JOURNAL FOR WEEK TWO
June 30 through July 6, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, JUNE 30:  27 MILES (Sunny, 99 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 200]
Stopping Location: Near Towal, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 269 Feet

DAY 8: Today I ran 27 miles and am now 200 miles into the trek. I can't believe it's Friday already, and I said goodbye to my family at Cannon Beach, Oregon last Friday. What an amazing week. Tonight I am with the Lee family in Towal, Washington. The temperature today was 99 degrees and there was no shade in sight. The trees have long disappeared behind me and it felt kind of like I was running on the moon. The asphalt was very hot and my GPS was showing a reading of 120 degrees. There were a lot of elevation climbs today and "Bob" gave me quite a workout. Since services are so limited out here, I had him loaded down with 250 ounces of water. I drank nearly all of that 16 pounds of liquid.

There is an issue that I've been dealing with for the past 60 miles that is not improving as I would like it to. As I ran through the Camas/Washougal area I encountered a number of roads with a severe crown (slant). Since I run facing traffic, my right leg is on the upward part of the crown and with each step it would flex in a sideways manner. After running and walking such steep crowned pavement for over a marathon per day distance, I developed pain on the top part of my right foot. Each day since it has caused me a bit more grief and swelling. Today, it brought me to a "walk only" pace at around 13 miles. I had to push up a lot of hills today and rolling up on the ball/toes of my right foot became quite painful. I managed to get in the 27 miles I aimed to do, but once I removed my running shoes I quickly noticed just how swollen the right foot had become. I've been icing down each night and doing the repair work necessary to get back on the road each day. However, this is more than just muscle soreness. This is an injury that may not heal due to the marathon plus pace I am on each day.

Although I am not happy about this, I am not discouraged. I will simply start out again tomorrow as I do every day. I'll just have to see how it goes. If the foot keeps me in the running, then great. If it gets to the point where it just can't carry me and "Bob" along any more, then I'll have to deal with that. This run has always been about keeping my promise to the kids, and that's what I've been doing with each step. Sure, I would love to finish this and put this goal to rest once and for all. However, I also promised my family that I would not make unwise decisions that might jeopardize my well being. So, there's actually two "promises" that I need to keep focused on here.

Again, I am not down or discouraged. I am in the game and am making the call daily on how best to proceed. Please pray for continued wisdom and that I will not attempt to block out any discomfort to the point where I cause a permanent problem. It takes a lot to run a marathon plus every day in temperatures that are regularly hovering around the 100 degree mark... and oh yeah... there's "Bob" to take along with me. My mental strength has certainly been tested in the hot temps and unforgiving pavement and I am pleased with how I have responded to these factors. In short, I'm doing my best. I can't expect more than that from myself. I told the kids that throughout the year as they aimed to virtually run across America. We can only do our best at the tasks before us. Tomorrow, I will step out onto the highway once again and try to do my best. And no, it's not supposed to be cooler.

Thank you for your well wishes and support. This run has always been about the kids (seeusrun.com), not me. They are the stars of this entire program. They worked as teams and accomplished something incredible. Although I am only 200 miles from Cannon Beach, Oregon I can honestly say that I'm pleased with how I'm doing. Finish or not finish... I've already won. I've been honored to work with my family and some wonderful people to make the kids' virtual trek across America a success. I'm also married to the most remarkable woman in the world and have four kids that mean more to me than anything I could achieve in running. Indeed, I'm a blessed man.

Thank you for reading today, and know that I'll do my best tomorrow. Until then... goodbye from the road.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hey Paul - You've got the first week under your belt and it sounds like you're doing fantastic!  I'm on your site every day and I love reading your journal entries and your guestbook. You're an inspiration! Stay safe in those tunnels!! (I worry about my little brother). - Love, Amy (Anchorage, Alaska)

  Way to go on a successful first week. We are enjoying the updates each day and pray for God's protection over you! - The Woehler Family (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, Congrats on making through your first week! You are doing fantastic! Keep up the great work and be careful out there. We Love You and are praying for a safe journey. - Wendy & John (Tolsona, Alaska)

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SATURDAY, JULY 1:  23 MILES (Sunny, 100 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 223]
Stopping Location: Near Roosevelt, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 364 Feet

DAY 9: This has been quite a day! As you know from yesterday's entry, I've been dealing with some pain on the top of my right foot. This started about 90 miles ago during some mountain running while pushing "Bob" on some curvy, severely crowned roads. I have endured the discomfort and today I got on the road at 6:00 a.m. I logged 23 miles before deciding that I needed to have an x-ray done of the foot to determine if there is a stress fracture. I called Rob, my friend in Portland, and he was kind and drove all the way out to the Roosevelt, Washington area to pick me up. While I waited for him to arrive, I made a lean-to using my tarp to make some shade against the intense 100-degree heat of the day. Rob and I drove into Portland (which was about 130 miles) and I went to a hospital to have the foot examined. The x-ray does not show a stress fracture and the physician said that it is tendonitis. He said that in his opinion I need to ice the foot and rest it for a couple of days, taking 800mg of Ibuprofen each day. The nurses took my vitals and said that all looks just fine. I'm hydrating well and my blood pressure is in the normal range. Considering the consistent high temperatures of 100 degrees (which is what today was also), the doctors believe that I look very good for having just run 223 miles since June 23. In short, the doctor said that I could continue and that no permanent damage would result from the tendonitis based on today's examination. I know that I made the right decision in stopping today and getting a professional opinion. Now that I have that opinion, I know I can go forward.

The weight of "Bob" will need to be endured. However, I will need to be a little more patient in pushing the weight of "Bob" up the mountain passes. I tend to push non-stop and rest at the top. However, taking a few breaks is recommended. Also, I will likely be scheduling a few days off here and there in the trek across America. My body will need some intervals of recovery which are a little longer than just one evening. Since I'm logging an average of 30 miles per day, that is reasonable. So, I am in Portland at Rob's house and will resume my run on the morning of Tuesday, July 4, between mile markers 124 and 125 on Highway 14 in Washington (along the Columbia River Gorge). The Gorge has certainly been an experience... sort of like running on the moon. No trees, endless rock, lots of rattlesnakes, 118 degree pavement, and no drinking water or services. Did I mention NO shade? Today I was desperate for shade and created a lean-to using "Bob" and a space blanket that I have with me. I was able to get out of the sun for a little while, which was wonderful. I am enjoying this incredible running journey and will continue to push on toward the Idaho border. I am focusing on reaching one border at a time. It's never a good idea to look at the entire distance at once. To accomplish a trek like this you have to break down the route into manageable portions to focus on and conquer.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Lee family in Towal, Washington who provided me with lodging yesterday, and who allowed me to be at their home this afternoon. They have been wonderful and truly show the heart that is found in America's farmland. Also, my friend Rob has truly shown what friendship means and I appreciate his kindness and that of his family.

Today is my wife's birthday, and I hope that she had a great day! It was a very hectic day for me, but my wife's birthday was on my mind and I wish I could have been with her for her 43rd birthday!

This journey will continue, and I look forward to pushing onward. Thanks for reading and for your support and prayers. I'll post some new pictures over the next couple of days!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hang in there Paul, we are rooting for you. - Jonathan Wright (Kuna, Idaho)

  Hi Paul. Great job on accomplishing what a lot of people wish they could do. The reason I said "accomplishing" is because I am not talking about the Run Across America. I am talking about that you encouraged kids to run, that don't normally run. Plus by doing this you got us to realize you can do a lot stuff when running. You taught us there are more ways to get fit. So for this thank you. - Matthew Rossmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  Alice, Noah and I send our best from the equality state. We're thinking of you. Life is great - you're proof of that as you continue on. Keep peddling! - Martha Robertson (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey Paul, thanks for rooting for us when we ran. Now it's time for us to root for you!! So have a safe and great trip. - Kelleigh Sontag (Missoula, Montana)

  Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow, for your safety and your journey so far. He is the giver of Wisdom, and we are praying with you for that wisdom as you mentioned in your 6/30 journal entry. - The Worrest Family (Missoula, Montana)

  You are such an inspiration to so many - young and old. The Run Across America is an awesome undertaking and you are showing incredible stamina. I look forward to seeing you in Eastern MT. Be safe. - Karen Huckins (Miles City, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SUNDAY, JULY 2: DAY OFF THE ROAD

DAY 10: My legs wanted to run today! I awoke this morning to begin the first of two days off of the road to ice and rest the tendonitis I have on the top of my right foot. My body must have become accustomed to running such long distances every day for the past 8 days because I had a hard time sitting still this morning. I did "RICE" my leg though - which is Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. I took Ibuprofen, as directed, and posted some new pictures in the photo section. You can see those by going to the Week 1 and Week 2 photo galleries.

Late in the afternoon Rob and I went out and did a bit of shopping to replenish some things I needed for "Bob". Tomorrow I will go through my checklist for Bob and make sure that I have everything I need to return to the road. Here's the revised schedule for the next 11 running days:

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MONDAY, JULY 3:  DAY OFF THE ROAD

DAY 11: I've received messages from people all over the country and wanted to take a moment to address some thoughts that are weaved like a common thread through many messages.

Roadways:

Since day one I have alternated sides of the roadway, as safety permits. There's a fine balance that needs to be achieved between placing traffic to your back when there is no shoulder available (which has often been the case) and deciding to simply face traffic so that you can 'jump' when needed to stay alive. Also, by law pedestrian traffic is to face moving traffic - and since the state police have been notified of my travels they are keeping an eye on me. Believe me, I have jumped back and forth on the curvy sections of mountain roadways... often looking like the frog in a "Frogger" video game.

Help:

I will not enlist help to transport the stroller. Otherwise, this run would not be considered a "solo" trek and I am attempting a solo crossing - which is quite rare. Ultimately (and perhaps surprising to some), whether I finish this journey is not what is most important to me. Knowing that the kids successfully completed the virtual trek across America that I worked so hard on during the past year is what is most important to me. So, I went into my trek already satisfied. My journey is just icing on the cake.

Treatment:

I have, and am, using frozen paper cups, ice blocks and slush buckets on my legs and feet. However, you need to keep in mind that sometimes I am in locations where you have to use whatever you can get your hands on. The other day I was at a farmer's location in south-central Washington. Ice cubes in a bag was all that was immediately available. We are alerting lodging hosts as to what I need once I get off the road, and hopefully they'll be prepared with the kind of ice treatment I'll be looking for.

Route:

I won't deviate from the route that the kids virtually ran this year, regardless of how pedestrian friendly other routes may be. On September 7, 2005 I promised to run their route if they succeeded, and that's what I'm doing. The route was set up to have a strong educational element for cross-curricular purposes. The kids traveled the route (seeusrun.com), and now I will... to the best of my God-given ability.

Doctor:

I have received inquiring messages from recreational athletes, world class athletes, record holders, transcon runners/bicyclists, and others. I am using common sense and it is not possible to run 3,200 miles averaging over a marathon per day without sustaining some form of injury and/or discomfort. That's just part of it. The only reason I stopped to have the foot x-rayed by a doctor was because I wanted to make certain that a stress fracture wasn't involved. Again, common sense. I'm not aiming to cause a permanent injury. Now that I know that it is just some tendonitis, I'll push on. It's important to keep in mind that I'm teaching with each step I take. Kids are watching this, and they need to know to use common sense and wisdom when uncertain situations arise.

The Task:

Have you ever run 223 miles in a week... while pushing 65 pounds over mountain passes and through the streets of a major city? Until you do, you can't truly understand the amount of stress that it places on the human body, particularly in 100 degree temperatures. It is very different from just running without pushing weight, and then there's the element of being completely solo. Yes, this is a very difficult undertaking. I knew that going into it. I've run with pain before and have been blessed with a strong ability to manage pain. Now that I know that I am not blocking out pain that could cause a permanent injury, I will advance forward and keep stepping out to keep my promise to the kids. When I got the x-ray on Saturday they also checked all of my vitals. The doctors said everything was just fine and that I'm hydrating well and that my vitals were in normal range. They were very pleased with my overall health and fitness.

The Perception:

I'm not out to try and impress anyone with this. I'm also not looking for a media circus and have turned down some radio/print opportunities that were simply not convenient. I'm just doing something that 99.9% of the U.S. population doesn't understand and which to most does not make any sense whatsoever. Those who have taken the time to read my "method" page have a bit more education. I've had thousands of motorists pass me and I'm sure that most of them have thought the same thing... "Wow, he's a nut". That's fine. People can think what they want to. I've often been told by those older than me that as you get older you care less about how people perceive you. Now that I'm 41 years old I am beginning to understand that. When media opportunities fit within my schedule, I will take advantage of those to share my thoughts about the importance of child health and fitness. Schools are not in session right now, so stopping by classrooms is not an option.

The Experience:

I'm experiencing the United States in a very unique way. It's an opportunity that is very up close and personal. I've shaken hands with homeless people in underpasses, covered with dirt yet smiling and friendly... many who seem to care more about my well being than state police officers who drive by without so much as a wave. I've encountered pockets of different nationalities - Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and more. I've watched the sun rise over the Cascade Mountain Range and drop into the horizon along the Columbia River Gorge when there were no people or services for miles. I've experienced the kindness of complete strangers, who shielded me with their cars to help me proceed safely through a long tunnel with no shoulder. There have been moments of watching wildlife while standing still along the roadside, such as baby deer learning how to look for food. Some motorists have stopped to talk to me, to learn why I am crossing America on foot. These strangers have taken more of an interest in what I'm doing than people I've known for years. The list goes on and on... and I'm only 223 miles down the road.

I can't accurately explain all of the blessings that come with something like this. A little foot pain is just that in the grand scheme of things - "little". It's a slight inconvenience, but by no means brings this journey to an end. There is more that awaits me down the road, and I'm going to experience it.

If you've spent time at this web site and read the "promise" page, you should understand why I am out here. Many people don't realize that my background includes being a 5th grade teacher and coach. On top of that, I have 4 kids of my own. Watching kids benefit from what you're trying to teach is a joy, and I've been blessed to see the positive impact of our virtual running/walking school curriculum. Now the kids are learning about promises, about making wise choices, and about what can be achieved if we only try. Sure my approach may seem extreme to some. However, I'm simply taking what I know and applying it.

Tomorrow morning I'll be back on the road at Roosevelt, Washington, heading east. This journey is far from over.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  It was so wonderful to see Vicki and you last week and to meet the kids. We too are keeping up with you through the web site. Be safe and have a blast. We hope to see you again soon (not 20 years again!). We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. - Jill, Craig and Jake Hill (Vancouver, Washington)

  Being a man of integrity means keeping your word, even when it hurts. Indeed you're a man of your word!!  I'll continue to watch your progress and pray for you and your family. Job well done! - Les Klaudt (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul... I've been following your run. Coincidently, the same thing happened to me 1,000 miles into my journey across America in 1978... it was my left knee... doctor said I had to rest for 1-2 weeks... I knew it was the crown of the road... running 45-50 miles per day on one side is what did it. I started switching to the other side. Eventually it went away. I wasn't pushing a 65 lb. stroller, but all that you write I've experienced many times over. The fact that you had the guts and courage just to start is the victory. Running across America is the "victory lap". People would always say "you must be under a lot of pressure". I used to reply by saying "pressure is a privilege". Let me know if I can ever be of any help. Thanks for keeping me updated. You the man!  Stay strong. Be patient. Straight ahead. - Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon Race Director (Boston, Massachusetts)

  Hi Paul. Thanks for the update. Gosh your foot, glad to know it's ok. We'll keep praying for you and your journey. YOU ROCK PAUL!!! YOU ROCK!!  I posted on dyestat on the Girl Talk thread about your journey. I'll post more of your trek for the young high schoolers to read. You are an inspiration to ALL!! - In Joy, Patti Catalano Dillon (New London, Connecticut)

  Hi again Paul - Sure hope this finds you well and safe. Wishes for cooler weather and continued safety to you. Take Care! - Melanie Jones (Eugene, Oregon)

  Paul, glad to hear that your foot is able to recover. We are praying for you and Vicki and the kids. I hope you are able to have a great July 4th in this great country. I hope you will be able to see tomorrow the values this country was founded on as you run the roads. God bless you and America. - Love The Joy Family (Missoula, Montana)

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TUESDAY, JULY 4:  30 MILES (Sunny, 105 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 253]
Stopping Location: Alderdale, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 299 Feet

DAY 12: This was the hottest day yet - hotter than a firecracker! It reached 105 degrees before I arrived at my final destination for the day, which is Destiny Ridge Estate Vineyard just east of Alderdale, Washington at milepost 155 on Highway 14. I'm 253 miles into this trek and am enjoying the 4th of July in an air conditioned home courtesy of my hosts, Ali and Jarrod Boyle.

The tendonitis in my right foot did not bother me today and it felt good to be back on the road. Once again the pavement temperature was 120+ degrees and I could feel the heat radiating up into my body through my shoes. I wrapped up my 30-mile day at 3:45 p.m. and Jarrod met me at the end of his driveway.

As I ran today I could really sense the prayers of many people being sent heavenward for me. I know that a lot of people probably think that I am a bit of an "oddity" for running over a marathon each day in such unforgiving temperatures. However, I do want people to know that I believe I've been given the ability to run long distances. Those who have known me and my family know that our faith is of utmost importance to us and although we - like most families - have our times when the bells of harmony are not ringing as loud as they should be, we truly love each other in the Lord and have an eternal bond through our faith. I don't want to make this journal entry too "spiritual", but I do want to express that I could truly feel some assistance on the road today... and I believe that was prompted by the prayers of my family and friends. I needed it because it truly was a difficult day running through some barren countryside without any shade or services for 30 miles. So, to those who are thinking about me each day and sending a prayer up... thanks!

The shower is calling me, as well as a wonderful home-cooked meal, and I'm sure my hosts would like me to get "freshened up" a bit. Tomorrow I will run 26 miles to Umatilla, Oregon (I dip back into Oregon briefly). Idaho is getting closer and I'm looking forward to reaching that state and checking Washington off of my list. That should occur on July 12. Before I end this entry for today I need to send out a very special thank you to Robert and Jane Lee who allowed me to stay at their home for two evenings in Towal, Washington. They transported me to and from my daily stopping and starting points and were absolutely wonderful to me. It is such a blessing to meet people like that and I know that there will be many other helping hands along the way. Thanks for checking in and have a wonderful 4th of July!  Gotta Run... to the shower that is!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  I have really enjoyed reading your journal every day. Good luck to you and I admire you for fulfilling your promise to your students. - Brooke (North Carolina)

  Hey there Paul, Happy Independence Day to you! I am happy to hear that your foot will be ok. Please take care Little Brother. Keep on Truckin' and know that we are thinking of you and praying for a safe journey for you. We Love You Paul. - Wendy & John (Tolsona, Alaska)

  We just got back to town and I got caught up on your journal for the past 4 days. I'm so thankful that your foot injury is getting better. My whole family has been thinking about you and praying for your safety every day! We are all pleased that you are listening to what your body is telling you. Take care and stay safe! - Jan Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

WEDNESDAY, JULY 5:  26 MILES (Sunny, 98 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 279]
Stopping Location: Umatilla, Oregon - route goes briefly into Oregon. (click to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 322 Feet

DAY 13: I had a wonderful time with the Boyle family last evening. What a terrific family to spend the 4th of July with. I enjoyed a wonderful dinner (thanks Rob and Susan!) and then spent time with Jarrod, Ali and their children. The kids put on a play for us, and it was nice in that it reminded me of my children and the plays they put on at home.

Today I ran 26 miles to Umatilla, Washington. I finally got off of Highway 14, after 160 miles. I will now get on Highway 730 heading toward Walla Walla. Today the temperatures reached 98 degrees and the landscape truly flattened out. I passed some farmlands with various crops and thought of how nice it would be to run out into the irrigation sprinklers that were shooting water into the air. Tonight I am staying at the residence of Sam Vore and his wife, Kathy. He is the youth pastor at the Umatilla Baptist Church and I am currently writing this entry from his church office as he oversees a youth activity.

I was off the road today by 1:30 p.m. thanks to an early start. It will be nice to give my legs an 16 hour rest before heading back out on the road. In the past 30 hours I've logged 56 miles. There are those of you who have been asking how "Bob" (the stroller) is doing. Well, he's doing just great. He's along for the ride. When he's loaded with 2 1/2 gallons of water (20 pounds) he's definitely a bit heavy at a total weight of 65 pounds. I'm managing and have been very pleased with "Bob". My right foot (that was diagnosed on Saturday as having some tendonitis) is doing great. I have a little discomfort at the end of the day, but the nightly ice treatments to my legs and feet are going well and keeping me in the daily pace of a marathon plus.

Thank you to all who have taken the time to send me a word of encouragement via e-mail or the guestbook. Your words mean so much to me and help me to keep stepping forward. Thanks for checking in and tomorrow I will leave Umatilla in my footsteps.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Just got caught up on your progress, thus far... I've been out of town for 2 weeks, but you (and your family) have been in my thoughts and prayers each day since June 23rd. God has definitely given you an incredible gift of running and it is REALLY inspiring to see you using this gift to your FULL potential!!! As I reminisce back to my running days in High School... meets at Big Sky and practices at the UM track by the river... I have two specific memories: (1) A verse you would quote that kept me going, Phil. 4:13, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength". (2) Give me a number between 1 and 1000. I am truly motivated and strengthened by your courage, perseverance and attitude. You exemplify the heart and spirit of a man of God! May He continue to be your strength. - Love, Kristie Boyd [aka Spunky] (Missoula, Montana)

  Your promise is teaching many lessons and building strong bonds.Sending good thoughts your way! - Heidi Lindner (Beaverton, Oregon)

  Thanks for the update! Did you see Independence Day celebrations? We're sure proud of you, Paul. Keep up the good work. You are setting an example of the highest standards for your very own kids AND our school's. Be safe! - Joan Kuchel (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey Paul, Glad to hear about the foot. It rained here for about 20 minutes cooled off to the 70's. Had a fire on the E. Missoula side of Mt. Jumbo last night. It made a run over to the Missoula side this afternoon. Saw a couple of spectacular retardant drops and looks like it is out. Good luck. - Scott Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

THURSDAY, JULY 6:  29 MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 308]
Stopping Location: Hwy. 370 & 12 Junction, Washington (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 344 Feet

DAY 14: Today I ran from Umatilla, Oregon up Highway 730 to Highway 12 - which heads toward Touchet, Lowden and Walla Walla, Washington. The total distance today was 29 miles and tomorrow I will run the final 30 miles into Walla Walla. I am actually staying at the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center in Walla Walla tonight thanks to the wonderful folks at the Woodward Canyon Winery located in Lowden, Washington (woodwardcanyon.com). One of their marketing employees, Marlene, picked me up at the end of my day's running and took me to the Marcus Whitman Hotel where I will have a very comfortable evening. I just completed an interview with a reporter of the local newspaper and will be eating dinner as soon as I finish this entry.

I want to send out a special thank you to Sam and Kathy Vore of Umatilla, who provided me with lodging last night. They are truly wonderful people to spend time with.

Today the weather cooperated a bit more. It reached 90 degrees and I had a tailwind most of the day. The road had plenty of 18-wheel trucks, but a good shoulder to run on. I definitely feel as though my body has made an important adjustment over the past couple of days and now the daily mileage is easier to complete. In fact, after I wrapped up today's running at the 29 mile mark, I felt like continuing. However, arrangements had been made for my lodging and I had to call it a day. I'm feeling stronger and end the day with much more energy. My body is doing very well and there are no issues at this point - just the occasional blister or tight muscle. Bob continues to roll along very well without any issues.

Today as I was running I began to think about the number of dead things I tend to see along the roadway. Many times I have looked at the edge of the road and seen the skeleton of a dead animal - nothing but bones bleached white by the sun. I know that's probably not the type of thing that you care to read about, but it is something that I've noticed as I log the miles each day/week. Also, I see many homemade crosses in remembrance of people who have died in car accidents. Today I came across some wooden crosses with flowers and one cross contained the names of two girls with the words "Best Friends Forever". I've also seen crosses for babies, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and friends. There's always a story behind each little cross and I can't help but to stop and take a moment to send up a prayer for the families who have experienced such tragedy. The crosses I saw today (of the "Best Friends") was at a part of the road where the pavement was badly scarred and it looked like a fire had taken place. There were small parts of the vehicle there, as well as glass, and I stopped a moment to pray. Before proceeding down the road I couldn't help but to shed a few tears for the children who died at that spot. There are many stories on the edge of highways across America, and some are heart wrenching.

I took some pictures today and will be mailing a CD to Rob in Portland so that he can post some new pictures in the photo gallery on this web site. I know that many of you look forward to seeing my life on the road.

Now that I'm nearly at the two week point, and 308 miles into this trek, I can honestly say that I'm truly enjoying it. This is a very demanding journey to do solo, yet it is testing my running abilities and mental strength in a very unique and special way. I know that this run is slowly changing me with each step... in a positive way.

Thank you for reading this regularly, and for sending words of encouragement. I truly enjoy hearing from people through e-mail or the guestbook. I'll write again tomorrow... after many mileposts down the road.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hope your run has been very enjoyable so far. Did you see any cool fireworks? See you when you come to Missoula! - Holly Miklos (Missoula, Montana)

  It is 11:30 p.m. and we are reading your webpage. Cool! Hope you are having fun. I can't think of anything else to say so I will go to bed! Good Night. - Kristy Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  My dad and I just finished reading today's entry. You must see many really cool things. We hope you are having FUN!! - Lindsay Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!