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  Paul's
main purpose for the run was to fulfill a promise he made to the Russell
Elementary students.
Click here to learn more
about that promise. Paul also wanted the run to be an educational journey to increase awareness in children about
the importance of health and fitness, and to encourage schools to begin a similar curriculum as the virtual
Run/Walk Across America
trek. He has always had a passion for running and
is enthusiastic to encourage today's young people to
become more active. The benefits
of regular physical activity include:
 Reduces
risk for overweight, diabetes and other chronic diseases;
Assists in
improved academic performance;
Helps
children feel better about themselves;
Reduces
the risk for depression and the effects of stress;
Helps children prepare to be productive, healthy members of society;
Improves
overall quality of life.
A former 5th grade teacher, he has enjoyed many
opportunities to
speak to school children and would truly like to see more
young people trade in computer screens for running shoes, keyboards for
snowboards, video games for basketball games, and television programs for
fitness programs. The Russell Elementary students who did the 2005-2006
Run/Walk Across America virtual trek are a good example of "thinking
outside of the box." Paul says:
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 "Today's
young people need to think outside the box... the computer and television box.
They need to not only imagine what they can do but actually get up and
begin the exciting journey toward making their goals a reality. I'm not
against televisions or computers (I happen to work in web site
design). I am, however, against children's waist sizes expanding more
than their imaginations, and their seat cushions flattening more than
their stomachs.
Being physically fit takes commitment. It's not much
different than trying to advance to the next level in a computer game. You
often have to keep trying when you feel defeated, but eventually you move
to the next level and feel the satisfaction of persevering. I've spent my
life moving to the next level in many areas, and I often attribute my
success to the lessons I learned while running, playing, competing, and
being active at a young age.
To stand on the edge of one ocean and
take the first running step toward another ocean is an indescribable
feeling. It is one that I would have never experienced had I not
placed physical activity and proper nutrition at the top of my priority
list during my school days. I was incredibly fortunate to be able to
complete my 3,260 mile run across America during the summer of 2006 and
I hope to share that adventure with many young people as opportunities
arise." |
 The news from a recent report in the International Journal of
Pediatric Obesity is that childhood obesity will almost double in
the next few years! Their prediction is that by 2010, nearly 50% of all
children in the U.S. will be overweight. The study states that "only
significant changes in diet and lifestyle can change this prediction."
The report goes on to state that the results of childhood obesity will
be heart disease, diabetes, liver disorder, and high cholesterol (for
starters). Parents, teachers, school administrators, and others need to
be lead runners in setting the pace and direction for changing this
growing epidemic. Hopefully, P.A.C.E. Run 2006 helped to
encourage others to try and make a difference in their homes, schools
and communities with respect to health and fitness.
One
of P.A.C.E. Run's sponsors wrote, "What a
wonderful way for our young people to learn about promises, commitment
and staying in shape." That truly summarizes what Paul hoped
would be accomplished through his run across America.
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