Journal Entry For February 5 - 11, 2006

Missoula, Montana Weather Conditions: Temperatures mainly in the 20s for highs, and in the teens at night. Sunny days.

4th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 102 miles

4th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 5 miles from Claremont, Minnesota [1,884 miles - They're AHEAD of Pace]

5th Grade Distance Completed This Week: 143½ miles

5th Graders' Location and Total Distance: 9 miles past Cedar Rapids, Iowa [2,058½ miles - They're AHEAD of Pace]

Quote To Think About: "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination."
    (Tommy Lasorda, Manager of the Dodgers baseball team for 21 seasons)

This journal entry was written February 11. This week the 5th grade students entered the state of Iowa, their 8th state on the 15-state route! They ended the week 210 miles ahead of pace, which is 2½ weeks ahead of schedule, and went passed the 2,000-mile mark of this 3,200-mile trek. The 5th grade class encountered many towns during the 143 miles they conquered this week, such as: Rochester, Minnesota; Decorah, Iowa; and, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. They are now approaching Iowa City, IA, and have about 100 miles left before entering the state of Illinois.

The 4th graders continued their effort to stay ahead of the pace needed to complete the trek by the end of the school year. They are currently 36 miles ahead of pace and went through several Minnesota towns this week, such as: New Ulm, Mankato, and Owatonna. They are now approaching Rochester, MN.

In the weeks ahead the students are going to be doing units in P.E. class which don't allow for a lot of running and/or walking, such as their upcoming classes on Taekwondo. It's good that they've built up some distance to get ahead of schedule. Also, winter weather is forecasted to return to Missoula this week... with snow and cold temperatures slated for next Wednesday and Thursday. The mild weather and lack of snow we've had since Christmas may indeed change this week!

Greetings from Tacoma! You all have been doing such a great job in your Run Across America. The goal is in sight... Run with the wind at your back.

Ann Denzer
Tacoma, Washington
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Hey, fourth and fifth grades! We are doing SO good! If we keep running hard every week I know we'll make it! Keep turning in yellow slips!

Ashlin
5th Grade Participant - Russell Elementary
Missoula, Montana
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My goodness, how wonderful to see you all doing so well! And ahead of schedule....WAY TO GO! That's spirit.

Patti Dillon
New London, Connecticut
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Fourth Graders: It looks like the Fifth Graders have made up their minds to run away from you guys. Are you going to let that happen? Focus on doing your miles! If each of you does a little extra this week and next, I think you can start to reel them in!

Wayne Baker
Westfield, New Jersey
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Keep Running! It's cool.

Tyler
4th Grade Participant - Russell Elementary
Missoula, Montana
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Don't ever give up no matter how hard it gets and keep going.

Brwa
Beaver Acres Elementary
Aloha, Oregon

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