JOURNAL FOR WEEK EIGHTEEN
October 20 through October 26, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20:  17 MILES (Rainy then Partly Cloudy, 60 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 3,260]
Stopping Location: Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Coast! (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: Sea Level

DAY 120: I have kept my promise... I have realized my biggest running dream... and I have run the course that was set before me. This morning, at 11:00 a.m. EST, I (and "Bob") ran into the Atlantic Ocean - the end of this 3,260 mile, 15-state run across the United States from Cannon Beach, Oregon to Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware. Today's run was 17 miles from Georgetown, Delaware to the beach just outside of Lewes, Delaware.

I awoke to rainy weather and was in the rain for the first 10 miles. Danny MacElrevey, of Lewes, met me in the rain and escorted me into the town of Lewes. Tim Bamforth, a local race organizer and P.E. teacher at Shields Elementary School, organized the final details of my finish and was on hand to make things run smoothly. On the way to Lewes, I did a radio interview with Craig and Al (DJs with a radio station in my hometown of Missoula, Montana). Thanks guys for talking with me 5 miles from the finish!

Upon arriving in Lewes, the rain had stopped and the sun was starting to shine through the clouds. Danny and I ran to Shields Elementary where there were many classes of students lining both sides of the bus lane to welcome me and to cheer me to the beach. I ran down the bus lane, enjoying their handmade signs of encouragement and their smiling faces. What a welcome it was! Earlier in the day I had a couple of school buses stop along the edge of the road on their way to a school field trip. The kids were from Shields Elementary and I enjoyed their signs of support hanging out the windows in the rain. I got on each bus and told the students how much I appreciated them cheering for me (and "Bob"). They really gave me a boost!

After running past the local elementary school, I followed a police escort to Cape Henlopen State Park where the run would finally come to an end. I want to thank patrolman Brent Layfield and officer Steve Downs for escorting me safely through town and to the ocean's edge. On the way past the local Dairy Queen, an employee came out and handed me a Blizzard treat! That was arranged by Stacey Rossmiller and Diana Sontag of Missoula and I appreciate their sense of humor (and taste of treat!). I continued down the road with my family pacing nearby in a van... taking pictures and cheering me on. Bill Bowman, of Indiana, came to the finish line to see the end of this long trek and was kind enough to videotape the final moments for my family. Thanks Bill! I truly appreciate you driving 24 hours, round trip, to support me.

Also, Lois Hansen... owner of the Clearwater River Rafting Company in Idaho, was at the finish line. She had been in Pennsylvania for a class reunion and drove over 100 miles today to come and see me finish. I truly appreciate her encouragement. She told me that she knew when I was in Idaho that I would make it, and she was right.

Upon arriving at the ocean shore I was struck by a wave of various emotions all at once. There was relief for being done... pride in my accomplishment... praise to God for seeing me through... satisfaction of keeping my promise... joy for having my wife and children there with me... and so much more. I dipped Bob's front wheel in the waves and then went into the water up to my knees, enjoying the moment of finally reaching this ocean I had aimed toward since June 23rd. There were people who had gathered to see my finish and I appreciate each and every one of them for coming out to see me and to say hello. There were many hugs, some tears of happiness, and a few shouts of joy. I've done it. I've conquered the entire United States... running 3,260 miles while pushing a 65-pound jogging stroller every step of the way.

What many thought was impossible for me to achieve has now been completed. This run across America is an accomplishment that I will always have. It is the pinnacle of my running career and was done for a positive reason - to promote youth fitness through a promise I made to some fantastic students at Russell Elementary in Missoula. While the waves crashed over my legs today I felt waves of satisfaction flowing through me. I can't truly describe everything I'm feeling right now, but I can tell you that I have a tremendous sense of joy within me. I look forward to returning to Missoula and seeing those who have supported me through this trek. My wife and children will now spend time with me for a couple of days here in Lewes, Delaware and then on Sunday we will return to Washington, D.C. for a couple of days. On Tuesday we will go to the White House (still no word on whether or not we'll meet the President), and then on Wednesday we will fly to Spokane, Washington. Then, on Thursday October 26, we will drive from Spokane to Missoula and finally be home... together as a family.

The remainder of today consisted of a wonderful assembly at Shields Elementary where I got to share details of the run with the many enthusiastic students. Tim Bamforth (in the picture to the left) arranged this and I'm thankful for the opportunity. This evening we went to a family fun night at the school and got to meet more wonderful people. This is a great community and was such a great choice for the ending point of this run.

I feel terrific and am so happy. I'll try to express more of my feelings in the next few days, but for now all I can say is that the run is officially accomplished and I (and my family) are very happy. This entire project went very well overall and I am incredibly satisfied. Thanks for running along each step of the way by following me through this web site. More journal entries and pictures will follow in the coming days, but for now I am going to get some rest and enjoy the remainder of this day with my family.

I'm a blessed man... blessed beyond measure. Gotta Run... but not literally!   - Paul

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul. I have been tracking you throughout your entire trek and don't know why I haven't written anything in here yet. I just wanted to let you know that I think what you did is incredible. God truly did pull (or push) you through each mile. You are an inspiration to me as a runner. Congratulations on a wonderful journey! You (and especially your legs) deserve to rest for quite a while now. Enjoy the post-race activities! - Sarah (San Diego, California)

  Wow! Now I can rest easy. Praise God your journey is done. It has been such a pleasure following you and your progress. I talked about it often to friends and family. I am 63 miles into my virtual run. The Iditarod Trail will be a challenge for sure. Thank you for all that you have done. All I can say now is "rest". Kick back and put your feet up. - Darla Orbistondo (Juneau, Alaska)

  Congratulations. You did it!!!!!!!! - Bjorn Suneson (Stockholm, Sweden)

  I'm watching the clock. It's 8:42am Montana time by my computer. In 18 minutes you and Bob will have your toes in the Atlantic Ocean! I'm just a little bit excited, you must be elated!!!! Now you're really flying on eagles' wings! Congratulations Paul!!!!! - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)

  WAY TO GO! But I will surely miss reading your journal entries in the evenings. I enjoyed the entries from your mom and dad and siblings as well. As a mother I could only imagine what your mom went through on this trek. Not about your ability to complete it, but about your safety. I am so thankful that you safely made it to the finish line. I wonder now what your normal daily work-out will be like? Take care, and well done. - Margaret (Walla Walla, Washington)

  Paul, CONGRATS my Brother! I remember when we first met and you shared your running background and your initial failed attempt at running across America. Things have come full circle now and I think you were destined to accomplish this journey. This time around it's a much nobler cause. I remember the first day you told me about your promise and I never doubted you'd keep it. I feel lucky to call you my friend. - Ryan Weisser (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, You are now in the last hour of your Run Across America, what an accomplishment! We enjoyed meeting you and sharing a small part of your run across West Virginia. You are now "our hero". We admire your determination in keeping a promise to the school children of Missoula, Montana. We want to congratulate you and commend your family in their support! God has indeed blessed you and your family during the last few months. We have thought of you every day since we met and commented on the difficultly of the race, and yet each time we saw you there was always a big smile on your face. May God bless you!! - Jack and Nancy Watson (Littleton, West Virginia)

  OK, I just had to write in again to say thanks for keeping your promise. This run was sooooo much fun. Well hope you have a great finish. - Kelleigh Sontag (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, I'm wiping tears from my cheeks as I read your journal entry on the eve before you finish. By now, you have most definitely gotten on the road for these last 17 miles. Last night as I was falling asleep I was thinking about all you have accomplished and what you have most likely sacrificed to do so. I know how sore my body is after a marathon and can only imagine what that would be like for 100 days and pushing a stroller. You have shown great strength, endurance, and perseverance to all of us. Let us know how that ocean looks! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Thanks for letting us share your finish with you via phone! What a wonderful sound to hear the cheering in the background and know that you had just stepped foot in the Atlantic Ocean!
CONGRATULATIONS ON A RUN WELL DONE!!! - Stacey and Diana (Missoula, Montana)

  WELL DONE!!!! (emphasis on 'done'). Enjoy D.C and the White House Tour. Congratulations on a well run summer. I am wearing my PACE run shirt with pride today. - Rob Remler (Portland, Oregon)

  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! YOU ARE SO AWESOME. As you can see, I could scream loudly! Keep Going! - Jessie [& Reanna] (Lewes, Delaware)

  Thank you for running to Shields Elementary. We really appreciate you coming to our school. Hope we see you soon. - Katie and Leah (Lewes, Delaware)

  CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It must really feel good that you made it. You made it past my school (Shields Elementary). Bob must be really tired also. Good job. I hope you get home soon. - Devin Lowe (Lewes, Delaware)

  Paul, Vicki and kids - Congratulations on a successful and safe journey to all of you! What an exciting finish to months of hard work. I'm happy that the promise was fulfilled and that you are all reunited with memories that will be with you forever! Enjoy your family time the next couple of days. Best wishes and CONGRATULATIONS, once again!! - Tracy Henderson (Castro Valley, California)

  CONGRATULATIONS!!!! We are all so proud of you and your amazing accomplishment! We never doubted that you would be successful! It must be such a great feeling to be touching the Atlantic Ocean! And to have your family with you and a school full of happy supporters! What an amazing accomplishment! We can't wait to see you home in Missoula in a few days!! ENJOY YOUR VACATION WITH YOUR FAMILY -- YOU HAVE ALL DESERVED IT!!! - The Bixler Family (Missoula, Montana)

  Thank you for sharing your finish with us via phone! We're not too proud to say this... both of us were pouting a little that we weren't there in person. Thanks for a heck of a run this summer. SEE YA BACK IN MISSOULA!!!! - Stacey and Diana (Missoula, Montana)

  Are you tired of running all across America? - Kiertsen Anderson (Lewes, Delaware)

  Dear Paul - I am so amazed of what you have done. You took the challenge and succeeded. Everybody is also so amazed of what you have done. Do you think it was worth it? - Shae Hearn (Lewes, Delaware)

  CONGRATULATIONS, PAUL! You have done one heck of a job in showing America how to fulfill a promise. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! God bless and may the recovery begin ... NOW! ((HUGS)) - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  CONGRATULATIONS PAUL!!!!! Thank you for everything especially keeping your promise. All I can say is WOW! I remember way back on June 23rd when you started. Now I look back and think about all the things I got to do and I'd give that all up to be with you on your run. It seems like a long time ago that you started and now look at you. OUTSTANDING!!!!!!! This was an amazing experience to follow you from Cannon Beach all the way to Lewes, Delaware!!! Say hi to Ashlin, Jenna, Brian and Kyler. It is cool to be able to say that I know someone who actually ran across the United States. Think of us when you dip BOB's tires into the Atlantic. Got to go. Hope to see you home safe in Missoula soon! Thinking of you guys every day until you get home!!!!!! - Alice Robertson (Missoula, Montana)

  My brother and I saw your presentation today. It was great. - Morgan and Austin (Lewes, Delaware)

  Dear Paul - I am so happy that you completed your run. Thank you for coming by our school and signing autographs. - Kayla (Lewes, Delaware)

  WOW Paul - We are so amazed and so thankful for the wonderful outcome of your journey. Godspeed to you all as you return to Montana! - The Woehler Family (Missoula, Montana)

  CONGRATULATIONS PAUL!!! I've been following your progress via your online journal ever since you passed through this area and I talked to you on the side of the road near Dayton, Washington. I took a couple of photos that day - I really wish I could have been there today as you finished, to take a bunch more! You are an incredible inspiration to everyone with any thoughts at all of doing something epic at some point in their life. Thank you!! - Cecil Williams (Pullman, Washington)

  Congratulations!!! Great job!!! I hope it stopped raining for you today by the time you reached the beach. We wanted to come down and cheer you on when you reached the finish, but I was still in school. Way to go running across the US!! - Carey (Milford, Delaware)

  Congrats Paul. It is still amazing to me that someone could do what you did and I feel privileged to have been able to follow your progress since June. You have been an inspiration to many people and I am sure they are as proud of you as I am. Great job and good luck in your future endeavors. - Jonathan Wright (Kuna, Idaho)

  Today at Shields Elementary I was the one holding the U.S.A sign that said "PAUL STASO". I hope you liked it. I worked 1 day on it. Your Pal, - Jessie Johnson (Lewes, Delaware)

  Great job! I feel so blessed that we were able to share in just one day of your incredible journey. You are an amazing person. Best of luck in all of your future endeavors. - Emily Wicks (Lewiston, Idaho)

  Congratulations Paul! I have followed your trek across the United State even as I myself made the move across country. I, too, saw the many wonders of our great country only in the air conditioned comfort of my van. I was packing during that record heat of June in Oregon and thought I was going to die - I can't begin to imagine running in it. Thank you for taking on this trek to encourage the kids of the United States to be and stay active for a lifetime. - Jennifer (Hodgenville, Kentucky)

  CONGRATULATIONS, PAUL!!!!!!!! I'm thrilled that you made it to your destination safely and injury free. I knew you could do it little brother. I'm so, so proud of you. Love, - Amy (Anchorage, Alaska)

  Congratulations! We've been following your journey since you left Waseca. What a trip you've had. We're happy to have been just one stop along the way. We're proud of your great accomplishment. - Carroll and Grace Galvin (Waseca, Minnesota)

  Congratulations from the Glidewell family and the entire office at 2001 Russell!!! YOU DID IT!!!! - Paul Glidewell (Missoula, Montana)

  CONGRATULATIONS from Malaysia!! We are so excited that you have accomplished your dream and fulfilled the promise you made!! We are thankful for God's protection for you along the way. Thank you for letting us "come along" on the journey through your incredibly detailed journal entries and photos! You have inspired so many along the way! Way to go! - Greg and Tara Stenlund (Penang, Malaysia)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

Click Here To Read Paul's Thoughts One Year After The Completion Of P.A.C.E. Run 2006.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21:

Today was a day of time with my family. We explored the Lewes, Delaware area and did a little shopping. Tim Bamforth and his wife Monique invited our family to dinner and we enjoyed our time with their family. He also packed up "Bob" for the trip home and are ready to travel back to Washington D.C. tomorrow. 

This morning I had the honor of starting several youth cross country races sponsored by the Sea Shore Striders Running Club. I handed out medals to the finishers and signed many autographs. The weather was very nice today and tomorrow morning we will make one last visit to the beach before heading west. More tomorrow from Washington, D.C.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Great job Paul. - Cameron Jackson (Lewes, Delaware)

  Was it Hard Running across America? How did you manage without a crew? Congratulations on running across America, and good luck on all of your adventures to come in the future. - Darin Troy (Georgetown, Delaware)

  WOW what an experience I will never forget! It was way worth the 12 1/2 hour drive there and back to see Paul's fantastic finale! His family and the nice folks from the Shields Elementary school treated me like family! Thanks for a great memory that will last forever! - Bill Bauman (Logansport, Indiana)

  Congratulations, Paul!! What an incredible accomplishment. Thank you for fulfilling your promise to the students and showing ALL of us that hard work, perseverance, and determination can make dreams come true. Vicki and family - thank you for your loving support of Paul and his run. I am sure you are all thankful he is done and looking forward having him home. Our prayers are with all of you as you adjust to new schedules and being a together again. Blessings. - The McCalla Family (Phoenix, Arizona)

  Paul - Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment. We had no doubt you would persevere through all the challenges of your trek across America. Your determination and persistence is an example for all of us. It has been fun following your journal and sensing your excitement as you neared the finish. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. - Grace & Magnus (Hettinger, North Dakota)

  CONGRATULATIONS PAUL . Thank you for keeping your promise to us. You have done a most excellent job of crossing the U.S.  I am certain that you are happy to return to Montana and live with your family. Again congratulations and most excellent job. - Matthew (Missoula, Montana)

  All the Way! All Right! It was in the Missoulian newspaper today! Congratulations to you Paul . . . (and Bob) and to your wife and children and wider network of family and friends across this nation. I hope you to see a video of your journey someday . . . to keep a promise. Have a nice reunion with your family! See ya. - Teresa J. (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22:

We enjoyed some time at the beach this morning as a family.  After a relaxing morning we had lunch at the coast before heading to Washington, D.C.

We're enjoying our time together and are looking forward to the White House tour on Tuesday. More thoughts tomorrow.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, Congratulations on your accomplishment. It has been inspiring to follow you on your journey. I am so glad you made it safely to the Atlantic. I wish you well in your next big challenge!! - Jill (Mt. Pleasant, Iowa)

  Paul - We are so proud of you. You have succeeded in accomplishing a great and difficult goal. I'm looking forward to seeing you in church so I can shake your hand. - Steve Sweet (Missoula, Montana)

  Congratulations, Paul! We've been cheering you on from beautiful Somerset, California. I can't wait to show my students more pictures from your run. Thanks for all you've done to promote fitness across this nation. God Bless, enjoy your family time! - Mary (Somerset, California)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23:

Note from Rob: The Staso Family spent the day in D.C.  They took time at the National Museum of Natural History and went to the National archives as well to look at the original constitution and Declaration of Independence.  They also returned to the Air and Space Museum to take in some of the displays that they didn't have time for before.  Later they were able to take some pictures in the sunshine at the capital building, since their previous visit was during a cloudy day. 

They are looking forward to their last full day in D.C. which included the White House tour. Paul also talked about how these few days have been an excellent way to conclude the run.  After running across the country, he and his family were able to take in some of the founding history of the country. They plan on flying to Spokane, Washington on Wednesday and driving 3 hours home on Thursday.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Yeah Paul, You did it, you did it! My heart is so full of happiness for you! What a proud moment for you and quite the feat indeed. You can face anything now, I'm certain! Peace and rest to you and your sweet family! We love you all. - Linda Brown (Canby, Oregon)

  Montana people "GET IT DONE"......CONGRATULATIONS.. a life long accomplishment, a dream to finished goal. Happy you are home and you have earned a rest. - Ann Denzer (Tacoma, Washington)

  Congratulations! - Coach Bill & Darlene (Ada, Ohio)

  WOW! What an amazing accomplishment! God has given you much strength and desire to fulfill this huge event. I only hope that someday I can feel as good about my running accomplishments as you feel with this. Thank you for being such an inspiration when our 10 mile runs seem hard! Congratulations many times over!!! - Nichole (Victor, Montana)

  Forget Farve, you're my new sports hero! Is their anything you brought that you think you didn't need or did need? Great Job! - Abe Clark (Green Bay, Wisconsin)

  I am so proud of you and your hard work! I am sure you are happy to be with the family again - can't wait to see you when you all get home! CONGRATS! - Jenny Molloy (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24:

Note from Rob: Paul and his family continued their tour of D.C. today. They visited the Ronald Reagan building, the Borough of Engraving, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial [Paul noted that the Lincoln Memorial was a powerful experience]. 

The White House tour was not quite what was expected.  They did visit the White House, but went on the tour that was open to the general public. He did say that they enjoyed their time there. Paul and his family will begin their journey back to Montana tomorrow. He plans on arriving in Missoula on Thursday afternoon. I assume he'll have a journal entry in his own words then.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Congratulations on making it to Delaware. You did a great job! I hope you had fun running across America! I hope you're happy to see your family! GOOD JOB PAUL! - Max Elder (Lewes, Delaware)

  Paul, I heard about your run from one of my PE students here in Penang, Malaysia! We have been keeping up with your run on the web site and have been inspired to start our own "virtual" run across America in the 3rd and 4th grade PE classes. Congratulations on finishing the course and keeping your promise! You have been - and still are - an inspiration. God Bless. - Lisa Munson (Penang, Malaysia)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25:

Note from Rob: Paul & family are currently flying from the east coast to their home in Missoula, Montana.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  There were no guest book entries made today.

Click Here For This Week's Photos!