JOURNAL FOR WEEK SIX
July 28 through August 3, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, JULY 28:  23 MILES (Sunny, 98 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 835]
Stopping Location: Half Way to White Sulphur Springs, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 5,700 Feet

DAY 36: Note from Rob: [update posted at 11:05 am] Paul is experiencing a problem with a muscle in his lower right leg. He's currently walking at mile 10 and anticipates a pace of one mile every 22 minutes. The problem developed over a couple of days after the run over McDonald Pass and he can't seem to loosen it up. It's very difficult and painful.

Note from Rob: [update at 4:05 pm]  Paul has completed the day. He ran/walked 23 miles in 98 degree heat.  Today's elevation rise of 1,700 feet brought him to a current elevation of 5,700 feet.  He ended today at the top of the Belt Mountain Range, just outside White Sulphur Springs. Paul will be staying at the Battle Creek Ranch this evening, which is 18 miles from White Sulphur Springs. People from the ranch are picking him up and they will drop him back off onto the road tomorrow at 6:00am. Based on competent people who contacted Paul regarding his lower leg pain, he is led to believe that it is a reoccurrence of the tendonitis that he experienced 400 miles ago.  Paul said it was a very difficult day; the most difficult of the trek so far with respect to pain. He will be icing and compressing tonight and tomorrow.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Sorry about the jerks on the road. You don't know how many times I wanted to throw my water bottle at Idiots like that! I guess there are people like that anywhere you go, but try to remember there are more good people out there than bad. I hope your legs loosen up and this is just a temporary setback. Good luck and God bless. - Gene (Sonora, California)

  Paul - Poke, prod and massage the leg and keep grinding away. Keep your head right. I hope this proves to be a short term thing. - Wayne Baker (New Jersey)

  Keep it up. I cringe when I hear the pain you're are going through, but I know you have the internal fortitude to do it. Keep the faith, keep the vision. - Mark Uptmor (Boise, Idaho)

  Hi Paul, It was great seeing you if only for a minute at Russell School. You look like you're taking good care of yourself. Funny thing, we were driving to Seeley on Saturday and couldn't imagine who would be strolling their baby by the side of the road -- it was YOU!!! Hope you saw us waving. As to those with discouraging words, you are doing something REMARKABLE! And for those who want you to do things differently, they can do it their way when they run across the US (and you know that isn't going to happen). So keep it up, take care of yourself, stay cool and be safe. - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, I want to thank you for your kind words about Diana and Stacey. We were very worried about Diana's surgery. However, "Motor Mouth" (the name given Diana by her 8th grade teacher) is well on her way to recovery. She and Stacey never missed a beat where PACE was concerned. As for the jerks on the road - someday the wind will blow back the other way and they will be on the receiving end. Keep on "pushing Bob around." Take care of yourself. You are already a winner in the eyes of Russell students and parents! - Diana & Stacey's Mom (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SATURDAY, JULY 29:  19 MILES (Sunny/Smoke, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 854]
Stopping Location: White Sulphur Springs, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 5,043 Feet

DAY 37: Hello from White Sulphur Springs, Montana! I can honestly say that yesterday was the most painful day of this journey so far. I had to go up the Belt Mountain Range (the last mountains before heading into the plains) with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet. The tendonitis in my lower right leg was pounding with pain and the 23 miles I logged yesterday were definitely not easy. I stayed the evening at the Battle Creek Ranch and was treated to a wonderful late-night dinner and nice room to sleep in. I iced the leg heavily during my time there and awoke this morning to feel much better. I began the day at 6:00 a.m. and as the sun came up over the mountains it was solid red. There are three fires in the area and the air is filling with smoke. It did keep the suns rays to a minimum and the heat down a bit.

However, it's never good to breathe in a lot of forest fire smoke. I took it easy today and walked the 19 miles into White Sulphur Springs, arriving at around 11:30 a.m. I checked into the All Seasons Inn & Suites (formerly a Super 8) and showered... after raiding the vending machine. I'm now going to find some lunch and then return to my room to ice the leg again.  I will do a slush bucket treatment this afternoon and then an ice massage tonight.

Tomorrow will be a 34 mile day and I plan on walking that as well, giving the leg a break from the pounding of running. I'm not concerned about the tendonitis. I first had it about 600 miles ago, and after heavily icing it for several days it went away. Now I'm 854 miles into this trek and the tendonitis has returned. I'll treat it the same way. So, don't worry. This run is continuing and I'm feeling good. However, I wouldn't mind a break from the 100 degree temperatures that seem to be following me every step of the way, but it looks like that isn't going to change anytime soon. I'm still looking forward to a day of running in rain, which hasn't happened since I left the starting point at Cannon Beach!

Thanks to all of you who have written such nice words in the guestbook, or to me personally via e-mail. I truly appreciate those words and you're helping to keep me on "pace" (pun intended). There are a close circle of people who have to put up with my occasional complaint or weary words, but I do want all of you to know that no matter how hard this run gets at times I am determined to keep moving forward. Sure, there's pain and discomfort involved. But that's a given in something like this. There's blisters to treat, chaffing to deal with, muscular pain, insect bites, and more. That's life when you're running across America. You just have to deal with it and take each mile as it comes. If you're reading this and are contemplating a crossing yourself, I would recommend that you consider starting your journey in April rather than June. It's no secret that this is one of the hottest summers on record for the United States. Many places that I've run through have experienced record temps. I've concentrated on hydrating well and pacing myself properly, particularly on the 35 mile days. Now that the mountains are indeed behind me, I'm looking forward to the flat lands and giving my back a break from pushing the 65-pound stroller up over mountains. I think that the plains of eastern Montana and northern South Dakota should be easier on my body... although I fully expect the heat to continue.

Yep, this is a great journey. It has truly tested me in several ways so far. I've had to dig pretty deep at times to muster the strength and determination to press on. When you're all alone on the road, you have nobody else to get you going but yourself. It is truly a learning experience. You really get to see what you're made of, and if you have inside of you what you thought you had before leaving the starting line. One thing I know for sure about myself is that I can persevere on my own. Sometimes it truly hurts, but at the end of the day I can look back over my shoulder and see the territory that I conquered and it's a great feeling. Today is a rest and recovery day for me after my 19-mile morning, and I'm looking forward to relaxing before heading out into the plains of eastern Montana... the next stretch.

Thanks for checking in on me. All is well and I'm pressing on. Thanks for cheering, encouraging, and running this route with me. I can feel your support, and it truly helps!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul - I hope and pray your pain is gone. Listen to your body and be safe. I was pleased to see you when you entered Missoula. What a great accomplishment!  Take care. - Caroline (Missoula, Montana)

  Keep up the good run, Paul! School starts here in two weeks and I can't wait to share your journey with my second graders and little cross country team. It sounds like you're running very smart - walking when needed - good job! You're in my prayers. - Mary (Somerset, California)

  Keep up the great work Paul, I am still following your progress and rooting for you!!! - Jonathan Wright (Kuna, Idaho)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SUNDAY, JULY 30:  34 MILES (Sunny, 95 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 888]
Stopping Location: Near Twodot, Montana (click for location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 4,442 Feet

DAY 38: Note from Rob: Paul ran 34 miles today from White Sulphur Springs to about 7 miles outside of Twodot, Montana - near Martinsdale Colony. Paul is staying at the guest ranch of Mary Moe. He plans on running 28 miles tomorrow and gained a day by logging today's 34 miles. The weather was a little cooler with a few clouds overhead.

At mile 20, his right lower leg started to get sore again. It is a little swollen, but should be fine once he is able to ice it tonight. He says that the leg is improving.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul, your trek is an inspiration! I enjoy following along in the journal, and am praying for you. I'm a fellow runner also. - Bruce Wilkison (Phoenix, Arizona)

  Hang in there and keep going. Talk to you soon. - Steve (Missoula, Montana)

  Just a quick note to say how good it was to meet you along your journey across America! Best wishes to you and we will be praying for you all along the way! Keep up the good work. - Jody Hancock (Townsend, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

MONDAY, JULY 31:  28 MILES (Sunny, 86 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 916]
Stopping Location: Harlowton, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 4,196 Feet

DAY 39:  Note from Rob: [10:30 am Paul's time]  Thanks to Rev. Paul Wipf with the Martinsdale Colony near Twodot, Montana for his generous offer and delivery of breakfast this morning. It was very thoughtful and appreciated.

There has been a change in the schedule for the next three days as follows:

Monday:  29 miles to Harlowton (Hotel)
Tuesday:  30 miles to Ryegate  (Residence)
Wednesday:  40 miles to Round Up (Hotel)

Note from Rob: [5:15 pm Paul's Time]  Paul called from Harlowton, where he is at the Corral Motel.  He went 28 miles today with cooler temps (high approx. 86 degrees).  With no access to ice last evening, it made today a little more difficult. He is icing down tonight and hopefully tomorrow his right leg will feel better for the 29 miles planned. The terrain is very flat, breezy and extremely dry. There are very few services in this part of Montana and Paul is making certain that "Bob" is stocked with what he needs.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul - After I drove up to Lolo Hot Springs I was simply awestruck that the road I was driving you would be running. Then to be able to drive out to Lolo the morning you ran into Missoula, you truly looked completely at peace with your decision and dedication! That is the look that God intended for all of man kind to have and I think that is the first time I've actually seen the face of serenity on a human. God bless and just remember that the jerks on the road will someday see their fouls! And the Wonderful people helping you along are going to be at the right hand of the "creator" long before! - Leslie (Missoula, Montana)

  It was good to see you at the Glidewell Insurance Agency, Paul. I have always enjoyed your sense of humor and the way you look at life. We will be praying for you and your family. - Seth Lodine (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul! I'm so glad your leg is feeling better and that you are over the mountains! That must feel good! We had a wonderful cool day yesterday finally! Hopefully the cool weather will catch up with you in a day or so! Hang in there and keep close watch on your leg! - Jan Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  The power of prayer is a amazing thing. I am glad your leg is doing better. I will keep on praying. Glacier Park has a 222,000 acre fire going. There is a 24 hour peace agreement in the mid east. That is about all the news you may of missed. I saw a person running down main street today and thought of you.Hang in there. I am so glad you are doing better. Talk to you soon. - Steve Lyons (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul, I am glad to hear that your leg is better, keep up the good work and be careful! I enjoy reading your journal entries at the end of the day. - Margaret (Walla Walla, Washington)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1:  29 MILES (Cloudy, 1/2 Hour of Rain, 78 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 945]
Stopping Location: Ryegate, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 3,652 Feet

DAY 40: Before I write anything about my day, I must say Happy Anniversary to my wife of 19 years... Vicki! As many of you know, I have not seen my family since they watched me run away from Cannon Beach on June 23. I miss them a lot, and being away from Vicki on our anniversary is not easy. She is my lifetime partner, best friend, love, and #1 encourager. Perhaps it was the joy of our anniversary that gave me such a good day today.

I ran 29 miles from Harlowton, Montana to a small town called Ryegate. I'm staying with Lyle and Laurie Burgess and truly appreciate their wonderful hospitality. They are both teachers and understand the importance of the curriculum we did with the students at Russell Elementary School. They had a special sign in the local park welcoming "Bob" and I.

IT RAINED TODAY!!!! Yep, it truly rained... not once, but twice! The temperatures stayed around 78 degrees with a cloudy sky. At 10:00 a.m. this morning I could see rain clouds forming and I was hoping that perhaps today would be the first day since leaving the starting line that I would actually run in rain. Well, I could see it building and I put Bob's rain gear on. I then put on my running rain wear and sure enough... the sky opened up and it rained pretty hard for about 20 minutes. I couldn't resist taking some pictures, so Rob will eventually post some of those. I was on a road with no shoulder and it was a bit dangerous with the semi trucks. It sure is different having a semi pass you going 65 on rainy roads rather than dry roads! They're about 3 feet from you and it's like stepping into a shower when they go by. It was great! I felt like a little kid and wanted to put on my boots and play in the puddles!

The second rain storm hit at around 2:00 p.m. and lasted about 10 minutes. After that storm, the clouds cleared out and the sun was shining. This made things a bit humid, and the surface heat increased. Upon arriving at Ryegate, Laurie Burgess met me at the local park and we walked to her house where we talked awhile. I showered and then did some laundry. It's always nice to actually use a washing machine and not a hotel sink!

Tomorrow I have a 40 mile day to Roundup, Montana where I'll stay in a hotel. I'll get an early start in the morning (around 5:30 a.m.) and I hear that most of the road does not have a shoulder. The forecast is for clear skies and the temperature at around 83 degrees. That's so much better than what I've been running in for the past 5 weeks. To be in the low 80s is a noticeable difference.

The tendonitis in the lower part of my right leg is still there, but it's not as bad. I'm continuing to "R.I.C.E." (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) and hopefully in a few days it will be 100% better. In the meantime, I have to take it somewhat easy and not pound it into the ground. That means a slower daily pace and a bit longer on the road each day, but it's worth it to eliminate the tendonitis. I'm actually staying on pace very well, and have done so in spite of the tremendous heat that has followed me up until today. The mountains are well behind me and I am in flat land. There's been a lot of motorcyclists passing me (heading east) and my guess is that they're heading to Sturgis, South Dakota for the annual motorcycle rally. Most of them are friendly and wave at the peculiar guy pushing the yellow jogging stroller!

I'm pleased with how everything went today in the short rain storm I experienced. It came down pretty hard for a bit, and Bob's rain cover snapped on quickly and easily and kept everything dry. My New Balance rain gear was terrific and kept the rain sealed out. Looks like I have what I need to handle rainy days!

Well, it's time for dinner so I better scoot. Thanks for checking in and I hope you like the new pictures that Rob posted in the photo gallery. I'm sure he'll post a few more as time allows. Thanks Rob! I'll write more tomorrow from Roundup, Montana... after I "roundup" my running day.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Happy Anniversary! I am a first grade teacher who admires your hard work on the road and in the classroom. What an inspiring educator you must be! Keep up the P.A.C.E. I will be watching as you approach the Land of Lincoln! - Carol Smith (Jacksonville, Illinois)

  Happy anniversary Paul and Vicki! I'm sure it's not easy being apart on this day, but maybe you guys can share a nice pork chop dinner when you see each other. Thank you both for all you've done for our kids, we really appreciate it! - Stacey Rossmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  Happy anniversary!!! Paul, you and I just talked about the fact that you and Vicki are celebrating your 19th wedding anniversary today and have never spent it apart. I'm sure that is difficult for both of you. I hope you can find some comfort in that you two have created some amazing memories for all of us this summer. What started out as Mrs. Staso, (Kelleigh's P.E teacher), and her husband Paul has moved to Paul and Vicki, good friends and lots of laughs! Your journals would be so long if you were able to share everything that you share during our phone conversations and the "Crush" phone calls with Vicki. I think Crush is just trying to keep PACE with you! (One more trip out and I would think it should equal a trip across America for him). Keep in mind that laughter is the best medicine, "ice your leg with a leg", and we are not laughing at you but with you!!  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! - Diana Sontag (Missoula, Montana)

  Welcome to Eastern Montana! I'm glad we were able to provide you with lower temperatures and rain showers. I enjoyed Rob's comment on our flat terrain with few services - that's exactly how it is!! Eastern Montana has it's own kind of beauty. We look forward to your arrival in Miles City on Sunday. Happy Anniversary Vicki and Paul. - Karen Huckins (Miles City, Montana)

  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! Push on, Paul! - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2:  40 MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 985]
Stopping Location: Roundup, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 3,215 Feet

DAY 41: Note from Rob: [5:05 PM Paul's time] Paul arrived in Roundup after a 40 mile day in 90 degree heat.  He said that the tendonitis seems to be gone. He had no pain or discomfort from this all day. He is about 100 miles from Forsyth, Montana and is staying in a hotel in Roundup.

Paul's Entry: Today's trek took me 40 miles from the town of Ryegate to the community of Roundup in eastern Montana. The terrain was usually flat, except for some rolling hills now and then. There were a ton of grasshoppers today that were jumping and flying around. While I was talking to my mother on my cell phone while walking, one flew into my mouth. Yuk! The temperature rose to around 90 degrees on this clear sky, sunny day.

Vicki and our four children began their drive back to Montana today from California, and should arrive in Missoula on Friday. They completed everything they had to do in California with respect to her mother's home. It was a long 5 weeks for them and they're looking forward to getting home. The school year begins in one more month and it has already been 6 weeks that we've been apart. I miss them and hope they have a fun and safe trip home.

Tomorrow I will pass the 1,000 mile mark of this journey, and by Friday I will be done with 1/3rd of this trek across America. I've been treating my lower right leg with ice nightly and it appears to have paid off. I did all 40 miles today with no pain whatsoever from the tendonitis that flared up when descending from the Continental Divide. Perhaps I've put that issue to rest once and for all. Tomorrow will be a 35 mile day to Melstone, Montana, where I'll stay at a ranch. The scenery will be the same for the next several days. I'll be leaving Montana by the middle of next week!

Tomorrow a new CD of pictures is going into the mail to Rob in Portland. So, be looking for new pictures coming soon. I want to thank the Best Value Inn, of Roundup, for donating my lodging for the evening... and for providing me with water for "Bob" to carry, and plenty of ice for my legs. I also want to thank Margaret Lynch of Walla Walla, Washington for providing me with a gift certificate to a very nice local restaurant here in Roundup. By the way, I had a wonderful halibut dinner with soup, potato, and vegetables. Yummy!  Thank you Margaret!

I am continually blessed by the kindness of people I've never met before. Today a gentleman stopped on the road and handed me some carrots and a bottle of water, just to show his support. It is these brief encounters with people that truly help to keep me going. Their words of encouragement and kind acts are fuel to my body and spirit. Each day I get to see America in a way that I've never seen it before. Sometimes it's good, and sometimes it's not so good.

Over the past couple of days I've really taken notice of just how much garbage there is along the roadside. The trash is typically not seen by those zipping by in cars. However, there is a lot of garbage in the grass and weeds along the highway. The most common sight, for one reason or another, is Bud Light cans and bottles. Perhaps the container is so "light" that it just flies out the window of moving cars. I'm not sure, but there's a lot of them on the side of the road. I've seen quite a bit of trash since leaving White Sulphur Springs, Montana... almost as much as I saw on the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington side.

Thanks for stopping by to see how this journey is going. I'm pleased that the tendonitis seems to have been defeated. I'm still taking an easy pace and will continue to do so for a few days until I'm certain the tendonitis is done with. By "easy" I mean that I am doing more walking than usual during the day, but not decreasing the scheduled miles to be accomplished. I'm heading to the town of Melstone in the morning at 6:00 a.m., so I better get some sleep. Thanks again for your interest and support!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul. You and your amazing wife inspired me in high school and you both continue to inspire me today! Thanks for your commitment to kids... what an exciting program! My thoughts and prayers are with you all the way! - Leslie Morey (Puyallup, Washington)

  Hi Bob! We noticed that Paul was getting all of the attention once again and we wanted to give you a boost! You are doing great. We know that Paul has been pushing you hard for almost 1000 miles now, and your only rebellion has been a couple of flat tires. Not too bad considering he made you wait until Helena for some new shoes! Your groupie fan club is now 3 strong. (We ran into a cute little umbrella stroller that is cheering you on!) We know that Paul gives you a little bit of a lead, and just as you start to get ahead he grabs a hold and pulls you back. He makes you sit alone with nothing but protein bars, while he eats a pork chop dinner with some lively conversation. Keep up the good work Bob! You are leading Paul quite well!! Enjoy your trip to Delaware! - Stacey & Diana (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3:  35 MILES (Sunny, 100 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,020]
Stopping Location: Melstone, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,940 Feet

DAY 42: Today I reached the 1,000 mile mark of this run! The temperature rose to 100 degrees for this milestone, and my 35-mile trek today was not easy. There were rolling hills and continuous sun/heat. I arrived in Melstone, Montana at around 5:00 p.m. and have logged 75 miles in the past 36 hours, with intense heat. The pavement temperature was at least 117 degrees today. To say the least, I'm a bit tired tonight. I took some pictures today and even made a short digital video that Rob will put on the web site next week. So, now that I've reached the 1,000 mile mark here are some stats:

• I have completed 36 days of running (taking into account days off the road). In those 36 days I've covered a total of 1,020 miles through Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana.

• The average daily high temperature on my journey so far has been 94 degrees, based upon the numbers I have. The highest temperature has been 105 degrees. Whew!

• In 1,020 miles I've only experienced 1/2 hour of rain, and only 2 cloudy days.

• I've gone through two pairs of Asics shoes so far.

• I've lost about 5 pounds since this journey began and currently weigh around 142.

• I've run through 5 construction zones.

• I've been the desired lunch of choice for 5 dogs... none of which got to have my leg or any other part of me. And no, I haven't had to use my pepper spray yet.

• "Bob" has gone through one set of tires and has had one flat tire on the road.

• I've seen more deer and antelope than I can possibly count.

• I've seen more litter than I ever thought I'd see in my lifetime.

• I miss my family more each day.

• I constantly marvel at how wonderful some complete strangers can be, and how cruel others can be.

• I've drank at least 100 gallons of water since starting this run.

• 3,245... the number of times I've craved either ice cream or M&M's. This estimate may be a bit low!

• 41... the highest number of times I've gotten rocks inside my shoes on one day of running.

• 3... the most times my hat has been blown off in one day by passing trucks.

• 34... the number of times I truly wondered if I was going to be permanently removed from this planet due to a close semi truck or an inattentive driver.

• Over 100... the number of dead animals (road kill) I've seen - and of so many different types!

• "Incredible", "Amazing", "Remarkable", "Awesome"... the most common positive words said to me about what I'm doing.

• "You're Crazy", "You're Nuts"... the most common words I've heard from those who just can't grasp what I'm doing.

• Vicki, Jenna, Ashlin, Kyler, and Brian... the 5 people I most look forward to seeing down the road.

• Diana and Stacey... two women in Missoula who put up with me and who generally care about my well being (even though they get a good laugh about some of my adventures). They aim daily to find me lodging in homes and hotels.

• Brett and Rob... two great friends who have done a super job at maintaining this web site. Thanks guys!

• Mom and Dad... my parents in Alaska who are the most northerly people I'm aware of who are cheering me on!

There's so much more I could say, but generally the big news of the day is that I'm passed the 1,000 mile mark. As of today I have 2,180 miles to go! I feel good, just a bit tired tonight. Tomorrow I will run 26 miles to Ingomar, Montana on a road with no shoulder. The temps are supposed to stay in the high 90s to 100 for the next several days. So, the heat continues to follow me and challenge me.

For those considering such a run across our nation, I would strongly suggest you entertain the idea of running in the spring months, or taking advantage of the cool autumn months. This has been one of the hottest summers on record in the United States and I have continued to run an average distance of 30 miles per day in very intense heat and some difficult terrain. Please understand that I know my body very well and listen to its signals closely. I hydrate constantly and am in very good shape for this undertaking. Many people have died in the U.S. due to the heat that has been spread across the country for the past 5 weeks, mainly due to heat stroke. I am very aware that what I'm doing is dangerous in many respects due to the high heat conditions. However, after 1,000+ miles I can certainly say that I know precisely what I have to do to keep my body moving forward in the most efficient means possible. Please don't try to imitate my trek without proper training, education and preparation. I've received e-mail letters from people who are interested in doing a trek like this and I strongly urge those people to try and simulate in training the types of conditions they expect to encounter during their attempts. I cannot give training advice, but will say that you cannot truly "train" for something like this. A lot of it depends upon your knowledge of running ultra distances, your mental strength, and your fitness level. Common sense must rule in a journey like this, and you must be flexible based upon the changing conditions.

Tonight I am in Melstone, Montana at the Hougen Ranch (with Tom and Helen Hougen). They are wonderful and I'm blessed to be able to be in the home of such supportive people. I will begin tomorrow at around 6:00 a.m. and again, it is a short 26-mile run into Ingomar - where I'll stay at a Bed and Breakfast. This is a barren part of Montana with very few services. Cell phone service is not available, and I'm limiting the use of my satellite phone. Therefore, I expect to be somewhat out of touch until I reach Forsyth, Montana in a couple of days.

Thanks for checking in and I'll call Rob tomorrow evening with an update on Friday's run.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul - Congratulations on 1000 miles!!! It is encouraging to hear that you are continuing to run smart and listening to your bodies needs... that is what will bring you through to your goal.
How wonderful that you came upon some rain!!! I thought of this verse... Acts 14:17, "He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven." I believe that is God's way of encouraging you on! Run Strong Paul!!! - Kristie Boyd (Missoula, Montana)

  HAPPY 1000 MILES!!! It's been an interesting first 1000 and I'm sure the next 2200 will be just as interesting. Thanks for letting me share in your laughter (yes...most of the time it is with you and not at you!), and for giving me some insight into the not so pleasant parts. Blisters, tendonitis, semis etc. You make it look so easy that sometimes we all forget that part of your run. Pretty soon you'll leave the biggest state of your run behind, but you won't leave the support of your hometown behind. We will "follow" you all the way east, and if we could, we would be in Delaware waiting for you. We have no doubt you'll make it! WAY TO GO PAUL AND BOB!!! - Stacey Rossmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  Happy Anniversary a couple days late, Paul and Vicki! I know it's hard to be apart on your anniversary. Scott was hiking across the Grand Canyon on our anniversary last year! I'm so glad to hear it rained - I know you've been looking forward to rain. Did you use the little umbrella that your son gave you? Hope you got a picture! And we're all very relieved to hear that the tendonitis is better. Take care and stay safe! - Jan Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  My anniversary is August 1st also. Awesome Job! I'm going to stop whining when I have little pains and want to stop. Your a great motivator to me. There is a saying in a group of business owners I work with... "Play Injured". You are a perfect example of this. Thank you. - Mark Uptmor (Boise, Idaho)

  Hi Paul!!! I bet you are hurting all over! Just keep putting ice on it (or meat). Good Luck!!! - Alice (Missoula, Montana)

  hEy pAUl i Hope yoUr HavIng fUn. i GueSS iT wAs YouR aNNIvErsArY a CouPlE oF DayS AgO. sO HaPpY AnNiverSaRy.  P.S. ( The different sized letters was a joke.) - Kristy Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul how is everything on your run? I am so sorry to hear about your leg. We all think your doing great!!!! - Lindsay Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul - Looking forward to seeing you at our place about Aug 11th. Stay Strong. - Roy & Bev (Bowman, North Dakota)

  Hi, I am glad you enjoyed the dinner. You will be happy to know that there was a group along the Wallula Gap area cleaning up trash along the road today when my husband and I drove to Hermiston. That is near the Columbia Gorge. Hopefully people see your comments and do something about the litter. Take care. - Margaret (Walla Walla, Washington)

  Hi Paul! What a good week you have had. We are thinking of you and keep it going. I will check on the Family this weekend. - Brenda SerVoss (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - I just caught up with the past couple of days of your journal. I'm so glad that the weather has cooled off some for you and that you even had some rain! That I'm jealous of.
I'm glad the tendonitis has subsided and hope that you don't have any more trouble with it the rest of the way. You seem to know exactly what to do to keep your body performing at its peak so more power to you. I'll watch for Vicki and the kids to arrive tomorrow. The neighborhood just has not been the same without your family in it. We'll have quite the celebration when you're back safe and sound. And a late Happy Anniversary to you and Vicki! Keep the faith and keep on running. It's such an awesome thing you're doing and it is so much fun to track your progress. And as I said in Lolo, I think you have lots of material for a book. I'll even edit it for you! You've hit a giant milestone (1,000 miles) and I bet you're glad that the rest of the states will take much less time to run through. Godspeed. See you in October! - Kathy Noble (Missoula, Montana)

  Congratulations on 1,000 miles! To think that there were those who doubted you and Bob. A belated Happy Anniversary to you and Vicki. Don't you believe that Stacey and Diana were not laughing at you. After they got done laughing they sort of felt sorry for you. (Yes they were concerned too.) Your journal is great to follow. October will soon be here. You are doing great. Stay safe. - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

  Happy Anniversary! 1,000 miles, wow. I hope the leg stays in good shape for the rest of the run. We are heading to Oregon, and will stop at Cannon Beach for a quick look at your starting spot. Will keep track of your progress and send blessings when we get back. Take care of yourself! - Scott Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  1000 miles... Well Done! Stay safe. Continue to run smart and take care of yourself. - Rob Remler (Portland, Oregon)

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