JOURNAL FOR WEEK SEVEN
August 4 through August 10, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4:  26 MILES (Sunny, 95 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,046]
Stopping Location: Ingomar, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 3,018 Feet

DAY 43: Note from Rob: [Paul called on the satellite phone - 12:40 PM] Thanks to Jim Adair (of Missoula) for stopping today to say hello and giving Paul some Gatorade. "I appreciated his support and his advice regarding the roads through South Dakota." Another woman stopped and said "Hey, I saw you on TV" (the news program from Missoula was aired in Melstone, Montana). Paul is about 6 miles from completing his run today and is doing fine but it is getting hot.  He is trying to get in and rested for tomorrow's 42 mile day.  His goal is to be on the road Saturday by 4:45 a.m.  to try to beat the heat.  He has intermittent cell service and will call later this evening to give another update.

Note from Rob: [5:10 PM Paul's time]  Paul has made it to Ingomar (26 miles) and is staying at the Bunk-n-Biscuit.  He has no Internet access but is doing well and has plenty of water and ice.  More importantly, there's one cafe there and it serves ice cream, so for tonight he's pretty pleased with the conditions in this remote part of Montana. He still considers this one of the loneliest roads in the state. Temps were in the 90's today, but the "short" mileage went well. He has heard that the road is quite flat for most of the way to Forsyth with a gentle down grade for the last few miles. He is also looking at his longest distance traveled in a single day tomorrow - with 42 miles planned.  He still plans an early start to try to beat the heat and hopes to be in Forsyth about 5:00 p.m. his time. 

Another Note from Rob: Think cooler weather or rain. Our conversations tell me that Paul is taking care of himself, but the heat is a factor.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Congratulations on reaching the 1000 mile mark Paul! We all here at the office continue to marvel at what you are accomplishing and are daily cheering you on! - Paul Glidewell (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5:  42 MILES (Sunny, 85 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,088]
Stopping Location: Forsyth, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,523 Feet

DAY 44: Note from Rob: [Paul called at 4:05 p.m. his time]  He ran 42 miles today in 11 hours.  He got started in complete darkness at 3:30 a.m. in an effort to beat the heat.  He ran from Ingomar to Forsyth with the first 17 miles with cloud cover and the remainder of the run done with clear skies and an afternoon temp of approximately 85 degrees. He mentioned many animal skeletons that he saw along the road's edge today, the bones bleached white by the sun. In the picture to the right he's holding up a rib cage of an animal! The next closest town is Miles City, which is 45 miles away. However, Paul is going to split that distance into two days and run only 24 miles tomorrow and stay with Karen Huckins in Miles City tomorrow evening (she'll pick him up and transport him... and "Bob"). The reason Paul is taking two days to run to Miles City is because, with today's 42 miles, he has logged 231 miles in the past 7 days.  With the considerable heat, he is choosing to take a couple of days with an easier pace for recovery. For tonight he is in the Best Western Sundowner Inn in Forsyth and is close to the interstate access.  The road between Forsyth and Miles City is all interstate and Paul has been granted permission to run that highway.

Paul is now 10 miles past the 1/3 point of his run.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Congratulations on passing the 1,000 mile mark Paul. Dad and I were on our way home from Anchorage when you logged that milestone, but our hearts were with you as we anticipated the excitement you would feel at that moment. We are sooo very proud of you. Your photos are a joy to see. Your face radiates a healthy exhilaration. You look like a man confident in your ability to cope with whatever may confront you. The photos bring much peace to your Dad and I. They tell us that our son is fine, and continuing to fulfill his promise. (Thank you for posting them Rob. You are doing a superb job). So Paul . . . dodge the grasshoppers, (try not to eat any more of them) - keep a watchful eye - and, keep on moving toward your ultimate goal. You have this run figured out, and with God's blessings you will make it. Love and Hugs. - Mom & Dad (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Bob and I (the lasagna people from Lewiston, Idaho) have spent the last three weeks in Europe. But we have been checking up on your progress as often as we are able. It looks and sounds as though you are making fabulous time while taking care of yourself. We are thinking about you and wish you continuing safe journeys. - Bob and Emily Wicks (On Vacation In Randers, Denmark)

  Wow! Congrats on reaching 1,000 miles... especially in this heat. Good luck and have fun in the miles to come. I wish you less road kill, more shoulders, less too-close trucks, and more more more ice cream. All the best. - Ray Stuart (Washington D.C.)

  Hi Dad - I'm waiting for my pizza to be done so I decided to write you an encouragement note. How was your day today? Mine has been good. We had breakfast with Uncle Brad and then drove for a long time before we stopped at 1:30 for lunch. Then we continued to drive and now we're at Gerhard and Sandra's house awaiting dinner. We'll be back home (finally!) in about three hours. (about 9:00). I miss you and am praying for you every night! Run Fast, Run Hard, and Run Safe! And now my pizza is calling my name so... I LUV U! - Ashlin Staso (heading home to Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6:  24 MILES (Sunny, 98 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,112]
Stopping Location: Hathaway, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,441 Feet

DAY 45: Since I was a Sophomore in high school (back in 1980), my father has told me that I'm a long distance runner. Although I did some cross country running during my teen years, it was track and field that really grabbed my attention. I was a sprinter and hurdler and advanced to the state finals each year during high school. I know, that's hard to believe considering the fact that I'm now running across the United States... some 23 years since turning the tassel on high school. If you want to see some pictures from my high school track days in the early 1980s, click here.  I guess my Dad was right... I'm a long distance runner!

Today I ran 24 miles from Forsyth to Hathaway, Montana - bringing my total distance completed to 1,112 miles. The day started to warm up just when I got done, which was around 1:45 p.m. It was good to get off the road early and I'm staying the evening with Gary and Karen Huckins in Miles City, Montana (which is only 22 miles east of Hathaway, where I stopped today). Karen is a retired elementary school librarian and actually spent 17 years as the librarian at Russell Elementary School where my wife teaches. After arriving at their home we sat and chatted while sipping on cool drinks. I then showered, got some laundry going, and sat down to write today's journal entry. They are terrific people and very supportive of this endeavor. I will actually be staying with the Huckins' for the next three nights. They will be picking me up from my daily stopping points and transporting me to their home for my evening rest. Very nice!

Tomorrow I will run 22 miles from Hathaway to Miles City, Montana. It will be an easy day and will be run on the Interstate since no other roads are available. I've been granted permission to run on the Interstate system for this short portion of the route. The temps are supposed to hit 99 and 100 for the next two days, so it looks like I'll still have the heat as my running companion. The national weather service has reported that Montana is experiencing the hottest summer on record since 1936. Also, the state has been listed in the "Severe Drought" category in the National Drought Monitor. The oppressive heat has dried up river beds across the state and cattle and crops are dying. It's hard to convey just how difficult the conditions are around me. It is barren, open land and many times the only change in scenery is the position of the sun.

I wanted to share a couple of experiences with you from the past two days. The other morning I was running along and came upon 7 antelope by the edge of the road. They didn't run away, but just stood there watching me. As I approached them I thought it would be neat to try and race them. I had seen many antelope run as the days have gone by, so as I approached them one got nervous and started to run. The others quickly followed suit and I took off, running like crazy with "Bob". I thought I might actually overtake the straggling one in the back, but in the end he was just too quick and left me in the dust. I'm sure that "Bob" slowed me down a bit and I would have had a better chance taking on the antelope solo. However, "Bob" and I are a team and I just couldn't leave him behind.

Yesterday morning I left Ingomar at 3:30 a.m. to begin my 42 mile run to Forsyth. It was pitch black when I stepped out onto Highway 12 and Bob's lights were giving off just enough brightness to let me see my way down the road. I decided to turn off his lights for a minute and just look at the stars and constellations over my head. What a sight! I've never seen a sky so full of stars. I watched shooting stars streak across the sky, and just marveled at how beautiful it was. I then turned Bob's lights back on and within seconds some antelope ran across the road right in front of Bob! They scared me to death! My heart was pounding a mile a minute and any drowsiness I was feeling was immediately gone! It was a wonderful morning of running, and as the sun rose it filled the sky with various shades of pink and orange. It truly was one of the most peaceful moments of this trek so far.

I want to thank the Best Western Sundowner Inn for sponsoring my night's stay in Forsyth last evening. It was wonderful to stay there, and I got a very good night's sleep. If you're ever in Forsyth, stop by there for a night. It's certainly worth the visit.

I only have 3 days remaining in the state of Montana before entering North Dakota. I will then only have 3 days in the state of North Dakota before entering South Dakota. So, one week from now (next Sunday) I will enter the state of South Dakota! It will be in that state where I will reach the 1/2 way point of this journey. I've had people say, "Gee, Montana is taking you awhile." Please keep in mind that Montana is 610 miles across and accounts for 20% of this trek's entire distance! I've maintained about 220 miles per week while in Montana and am pleased with the progress considering the relentless heat. For those of you who are tired of journal entries from Montana... just hang on a couple of days. Then there will be entries from North Dakota!

So, all is well and I'm feeling great! Thanks for checking in and have a super week.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hello, Paul - We are ex-neighbors and good friends of your parents from "beautiful" Bullhead City, Arizona. We've been following your run every step of the way, and we're wishing you all the best. Congrats on the first 1,000 miles, and thanks for sharing this incredible journey with everyone. We're originally from the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and wish we could be there as you run through our state to welcome you, but unfortunately, we can't. We wish you all the best throughout your trek, and we will message you later. - Jeff & Mary Dorle (Bullhead City, Arizona)

  Hi, Paul, I finally caught up with you in the journal. Sounds like all is going well and I pray it will continue that way. What you are accomplishing, especially in this heat, is amazing!  Bless you. - Gladys Harlan (Missoula, Montana)

  Congratulations on reaching the 1,000 mile mark. Your determination, perseverance, and training for this endeavor is inspirational. This morning I headed out for a five mile run in some horribly humid conditions and figured, "Hey, if Paul can run high miles for consecutive days in heat and humidity, I can do five." I look forward to your continued posts while on this journey. Thanks for doing this ... it's really neat! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

MONDAY, AUGUST 7:  22 MILES (Sunny, 96 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,134]
Stopping Location: Miles City, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,362 Feet

DAY 46: My route today took me 22 miles from Hathaway, Montana to Miles City. It was a very easy day and by the time I got off the road at around 2:00 p.m., the temperature had already gotten up to 96 degrees - on its way to a high of 100 for the day. The first 11 miles were somewhat uphill and it's the most pushing on an incline that I've done in the past 300 miles. Remember, "Bob" weighs 65 pounds when fully loaded with gear and 2 1/2 gallons of water. I am now 1,134 miles into this solo journey and feel great, in spite of the relentless heat that seems to follow me like a shadow. I'm logging an average of 210 miles per week and today was my 40th day on the pavement of America.

I only have two more days in the state of Montana! I will enter North Dakota on Thursday and will spend three days going through the southwest corner of that state. Then, on Sunday, I will enter the state of South Dakota. So, this is an exciting week. I'll check Montana and North Dakota off of my list!

Here's my schedule for the next several days:

August 8... 36 miles (36 miles east of Miles City)
August 9... 32 miles (Plevna, Montana)
August 10... 32 miles (Marmarth, North Dakota)
August 11... 32 miles (Bowman, North Dakota)
August 12... 37 miles (Hettinger, North Dakota)
August 13... 34 miles (Thunder Hawk, South Dakota)

Today while I was running a car stopped on the shoulder in front of me. I was surprised to see an old high school friend jump out! Amy (Young) Kvaalen pulled over to wish me well. We went to high school together in Juneau, Alaska back in 1983. I haven't seen Amy in 23 years! It was good to see her again, and to meet her family. They live in Lambert, Montana. Thanks so much for saying hello, Amy. It was great to see you again!

I was nearly to Miles City when a local newspaper reporter stopped to take photos and to interview me on the edge of the road. I provided him with the details of the run and the promise I made to the students at Russell Elementary School in Missoula.

Tonight I am staying once again at the home of Gary and Karen Huckins in Miles City. Today was my interstate running day and I want to thank Karen for following close by in her car during my 20 miles on the interstate. The Department of Transportation had provided permission for me to run this stretch of the interstate and suggested that I have a car close by for safety reasons. Karen did not act as "support" in that I did not jump into her car to cool down, and she did not carry any of my gear or provide any food, water, or any other such things. She was simply watching to make certain I was safe on the interstate. It appears that this is the only section of the 3,200-mile route that requires me to run on the interstate. Tomorrow I will be back on highway 12, a secondary highway... likely with no shoulder.

The temperature for tomorrow is forecasted to be 103 degrees, and since it will be a 36 mile day I'm sure I'll feel every bit of those degrees.

Thanks for checking in and I truly appreciate the kind words of support so many of you have shared with me. Although I can't answer all of the messages that come my way, please know that they are truly appreciated and help to fuel my heart and spirit. I'm just about done with the state of Montana, and I'm looking forward to the remaining 11 states of this 15-state journey. I'll write more later... from down the road.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Keep up the good work. I'll be using your trek across America in my motivational speech tonight to get students and parents excited for another season on the links. Take Care!!! - Rob Henthorn (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey Paul, I'm hooked on reading your daily journal entries and following your progress on line. I want you to know that as I read the entry of the day, I pray for you and your family. I look forward to seeing you again and hearing the full report... when you have time to sit for a spell! Keep going, Never give up! - Glen Small (Newport, Oregon)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8:  36 MILES (Sunny, 100 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,170]
Stopping Location: 36 Miles East of Miles City, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,650 Feet

DAY 47: I thought it would be good to outline the anatomy of a typical running day across America. So, here are some details for this particular day - Tuesday, August 8th:

Time I awoke: 4:45 a.m.
Time I was on the road: 5:30 a.m.
Time I was off the road: 4:00 p.m.
Distance run today: 36 miles
Total Time Running & Walking (less breaks): 9 hours
Highest continuous elevation gain: 800 feet
Beginning temperature: 66 degrees
Ending temperature: 100 degrees
Highest temperature on pavement: 128 degrees
Amount of direct sunshine: 95%
Amount of available shade on route: Zero
Amount of water sources on route: Zero
Total number of towns along route: Zero
Total amount of water consumed: 150 ounces
Total amount of Gatorade consumed: 100 ounces
Number of road kill viewed along highway: 9
Number of flat tires: 1 (The second one so far)
Number of people who stopped me to talk: 3
Number of people who offered me a ride: 1
Number of inattentive drivers who came into shoulder: 1
Number of new blisters: 1
Number of rocks in my shoes: 3
Number of miles run/walked with a slight breeze: 13
Number of live animals seen: 3 (2 antelope and 1 rabbit)
Starting weight of "Bob": 65 pounds
Finishing weight of "Bob": 49 pounds (2 gallons of liquid was consumed)
Average width of shoulder: 4 feet
Number of semi trucks that passed me: About 25
Radio station listened to: 770 AM out of Miles City, Montana
Sleeping location: In Miles City at the home of Gary and Karen Huckins
Number of times I thought about my family: Nearly once per mile
Food I was most craving: Ice Cream  (Mission accomplished... for today)
Most positive comment received: "What you're doing is terrific!"
Most negative comment received: "You're crazy!"
Memory I Had: Running to the old cinder track at Douglas, Alaska for high school track practice.
What kept me motivated: To fulfill my promise to the Russell Elementary kids.
Today's body weight - 143 lbs. 

This morning I was listening to Paul Harvey's news report on the radio and he said that the National Weather Service reported that last month (July) was the second hottest July ever recorded in the United States. The hottest July was back in 1936. He also said that the first 7 months of this year, as a whole, have been the hottest in the U.S. on record since temperature highs and lows were first recorded over 100 years ago. So, I definitely picked a hot and challenging summer to do this 3,200-mile trek across America!

Tonight is my last evening in Miles City, Montana. Karen Huckins has been so wonderful for transporting me the past couple of days to her home after my pounding of the pavement. I appreciate her kindness, and that of her husband Gary. We've had to take Bob apart at the end of each day to load him into Karen's car, and then reassemble the stroller on the edge of the road the following morning - as the pictures to the right show. The Huckins' are wonderful people and I truly appreciate the support they've shown of both my run and the virtual trek across America that the Russell Elementary students did.

Well, that's about all for this particular day. Tomorrow is my last full day of running in the state of Montana! I will run 32 miles to the town of Plevna, Montana where I will spend the night at a residence. Then, on Thursday, I will run across the border into North Dakota - my 5th state on this 15-state journey. I'm looking forward to checking Montana off of my list. What a big state this has been to conquer!

All is well and "Bob" and I are doing just fine. Thanks for checking in and I'll post my final Montana journal entry tomorrow.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  You are doing an awesome job with your run!!! I can't wait till you get to Indiana so I can cheer you on. - Evan (Jenison, Michigan)

  Hey Paul! Bye Bye Montana! You sound Great!!!! Keep it up! - Brenda SerVoss (Missoula, Montana)

  Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious as I read your journal. I am so excited for you; in less than two days your feet will be traipsing across a new State!!! 2 Sam 22:33-34: "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;" Run strong! - Kristie Boyd (Missoula, Montana)

  Damn! Can I write that on this website? 1,000 miles!!!! Thought of you as I took a very FLAT walk through the neighborhood this a.m. - you know us South Hills bottom feeders. Keep going! You're an inspiration. - Martha Robertson (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9:  32 MILES (Sunny, 98 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,202]
Stopping Location: Plevna, Montana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,808 Feet

DAY 48: Goodbye Montana! Today was my last full day of running in the state of Montana and tomorrow I will cross into the state of North Dakota. I will only spend 3 days in North Dakota before entering South Dakota on Sunday. I am now 1,202 miles into this trek and today was my 42nd day actually on the road. I am 398 miles from the halfway point, which I will arrive at in about 2 weeks. Today I ran 32 miles on Highway 12 and ended the day at Plevna, Montana, where I'm staying with Wayne and Mary Mangold. Wayne is a science teacher at the local high school and has coached track and field. They provided me with a wonderful steak dinner and afterward met the school's physical education teacher and shared information about this trek with the local media. Plevna is not a large town (population around 130), but is an oasis in the middle of the vast brown/dry countryside. The temperature today reached 98 degrees with continuous sunshine. Yep... another hot one!

I just have to respond to a question that my friend, Sharmin, wrote in my guestbook today. She asked if I talk to myself when I'm out on the road and nobody is around. Well, I haven't talked to myself yet... nor to "Bob"... but sometimes I do sing if I have my headphones on. Be glad that you're not around to hear that!

Tomorrow I will get on the road at around 5:30 a.m. and the temperatures are forecasted to reach the upper 90s again. Whew! I just can't seem to outrun the heat.

Montana has been a big state to cross... all 610 miles of it. It accounts for 20% of this entire trek across America. I've averaged 210 miles per week through some record breaking temperatures and am pleased with how I did going from the mountains of western Montana to the plains of eastern Montana. I've lived in this state for 23 years and have a new appreciation for it, and the people who call Montana "home".

Tomorrow's journal entry will be from Marmarth, North Dakota after a 32 mile day. Thanks for checking in and know that all is well and I'm doing fine. Gotta run!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Question - Do you every talk to yourself, sing, yell (out loud!), as you are running/walking or are you a quiet runner? I have a feeling I'd start talking out loud every now and then just to hear a voice. - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

  Whew! You're through Montana...what a feat... or should I say, feet! Now on to the great state of North Dakota! Glad to hear that all continues to go well. - Sharon (Missoula, Montana)

  Great job in Montana. Keep going. - Brenda SerVoss (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10:  32 MILES (Sunny, 98 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,234]
Stopping Location: Marmarth, North Dakota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,710 Feet

DAY 49: Note from Rob: [1:30 pm Paul's time]  Paul has completed the Montana Crossing.  He called on the satellite phone and said that the day went quite well, but it was another warm (hot) one with temps in the upper 90's.  He is in Marmarth, North Dakota.  He did mention that when he went from Montana to North Dakota that the shoulder of the road disappeared.  Other than that today went without a problem. He is at the home of Nellie Rost, grandmother of Carmen Pennington. He stayed with Carmen's family in Elliston, Montana. Paul went 32 miles today and was glad to cross Montana off the list.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Welcome to North Dakota! Congratulations on all your milestones... can't believe you'll be at the halfway mark soon. You're doing a great job, Paul. Keep it up! - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi PJ - After looking at the last photo posted on week six, I just have to ask . . . what are they putting in the power drinks these days? What ever it is - I think I could use some. Your looking good son. Everyone can see from the photos, that physical activity keeps the human body toned and healthy. Keep on truckin'. Love & hugs. - Your proud Mom (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Bye from Montana!! Thanks for the call from the border... you and Bob take care and stay safe! - Stacey Rossmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul. It was great speaking with you at the Welcome to North Dakota sign. Another huge milestone is behind you. Thanks to Rob we were able to view some great pictures of you and Bob on the road. That sun tan you have should last a few years. You're looking great and zeroing in on the half way point. Take care of yourself and stay safe out there. Love ya. - Dad (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Great tan line! Stay Strong! - Brenda SerVoss (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - Amy and I have been back from Paws Up Ranch for a couple of weeks and I finally have had a chance to get to your website and WOW keep up the good work, you have inspired both Amy and I to keep our walking regiment on a regular basis! We enjoyed having dinner with you at Paws Up and want to thank you again for the wine! Keep the faith and good running! - Phil & Amy Morin (Eaton, New Hampshire)

  Just heard you are headed our way! I am amazed at your story. I guess I have no excuse to exercise...even if it has been so hot out! Keep up the great work and stay healthy! - Lori (Hettinger, North Dakota)

  I remember when the Russell students finished Montana! That was reason to celebrate and we are all celebrating again with you!!! Great job! Now on to the 1/2 way point... keep moving forward! Love you. - Vicki Staso (Missoula, Montana)

  Congratulations on crossing off another state! You and Bob are doing great. Keep it up! All of the emotions that passed by me today while on the phone looking for lodging! We'll do whatever we can, well maybe not whatever, to keep you out of the Kelty!  Enjoy North Dakota, it will be quick! - Diana Sontag (Missoula, Montana)

Click Here For This Week's Photos!