JOURNAL FOR WEEK EIGHT
August 11 through August 17, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11:  32 MILES (Sunny then Partly Cloudy, 95 Degrees, 5 Minutes of Rain) [Total: 1,266]
Stopping Location: Bowman, North Dakota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,963 Feet

DAY 50: Note from Rob: I called Paul about 2:30 pm his time and he has made the distance for today.  He spoke with his hosts and then decided to keep running.  No, it was not because of the hosts (he is always grateful for those who take the time to provide him with a place to stay) but rather, because of tomorrow's long distance and his early arrival, he wanted to see if he could take a few miles off Saturday's run (he plans to run until about 4:00 pm his time).  His hosts for tonight will pick him up and deliver him back to his starting point in the morning.  He said that he was doing fine but that it was one of the windiest days so far (head wind of course).

Note from Rob: [Paul called at 8:20 pm]  Paul said that today was definitely the windiest day of the run so far. He ran 32 miles from Marmarth, North Dakota to 3 miles east of  Bowman, ND.  He had a stiff head wind throughout the day.  The temperature climbed to the mid 90's and at the end of the day he said that he had 5 minutes of rain. Paul's hosts in Bowman are Roy and Bev Buckmier. They picked him up 3 miles east of Bowman about 2 minutes before hail started to come down. Paul was then taken to the local newspaper office where a reporter interviewed him. He then went to dinner with the Buckmiers, and Mayor Lynn James.

Tomorrow's run will be 37 miles to Hettinger, North Dakota and the forecast is for temps in the 80's and possibly some clouds. He plans on starting his day at 5:30 and his hosts have told him that the terrain will be flat. Bowman, ND was just selected by the Bismarck (ND) Tribune as the number one home town in North Dakota. 

In wrapping up, Paul said that today was the first day he broke out his earplugs due to the continuously whistling winds. He noted, "I can tell I'm in North Dakota." Tomorrow will be his last full day of running in North Dakota and Sunday he enters South Dakota. He appreciates Nellie Rost for providing lodging last night in Marmarth and for the wonderful dinner she made for him. He said that he hopes to have her energy when he turns 82 years of age!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul! I can't wait for every evening to track your progress. Keep on running! - Richard Aurand (Lewistown, Pennsylvania)

  Congratulations Paul on completing Montana! It's impressive to watch your progress; keep up the good work. - Bart Hanson (Rochester, Minnesota)

  Looking forward to meeting you. Have someone let us know what "foods" we can prepare that will be most helpful for the meals we can serve you. - Merl and Anna Mae (near Rochester, Minnesota)

  Paul - I loved seeing the video of the 1,000 mile point of your journey. I've become slightly "addicted" to reading of this spectacular journey you are traveling. Thanks for restoring some "hope" in the cynics about the human spirit these days. You are doing a great thing! I'd love to meet with you when you are in Cedar Rapids. Please e-mail me if you have the opportunity. I'm intrigued by your curriculum, as I have tried to encourage high school students to be more active at our school as well. Take care and best of wishes as you continue forward and eastward on this adventure! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Kyle write: "Good luck! Stay strong. Have fun with Bob." Josiah writes: "Good luck. Keep it up!" Ashley writes: "Have fun!  Enjoy your run. I am praying for you. My imaginary friend's name is Bob. He wishes you well. Safe travels." - The McCalla Children (Phoenix, Arizona)

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 12:  37 MILES (Partly Cloudy, 85 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,303]
Stopping Location: Hettinger, North Dakota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,697 Feet

DAY 51: I ran 37 miles today from the Bowman area to Hettinger, North Dakota... my last full day of running in North Dakota! I awoke to some clouds, which was a welcomed sight! The temps stayed in the mid 80s during the day and most of the road was without a shoulder. It was a fairly non-eventful day. I wanted to mention that I was stopped by a North Dakota state police officer the other day and he wanted to check my identification. I gave him my driver's license and he scanned it in his patrol car. You'll all be glad to know that there's no warrants for my arrest!

Today an elderly gentleman stopped his car and asked me where I was heading. I said, "Ultimately to Delaware". His response was, "Young man, you have the brain of a scarecrow!" What he may not realize is that the scarecrow in the Wizard of OZ was quite smart in the end. So, this "scarecrow" ran on down the road, continuing his journey... with no crows in sight.

Tonight I am in the home of Grace and Magnus Meier in Hettinger and truly appreciate the wonderful steak dinner they prepared. Ice cream was a wonderful treat, as well as a slush drink that I just had to have two of. This is truly a wonderful family and I appreciate their kindness and support. I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people so far on this journey, and the Meier family ranks right up there! Tomorrow will be a 34 mile run to Thunder Hawk, South Dakota. I will cross North Dakota off of my list and begin my trek across a new state! I'm feeling good and am now heading for bed to get some rest. Thanks for stopping in at this milepost and I'll be in touch down the road!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  You're amazing, Paul! A national hero from Missoula, Montana - woohoo! Truly an inspiration - not only in your running, but in allowing all of us to join you through your journal and pictures as you make this incredible journey. Thank you! Hello to your family if they're reading this too! - Joscelyn (Haynes) Decker (Redmond, Washington)

  Just checked out the new pictures. Loved the one of you hanging on while "Bob" chased the Antelope. Congratulations on the 1,000 mile mark. Please be careful in the Dakota's. Sounds like there are a lot of "Bikers" on the roads. Our thanks to all of the wonderful hosts you have had so far. America is truly great! Keep on running safely. - Irene (Missoula, Montana)

  WOW... Montana and North Dakota are marked off. YEEHAW!! 5 down and 10 to go. I remember when the kids finished off Montana, it was a huge boost to them. The possibility of success became a reality. I also remember that was about the time when you told me, "I think these kids are really going to do it." I also remember my response to you was, "DUH!!!" Somebody asked me today how you were doing and when I told them that you were in South Dakota they said, "Wow...I really think he might make it." My response? "DUH!!!" I know Montana was challenging to you in more ways than one, but you kept on moving ahead and now you are closing in on the half-way mark. When you hit Minnesota we'll make you some fish-cicles like we did for the kids... Now there's something to look forward to! Enough rambling... congrats!! You're doing great!!! - Stacey Rossmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - Once you got out of Montana the states are passing by very quickly Soon you'll be at the half-way mile. The 1000-mile video was great!! We've missed your company over a bowl of ice cream each evening!! However since we aren't running the distances you are, it's going to be necessary for us to cut back!! Be safe. - Karen Huckins (Miles City, Montana)

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 13:  34 MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,337]
Stopping Location: Thunder Hawk, South Dakota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,592 Feet

DAY 52: Last night in Hettinger, North Dakota, where I stayed with the Meier family, there was a lightning storm accompanied by rain! This part of the country really needs rain and it was good to see it coming down. After a relaxing evening I went to bed and slept very well. I then had the pleasure of running the first 12 miles of the day with Gwyn Walter, the daughter of Grace and Magnus Meier. She is from St. Paul, Minnesota and is the mother of 2 children. Next weekend she will be participating in her second marathon and she wanted to run awhile with me today. We started out with an hour of rain, but then it cleared off. After 12 miles of wonderful conversation and running, her father picked her up about one mile from the South Dakota border. Thanks so much for spending time with me on the road, Gwyn. You are definitely ready for your marathon and I wish you well with it. I enjoyed your company and perhaps I'll get to see you and your family in Minnesota!

Today was mainly a partly cloudy day with the temperatures hovering around 80 degrees (much cooler than I've been experiencing). I ran 34 miles today from Hettinger, North Dakota to Thunder Hawk, South Dakota. It was great to cross the border, and to cross another state off of my list. I was only in North Dakota for 3 days, but I met some wonderful people while I was there. I will now be in South Dakota for approximately 10 days and am quickly approaching the 1/2 way point of this trek... which will be around Aberdeen. I am currently on pace to finish this run across America around October 9.

The terrain today was pretty flat and there was plenty of shoulder on the highway. I didn't have any people stop to chat and overall it was a fairly peaceful day of running past endless fields. Tomorrow will be a 31 mile day to McIntosh, South Dakota. All is going well and I'm excited to see my family when I reach Bristol, South Dakota - which is a little east of Aberdeen. I'll take a day off the road there to spend some time with them. Vicki and the kids are heading to Minnesota to attend a wedding and the plan is for them to catch up with me at Bristol on their drive back to Missoula.

Tonight I am staying at the home of Rick Herbel in Lemmon, South Dakota (which is 9 miles west of my stopping point for the day). There were no places to stay in Thunder Hawk where I actually wrapped up my running day. Rick is the principal of the local elementary school and has made me feel very welcomed.

While in Lemmon this afternoon I was interviewed by the Dakota Herald and a story will be appearing in their next issue.

Well, that's about it from this milepost. As always, I appreciate the kind words many people send my way and I'll keep running toward Delaware. It's getting closer each day!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul, It was great talking with you on the phone as you entered South Dakota. You're doing great out there. Your "coach", that would be me, thinks you need to schedule some down time. You have been running pretty hard, most days in the high 20 miles and/or 30 mile days. Even an "Ironman" needs a rest now and then. If Bob doesn't get a break soon you just might see him go on strike. Make your "coach" happy and take a well deserved break before too long. By the way, you know what a coach is don't you? He is the guy that can't do what you're doing but can tell you how it should be done. Keep up the good work and stay safe. - Dad (Tolsona, Alaska)

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MONDAY, AUGUST 14:  31 MILES (Sunny, 85 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,368]
Stopping Location: McIntosh, South Dakota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,316 Feet

DAY 53: Note from Rob: [Paul left me a voice mail with the basics of today's run]

Paul has no cell service and the satellite phone is not picking up a signal, so he borrowed a phone to call me tonight.

He is in McIntosh, South Dakota after a 31 mile day. The temps were in the mid- 80's with flat terrain. Pastor Mayforth, of the McIntosh Baptist Church, picked Paul up and took him to buy supplies for "Bob". He then took Paul to dinner.  After dinner he took Paul to the Dakota Countryside Inn and dropped him off for the evening.  The Dakota Countryside Inn has donated the room for the night.

Tuesday brings a planned 28 mile day to McLaughlin, South Dakota. The terrain has been reported as flat and temps are expected to get into the 90's. Paul plans on being on the road by 6:00 a.m.

More tomorrow from McLaughlin, South Dakota.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul and Bob. Congratulations on finishing Montana and North Dakota! We were in Oregon all last week and couldn't find a computer to track your progress. We went through Cannon Beach and saw the Haystack Rock, and it really made us realize the great accomplishment of what you are doing! It was a long drive back to Missoula, much less to run the whole way! We saw Stacey at the fair yesterday and she reports that you are really hitting your stride and enjoying your journey. If only you could lose that little heat wave that has been following you the whole time! Take care and stay safe! We'll check back frequently! - Jan Bixler (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi there, I agree with your dad about taking a day or two off. I am amazed that you can go as far as you do every day. Any way I am still rooting for you to make it to Delaware. Be safe! - Margaret (Walla Walla, Washington)

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 15:  28 MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,396]
Stopping Location: McLaughlin, South Dakota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 2,001 Feet

DAY 54: Note from Rob: [9:30 AM Paul's time] Paul called and is doing pretty well. He is about 12 miles in with about 16 miles to go. He is in the Standing Rock Reservation. 

Entry by Paul: Hello from McLaughlin, South Dakota where I am staying at the Moo Dairy Ranch, which is owned by Don and Charlotte Moser. They are wonderful people and also own a diner in town. The ranch they own is 3 miles outside of McLaughlin and there are animals everywhere! It is great! Today I ran 28 miles from McIntosh, SD, and the terrain was generally flat. I did have a 7-mile construction zone to run through at the beginning of the day, but there were no problems - except for a dog from a nearby ranch that seemed to want to follow me to the Atlantic. I was eventually able to get him to stop following me. The temperatures climbed up to 90 degrees today, and tomorrow is supposed to be the same... although a cool front is supposed to come in sometime tomorrow evening and bring the temps into the lower 80s for a couple of days.

I will be back on the road at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow for a 31 mile run into the town of Mobridge. It is just on the other side of the Missouri River, and as soon as I cross the river I will be in the Central Time Zone. I will spend tomorrow evening at the Best Value Wrangler Inn at Mobridge and I want to get in there as early as possible so that I can get a good amount of rest. My reason for wanting rest is because on the next day (Thursday) I'll be running the longest day so far on this trek. It will be a 43-mile run from Mobridge to Bowdle, SD. Whew!

I am currently running through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and tomorrow will be my last day of running on the reservation. I haven't encountered any problems, but have been strongly urged by some residents to keep "Bob" in my sights at all times so that nothing gets stolen. Lately, there has not been much to see during the day between my starting and stopping points. Just plenty of rolling brown fields. I'm carrying an adequate amount of water and food, but am looking forward to reaching Minnesota where I will have more towns until I reach the Atlantic Ocean.

As I mentioned before, I am currently on pace to complete this journey on October 9th. I am taking a day off once I reach Bristol, SD, so that I can spend some time with my family who will be there for a visit. I haven't had a day off of the road since Helena, Montana, and by the time I reach Bristol that will have been over 800 miles of running without a break. So, I've been running pretty hard... logging most days in the 30 to 40 mile range. "Bob" is holding up just fine and has no problems. He could use a bit of oil to remove some squeaks, but overall he's great.

Physically I am feeling fine. No pains or strains, just a few persistent blisters. I did feel a bit tired today and took the 28 miles pretty easy. I still got into McLaughlin at 2:30 p.m. and then sat around the Shady Lane Drive Inn diner for a couple of hours talking to some of the 65+ year old locals, as well as a newspaper reporter. It's now 9:00 p.m. and I'm ready to hit the hay to get some rest. Thanks for stopping in and I'll write more from the other side of the Missouri River. Good Night!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, Thanks for taking the time to capture your surroundings...love the pictures and video. Isaiah 40:29-31: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Keep soaring on to Delaware! - Kristie Boyd (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul, It was great to see you back in Missoula, and to meet your well-equipped traveling friend "BOB". Great website. I really enjoyed the recent video - the 'crunch crunch' of the rocks as you walked to turn the video on and off. I hope that somebody will take a bit of video of you actually running across America for your website, one landscape and one step at a time. I am trying to remember what you said in an interview in front of Russell School that warm morning - something about 'taking care of ones body because it can take you amazing places'? You are certainly 'walking the talk' - uh running. Here's to many more amazing experiences during your amazing undertaking. Take care. Going to exercise now, inspired by your journey. - Teresa Jacobs (Missoula, Montana)

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16:  31 MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,427]
Stopping Location: Mobridge, South Dakota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,660 Feet

DAY 55: What a SUPER day!! Vicki and the kids (and cousin Mindy) surprised me today and brought me lunch when I was 10 miles from Mobridge, South Dakota! I didn't expect to see them until they were on their drive home from the wedding they're attending in Minnesota, but they drove down from Bismarck, North Dakota this morning and found me on Highway 12. It's the first time I've seen them since I left the Oregon coast on June 23. I've missed them so much and was so surprised to see our car come into sight as I pushed down the road. There were hugs and kisses all around, and a few tears. We enjoyed some time together on the edge of the road and it was so hard to see them drive away after our all-too-short one hour visit. My eyes welled up and I wished that the time together could have been longer. We will get a full day together when they find me just east of Aberdeen, South Dakota in a few days. Then, I won't see them until I wrap up this cross country run in Delaware during October. My family means everything to me and I can't wait to be back with them in Missoula.

The day was a 31-miler from McLaughlin to Mobridge, with 30 mile-per-hour headwinds most of the way. "Bob" is not aerodynamic and it was a challenging day with the wind. Tomorrow was slated to be a 43-mile day to Bowdle, SD. However, I'm going to shorten that to around 36 and add the remaining miles onto the following day to even things up a bit. It will be nice to get out of South Dakota. There has been no services whatsoever in between my daily starting and stopping locations, and it has been very desolate. Today it got up to 90 degrees, and tomorrow it is expected to be the same. Sun rules in this part of the country, and so does dry conditions. They haven't had rain here in two months. The rivers and creeks are dried up and the land is brown and brittle. It's definitely a challenge to run in these conditions day after day, and I've had this intense dry heat for nearly 2 months now.

Tonight I am at the Wrangler Inn at Mobridge and am going to go across the street and grab some dinner. I'll then relax in my room and ice down my legs. I am now in the Central Time Zone, since I crossed the Missouri River. The 1/2-mile bridge across the Missouri was very dangerous. It had about an 8-inch shoulder and very narrow lanes. The cars and trucks were cruising at around 55 miles per hour and it was truly challenging to get across the bridge in one piece. Some motorists were angered by my presence and made their feelings known. However, I had no other option for crossing the river. Highway 12 goes over in one place, and I wasn't going to swim across with Bob. Once I crossed the river I was out of the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

Yep... it sure was good to see Vicki and the kids. They all said that I looked different. I'm a bit slimmer and definitely darker with my daily tanning sessions on the road. They are doing well and are looking forward to the day that Daddy reaches Delaware. I'm looking forward to that too, and tomorrow I will be back on the road to run even closer to my Atlantic coast finish line. Thanks for stopping by this mile marker to check on me!

Final Thought For The Day:

I've been talking with my father about scheduling more days off for this trek. As many of you know, I have not taken very many days off of the road since starting this journey nearly 2 months ago. Now that I am very close to the halfway mark (1,600 miles), I am truly beginning to think that scheduling a day off the road every 2 weeks or so may be wise. If you've been reading this journal, you know that I'll be taking a day off in a few days from now. That will be my first day off the road in nearly 900 miles. When you consider the amount of distance I've been running daily (which has typically been over 30 miles) and the accompanying high temperatures (typically 90+ degrees), it's apparent that I am pushing my body at a very high level of performance in extremely demanding conditions. The hard surface of constant pavement... the 120+ degree temps of that pavement... the 65 pounds that I am always pushing... and so much more. This is an incredibly demanding undertaking, and I don't say that so that I can receive accolades and pats on the back. I knew how difficult this trek would be when I went into it. However, I also know my body extremely well and for the past couple of days my body has been tired. Those of you who really know me well know that I don't use the word "tired" unless I truly mean it. I'm not experiencing muscle problems, joint problems, or anything like that. I'm just experiencing some fatigue from the daily grind on the road. Rest time is crucial, and I'm not getting much of that outside of the 12 hours I can muster to be off the road, ice down my legs, eat something, and go to bed.

I'm nearing the halfway point and I want this run to be a success. With that said, I will be scheduling some time for myself so that I can look at the route and mileages more carefully and make any adjustments that I deem necessary for myself. If this run takes me 4 months to complete rather than 3 1/2 months, so be it. The important thing is that I finish it and that I not push my body to the point that it hits a "wall" at 2,500 miles and can't keep going. Balance is essential, and I need to find a better balance in getting needed rest. Those of you who are runners, particularly marathoners and ultra marathoners, will understand that. The physical and mental demands of what I'm doing are extreme, and so far I have been able to perform very well in some very extreme conditions. I want to keep doing so, but a balance must be reached. So, I will be thinking through this tomorrow while I run (I have lots of time to think) and will be formulating a plan for the remainder of this trek. I want to fulfill my promise to the Russell Elementary students, and I'm sure they would like for me to complete this journey.

Fulfilling the promise and making it across the country is what's most important. I think that everyone would agree with that. I must run wisely, and I will do whatever I believe is necessary to ensure that I run up to the Atlantic Ocean in October. Again, aside from sore feet, blisters, some chaffing, and general muscle fatigue that comes with this type of running, I'm doing just fine. My body is doing what it should do, but I need to give it more rest when it tells me to.

I wanted to share these thoughts with you because I believe it is important to teach through this journal since there are kids that read it. I want to be a good example, and part of doing that is to show that I am being wise in taking care of my body. I am determined to collect a bottle of sand and water from the Atlantic to go along with the bottle of sand/water that I got at the Pacific Ocean. To do that, I must run wise and do what I feel is best. I will do that.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Good Morning! Almost half way there. All I can say is WOW!! What an inspiration to so many people. I check in each morning to see what's up and say a little prayer daily that your day will get you closer to your destination. Enjoy your family and a day off! - Bobbi Patton (Elliston, Montana)

  Paul - What a special surprise today for the Staso family. I got to have a quick visit with your wonderful family in Miles City yesterday and hope it works out to see them again on their way back to Missoula. Stay safe and only a few more days till you are in Minnesota!!! Fantastic! - Karen Huckins (Miles City, Montana)

  Albeit a bit late - congrats on running through the states of Montana and North Dakota!! Way to run, Paul! I am sure you are counting the miles until you see your family. We enjoyed the video as well as the pictures. I didn't realize how much stuff Bob carries until I saw the pic of you both 'relaxing a moment'. Wow! What an awesome contraption. I am sure you've utilized every nook and cranny. Push on, Paul! - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

  Wow!!! I sent the previous message before reading your daily journal. What a thrill it must have been to see your family! Complete surprise and joy followed by heart wrenching sadness and longing... Brought tears to my eyes and to those who are keeping track of your progress - of that I am fairly certain, Paul. You ALL are making a HUGE sacrifice. Run safe. - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 17:  37 MILES (Sunny, 90 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,464]
Stopping Location: Bowdle, South Dakota (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,998 Feet

DAY 56: The road won the battle today. I left Mobridge, South Dakota this morning at around 6:45 a.m. for an attempt to cover the 43 mile distance to Bowdle, SD. The headwind that I was faced with was the most persistent and strong headwind so far. The wind blew at around 40 m.p.h. and there were gusts up to 50 m.p.h. At times the wind shifted to come out of the north, and was then a crosswind that kept blowing "Bob" into the traffic lane. As I've mentioned, Bob is not very aerodynamic! The headwind was so hard that I could not run. I could only put my head down and push with everything I had in me to keep putting in distance. I even had to push Bob DOWN hills due to the wind. I could only average about 3 miles per hour and after 11 hours of constant pushing, I had to stop at the 37 mile mark. I just could not complete all 43 miles planned for the day. I am, however, satisfied with 37 miles and that leaves a 39 mile day for tomorrow to get into the town of Ipswich, South Dakota - where I'll be in a hotel.

The headwind constantly dried out my mouth and even though I had earplugs in my ears the wind still whistled around my ears throughout the day. At one point my hat blew off and I had to sprint about 50 yards to get it so that it would not take off for the Montana/Wyoming border. I guess a wind from the east is not common this time of year in South Dakota, but it sure was a strong one today.

Tonight I am in Bowdle, SD, at the parsonage of Pastor George Dummann of the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC). Pastor Dummann is a very kind man and drove out of Bowden 8 miles to pick me up at the end of the day. He also made me a wonderful dinner and let me do some laundry. He has truly been a blessing to me at the end of this very long day.

My body is tired. It was tired before today began, but it is truly tired tonight... and I still have a 39 mile day to tackle tomorrow. There's no towns between here and Ipswich, so I need to get the 39 miles done. Otherwise, I'll be in my tent somewhere out in the rather desolate countryside. I truly believe that I exerted energy today that would be the equivalent of a 55 mile day if the wind wasn't blowing. It was 11 hours of constant effort. There was no mental strategy... no ultra-endurance "wisdom"... it was just a day of sheer determination.

I have decided to take two days off in Aberdeen, South Dakota. One day will be alone, and one day will be with my family. Then, I'll be back on the road. So, two more days of running and then I'll have two days off.

Yes, today the road won the battle. But I'll be back out there tomorrow!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul, I am amazed that your body can actually run that many miles each day. Wow! Keep up the good work. It's fun to check the web site and see the photos and videos. God's blessings and protection on you! - Chris Benson (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, I'm so glad to hear that you are planning to take a few more days of rest here and there. You are doing an extreme run. I know that my body needs rest when training for a marathon and after completing that distance. Your body needs time to rebuild and recharge just as much as your mind needs to be able to stay sharp when you are on such busy roads. Take care and continue to enjoy the journey. - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Hey there Little Brother. Wow, what tremendous progress you are making. You should feel really proud. I have been following your progress daily... even though I haven't commented in a while. Your Nephew was home on leave from Iraq for 2 weeks and it was awesome to see him. He looks great and said to say hello. Paul, I have said it before but I will say it again...You are a true inspiration to all! You look fantastic, but I do have to agree with Dad... I think you do need a much deserved R&R Day. Well, I am proud of you Paul and I pray for you daily and nightly. Keep on Truckin' and know that you are loved by some folks in Tolsona. - Wendy (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Paul - Just want to wish you continued success and health. What an undertaking... you're an inspiration to many and we'll continue to follow you throughout the journey. Keep rolling my friend. - Brad Huse and Family (Bozeman, Montana)

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