Journal Entry For January 1 - January 7, 2006

Missoula, Montana Weather Conditions: Mild temperatures in the mid to upper 30s. No snow or rain.

4th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 169½ miles (includes Christmas vacation mileage)

4th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 2½ miles from Keldron, South Dakota [1,329½ miles - They're BEHIND Pace]

5th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 202½ miles (includes Christmas vacation mileage)

5th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 10 miles from Mobridge, South Dakota [1,402½ miles - They're AHEAD of Pace]

Quote To Think About: "Mental will is a muscle that needs exercise, just like muscles of the body." (Lynn Jennings - Marathon Runner and Olympian)

This journal entry was written January 7. This was the students' first week back to school after their Christmas vacation. We are still waiting to receive about half of their mileage slips from the 11 days they spent away from school. Mrs. Staso began a teaching unit on pedometers this week and the students really got in step with the curriculum (yes, pun intended!). They are doing various activities in P.E. and are wearing pedometers to keep track of their steps. We are converting their total number of steps into mileage and applying those numbers to the trek across America.

The big news of the week is that the 5th grade class is currently AHEAD of the pace needed to complete the journey across the U.S. by the end of the school year. They truly put in an impressive effort both before Christmas vacation as well as during and after the holiday. They are currently 73 miles ahead of the 4th graders and are speeding through South Dakota. Minnesota looms in the distance and it should take a total of 4 weeks to cross the state of South Dakota. It is very likely that they will be in Minnesota by February 1st.

The sad news of the week is that on Friday, January 6th, Mrs. Staso went to California to be at her mother's side. Her mother is under hospice care for terminal cancer and during the holidays her condition deteriorated (as we shared in our December 24 journal entry). It is uncertain at this time how long Mrs. Staso will be in California. While she is away, Mr. Staso is caring for their 4 children, working at his job, keeping track of the students' progress on the cross-country trek, maintaining this web site, and trying to find time to train for his actual run across America in June - just over 5 months from now.

The students are doing great and are in the heart of northern South Dakota on Highway 12. Some attractions along the highway include: Petrified Wood Park and Museum (Lemmon); Sitting Bull's Grave (southwest of Mobridge); Sacajawea Monument (southwest of Mobridge); Prayer Rock (Ipswich); Storybook Land Castle (Aberdeen); and, the Dacotah Prairie Museum (Aberdeen). Also, the students recently ran through the Standing Rock Indian Reservation and will cross the Missouri River at the city of Mobridge (which will bring them into the Central Time Zone). Thanks for checking in on their progress and if you've visited this web site before you know that we always ask you to. . . . . . .

Please Take A Moment To Encourage The Students!

You Rock!!! Great job guys hope you have a great time running and don't forget to catch up on your missed miles while you are away for vacation.

Angie Hill
Missoula, Montana
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Wow, you kids rock! You are even motivating me to get off my couch and get physical. Have a great run and stay strong and motivated. Peace out!

Scott Rossmiller
Detroit, Michigan
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Hi, Kids! I'm proud of the effort you guys put in before the Christmas break. I hope you have all done your "running homework" over the break. (I am assuming that you will be back in school either today or tomorrow, like here in NJ.) It is now a New Year, you are bigger and stronger than you were last year. Use that strength and determination to get yourself back on pace. Keep warm and have fun...but get the mileage in! Have a healthy and happy new year! Work together to make Mr. Staso run.

Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey
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Hey kids keep up the good work. I am back home and my entire company went on a 7 mile run this morning for you. That's a total of 630 miles between the 90 of us that went running. I hope you enjoy your winter break and remember keep running.

Aaron Lohr
U.S. Army - Click Here To Learn About Aaron's Involvement
Darmstadt, Germany
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I am so encouraged by your progress. I am preparing for a race at the end of February and you have encouraged me to give it the extra umph for the next 2 months. I'll be cheering for you all to meet your goal. If anyone needs a running buddy let me know.

Diane Joy
Missoula, Montana
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Good for you (all of you)!! Warmest wishes from Arizona!

Connie
Mesa, Arizona
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Go 4th grade. Catch up to the pace. You can do it!

Mrs. C
Missoula, Montana
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You guys are awesome! The motivation that you have shown during the last few weeks is nothing short of amazing. (mind you this has been during the coldest weather that Missoula has experienced this year.) You are truly amazing kids and if you all keep up this pace you will finish ahead of schedule. Keep on running/walking! You guys ROCK!!

Diana Sontag
Missoula, Montana
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Hi Kids, I was surfing the Net and ran across this request (for encouragement). I am really impressed! I have friends in Missoula and I know it gets pretty cold there. I'm 76 years old and am training for a marathon. You can do anything you make up your mind to do -- go for it. I'll stay in touch with Mrs. Staso for updates. You guys are AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Deborah Reid
Newberg, Oregon
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Hello from Ontario Canada. I support children with special needs movement, interaction and a connection is so important for all children. Run and walk for the children that have challenges. Just do your best, that's all that matters and feel proud about your accomplishments. Cheering you on.

Allene
Ontario, Canada

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