Journal Entry For October 9 - October 15, 2005

Missoula, Montana Weather Conditions: Upper 50s / Low 60s. Partly Cloudy (Beautiful Autumn Colors in Missoula!)

4th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 82 miles

4th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 2 miles from Tucannon, Washington (Highway 12) [Trek Total: 388½ miles]

5th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 73 miles

5th Graders' Location and Total Distance: Dayton, Washington (Highway 12) [Trek Total: 375 miles]

Quote To Think About: "All men and nations eat too much, and for this reason are not fit." (Paavo Nurmi, 3 Time Olympian. He made this quote while on a tour in 1926, and it appears that his quote would still be accurate today for many locations!)

This journal entry was written October 15. This week the students had a very special visitor stop by to run some laps with them. Dr. Jim Clark, Superintendent of Missoula County Public Schools, ran and walked stride for stride with one of the 4th grade classes as they continued to extend their distance into the 3,200-mile trek. Dr. Clark commented that he enjoyed the interaction with the students and that he appreciates Mrs. Staso's commitment to elementary physical education.

We also learned this week that the U.S. Army soldiers in Iraq are underway on their virtual trek across America and are going to virtually travel with the students throughout the school year. Click here for more details!

This week's route through eastern Washington included several small towns, such as Touchet, Lowden, Dixie, Waitsburg and Dayton. The students also got to run through the town of Walla Walla (the town so nice that they named it twice). They were able to see Walla Walla up close through a very cool Walla Walla web cam! Walla Walla is the home of Whitman College and is the last town of any significant size that they will run/walk through until Lewiston, Idaho. This week's route also took the students through the Lewis & Clark Trail State Park, just before Dayton, Washington. From there they could see the Blue Mountains to the southeast, bordering the Umatilla National Forest.

Idaho is now in their sights and they will soon be crossing the border and saying goodbye to Washington state!

Mrs. Heidi Lindner, a 5th Grade Teacher at Beaver Acres Elementary, located in Beaverton, Oregon, gave her students an opportunity to send the Russell Elementary 4th and 5th graders many words of encouragement. Here are those kind thoughts:

Have a good time running!

Ashley
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I like the way that you guys got this idea. It is really cool.

Iman
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Keep on running. You can do it. Great job so far.

Brian
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Let's go Russell Elementary 4th and 5th graders!

David
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I wish you the best. Never give up. Keep going.

Nareen
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Good luck kids. You are the best. Have fun. You can do it!!!

Lexi
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YOU CAN DO IT! KEEP ON RUNNING!

Ray
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Try to win you guys and gals!! You can do it!! Good luck!! I will be cheering for you!!

Jocelyn
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Try your best and keep running. You've tried really hard. Keep it up!

Taylor
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You guys rock. Keep going, don't stop.

Savanna
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Hey kids, I know you're way faster then I am. Keep it up!

Aaron
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I like what you're doing. Keep going.

Ian
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AWESOME! 349+302=651 SWEET! (Marcus was adding the total mileage for both classes so far)

Marcus
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Keep on running.

Johnny
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I hope u do the 3,200 mile run/walk and u people finish it.

Brwa
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You got guts to be running that long. Keep up the good work!

Desyre
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Keep going. Wish I could run too. I'll send more encouragement.

C.J.
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Hay kids, you are fast. Do not give up.

Omar
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I hope you do it because I cannot wait till I see how fast you went.

Jeremiah
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Good job, keep going! I wish I could run with you. And I am running too. I know running 3,200 miles must take a long time and sometimes it's ok to take a brake. Did you know that I ride my bike for 2 hours a day and run for 1 hour a day and sometimes I take a brake. Hay, you know it's ok because if I didn't I would be very tired. You are not alone.

Sky
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I wish you good luck. I hope you make it. I'm here by your side. I know your working hard to make it to the finish line. Good luck.

Rebecca
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You aren't alone. We are all running with you.

Genevieve

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The Following Web Sites May Be Of Interest To You:

KidsHealth.org | PaceRun.com | PElinks4u.org