Journal Entry For January 8 - January 14, 2006

Missoula, Montana Weather Conditions: Continued mild temperatures (mid to upper 30s), some rain. No snow in Missoula.

4th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 108 miles

4th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 4 miles past Selby, South Dakota [1,437˝ miles - They're BEHIND Pace]

5th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 129 miles

5th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 1 mile from Groton, South Dakota [1,531˝ miles - They're AHEAD of Pace]

Quote To Think About: "The only way to discover the limit of the possible is to go beyond into the impossible."
    (Arthur C. Clark - Author)

This journal entry was written January 14. The kids put in an absolutely INCREDIBLE effort this week! The 5th graders are only 88 miles from the Minnesota border and they may be able to complete South Dakota next week. Also, the 5th grade class is only 68˝ miles from the halfway point of this 3,200-mile trek!

The coming week presents the 4th graders with a challenge in that they are currently 39 miles behind pace, and 94 miles behind the 5th grade class, AND they will only have one day of P.E. next week for getting mileage due to Monday's holiday. The 5th graders will have two P.E. classes next week. So, the 4th graders will need to do some running and walking outside of school (and turn in the yellow mileage sheets to their teachers with parent signatures) if they want to keep progressing toward the needed pace. It does need to be noted, however, that at the end of last week the 4th graders were 64˝ miles behind pace and at the end of this week they were only 39 miles behind pace - so they made up 25˝ miles this week! Good job!!

This week the 4th graders virtually traveled through such South Dakota towns as Keldron, Morristown, Watauga, McIntosh, Walker, McLaughlin, Mobridge, Glenham, and Selby. The 5th graders went through Mobridge, Glenham, Selby, Bowdle, Roscoe, Ipswich, Mina, and Aberdeen. Both classes are now in the Central Time Zone. The following locations were encountered: Missouri River, Prayer Rock, and Mina Lake State Recreation Area.

Mrs. Staso continues to be in California with her mother, who is slowly deteriorating with terminal cancer that she has battled for three years. Her mother is incapacitated and her doctors have stated that death is imminent. Mrs. Staso is caring for her mother daily, with the assistance of her sister and brother, and hospice workers come to the home each day to help for several hours. This web site is Mrs. Staso's way of keeping up on the progress of the 4th and 5th graders and she is very pleased with their efforts. You can read her encouragement note below!

We are always happy to receive notes of encouragement and this week we received the following letter from Senator Max Baucus in Washington, D.C.

January 6, 2006 Dear Kids, It is my sincere pleasure to congratulate you as you approach the half-way mark on your run/walk across America! I understand that a lot of hard work has gotten you to this point, and I wish you the best as you keep working towards your goal. Running is one of my favorite hobbies and I am so glad to see young Montanans enjoying it, too. I visited your website and am amazed at your progress! Keep up the good work and never stop having fun as you exercise for good health.                      Congratulations again!                      Sincerely,                      Max Baucus                      Senator

Way to pack on the miles over vacation instead of the pounds!! You guys are amazing and will no doubt reach your goal. If the cold weather didn't slow you down nothing will. Take a look at how far you've come in the time you've been doing this and you'll realize how well you all are doing! KEEP IT UP! YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

Stacey Rossmiller
Missoula, Montana
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Fourth Graders - the fifth grade has done the hard work of catching up, now it's your turn. Go to it!

Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey
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Hi everyone! I just finished reading the web site and am so impressed and proud of you! Great efforts in getting mileage and it shows! You are almost to the halfway point!!! Keep at it and remember everyone's miles count! Miss you all!

Mrs. Vicki Staso
The Participating Students' P.E. Teacher
Missoula, Montana (but currently in San Luis Obispo, California)

Note: Many of you are aware that the students' P.E. teacher, Mrs. Staso, had to leave Missoula, Montana on January 6th to be at her mother's side in California. Her mother has terminal cancer and Mrs. Staso went to be with her during her final days/weeks. More details are in our December 24 entry.

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The Following Web Sites May Be Of Interest To You:

KidsHealth.org | PaceRun.com | PElinks4u.org