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Meet "Bob" - The Mighty Stroller!
 During
his solo
run across America in 2006, Paul
pushed a jogging stroller weighing 65 pounds and containing
essential food, water and gear. He pushed the same stroller for
P.A.C.E. Trek 2008 - his 620-mile
solo run across Montana. The stroller's nickname is "Bob" - which
stands for "Beast Of Burden". For P.A.C.E. Trek
2009, the Alaska adventure, Paul will once again push "Bob". It's a
stroller that has already logged over 4,000 miles during P.A.C.E.
endeavors! It is through the use of the stroller that Paul is able
to be run and walk alone for such extraordinary distances. It is his
life support system.
"Bob" is manufactured by BOB Trailers, Inc. of Boise, Idaho and is
an Ironman Sport Utility Stroller. It has been slightly modified
from its "out of the box" form. It carries all of the essentials
that Paul needs while on the road, including: food; water; clothing;
shoes; sleeping bag; tent; phone; computer; GPS; solar panel;
weather band radio; and, other equipment. It can carry up to 20
gallons of water via two 100-ounce CamelBak reservoirs with thermal
control kits, as well as a couple of other hand-held containers. The
stroller is equipped with lights in the front and back for traveling
in dark hours of the day, and is outlined with highly-reflective
material for optimal visibility. The all-weather solar panel charges
Paul's GPS unit, phone and iPod.
 Since
Paul has already run across America and the state of Montana with the stroller,
he's comfortable running along the edge of all sorts of roads with
it. Paul always faces traffic when running along any type of road,
which is far safer than having the traffic at your back. "Bob" has a
slightly different appearance than it did for the 2006 U.S.A. run.
It has been streamlined to create better aerodynamics and
maneuverability. It may look a little different, but it truly is the
same stroller that went all the way from Oregon to Delaware.
As Paul crossed the country, "Bob" became a running companion for
him. Many times Paul has received letters from young children asking
how "Bob" is. The stroller has become sort of a character in Paul's
ultra-endurance adventures. During P.A.C.E. Trek 2009 you'll likely
read journal entries from Paul, or watch video reports from the
road, where he refers to "Bob". Just keep in mind that when he
speaks of Bob he's talking about the stroller! It definitely is a
crucial piece of equipment for him to be able to be on his own for
well over the marathon distance every day. Paul and Bob are truly a
team and face each P.A.C.E. Trek challenge together. |
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"I know it is hard for you to be on the road constantly, but you just
keep on going until you reach your destination.
I think that would
take a lot of guts to run with all the blisters and stuff like that.
You are one of my role models that I think could do anything you
wanted. So I thank you for being there and showing kids around the
world that if you put your mind to something, you can do almost
anything you want. THANK YOU!!"
Angelina
─ Student in
Billings, Montana
Click
Here To Read Messages Sent To Paul During P.A.C.E. Trek 2008 |
