Journal Entry For October 16 - October 22, 2005

Missoula, Montana Weather Conditions: Mid-60s. Sunny Days (Autumn Leaves Are Falling!)

4th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 52½ miles

4th Graders' Location and Total Distance: Clarkston, Washington - 2 miles from Idaho (Highway 12) [Trek Total: 441miles]

5th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 26½ miles

5th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 2 miles past Dodge, Washington (Highway 12) [Trek Total: 401½ miles]

Quote To Think About: "The five S's of sports training are: Stamina, Speed, Strength, Skill, and Spirit; but the greatest of these is spirit." (Ken Doherty - Sports Legend in Ireland)

This journal entry was written October 22. This week there's good news and not-so-good news. Let's get the not-so-good news over with first. After 6 weeks of running/walking, the 4th grade class is 51 miles behind the pace needed to complete the virtual trek across America by the last day of school, and the 5th grade class is 90½ miles behind pace. However, there were only 3 school days this week due to Montana Educator's Association meetings on Thursday and Friday which required school closure. Now, let's get to the good news. Both classes are entering their third state (Idaho) next week and they still have 33 weeks left in the school year! So, if you're looking at the pace chart on this web site and thinking that the students are in danger of not completing the entire 3,200 miles by June 9, 2006, then you're underestimating this particular group of students!

They have completed 13% of the trek and 15% of the school year, yet there are numerous opportunities before them for acquiring mileage toward their goal, including: (1) two opportunities per week per class to run/walk for distance during P.E. class; (2) the optional "Recess Run/Walk Club" [RRWC] which is one opportunity each week lasting 10-15 minutes for any 4th and 5th grade students to acquire distance during one recess time; (3) and, the students have the option of running/walking up to 2 miles per week/per child outside of school to acquire distance toward the virtual trek across America [which requires parental approval and verification via mileage slips the students hand in each week].

This week the students pounded the pavement through eastern Washington on Highway 12. The 4th grade continued to encounter some rather small towns, such as Dodge, Pomeroy, and Pataha City - and they also conquered Alpowa Summit (2,785 feet in elevation - click here for live cam at summit). The 5th grade class did not encounter towns because most of their week was between Dayton, Washington (where they were near at the end of last week) and Dodge, Washington. The 5th graders' view was of the Blue Mountains to the southeast, bordering the Umatilla National Forest. The 5th grade class ended the week near the town of Dodge and the 4th grade class ended at Clarkston - with only 2 miles remaining before crossing the Idaho border and entering into Lewiston, Idaho (the home of Lewis-Clark State College).

If you haven't taken a moment to send encouragement to the students, please do so by clicking here! Both classes will enter Idaho in the coming week and are truly doing well on this amazing trek!

I'm glad to see the new pacing chart. I was going to point out that you had fallen a bit behind what would be needed to make Mr. Staso run. All of you have a little catching up to do. I also expect that it will be harder to do the mileage when winter really hits, so now that you have had a few weeks to get your bodies conditioned, why not set a goal of getting ahead of the target pace? I wish you all the best of luck, and, if I can do it, will try to meet Mr. Staso in Delaware. It's the state just to the south of New Jersey and I can take a ferry to Lewes, DE from Cape May, NJ (the very tip at the bottom of the state).

Mr. Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey
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You guys can make it. Do not give up. Even if you are discouraged, even if you are a 100 miles behind. Always look forward when you are running and never look back. You guys are doing great!  Keep running, have fun and send my Dad to run across America next year!

Jenna
6th Grade Student
Meadow Hill Middle School
Missoula, Montana
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I know we can do it. We have been doing great and I know we can keep it up. We have a great teacher, and won't stop encouraging us on. We can do it.

Chantelle
4th Grade Participating Student
Missoula, Montana
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Hey Kids - I am so proud of your progress. I have started working a program for my kids using the toe tokens. Keep up the good work and stay fit and healthy.

Alma Eleby-Bailey
Elementary P.E. Instructor
Callahan Elementary
Callahan, Florida
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You guys are amazing! Keep up the good work and wear those sneakers out!

Jeannie
Aloha, Oregon
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I hope you're having fun. Remember to drink water. I am really proud of you. I think you have done a great job so far. Everyone in my class is talking about you. You are very popular. You'll be a legend when you make it.

Brian
5th Grade Student
Beaver Acres Elementary
Beaverton, Oregon
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Hope you are getting enjoyment from the postcards and books from Tacoma. I am enjoying watching your progress. I have sent your site to friends on the east coast and mid west. Hope you get cards. Keep running!!!

Ann Denzer
Tacoma, Washington

(Note: We've received many wonderful Washington postcards from Mrs. Denzer, and some educational books about Washington locations! We truly appreciate her thoughtfulness and encouragement. The children enjoy her support.)

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The Following Web Sites May Be Of Interest To You:

KidsHealth.org | PaceRun.com | PElinks4u.org