, Delaware)

  Hi Paul, I am from Shields Elementary and my gym teacher is Tim Bamforth. I hope you come to see us when you are finished with your run. We are going to run across America on our track at school. Good Luck and Be Safe! Your friend, - Toby (Lewes, Delaware)

  Dear Paul, I can't wait to meet you in Lewes, DE. I pray for you every night. GOOD LUCK!! - Ashley Avelleyra (Lewes, Delaware)

  Hi Paul - you are getting to be very healthy. I am doing the run (virtually). I cannot wait until you come to Delaware. GOOD LUCK! - Hannah Tolbert (Lewes, Delaware)

  Hello, Again. As I ran this morning, I thought of you. You are always on my mind and in my prayers. I went to the seeusrun.com web sight and enjoyed looking at all the pictures. I started to cry with joy. It was great to see all the parents, town, and community involved. Looks like you have a pretty special town and school. As I read the "Our Daily Bread" this morning I really liked the verse and thought of you. It's found in Deut. 33:27, "Underneath are the everlasting arms." Despite the stressful circumstances you may face, you can always rest in the assurance of God's watchful care. With God behind you and His arms beneath you, you can face whatever lies ahead of you. Oh! I just started my own virtual run. I'm running the Iditarod Trail that the sled dogs run. I ran 5 miles on the treadmill today. I'll send you an update when you get home. - Darla Orbistondo (Juneau, Alaska)

  Dear Paul - I don't like people who do bad things to you. I can't wait to see you. I hope you get here soon. I bet your family will be proud of you when you fulfill your promise and stay safe. I hope no more people do anything more mean to you. - Ricky Brokaw (Lewes, Delaware)

  Congratulations on nearing the finish line; a finish line you picked quite a ways down the road. It is very impressive to watch from the sidelines. Keep up the good work and enjoy your last few days on the road. Take care. - Bart Hanson (Rochester, Minnesota)

  Hello my Little Brother. Paul you are truly amazing. God has given me a wonderful brother and for that I am thankful. You are doing so well and I am so very proud of you. You know Little Brother, you are going to make it. What a shining example you are for not only the children, but all people. I am proud to call you my brother. Please take care the rest of your journey and say hello to the ocean for me. I Love you Paul! - Wendy (Tolsona, Alaska)

  You're almost there... keep a runnin'... we're still pulling for you and are soooooooo proud of you! "Gotta run..." - Joan Kuchel (Missoula, Montana)

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7:  38 MILES (Sunny, 72 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,901]
Stopping Location: Littleton, West Virginia (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 925 Feet

DAY 107: Note from Rob: [I received an e-mail from Paul's wife, Vicki]  He made it as planned and covered 38 miles. It was extremely hilly with several 800-1000 ft. elevation gains. It was a lot of work... physically demanding! Tomorrow he will press on 37 miles to Fairmont, West Virginia and end the day at a hotel. Tonight he has no Internet service or reception on either his cell or satellite phones.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul. It was exciting to see that you are in West Virginia. You've made it this far. I'm sure you'll make it the rest of the way. Be safe and as always be smart about what your body needs. - Caroline Glidewell (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, I have started to sprint this year. I am so proud of you. Good luck, Amigo! - Noah Shenk (Lewes, Delaware)

  Keep it up, you are doing great. You are such an inspiration. Still following your progress from Idaho. - Jonathan Wright (Kuna, Idaho)

  Paul - Your yard back home has several piles of leaves that the family has raked. I saw the boys hard at work earlier today. You're so close to the end of your journey that I bet you can almost hear the seagulls. Soon you'll be able to smell the salt air. What an incredible feat! I'm amazed every time I think about it. It's been such a joy to follow your progress that I'll be sad when it's over. Selfishly, that is. VERY happy for you. Your family can't wait to see you and I know the feeling is mutual. It should be quite an adventure in our nation's capitol. God bless. Take good care on this last difficult stretch. We want you home safe and sound. You are in my prayers daily - you and Bob - and I will pray for God's protection for you from the challenges of the road you face. See you soon. - Kathy Noble (Missoula, Montana)

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8:  31 MILES (Sunny, 76 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,932]
Stopping Location: Fairmont, West Virginia (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 984 Feet

DAY 108:  Note from Rob: Paul ran 31 miles from Littleton, West Virginia into Fairmont, West Virginia where he is staying in a motel. Today was a nice day with temperatures in the 70's. The road was up and down all day. Tomorrow is scheduled to be a 28 mile day from Fairmont, West Virginia into Fellowsville, West Virginia where he will be staying with the principal of Fellowsville Schools. Thank you to Allison Koontz for Paul's meal and evening transportation, and to Barbara Brasher for returning Paul to the road this morning.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul - By now you are well under 400 miles to go in your journey. These next few days are going to be an amazing experience for you. I look forward to reading all about it when you get through the mountains. Take care and God's speed. - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Woo hoo!!!! Way to run, Paul!! Keep it up! We are cheering you on from down south. The coast is ever nearer. Push on, Paul!! - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 9:  28 MILES (Sunny, 77 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,960]
Stopping Location: Fellowsville, West Virginia (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,365 Feet

DAY 109:  Hello from Fellowsville, West Virginia! I am now nearly two-thirds of the way across this state and have completed 2,960 miles. Tomorrow is a BIG day, because I will be going through the most difficult portion of West Virginia. I will be going up and over the Appalachian Mountains and it is scheduled to be a 38 mile day. The weather is supposed to stay nice tomorrow (in the 70s with sun), but is to deteriorate the next day with some snow in the higher elevations. So, it's a good thing that I am going to the top of the mountain range tomorrow.

West Virginia has been absolutely beautiful to run through. The weather has been in the upper 70s, but very humid. Tonight I am staying with Stan Shaver, the principal of Fellowsville School. I appreciate the kindness he and his wife have shown, and have valued their insight as to the road ahead of me tomorrow. I will have some local people checking on me periodically throughout the day and will do my very best to complete all 38 miles to the top of the Appalachian Mountains.

Thanks for checking in and I'll provide more details on my West Virginia experience a little later. For now, it's time to ice and get adequate rest for the big day tomorrow. I must say that most of West Virginia consists of hills... BIG hills. Many of the grades are at 9% and Bob's weight has been truly testing my strength these past few days. I've logged 100 miles across some rugged terrain in the past three days and am anxious to complete my final two days in West Virginia. One week from today Vicki and the kids will fly to Washington, D.C. and one week from tomorrow we'll be standing together in the White House. I'm pushing forward and am looking forward to next week. I'll get to see my family and on October 20th I'm scheduled to reach the finish line on the Delaware coast.

For those who like to send up prayers for me, tomorrow would be a great day to do just that! I'll do my best to get an update out tomorrow night from the top of the Appalachians. Until then, I've got my eyes on the coast!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul - Well, fall is beautiful along the Clearwater River. Gray Wolf, Jim and Greg send their best to you and wish you continued success on your journey. We have been watching your progress and so proud of your achievements. Wishing you good health, safe travels, success in all that you do. Say Hi to "Bob" from all of us. - Lois Hansen (Lenore, Idaho)

  Hello Paul! Keep up the Great pace! Carmin and I still talk about you daily. We had a race last Saturday and the runners of Logansport are still thinking about you! - Bill Bauman (Logansport, Indiana)

  Soon you will be in single digit days left on the road. Soon you will be "icing" in the "other" ocean! Way to go! It has been fun following this journey since the inception with the 4th and 5th graders at Russell School. It has been as much fun to follow the guest book and see all of the wonderful support you have had. I look forward to seeing your power point presentation when you get back. It has truly been a pleasure to hear some of the discussions between Diana and Stacey concerning lodging, sites you might see, M & M drops, Dairy Queen locations, etc. How wonderful that Vicki and the kids will be with you when you reach the ocean. Wish we could all be there to see the finish of your dream with them. We will be in spirit. Continue to have a safe trip. "Gotta run!" - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10:  38 MILES (Sunny, 75 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,998]
Stopping Location: Mount Storm, West Virginia (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,841 Feet

DAY 110: Hello from Mount Storm, West Virginia. Today was a challenging 38 mile day from Fellowsville to Mount Storm. I went over 4 mountain passes, and each of those mountains had a 9% grade... up and down. I did the trek in 11 hours and even had time to stop for a few roadside chats and an ice cream cone. The weather was beautiful (sunny and 75 degrees) and the autumn colors were wonderful. I took some pictures along the way and worked hard to keep on pace. I am now on the top of the Appalachian Mountains and tomorrow I will go downhill to the town of Romney, West Virginia (a 34 mile run). This was the last difficult day of mountains and I am so excited to be feeling good with only 262 miles remaining before reaching the coast of Delaware on October 20th. I have 9 running days left (counting the day off I'll take in Washington, D.C.).

One week from today, next Tuesday, I will be with my family at the White House. I can't wait! I'm excited to see them and to be only a few days away from finishing this journey across America. It has been a wonderful experience, but I am ready to go home.

I want to extend a huge thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Watson for checking on me periodically today as I made the 38 mile trek to Mount Storm. It was nice to know that they were on hand if needed, and they even bought me pizza for dinner and provided a bag of ice so that I could do my nightly icing routine. I truly appreciate the kindness and support they showed and they truly are the epitome of "good people" in this world.

So, here I am on the eastern edge of the Appalachian Mountains... looking out across the valley I'll drop into tomorrow to begin the last two days I'll run in West Virginia. On Thursday I will enter the state of Virginia, which I'll be in for 3 days. Yep... I'm getting very excited to smell the sea air, see the seagulls, and share with my family the final moment of this endeavor. Tomorrow morning, after 2 miles, I will officially reach the 3,000 mile mark. What a great feeling that will be.

I want to thank everyone who sent up prayers and were thinking of me today. I really felt strong all day long and although it was truly a physically demanding day, I pressed on with a renewed determination. I know that the positive encouragement of many people played a role in that.

It's time to relax and ice in my motel room. Tomorrow I'll continue down the road with "Bob", enjoying the autumn colors with each step. The weather is due to change with colder temps coming in and perhaps some precipitation. It's a good thing that I got this difficult day done today when the weather was so nice!

Thanks for stopping by this 2,998th milepost to check on my progress. All is well and I'm focused on a successful finish. I've been blessed so much in my life, and this experience is a blessing that I'll never be able to fully explain to anyone. This run has changed me, for the better. My mother told me before I left the coast of the Pacific Ocean that I wouldn't be the same person when I arrive at the Atlantic Ocean. She was right. Mothers just seem to know!

And tomorrow the run continues...

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  So you anticipated that today would be a little challenging. Was it? Yep! But, you pulled it off with what seemed to be little effort. I was able to talk with you several times today as you climbed over the hills that were "alive with music", while you "shook your groove thing", and tried to keep "staying alive". (Any of you reading this hopefully can tell what kind of mood Paul was in today!). You accomplished a monumental task today! Be proud of yourself! We had no doubt at this end that you would be in Mount Storm, West Virginia tonight! You have nine more running days and a very exciting day off and then it is over but not forgotten. Be careful and alert for the days ahead! See you back in Missoula soon! - Diana (Missoula, Montana)

  WAY TO GO MR. STAYIN' ALIVE!!! You so totally rock!! Even though you had people saying you couldn't do the Appalachians in one day and that you needed to take a break, you did what YOU knew you could do. We (you know which two! ) never doubted for a minute that you would conquer this last big obstacle. You set your mind to it, set your attitude and went for it! You had many, many thoughts and prayers flying your way today. We are there with you in spirit and yelling for you and at you every step of the way. Do me a favor...in 10 days feed a seagull for me!!! Keep on shakin' that groove thang Mr. Staso!! - Stacey (Missoula, Montana)

  Yeah! You're almost here!! Go Paul!!! Keep going, you're almost to the beach, which is really nice this week! Its pretty sunny here and the beach is great! - Carey (Milford, Delaware)

  Hey, you did in 11 hours what you thought it would take 13 hours to do. That is an awesome feat. Know you are truly on the home stretch. See you in a few days. - Steve Lyons (Missoula, Montana)

  Way to go! You've reached the TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. Today your journey reminded me of the little mountain climber on the Bob Barker show that Diana watched as a child. Sometimes he slipped and fell, and other days he made it over the top of the mountain and obtained the big prize. YOU MR. STASO have won the big prize. Soon you will be at the beach with your wonderful family with you. Your promise will have been kept to the Russell School kids. Your life long dream completed. Wonderful new friends from coast to coast. A new understanding of yourself and your strength. A summer to remember! Continue to stay safe, and enjoy the last few days on the road. - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - Congratulations on your big day. I'm very proud of you as is the rest of Missoula; however I will be so glad when I can talk to my sisters with out them hanging up on me because, " Duh, Paul's on the other line." I'm sure they'll have to find another excuse to hang up... I'm sure they'll be kind of bored without this to do! - Leslie (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi, how exciting to have come this far. In the early days I must admit I had my doubts you would reach the east coast, now I have no doubts. I have enjoyed your journal writings so much and will miss reading them in the evenings. Take care, be safe and have a wonderful last few days on the road and the White House! If you see President Bush tell him hi from Walla Walla for me. Take care. - Margaret (Walla Walla, Washington)

  WOW... What a day!! I cannot imagine the way you must feel. Lots of folks sent up some "Knee-Mail" so that God would keep his arms around you and add a few feathers to your feet to keep them flying along. Enjoy these last few days and make lots of memories with your family; you will have lots to talk about on the cold winter nights when you return. God Speed and enjoy your dip in the Other Ocean. - Bobbi Patton (Elliston, Montana)

  Paul, as I read your entry for Tuesday, I am choked up to hear of the kindnesses so many people have shared with you during this journey. Your journey has been a challenging one, but it appears to be quite rewarding as well. Prayers will continue during the last 275 miles of your journey. WOW! Keep up the great work!!! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Way to go uncle. Hit that pavement hard. You are almost done. Grats Man! - Mike Machuca (Salt Lake City, Utah)

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11:  34 MILES (Sunny, 70 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 3,032]
Stopping Location: Romney, West Virginia (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 820 Feet

DAY 111: Note from Rob: [I'm writing this from a voice mail I received today after Paul completed today's run.] Today was a 34 mile day from Mount Storm to Romney, West Virginia.  Paul ran along Highway 50 and there was not much of a shoulder, which added to the challenge.  There were more trucks, specifically commercial traffic, as compared to yesterday. Also, there were many 9 percent grades to go up and down... a challenge with "Bob". 

Paul crossed the 3,000 mile mark 2 miles into today's run. Before he came into Romney today, Paul crossed the  Potomac River. He said that he feels good and is excited about being under 250 miles with 8 days of running to go. (3,032 miles completed)

Tomorrow is a 42 mile day from Romney, West Virginia to Winchester, Virginia.  Virginia is his 13th state. He is planning on a 13-hour day to complete tomorrow's 42 miles.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hey Paul - I'm soooo glad you are going to finish this. I'm so glad I got the chance to participate in part of this. Tell the kids in Delaware I'll be rooting for them to cross the finish line just like we did. so have a great trip. I'll be rooting for you. - Kelleigh Sontag (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul, Welcome to Virginia! That's the state we moved from to Missoula. We were in Roanoke, in the southwest corner of the state. Now you can actually see the end so be especially careful and alert. Your family wants you back safe and sound. Enjoy the rest of the run. Take some time to watch as the ending events unfold or they'll fly by and you'll wonder how it happened. We're looking forward to celebrating your huge accomplishment with you when you return to Missoula. God bless. - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)

  Congrats on running over 3000 miles!!! We're behind you all the way. - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

  We are so happy that all is still going well for you. We here at the Heartland Inn are following your journey. I can't wait to read your new journal entry each day. Enjoy the last few days of your run and be safe. Tell George and Laura Bush hello from Mt. Pleasant!! Happy trails to you, until we meet again!!! - Jill (Mount Pleasant, Iowa)

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