Journal Entry For April 9 - April 15, 2006

Missoula, Montana Weather Conditions: Another cloudy/rainy week! Highs in the 50s with not much sunshine.

4th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 144½ miles

4th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 2 miles past Wooster, Ohio [2,652 miles - They're AHEAD of Pace]

5th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 129 miles

5th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 6 miles past Mount Storm, W.V. [2,900½ miles - They're AHEAD of Pace]

Quote To Think About: "The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces."
    (Will Rogers - American-Cowboy Humorist)

This journal entry was written April 15. This week the 4th graders ran and walked twice as far as required to stay on the pace needed to complete the trek by the last day of the school year. The 144½ miles they logged for the week shouts "We're Going To Finish This!" They had an awesome week and left the state of Indiana behind them and covered a lot of ground in Ohio. The 5th graders also had a super week, covering a lot of distance and continuing to chip away at the route through West Virginia. Both classes went into the Easter weekend ahead of pace, with the 4th graders being only 584 miles from the finish line and the 5th graders 299½ miles from completing this 3,200-mile, 9-month trek.

For those of you who don't know, there are t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale for sale that are printed with the Run/Walk Across America logo. If you haven't gotten yours yet, please get one (or two... or three!) so that you can show your support for these wonderful kids and for Paul Staso's upcoming run across America - which won't be "virtual" but will be real! Regarding Paul's run across America, efforts are in full swing to line up nightly lodging between June 23 and September 27, 2006 - the 92 days that Paul will be crossing the continent. Please look at the P.A.C.E. Run route to see if you, or someone you know, may be able to offer one night's lodging. Financial sponsorship is also needed.

We want to extend our appreciation to Mr. Marjan Glavac, author of "The Busy Educator's Newsletter". This week he included an update on the students' progress in his newsletter, which was sent to over 20,000 educators! Thanks Marjan!

As you can see below, students at Russell Elementary (where this virtual trek is occurring) are encouraging each other. What we would really like to see is more encouragement from people aside from the students within the school. So, if you are visiting here for the first time, 20th time, 50th time, or more... please send the kids a note of encouragement! They truly do appreciate the motivational words from people who visit this web site. By taking just a moment to encourage the kids you are truly contributing to this project.

On Monday (April 17), I will be running in the Boston Marathon for the first time. It was something I have wanted to do since 1972. I have worked hard, training about 1500 - 2000 miles a year since 2003 and will finally be getting the chance. Running teaches you diligence and persistence, two qualities that go a long way in life. You guys are learning that. Keep up the good work! (Fourth grade, now that you are back on schedule, DON'T LET UP!)

Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey
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WAY TO GO GUYS! It's amazing how far you have come this year, not just on your virtual trek but also as people! You've set your minds to meeting this challenge and you are obviously going to succeed. What a great example you guys are setting as young adults. I hope many more kids follow in your footsteps in personal growth AND running/walking across America. Before long these words of encouragement will be coming from all of you for Mr. Staso. I'm sure he will look to your success when rising to his challenge this summer.

Stacey Rossmiller
Missoula, Montana
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Wow kids, you are doing so great. Not only are you meeting your goal, but you are healthier kids for it. I hope you will keep walking and running this summer as an encouragement to the Staso's as Paul makes his run. Keep up the good work.

Diane Joy
Missoula, Montana
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Hey, Fifth Graders! You guys are doing soooo good. We are almost to the finish line! I know we can make it! Everyone remember to turn in yellow slips. My dad has really been training hard because he thinks we are going to make it! I remember on the first day of school he was kinda questioning whether we were going to make it. Now there is not a doubt in his mind we can do it. So he is running a lot every day! We Proved Him Wrong! Keep on running!!!!!

Ashlin
5th Grade Participating Student
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
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4TH GRADE - I KNOW THAT WE CAN MAKE IT!  SO RUN REALLY HARD AND RUN RUN RUN!!!

Kristy
4th Grade Participating Student
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
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I can't believe the 5th graders are in West Virginia. You guys are sure going to make it. You're doing great! Keep up the pace!

Kyler
2nd Grade Student - Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
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We have to beat the 5th grade!

Andy
4th Grade Participating Student
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana
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We have to run to beat the 5k and 5c grades. Whip them in 12:35 hours/seconds. Just beat them.

Tyler
4th Grade Participating Student
Russell Elementary School
Missoula, Montana

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The Following Web Sites May Be Of Interest To You:

KidsHealth.org | PaceRun.com | PElinks4u.org