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Paul Staso's P.A.C.E. Journal

Thursday, July 17, 2008: Today I sent out an e-mail announcement about P.A.C.E. Trek 2009. I received several well wishes and encouraging words. Many people I know were not aware that I grew up in Alaska and that prior to moving to Montana in 1983 to attend college I was an Alaskan. So, in a way my 2009 trek will be like running home. Some are under the misconception that Alaska is all snow and ice. That's just not true and I'll be able to show that through this web site next spring. The trek will begin April 22, 2009 and last until May 13th. I can expect to encounter many different weather conditions, similar to my solo trek across Montana this past spring. I could have snow, wind, rain, sleet, and some absolutely beautiful days.

"Bob" and I have been through a lot, and the adventure that awaits in Alaska will have me encounter places I was in during my childhood. Many have inquired about temperatures. Springtime in Alaska is not as frigid as many think. As an example, the month of April in the city of Anchorage averages 44 degrees for a high and 29 degrees for a low. In May the temperature usually peaks at 55 degrees. This spring in Montana I ran in temperatures ranging from 19 degrees to 90 degrees, with plenty of snow, sleet, wind, and more (see the 2008 pictures). I don't mind cold weather running and will certainly use this winter in Montana to get ready for the 500 miles through Alaska. And yes... I know that Alaska is filled with bears, elk, moose, wolves, and many other forms of wildlife. It will definitely be an adventure unlike any I've done before in my ultra-endurance treks.

Last Sunday was the Missoula Kids Marathon and I had the honor of handing out finisher medals to all of the kids who conquered the 26.2 mile distance. I think I better explain that! The kids didn't actually run 26.2 miles on Sunday. Over the past several months the young runners/walkers have kept a log of miles and prior to July 13 they had acquired 25 miles. On Sunday the kids ran the final 1.2 miles and crossed the same finish line as the adults who ran the half-marathon and marathon that day. My son, Brian, was one of the finishers! It was so great to see the faces of so many young "marathoners" and the satisfaction that they had in accomplishing the distance. Congratulations to all of the finishers!

It has been 2 months since I completed P.A.C.E. Trek 2008, my 620-mile solo run across Montana. My body has fully recovered from that effort of 31 miles per day for 20 days and I have been enjoying summer with my family. Aside from planning the next P.A.C.E. Trek, I've been busy operating my business, OnTrack Designs, and doing yard work, house painting and other chores around my home. In early August my family and I will travel to Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon for vacation and following that I'll be giving a presentation about PACE and virtual trek curriculums at the 2008 Montana AHPERD Convention. As the autumn months unfold I'll be logging more miles on the road in order to prepare for next spring's P.A.C.E. Trek in Alaska.

Finally, I'm pleased to announce that registration is now open for P.A.C.E. Trek 2009! I'm truly looking forward to my running adventure in Alaska. It certainly will be one of the most difficult journey runs that I've ever attempted. Have a wonderful summer!

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Such an excellent way to encourage kids to keep active and fit. Thanks for your effort and determination
to keep going and get it done. You are a great example to kids everywhere.
Greg ─ Malaysia

Click Here To Read Messages Sent To Paul During P.A.C.E. Trek 2008