JOURNAL FOR WEEK SEVENTEEN
October 13 through October 19, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13:  28 MILES (Sunny, 70 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 3,102]
Stopping Location: Middleburg, Virginia (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 486 Feet

DAY 113: Today was a 28 mile day from Winchester, VA to the town of Middleburg.  I continue to run on Highway 50 which did not have a shoulder.  All day long I was in the slanted and rough ditch along the side of the road.  It was a physically tiring day not being able to roll "Bob" on any pavement.  There was a lot of traffic and I simply could not get any time on the road. 

Today I crossed the Shenandoah River and had to climb out of that valley.  Tomorrow I will continue on Highway 50 to the town of Seven Corners where I'll stay in a motel.  Seven Corners is just before entering Washington D.C.  On Sunday I will go  through the entirety of Washington D.C.  

I am on pace for my Friday, October 20th finish which means I have 6 running days left.  I've completed 3,102 miles and have 158 miles more to go.  At this time it's looking like I won't be allowed to run over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  That bridge is about 4 miles long and pedestrian traffic is not allowed.  A police escort was hoped to be arranged but it's not looking like that will happen.  As a result I will likely be transported over the bridge.  There are no other alternate routes in the area to cross over the bay.

Physically I'm feeling pretty tired and ready for level ground beneath me.  My left foot has taken quite a pounding the last couple of days on Highway 50 with having to be on the slanted edge along the highway. 

After tomorrow I will likely spend Sunday walking the selected route through Washington D.C. to give my body a little rest.  I'm looking forward to having Tuesday off the road since I have not had a day off since September 16th in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.  (Nearly 900 miles ago)

Vicki and the kids are ready to fly to Washington D.C. on Monday and I can't wait to see them. With regards to the weather, this morning was the coldest start I've had on the run. I began today in 34 degree weather. As the day progressed it warmed up to about 60 with clear skies and sunshine. The forecast is for nice weather over the next several days. 

That's all from this stop in Virginia.  Tomorrow will be my last day in this state and I've enjoyed the beautiful autumn colors.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul - Way to go... over 3000!!! I bet you can almost taste the sea salt on your tongue and hear the ocean waves crash onto shore?! Savor every moment and have a great last week! - Kristie Boyd (Missoula, Montana)

  Yay! Go Paul! You're almost there!! - Carey (Milford, Delaware)

  Hey Paul - I am so glad you are okay after that scary encounter with the guy who tried to steal your satellite phone! My heart was pounding just reading your story. It's a good thing that you are in such good shape that you could chase him down! That was pretty brave too! I will keep your safety in my prayers, adding people with evil intent to the list of hazards. You are almost done! So very cool! - Chris Benson (Missoula, Montana)

  Holy buckets! After reading your last post, I was saying to myself "I've been there... Google maps has mislead me too". But it's never led me into a waiting Hobo with larceny on his mind. So I can no longer relate. It's good that you are okay and were able to recover everything! Keep up the good work, your almost there! See you at Thanksgiving! (remember its call "Tryptophan"). - Clay Hanson (Helena, Montana)

  I'm glad you are okay... and I'm guessing after the day you had, that guy should be thankful he is okay! Only a couple more days until you have your family there with you. That will make all the difference for you. STAY SAFE on the rest of your journey. We are cheering you on every step of the way! (P.S. - Clay, are you SURE it's not "estrogen"?). - Stacey (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - Glad nothing more than a few extra blocks were added to your list of eventful days. Be safe and no more adding miles by chasing idiots! - Leslie (Missoula, Montana)

  I'm really glad you were not hurt by that Idiot or he didn't have a weapon. You're almost there. Be careful and God Bless. - Spazdogrunner (Sonora, California)

  You're almost to the finish line. I think you had better keep the pepper-spray handy just in case. I am so thankful that nothing worse happened to you. Please continue to stay alert for thugs and whatever. Have a great week to the east coast. Stay safe! - Margaret (Walla Walla, Washington)

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14:  33 MILES (Sunny, 66 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 3,135]
Stopping Location: Seven Corners, Virginia (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 384 Feet

DAY 114: Today was a 33 mile day from Middleburg to Seven Corners, Virginia. I left Middleburg, VA in 34 degree temperatures and continued down highway 50 toward Washington D.C.  After 33 miles I stopped at a location known as Seven Corners, which is where 7 roadways come together. 

The weather today was 66 degrees and sunny and this nice weather trend is suppose to last for a couple more days. I'm in a motel this evening and excited about tomorrow's run. I will be going through all of Washington D.C. and am currently 7 miles from the White House. Tomorrow morning I will run through the Arlington National Cemetery then over the Potomac River.  I will pass the Lincoln Memorial, the reflecting pool, The Washington Monument, the Ellipse, and the White House.  From the White House I will be following the most direct route (without Interstate) toward Annapolis. Places in Washington that I don't see tomorrow I will try to see with my family when the run is over.

I want to thank Tim Bamforth for all of his assistance in planning a safe and direct route through Washington D.C.  I should cover 30 miles tomorrow and end up about 17 miles from the Chesapeake Bay  Bridge.  This will leave me with about 17 miles to do on Monday morning before being driven to the airport in Baltimore where I will meet Vicki and the kids when they get off their plane that afternoon. 

Today's run was definitely a challenge. It started out on country roads with no shoulder, and I was in the ditch a lot pushing "Bob" through thorny bushes and weeds. Then the roads changed to increased traffic, which at times included 5 lanes of oncoming cars. Even though it was a Saturday there was still plenty of traffic.  I look forward to being in the nation's capital tomorrow and will certainly have my camera handy. Vicki and the kids are excited to fly and soon we'll be together. Rick Poppleton and Peter Tracey will be helping me get through Arlington and the streets of Washington D.C.  I have 125 miles left, which is 5 days of running!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Do your best! I hope to see at Shields Elementary school! - Quinn L. (Lewes, Delaware)

  Paul - Sounds like you had quite the adventure on Thursday. Glad you and Bob are safe. The people you have met along this route have most definitely kept you on your toes (literally!).
Congrats on getting through West Virginia so quickly. AWESOME! I can't believe you are under 200 miles to go. That seems like pocket change when you read how many miles you have already put behind you. You are doing FANTASTIC! Keep it up ... enjoy D.C. and spending some time with your family. Keep on keepin' on! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Hi Paul. Yep, ya about got it licked. We are so excited for you and your family getting to go to DC. I've always wanted to go there also. Someday!!! Keep up the good work and we are still praying for you and your safe journey to the finish line. What a book of experiences HUH??? Love - The Mosers (McLaughlin, South Dakota)

  Hang in There!!! Hopefully with the end of your journey in sight, it will bring you extra energy to meet the challenges that more people on the road present. Our 2006 season ended today with a runner participating in the State Meet. We will be sharing pictures of your visit at our Awards Gathering on November 10. Your visit made a difference. Thank You. - Rebecca Marvel (Farmington, Illinois)

  Hey Paul - I have been waiting for you to come. Coach B says we will have a lot of fun when you get and we can all meet you. Well good luck! Your Friend, - Ellie Sutton (Lewes, Delaware)

  You are an inspiration to our family. We have made a commitment to our children to help them become more active. Thank you to you and your family for raising awareness of children's fitness. - Annette (Florida)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15:  36 MILES (Sunny, 62 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 3,171]
Stopping Location: Edgewater, Maryland (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 39 Feet

DAY 115: I am only 89 miles from the finish line at Cape Henlopen State Park on the Delaware coast! Today was a day I will always remember... running through the nation's capitol. What an experience! "Bob" and I had our picture taken in front of the White House, the Capitol, and the Supreme Court. The sights around every corner were amazing to take in. Today I left the state of Virginia, ran across the entirety of Washington, D.C., and into the state of Maryland... stopping at Edgewater, Maryland after 36 miles. The 62-degree temperatures and sunny skies made the day perfect. I have now run through 13 states - and Washington D.C., covering 3,171 miles.

Today would not have gone as smoothly without the wonderful support of two local runners. Rick Poppleton met me at my hotel this morning and ran the first 8 miles with me to the entrance of Washington, D.C. We enjoyed a great morning run which took us past some wonderful monuments, and the Arlington National Cemetery. Thanks Rick!

Then, Peter Tracey escorted me through all of Washington, D.C. so that I would see some of the main sights and that I would have the most direct route possible to the Maryland border. Peter and I enjoyed 11 miles of running past so many historical and significant locations. I really appreciated his companionship, knowledge of the area, and assistance in getting through D.C.

I want to thank Tim Bamforth, of Lewes, Delaware, for arranging the assistance of Rick and Peter.

I ended today in Edgewater, Maryland, but am spending this evening in D.C. at Peter's home. He'll drive me back to Edgewater in the morning to resume my run up to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge - which is where I'll end my day tomorrow after an easy 15 miles. I will then be picked up by Aaron Lohr and taken to his home to shower, do some laundry, check e-mail messages, and then be transported to the Baltimore airport to meet my wife and four children when they get off of their airplane. What a great moment that will be! I can't wait! Tomorrow evening I will stay with my family in a hotel in Washington, D.C. and on Tuesday I will have a day off he road so that we can have our tours of the Capitol and the White House. There's no confirmation yet on whether or not we'll be able to meet the President or Mrs. Bush. We're just honored to have the opportunity to be in these incredible locations!

Today my family drove to Spokane, Washington where they will spend this evening with friends and then fly to Washington, D.C. tomorrow. Spokane is about a 3 hour drive from our hometown of Missoula, Montana - but the savings on airline tickets was significant for flying out of Spokane rather than Missoula. Here's the itinerary for the remainder of this week:

Monday:  Run 11 miles to Sandy Point State Park, Maryland
Tuesday:  No running this day (at the Capitol & White House)
Wednesday:  Run 30 miles to Denton, Maryland
Thursday:  Run 31 miles to Georgetown, Delaware
Friday:  Run 17 miles to Cape Henlopen State Park (the finish line)

The run will end at about 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, at Cape Henlopen State Park on the Delaware coast. So, only 4 running days remain! Hard to believe. This has been such an amazing experience for me and I am incredibly fortunate to be able to be approaching the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks for stopping in to see how I'm doing. I feel good and am looking forward to having the sand beneath my feet... and beneath Bob's wheels!

More tomorrow from a little further down the road!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  HEY - keep it up, you're doing great. - Stephanie Stinson (Lewes, Delaware)

  Hey Paul - I'm just saying hi again . I can't wait till you finish. It'll be soooo cool. Oh by the way all the 5 th graders that are now 6th graders say Hi and good luck. - Kelleigh Sontag (Missoula, Montana)

  Hello Paul. I am Jake Bamforth. I run for the Seashore Striders. I ran a race yesterday and came in 3rd. My Dad is Tim Bamforth. I think you are doing a great job!!! - Jake Bamforth (Lewes, Delaware)

  Just six more days on the road! And to think that we saw you when you were about 6 (ok a few more) days in to your run. It has been amazing watching (reading) you run across the country. I feel so blessed that we got to be a part of your journey. Have a great time with your family! - Emily (Lewiston, Idaho)

  I don't think I can even begin to express the anxiety that was felt as you maneuvered you and Bob under the interstate and around all of the clover leafs as I listened on the other end of the phone! WOW!! I think your statement for today should probably be "Kids, don't try this." (Really, I don't think anyone should try this!!). I truly can't believe that there are only 5 days left! I don't know what I will do without the numerous phone calls every day! Stacey and I have really enjoyed working with you and your family for the past 4 months. It is just unbelievable to think that it is almost over! I really wish that we could be there at the finish, but Stacey and I will be with you in spirit as you cross the beach and step into the Atlantic! Take care, and enjoy your day touring D.C. with your family. Then get yourself back on the road and finish this monumental journey!! - Diana (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 16:  11 MILES (Sunny, 64 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 3,182]
Stopping Location: Sandy Point State Park, Maryland (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 7 Feet

DAY 116: I am now 78 miles from the finish line! I completed today's easy 11-mile run through Annapolis to the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Maryland. We're still waiting to hear if I'll be able to run over the bridge on Wednesday morning with an escort. If not, I will be transported over it with a vehicle and will resume running on the other side. Either way, I will complete this journey on Friday, October 20, at 11:00 a.m. EST at Cape Henlopen State Park on the Delaware coast. As I write this at 3:00 p.m., Vicki and the kids are on an airplane flying to the Baltimore airport... where I'll be meeting them in about 3 hours.

We will all be together this evening in a hotel in Washington, D.C. and then tomorrow we will be at the Capitol and the White House during my "day off". I can't believe that only 3 days of running remain. I've averaged 30 miles per day across the country and am excited to see the ocean waves in a few days. Today is my daughter Ashlin's 12th birthday, and as many of you know Ashlin and I started all of this with a bedtime conversation in June 2005 when we decided to challenge her classmates with a virtual run/walk across America. I'm glad that I get to see her on her birthday!

I've been getting e-mail messages about pictures in the photo gallery, or the lack thereof, since Illinois. I've sent pictures and videos to Brett Rodli over the past few weeks, but Brett must be busy with other matters. I apologize for the delay in the posting of pictures from Indiana and Ohio. The CD of pictures from West Virginia are still in the mail to Brett. Thanks for your patience! When I get back to Missoula on Thursday, October 26, I will try to get the pictures up to date on the web site.

The weather continues to cooperate and I've been so happy with the sunny skies and temps in the 60s. I hope the weather holds for the remaining 2% of this trek. It will all be over soon. Thanks for running along... virtually. Gotta run, to finish doing my laundry so that I look decent at the airport for our family reunion!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul - I am so excited for you to see your family tomorrow! Have fun with them touring the White House and Capitol. Only a few more days! You must be giddy! - Chris Benson (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, Congratulations! You're almost there. We hope you enjoy the last few days on the road and also time with your family! - Bob & Heidi Fink and the Tiger Volleyball Team (Springfield, Minnesota)

  Hi! We have been inspired by your run and we are walking 1 mile or more every day at school. We will cheer you on on Friday on our way to our field trip to the Delaware Fire School in Georgetown. Hope we will get to see you on our way. We will leave Shields about 8:45 a.m. See you then. - Mrs. Hammond's 3rd Grade Class (Lewes, Delaware)

  Dear Paul - The excitement is really building here this week as all of the students wait for your arrival. You have really inspired all of us to persevere and become more physically fit. We are having a "Family Fun Night" on Friday, October 20. I am inviting you and your wife and children to join the Shields families for a night of games and food. The time is from 6 to 8. Keep up your great spirits and I look forward to cheering you on on Friday morning as you past by Shields. - Patricia Magee (Principal of Shields Elementary School - Lewes, Delaware)

  WOW! What a thrill it must be to be running past the monuments in Washington DC at the end of this amazing journey! We are all so proud of you! And we are very thankful that we were able to be involved in a small way to help you make it happen! I am so glad that Vicki and the kids are going to be with you as you reach your finish line--what a wonderful experience for your whole family! Stay safe and have a wonderful time! See you soon in Missoula!! - Jan and Kristy Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  WOW! - Martha Robertson (Missoula, Montana)

  I can't believe you are near the end of the run, Paul. It has been so much fun coming to your website and reading about every new experience you had. It almost feels like I've been on this trip with you. I don't know what I'll do with myself once you finish the run. I'll truly miss coming here to read your journal entries and view all the wonderful pictures. Oh well, I guess I'll survive. I'm so proud of my little brother. Take Care and Stay Safe Paul! Love, - Amy (Anchorage, Alaska)

  Dear Paul, I cannot believe that you are going to run 3,200 miles!!! I bet you are the only one in the world to run across America! And I wanted to know how was Ohio and Washington D.C.? You are doing a great job Paul! Sincerely, - Ben Bamforth (Lewes, Delaware)

  Congratulations on you run. We enjoyed having you in Pomeroy. You're welcome back anytime! - Jan Gould (Pomeroy, Washington)

  Have a wonderful visit with your Family. Great job! - The SerVoss Family (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, Have a wonderful time tonight and tomorrow with your family. I sure hope you get to start your day on Wednesday by RUNNING across the Chesapeake Bay bridge (FINGERS CROSSED). Keep up the great work. Looking forward to reading about the final THREE days. - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17:  DAY OFF THE ROAD

DAY 117: I want to begin by thanking Aaron and Kristy Lohr for their wonderful hospitality picking me up yesterday before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. They let me do laundry and spend some time getting caught up on e-mail messages. They then drove me to the Baltimore Airport to pick up my Family. 

On the way I received a phone call informing me that President Bush was scheduled to meet with Foreign Dignitaries today (Tuesday) at the White House and that all scheduled tours were being canceled.  This included the tour arranged for my family.  Our White House tour was rescheduled for the following day, Wednesday, and this required some scheduling considerations. 

Here is what I decided:  This afternoon we will do the Capital Building tour, as scheduled. On Wednesday morning I will be transported to my drop off point in Maryland to resume the run while my family remains in Washington D.C.  Wednesday night I will be in a motel in Denton, Maryland and will not see my family until the run concludes on Friday.  Unless the White House is willing to reschedule our tour for next Monday or Tuesday when my family returns to D.C. for a couple of days, then I will have to miss the tour while Vicki and the kids tour the White House without me.  Hopefully the White House will accommodate me.

Update at 5:30 p.m. - Good news I'll be able to visit the White House next Tuesday Morning with my family.  It was nice that they were able to accommodate my schedule with their schedule change.

Today we did the tour of the Capitol and had a wonderful time.  A special thank you to Tessa, our tour guide. We appreciate your time with us. The highlight of our day was our time at the National Air and Space Museum.  The boys really liked seeing the rockets and planet displays.  We also had the opportunity to  try out the Washington DC metro system.  It was quite an experience on our way back to the motel with rush hour in D.C. The rest of the day we walked and got a lay of the land.  It was a very rainy day so we bought three umbrellas.  The weather is suppose to be clear and 60 degrees for the next couple of days and I am hoping they are right.  My family will be at the zoo tomorrow while I continue the run. 

I will be transported early tomorrow morning across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Permission was not granted for me to run across the bridge, and we need to stay safe and legal.  I am disappointed but I feel okay because I made a 4 mile wrong turn near Portland, Oregon and so in a sense I've already done the miles.  Tomorrow will be a 30 mile day to Denton and that will be my last full day in Maryland.  I'll then have two (actually 1 and a half) days of running to complete the trek.  I have 78 miles to go to get to the finish.

Thanks to Sharmin McCalla for calling me today to encourage me. I appreciate her support and kindness.

More tomorrow from the other side of the Bay.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, you are amazing and your run is nearly over! Enjoy your family and we'll see you all back in Missoula. Come see us at the office. Bless you. - Gladys Harlan (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul - It's exciting to see that you are near completion of this awesome challenge. We thank you for stopping in Bluffton, Indiana and taking time to talk with two of our Mileage Clubs. They have been following you the rest of the way. Hope your memories will come out in a book sometime. - Nedra Steury (Operation Wellness - Bluffton, Indiana)

  Listen hard on Friday morning when you cross the beach. We will have the "cow bell" ringing for you and Bob. Way to go! Wish we could all be on the beach to see your wonderful finish. We will be in spirit. It is wonderful that Vicki and the kids will be there. Know that Missoula and Russell Students are very proud of you. Have a safe finish. - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

  You're almost to the beach!! Awesome, Paul!! Hope someone videotapes your finish... would love to see the culmination of your magnificent run. Push on... - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18:  30 MILES (Partly Cloudy, 73 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 3,212]
Stopping Location: Denton, Maryland (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 43 Feet

DAY 118: Hello from Denton, Maryland! Today was my last full day of running in the state of Maryland. Tomorrow I will be entering Delaware... my 15th and final state! Today I ran 30 miles from the east side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to the town of Denton. The weather was in the 70s with partly cloudy skies. It's supposed to be that way tomorrow as well.

Vicki and our four children are in Washington, D.C. and enjoyed a day at the zoo. They will be traveling to Lewes, Delaware tomorrow (Thursday) where they will stay in a hotel. Then, on Friday morning, we'll all be reunited once again at Cape Henlopen State Park where I'll be completing this run at 11:00 a.m.

As of right now, I only have 48 miles remaining until I reach the finish line. Whew! When I'm done the entire length of my trek across America will be 3,260 miles. Tomorrow's 31-mile run to Georgetown, Delaware will be my last full day on the road. On Friday, I'll only have 17 miles to do.

I want to thank Peter Tracey for picking me up at my hotel this morning in Washington, D.C. and transporting me to the west side of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, where Aaron Lohr met me with "Bob" (which he took care of for a couple of days) and then transported me 4 miles across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Once on the other side, Aaron kept me company as I put Bob back together to get ready to head down the road. Thanks for all of your help Aaron!

I want to address the issue with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge... since we've had several people inquire about that. Essentially, the Bay Bridge does not allow any pedestrian traffic, or bicyclists, whatsoever. There is no shoulder or breakdown lane on the bridge and for eastbound traffic there are only two lanes (compared to three lanes for westbound traffic). Stacey Rossmiller and Diana Sontag in Missoula, Montana worked very hard to try to obtain permission from the appropriate state agencies to grant me access to cross the bridge with an escort. However, permission simply would not be granted. Likely, if they were to grant permission for my crossing they would receive requests in the future from others wishing to cross by means other than by automobile. Stacey even had a personal conversation with the governor of Maryland, but permission simply was not given.

You must understand that I went into this run knowing that the Chesapeake Bay Bridge was a 4-mile stretch of the route that was possible only by a vehicle. When the kids did their virtual run across America, we told them that they were riding a bus across the bridge (or taking a boat... whichever they preferred). This is a high security toll-bridge and even has police security solely for the purpose of protecting those traveling over the bridge. Unfortunately, there was an individual not associated with P.A.C.E. Run 2006 who tried to "help" by contacting various state agencies to try and acquire permission for me to run across the bridge. Although I do not blame this person for me not being able to run across the bridge, I am disappointed and somewhat upset that he proceeded to contact various agencies without seeking my permission to do so and without being asked to do so. Essentially, his communications - in my opinion - "muddied the waters" so to say and had several agency personnel scratching their heads over who they should be communicating with and what the specific details were of my crossing (date, time, means, etc.).

Stacey Rossmiller and Diana Sontag have been my route and lodging coordinators in Missoula since day one and have done an amazing job for the past 3,200 miles... finding a way to get me legally through the various places that may have been a barrier. However, their efforts with respect to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge were hindered somewhat by this individual's efforts, which he initiated on his own. Some people may have "good intentions", but it's always the best course of action to ask if getting involved is appropriate. Ultimately, I was not granted permission and had to be transported by vehicle for 4 miles over the bridge. I do not consider this as a "flaw" in my accomplishment of running across the entire United States. In fact, if someone wanted to get picky about it they can read my June entry for Portland, Oregon and see that I ran 4 miles off course - which can easily be applied to this particular section in Maryland. Also, my 3,260 mile run across the United States is further than most runs done across this country. So, that's the story on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and I'm leaving it at that. I've addressed the issue with the individual and that person is aware of my disapproval of his proceeding to contact agencies without my approval and even when asked by Stacey Rossmiller to discontinue such contact. This matter has been addressed, is closed, and I've moved on down the road.

So, here I am... 48 miles from the finish line. I've been starting to reflect back on the journey and have been recalling special moments along the way. There have also been soooo many special people who have helped to encourage me toward this point. I can't even begin to list everyone, but am going to start sharing some people with you in the coming days. Today, I want to thank Kristie Boyd (and her husband Brian) for their encouragement since I began this journey. I coached Kristie in her high school track and field days when she was known as Kristie Kanduch. Wow, that was back in 1990. Anyway, Kristie has sent me many uplifting messages and has truly helped to keep my Spirit soaring through this journey. I'm blessed to have such a friend and can't wait to get back to Missoula and give her a big hug!

Steve Lyons has been a friend of mine since college days in the late 1980s. He has continuously left me encouraging voice mail messages and has been a gentle ear to listen to me at the end of a long running day. He has always provided positive words and has truly made a difference in this run. I have appreciated his support so much and am truly proud to call him my friend. I'll be home soon Steve, and can't wait to see you!

My mother and father have been an incredible source of encouragement throughout my life, and particularly with respect to my goal to run across America. As I write those words, my eyes well up with tears because they were there in 1986 when my first attempt failed so terribly. They won't be able to be at the successful finish of this run on Friday, but they have taken every step with me in my heart. I am so blessed to have parents that are so encouraging and supportive... even when their son set out to do something that 99.9% of the world called "crazy". They never labeled me like that and were always in my corner. It is so sad that Vicki's mother passed away in January of this year and could not see me complete this journey. She knew the kids at Russell Elementary were "virtually" crossing the United States and that if they were successful that I would then actually attempt to run their route for real. However, cancer took her away from us and she never got to see how things turned out. It pains me to know that Vicki lost her mother, and my children lost "Nana O.". I miss Lorraine and thought of her many times during my journey. I am, however, so blessed and grateful to still have my parents alive to see me fulfill this goal and dream. I hope that I've made them proud and I know they will be cheering me on from their little 'cabin' in Alaska. I love you mom and dad!

I find that writing these words is making me very emotional right now, and I can only imagine how emotional I'll be on Friday when I reach that ocean shore. There's many more people to thank, and I'll do that in coming days.

I've been careful to not make my journal entries too "spiritual" because I haven't wanted to offend anyone with differing beliefs or religious traditions. However, I want to share with you two Bible verses that I have daily echoed in my mind and heart as I've crossed this country. The first is Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." That is a verse I would always lean on, especially when weakness and fatigue was setting in. The other verse is Philippians 2:5 - "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." I would remind myself of that when people did bad things to me, made negative remarks, or did things to hinder my path. I'm human, and sometimes my reactions were not always in line with that verse. I've done my best in the circumstances I've been in and believe that I've run this journey with integrity, honesty, strength, and a positive outlook.

This is becoming a novel and I'm sure you're getting weary with reading it. Please know that I am indeed excited to complete my run across America, and in about 36 hours it will be complete. What an incredible experience! There's more to share, so please stop by for another visit tomorrow.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, I just got goose bumps thinking about your finish in two days! What an awesome accomplishment!! I'm so happy to have virtually traveled with you. So glad you're all getting to tour the White House next week together. Hope you'll get to meet the President. We'll all be glad to welcome you home to Missoula. - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)

  It's cool that you are coming past our school. You should come visit our school sometime. I am really looking forward when you pass our school. You are so awesome Paul. Wow! You are a real runner, run hard. - Jessie, Janisha, Hannah, Reanna, Devin (Lewes, Delaware)

  Paul, I have enjoyed your journal. The info you give us is great. I look forward to hearing more when you are finished. God Bless you. - Caroline Glidewell (Missoula, Montana)

  I hope you make it! I can't wait. I can't believe you are in Maryland. - Ben Young, Dan Lewis, Ali Mahdi (Lewes, Delaware)

  WOW! Paul, you are an amazing man and I'm proud to call you my friend! On Friday morning, I'll dip my toes in the Pacific and rejoice with you as your feet hit the waters of the Atlantic. I wish I could be there to see that SIGNIFICANT moment. And I wish I could be there to hear the cheers of your new friends at Shields Elementary as you run by. I know that you're looking forward to being Paul Staso, family man and business owner, but I'm going to miss checking in on my friend Paul Staso - Keeper of promises! Way to go! - Glen Small (Newport, Oregon)

  GO! GO! GO! Almost there! I can imagine your excitement! - Bill Bauman (Logansport, Indiana)

  Congratulations on making it across the entire country. I found it real interesting to follow almost daily with your log. That truly is an amazing feat you accomplished. Hi! to Vicki and the kids. Bye for now. - Uncle Red (Minot, North Dakota)

  Vick, Jenna, Ashlin, Kyler and Brian... Thanks for sharing Paul/your dad with us this summer! We've have enjoyed being a small part of P.A.C.E. Run 2006 and have LOVED getting to know you guys. You are a remarkable family and I know for a fact that Paul wouldn't have even thought to try this if it wasn't for all of you. The only thing I have to say is, "Ashlin, next time you come up with an idea to get kids active... pick a different route! " I'm so glad that this was done before I left the Russell family! Vicki... it's almost over... you've been amazing through this whole thing and deserve so much credit for Paul's success. He ran the miles, but you made it possible for him to do that by being so supportive. WAY TO GO GUYS!!! See ya back home. Crush (your turtle) says, "HI" and he misses you all. He is behaving for now at least! - Stacey Rossmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  WOW! We can feel the excitement! 3200+ miles in the other direction! Let us know if the Atlantic or the Pacific is colder. We hope that video is produced so that we can see the great finish as well! Love to Vicki and the kids! Take care, best wishes and have a safe finish!! - Tracy Henderson (Castro Valley, California)

  Paul - I can't believe it is almost over. Following your journey has been a nightly ritual for me and has encouraged me to start running again. I only do 3 miles a night, but I feel so good after I am done. Thank you. Keep up the P.A.C.E. for 36 more hours. Great job!! - Jonathan Wright (Kuna, Idaho)

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