So, How Far Did All Of The Teams Actually Go During P.A.C.E. Trek?

There were 230 teams registered for this year's P.A.C.E. Trek, but only 188 teams actually reported mileage. So, of the 188 teams that submitted their final mileage on May 12, 2009 (the day I completed my 500-mile trek through Alaska), the total number of miles the teams had run and walked is:

118,002 MILES

I am absolutely thrilled that the kids that participated this year were able to do that many miles. It is very impressive and that total is equivalent to circling the planet nearly 5 times!

Today Is The LAST Day To Send Paul Team Pictures or Individual Pictures!!!

Since P.A.C.E. Trek began on April 20, I've received a total of 227 pictures from various team leaders. Most are pictures of their students in action... walking or running. I've received some team pictures as well. Today is the last day that team leaders can send pictures to me via e-mail. I'll be going through the pictures and selecting some for the final music slideshow that I'm putting together. So, please take a moment today to send to me via e-mail attachment some pictures!

More Answers To Questions From Students And Teachers...

How Do You Do What You Do?

With every P.A.C.E. Trek I do, this is a common question that I'm asked. Each time I attempt to answer it I feel that my response does not fully answer the question. In short, covering 30 to 40 miles everyday (and sometimes more) while pushing a 80-pound jogging stroller over all sorts of terrain and through all sorts of conditions (weather, traffic, etc.) is often an incredibly difficult task. Of course, you have to truly want to conquer the distance and if you are not properly motivated then it is likely that you're not going to succeed. Physically you have to be able to endure the pain and discomfort that comes with doing this, and it certainly helps to have many years of experience. You have to know your body well and how to take care of it each day (prepare and repair it for another day on the road), and you have to constantly be monitoring your food/water intake throughout the day as well as your pace, body discomforts, and the terrain in front of you (mountains, valleys, crowning on the edge of the road, and more). The mental aspect is important because you have to manage pain as you continue to move forward. In fact, the mental element for me is probably more at work than the physical element. For me, there is a faith component as well. As a Christian athlete I lean on my faith to see me through each day. I don't use the P.A.C.E. Trek web site to promote or endorse any particular denomination or spiritual path. However, my faith has certainly gotten me through many miles that I don't believe I could have conquered without it. Then, there's a social element where people are encouraging you forward and their positive words are fuel to the heart that truly help to make the next mile a little easier. So, there is the physical, mental, spiritual (faith), and social components all working together in balance to propel me forward through P.A.C.E. Treks. Aside from that, you have to have the right gear (and I do with the stroller, "Bob") and you have to have a very good game plan for the trek as well as countless hours of organizing and training. It really is a second job for me throughout the year. Also, for me it's wanting to use the abilities I have to try and make a positive difference in the world. We all have abilities and many of us experience the joy that comes with using those abilities. However, when you choose to use your abilities to benefit others and not only yourself, you open yourself up to a whole new level of enjoyment in your abilities. Some may think that I use P.A.C.E. as a platform for attention, kudos, or to say 'Hey world... look at what I can do!' However, that's not it at all. I truly enjoy using my endurance abilities to try and make a positive impact in the lives of others - whether children or adults. In addition, you have to be willing to accept the assistance of others, whether that be a donation of lodging, food, money or time. P.A.C.E. has truly shown me the heart of America - from coast to coast. There are many more people in this world that want to see people succeed than there are those who want to see people fail. It's important to graciously accept donations which help keep the project moving forward, and often it's just a person taking a moment out of their life to help keep me moving down the road. Finally - and most important - you have to have the support of a family that is committed to seeing you succeed at your goals. HOW I do P.A.C.E. Trek is a combination of many factors. It's not just one thing. Oh... one last thought. To do what I do it's also good to have at least 2,000 songs on your iPod.

Why Do You Do What You Do?

The reason I do these long endurance treks is simply this: I want to encourage young people to take care of themselves, set goals, and see that what might seem impossible is indeed possible. I want kids to think outside of the box (the television box and computer box) and to realize that this big blue marble spinning under our feet that we call earth has many wonderful adventures and opportunities available and that they - the children - can have some great experiences if they choose to pursue their goals and dreams. P.A.C.E. stands for Promoting Active Children Everywhere and that's what I'm trying to do while at the same time setting an example through my own life and actions. Life is a great adventure, and it all begins with a single idea and by taking that first step. I'm a former 5th grade teacher and each P.A.C.E. Trek gives me an opportunity to have a "classroom" for kids around the world... giving them a chance to run and walk along with me while learning about the places I'm actually trekking through, and which they're virtually trekking through. P.A.C.E. is truly a one-of-a-kind fitness and learning opportunity. I really enjoy doing it each year!

How Many People Can Do What You Do?

The short answer: A LOT! I am certainly not the world's greatest long distance runner, contrary to what some kids might think! There are many ultra-marathon runners and journey runners in the world. I'm certainly not the only person who can cover mega miles everyday... day after day. I was the 6th person to ever run across the United States solo and unsupported - from the edge of one ocean to the edge of another ocean. However, there have been over 200 people who have run or walked across America "supported" (having a support vehicle next to them). Also, there are many ultra-runners around the world who cover large distances (such as 100 miles in a single day, or running in 6-day races, or taking on other challenges beyond the 26.2 mile "marathon" distance). In fact, I truly believe that there are many people in this world who can do these ultra-endurance treks but don't know that they can. They simply haven't tried to do it. So, I'm not the only person on the planet capable of doing this. I've just chosen to do this because I'm motivated to encourage children using this endurance ability that I have.

Will You Do Another P.A.C.E. Trek In 2010?

Yes! The next P.A.C.E. Trek will take place during the spring of 2010. Specific details will be announced on this web site later. At this point, I'm thinking about shortening the annual P.A.C.E. Trek challenge to two weeks and around 400 miles. It seems that three weeks is a little too long for some teachers to accommodate into their curriculums, and with my family and business responsibilities it would actually be better for me if the treks were only 2 weeks in duration. I'm already looking forward to the next journey and hope that even more children around the world will participate. Once again, P.A.C.E. Trek will be free for all schools.

When Will The Final P.A.C.E. Trek Music Slideshow Be Done?

I'm receiving many e-mail messages asking me when the final music slideshow for this year's P.A.C.E. Trek will be ready to view. Today was the final day for team leaders to send me pictures of their students and now I can begin working on that project. The final music slideshow will likely be 10 to 15 minutes in length and will contain a few different songs. It will feature pictures from my journey through Alaska as well as team/individual pictures from participating schools. It's how I wrap up each P.A.C.E. Trek. The slideshow will be posted in Windows Media Player format (a .wmv file) on this web site, and I'll also try to post it on YouTube for those who prefer to watch it that way.

That's all from this post-trek milepost. Run back here tomorrow for some more information!