Journal Entry For September 11 - September 17, 2005

Missoula, Montana Weather Conditions: Around 70 degrees and sunny (a few rain showers)

4th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 92 miles

4th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 8 miles past Washougal, Washington on Highway 14. [Trek Total: 118 miles]

5th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 73 miles

5th Graders' Location and Total Distance: At Fisher, Washington on Highway 14 heading east. [Trek Total: 105 miles]

Quote To Think About: "If you want to become the best runner you can be, start now. Don't spend the rest of your life wondering if you can do it." (Quote by Priscilla Welch, Masters Marathon Great)

This journal entry was written September 17. This week the students traveled through a number of Oregon towns and cities, including: Manning; Davies Junction; Banks; Greenville; Forest Grove; Cornelius; Hillsboro; Newton; Witch Hazel; Reedville; Tobias; Aloha; Huber; Beaverton; Haig; Powellhurst; Maywood Park; and Portland.

When they ran/walked through Forest Grove, Oregon they were traveling through the "Rutabaga Capital of the World". The students learned that the large yellow root of the rutabaga plant is used as food.

They had nice weather to run/walk in, although a bit cool on some mornings. The local rain we got mainly came during the evening hours and the running/walking they did was done both in the gym and on the 1/2 mile loop close to the school. Mr. Staso did some running/walking with the students this week and encouraged them to think more about pacing. Some students commented that they are pleased with how they are doing and that they noticed some personal improvement this week.

Both classes completed their trek through Oregon and are now in Washington state, heading east on Highway 14 along the Columbia River. The 4th graders got in an extra 28 miles this week by walking as a class for a 1/2 mile with their teachers (outside of P.E. time). Both classes are truly showing teamwork and it appears that they are understanding that it will require all of the students in each class to do their very best in order to cross the United States by the end of the school year.

Also, this week Mrs. Staso received a very thoughtful letter from Linda McCulloch, Montana's State Superintendent of Public Instruction. You can read that letter below.

Dear Vicki - I saw the article about the Russell 4th and 5th grade classes embarking on a virtual run/walk across the continental United States and want to congratulate you on a wonderful idea that will benefit your students in multiple ways. Combining the great physical exercise with geography, history, language and science is truly inspired teaching. Please tell the 4th and 5th graders that I am very excited for them and I know they will make it to Delaware next spring. In the meantime, I'll be checking in to see how far they've gone. Good luck with this marvelous project, Vicki, and keep up the good work!  Run, Russell, Run!!

Linda McCulloch
Montana State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Helena, Montana
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Wow! What you're doing is really neat! You may not even realize how good this physical education is for you until you are older and think back about it. If you start walking and running daily (or near daily) NOW, you may begin for yourself a pretty wonderful LIFETIME habit! ... Did you like Cannon Beach? It's beautiful there, huh?! Bet some of you wanted to stay and play in the ocean and check out all the interesting little shops! Your walking and running since then have been mostly through woodsy, forested areas, sometimes along a pretty stream. How was going over the mountain pass? Phew! I can only imagine!! But, you DID IT! ... As you are leaving Hillsboro and approaching Aloha, you will no doubt on your right notice "Harvey" on TV Hwy. He's been in front of a place of business (Harvey's Marine) for decades! He's an enormous plastic man with a rabbit's head... I'm glad you're all doing this. Our Nation (as a whole) is pretty unhealthy and pretty un-pretty. So, thank you for helping to beautify America! I know you're walking in Missoula, but wherever, wherever, WHEREVER you end up doing your walking (or running) for the rest of your lives, walk so much that you wear grooves in the sidewalk or track or path! Walk until you feel it and if you don't, kick it up a notch! ... Walk Away!

Sherry Wilson
Former student of old Willard Elementary and of Hellgate High School in Missoula
Aloha, Oregon
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Kelleigh and Matthew - You guys ROCK! I'm so proud of you both, keep me posted on where you get post cards from and how far you've made it! Good luck every one!

Leslie
Kelleigh and Matthew's aunt
Missoula, Montana
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I'm very proud to see you and your school working hard to be physically fit. Good luck to you all as you "run across America"!

Mrs. Anschutz
Missoula, Montana
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We are the grandparents of 5th grade students Matthew and Kelleigh. We have no doubt that these wonderful Russell Students will make the whole trip! Sounds like you have a great start. Keep up the good work.

Irene and Larry Hiller
Missoula, Montana
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I'm writing this mostly to the 4th graders. I have faith that if you work steadily at catching the 5th graders, you guys can do it. I have been a runner most of my life, and it has brought me a lot of joy. To beat the 5th graders, start a tiny bit slower and as the final minute of your runs arrive, work a small bit harder. As a class, if you guys can close just a mile or two a week, You'll be ahead before you know it. Be sure to thank Mrs. Staso for putting this together. I wish I could have done something this cool when I was your age.

Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey

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The Following Web Sites May Be Of Interest To You:

KidsHealth.org | PaceRun.com | PElinks4u.org