JOURNAL FOR WEEK TWELVE
September 8 through September 14, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8:  35 MILES (Sunny, 75 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 1,997]
Stopping Location: Decorah, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 879 Feet

DAY 78: Hello from Iowa, my 8th state! Today I ran 35 miles from Preston, Minnesota to Decorah, Iowa. The sun was shining and the temperature was around 75. I crossed the border around noon and took some pictures and made a video. Today was a day of seeing many Amish people with horses and buggies! I even stopped at a baked goods sale on the side of the road that an Amish family was having. I purchased some wonderful chocolate chip cookies and a small raspberry pie. What a treat!

When I reached the Iowa border, the nice paved shoulder disappeared and I was faced with a gravel shoulder. I had to bounce up and down from the pavement for the oncoming traffic to the gravel shoulder. It made for a more difficult time than desired. Upon arriving in Decorah, where I am this evening, Matt Busche (also known as "Flip") picked me up and took me to a house that he shares with other college roommates. Matt is a senior at Luther College and he and his roommates are on the college cross country team. Tonight was a team dinner before their home meet tomorrow and I enjoyed the company of about 80 college runners on the men's and women's teams. It was a wonderful dinner of pizza, spaghetti, bread, salad, and lemonade. I enjoyed meeting the men's and women's teams and wish them well in their races tomorrow.

The route page on this web site needs to be updated and we hope to do that soon. There have been some changes in a few daily stopping points, and tomorrow is one such change. I will end the day at West Union - a 30 mile run from Decorah. I will take Highway 52 to Calmar and then Highway 150 from there into West Union.

Decorah has been a very relaxing stop and after a good night's rest I will be on the road at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. The run continues.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Congrats regarding your completion of Minnesota! Way to run!! Thank you for allowing us a peek into your 'time off' in Rochester. It sounds like you were quite busy but enjoyed every moment. You are an inspiration to hundreds, Paul. Anxious to hear what Iowa brings. - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

  WOW ! It's been a few weeks since the 4th of July - when you stayed with us, and we think of you often. We send our prayers and encouragement to you and your family. You are an inspiration and we continue to support you on your journey. Blessings. - Jarrod and Ali Boyle (Paterson, Washington)

  Wave goodbye to Minnesota for us! I know you're not really making a lot of "forward" progress with Iowa, but Bob just isn't equipped with pontoons, and his floatability just isn't what it needs to be for you to swim with him! After this state, all miles are a "forward gain" for you and taking you that much closer to the water! Keep on runnin' and rollin'!! - Stacey Rosssmiller (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul - I wanted to see how you and Bob are doing on your trip? Please let me know what made you take up doing marathoning? You are such an inspiration to me. My school is hoping to watch you run past Shields Elementary School. Hope to see you soon. - Chelsea (Lewes, Delaware)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9:  30 MILES (Cloudy, 65 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,027]
Stopping Location: West Union, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,188 Feet

DAY 79: Today was a difficult day.  I ran 30 miles from Decorah to West Union, Iowa.  Since arriving in Iowa, I have been on highways that have only gravel shoulders.  For those of you who don’t know, I am in the north-east corner of Iowa and the roads are rather old and narrow.  Pushing 80 pounds of Bob, through the gravel, was challenging to say the least.  However, we managed to arrive and I am now getting some needed rest.  Tomorrow will be a 26 mile day, to Strawberry Point, Iowa.  The weather threatened rain all day, but I managed to stay dry.  And the cool temperatures are suppose to continue; today was 65 degrees.  In case you are wondering, the leaves are still green here and the fall colors have yet to start. 

Brett made my day today, by posting long awaited pictures in the gallery (week 9 and week 10).  There will be more coming, and we appreciate your patience.  Sounds like he also posted some videos which I hope you enjoy. 

Tonight I am in a motel in West Union, and I am going to end this now, so I can go eat; Hardee’s Restaurant is right next door!  More later from Strawberry Point.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, It was so awesome to talk to you today! Just to repeat what I said on the phone, We (John and I) are so proud of you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a safe journey. Keep on Truckin' Little Brother. I Love You! - Wendy and John (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Paul, I just wanted to say thank you. You stopped this week and talked with my dad and brother in Rochester, Minnesota. My brother found out he had cancer not that long ago. I think it was good for him to see someone with your determination. My dad couldn't wait to get home to tell the rest of the family about you. Also our family just got back from Seattle and we all disliked the car ride there and back so I give you a ton of credit for running the whole thing. Thinking of you and your safety. - Katie and Family (Western Iowa)

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10:  26 MILES (Rain, 57 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,053]
Stopping Location: Oelwein, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 1,047 Feet

DAY 80: The rain came down again today, and there was still no shoulder on the road.  After about 5 miles, the gravel along the edge of the road disappeared and became dirt, which quickly became mud.  I ran 26 miles from West Union to Oelwein on Highway 150.  It was one of the longest interval workouts of my life.  I would get on the lane of the oncoming traffic and run as far as I could before an oncoming car came along.  Then I would jump off the road, into the mud, where Bob would sink, and forward progress was impossible.  I believe the longest running stretch I had was 1/2 mile.  This made for a very, very long day.  The rain never stopped.  And the 57 degree temperature, combined with wind, made it very chilly.  I am in a motel tonight, and upon arriving at Oelwein, Iowa, I was told that they had received 5 inches of rain in the last 24 hours.  There are flash flood warnings in effect, throughout this area, and the area I will be running through tomorrow.  Tomorrows route takes me to the town of Independence, where I will get on Highway 20, and run to Manchester.  It will be a 39 mile day, and I will spend the night in a hotel. 

The rain is suppose to continue through the day, and if I find that the distance battle is too much, I will overnight in Independence.  The gear is drying out as I speak, and I am feeling the effects of this hard day.  More tomorrow from water-logged Iowa.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hey Paul, I took off on a whim yesterday and bought a car here, so I thought I would send you a quick note. How about finding the real thing with the pot of gold!! That would really help out! I've educated a few people over here about your run. Who knows where it will lead! Stay safe and I'll be back in the right place later today to help Diana out!! She's not stressing or anything right? - Stacey (Coeur D' Alene, Idaho)

  Paul - LOVE the newest pictures. Whenever new ones are posted it makes my day. It means a lot to see my healthy son as he crosses this great country of ours. Keep safe and alert so you can keep dodging the bad drivers. (I can't believe that it happened to you again today). You are in my constant prayers. May angels surround you as you finish your trek. God Bless, Love you... - Mom (Tolsona, Alaska)

  Hi, Paul! We're sure glad you had a great experience during your run through our home state of Minnesota. Mary and I have always said there's nothing like good ol' Midwestern hospitality. Soon you will be heading east, and things will begin to get much busier and challenging. It sounds like those gravel shoulders in Iowa are wearing out Bob's new shoes. Our prayers are with you, and may the wind be at your sails. We'll message again later. Take Care. - Jeff and Mary Dorle (Bullhead City, Arizona)

  Wow, lots of miles since we picked you up near here and delivered you to your host home. I check in each night to see what kind of day you had and say a prayer daily that you will be able to continue. Sounds like Iowa is not too great of a place to be but remember we are all thinking of you and you will soon be able to chalk it off. I am sending a check tomorrow to purchase some chances on the jacket and hope that lots of other folks will do the same thing so you won't be running in the RED!! Keep smiling and pushing on. You are getting closer to making your dream a reality!! - Bobbi Patton (Elliston, Montana)

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11:  16 MILES (Rain, 56 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,069]
Stopping Location: Independence, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 935 Feet

DAY 81: Note from Rob: [9:11am MST] Paul has decided to run to Independence and stay at a Super 8 Motel.  He said that there are flash flood warnings, lots of water on the road, and close calls with cars hydroplaning.  Tomorrow is suppose to be better weather.

Entry from Paul: Last night, two additional inches of rain fell between midnight and 6am.  At 2:30 in the morning I was awaken by what sounded like a waterfall in my hotel room, only to find that the rain was coming down so hard, that the downspouts on the motel couldn't handle all the water, and it was running down the side of the hotel into the top framing of my window. I took the extra towels and covered the window sill to absorb some of the water. 

Today's run began with a step outside into ankle deep water... literally.  Within 3 minutes, everything I had dried out the night before was soaked.  I left Oelwein on County Road D22 heading south in tremendous rains and some flooding.  At times the highway had so much water on it the cars were hydroplaning.  There was very little shoulder, and the chance of being clipped by a car was very high.  I ran 16 miles to the town of Independence, and got a hotel room. There I dealt with the effects of all of this intense water on my blistered feet, which are slowly being ripped apart.

Tomorrow it is suppose to be a little rainy in the morning, but only cloudy in the afternoon.  I will be running 26 miles from Independence to Manchester, Iowa. 

I would like to end today's entry by saying that my prayers and thoughts were with those today who lost loved ones and friends on September 11, 2001. May God heal, bless and encourage all.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  This morning I discussed the definition of commitment with my students. Commitment is the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action. If there is anyone in the world who exemplifies that definition, it's you. Keep up the great work and continue to make wise decisions that keep you safe! - Emily Wicks (Lewiston, Idaho)

  Paul, Welcome to Iowa. So sorry the weather has been less than welcoming the past couple of days. This weather stinks, even if you aren't running in it. My Team In Training runners did a 20-miler yesterday in this yuck and we thought of you while we were out there. I'm glad to hear that you'll be stopping in Independence. One of my friends is the choir director at Independence High School. Independence is a part of our WaMaC Conference. I teach at Marion High School. At any rate, I hope that you are able to dry off in Indee and get some rest. I have e-mailed Diana some information about the roads on which you are going to journey to get to Cedar Rapids. I hope the information is helpful. Take care and safe journeys south! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Wow! That is great that you have made it so far, keep up the great effort! I can't imagine running in a down pour like you have been. Be careful out there! - Margaret (Walla Walla, Washington)

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12:  26 MILES (Cloudy, 58 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,095]
Stopping Location: Manchester, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 942 Feet

DAY 82: I actually stayed dry today! There was a lot of cloud cover and the temperature was around 58 with a slight breeze. Some light fog hovered on the route all day, and at times there was some heavy mist. I ran 26 miles from Independence, Iowa to a town called Manchester - where I'm in a motel. Tomorrow I will take Highway 13 south to Cedar Rapids (about 37 miles) and I'm looking forward to staying with Nancy Weldon and her family. The Weldons are a great family!

Some of you have noticed that the route page is not quite up to date. We are working on remedying that, as well as the listings on the Sponsors' page. I am now 2,095 miles into the journey (65% complete) and have 1,105 miles remaining before reaching the Delaware coast. I expect to see the Atlantic Ocean in 6 weeks.

This is the first night in several days that I've had Internet access. For those of you who write to me and do not get a fast reply, please understand that I can only gain access to my e-mail in locations that can provide a computer with the Internet. I've been in many places that simply do not have an available computer. I do, however, want to thank those who have offered lodging, purchased a raffle ticket for the awesome University of Montana jacket, and/or made a financial donation. I've often said that this trek across America may be viewed as simply one guy and one stroller crossing one state after another. However, there are many people who are making P.A.C.E. Run 2006 a reality and each and every person who makes a monetary donation, purchases a raffle ticket, offers lodging, sends an encouragement note, or just stops on the road to say hello are all a part of the endeavor.

Last evening Vicki and I had a lengthy discussion about how I am currently doing. Physically, I am doing well considering how far I've come. My body continues to respond well to the daily demands of the distance, terrain and weather conditions. There are many days that I have moments of struggle and have to truly dig deep within myself to persevere; but suffice it to say I am enduring. The mental aspect of this journey is another matter. It is getting harder to focus mentally on all of the rigors of this trek. Perhaps my mind is getting a bit weary of the daily concentration. Regardless, I have had several close calls with automobiles in the past few weeks who were traveling toward me at highways speeds. One was distracted on a cell phone call... another was falling asleep... another came directly at me for no apparent reason. It has only been by my quick reaction that I've survived some very close connections with cars. My reaction time, however, is not as sharp as it was early on in the run. I can tell that my mind is not as focused as it was two months ago. I have 1,105 miles remaining before I can go home to my family. That's a lot of miles... and a lot of cars yet to come my way. I'm heading into the most traffic I'll experience across America. The large population of the east coast will require my senses to be sharp. I would ask for your prayers that I would remain focused and mentally alert so that I can continue to react quickly to those who are simply not paying attention behind the wheel. Prayer, I believe, is the most effective means for keeping me safe. My mother consistently tells me that she is praying for me, and I feel those prayers.

While I'm on this particular topic, I want to share something with you. I'm often asked, "How can you run so far day after day?". There's no simple answer to that question. Each day has its own unique challenges, and each day I have to reach deep inside of myself and pull out an effort to move on to the next scheduled stop. Simply put... it's not easy. There are dangers involved in what I'm doing, and there is certainly pain and discomfort. However, I can provide one answer as to HOW I can do what I do. For me, it comes down to my personal faith. I've told people that to be able to do a run across America you have to be able to manage pain. You have to learn how to physically perform at a high level consistently while having pain as part of the experience. The key is to manage the pain, not to ignore it. The best way that I can do that is through prayer. I don't ask God to take the pain away from me. I just ask Him to help me manage it. I prepare for each day by reminding myself that I've been given an ability to run long distances and I ask God to help me use that ability. To do so, I have to manage the physical discomforts that come along with the ability. I believe in the power of prayer and have seen it in action in my own life - particularly in the past few months.

I wrote in July that I didn't want to make this journal a daily writing of spiritual experiences, and I've held true to that for several reasons. However, I do believe it is important for readers to know that I rely on the power of prayer in my Christian life to get through many experiences throughout the day. For those of you who are reading this and believe that such personal expressions should remain unstated, I'm sorry you feel that way. This trek across America involves every fiber of my being... physical, mental and yes... spiritual. I can't just put my faith on a shelf for four months while I try to accomplish something that 99% of the population cannot fathom. My faith has seen me through 2,095 miles, and it will see me through the final 1,105 miles. I'm not saying that a person has to have faith like mine to accomplish his or her goals or dreams. I'm simply saying that this is what works for me, and I know in my heart that my approach is the right one for me.

I am confident that I will see the Atlantic Ocean in 6 weeks. I would ask for your prayers and notes of encouragement over these last remaining weeks. This will be a difficult portion of the run. The first two-thirds of the journey truly tested my physical abilities... with the relentless 100-degree temperatures of the Rocky Mountains, and the barren stretches in the plains. However, the run is now becoming a test of my mental strength. I will soon be at the three-month mark of being on the road. My mind has focused intensely on the same task for the past 81 days... not to mention the year of training and preparation leading up to the start on June 23. This is a huge undertaking, and I am pressing on each day to fulfill this promise... this goal... this dream.

I am only a few days away from entering the state of Illinois, where I will make my final turn east after heading south through Iowa. It will be the final straightaway... 1,000 miles across 7 remaining states. The states will start to be checked off faster, as the students experienced during their virtual U.S. run (pacetrek.com/seeusrun). Yes... the ocean is getting closer, but I still need your prayers and encouragement. Those are like fuel to my mind, body and heart. Thank you so much for coming along on this run. I look at the web site statistics and can't believe how many thousands of people are tracking this journey on a regular basis around the world. I'm touched by the fact that so many are interested, and I'm impacted further that my effort is making a difference in the lives of some people. It's humbling, and I'm grateful for the experience.

Until next time... "Bob" and I will press on toward the goal.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi! I have a room-full of "old 4th" now 5th graders who are very interested in where you are and how you're doing! You will be receiving some of their notes... hope you are doing well. We are sooooo proud of you! - Joan Kuchel and two classes of 5th graders at Russell Elementary (Missoula, Montana)

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13:  37 MILES (Sunny, 75 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,132]
Stopping Location: Marion, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 850 Feet

DAY 83: There's an old country song which states, "Some days are diamonds, some days are stone." I would have to chalk up today's run as "stone"... or should I say gravel? Yes... lots of gravel. I ran 37 miles from Manchester, Iowa to the outskirts of Marion - which is by Cedar Rapids. The clear skies and sunshine were nice, and the temperature reached 75 degrees. However, the gravel shoulders of Iowa's roadways are truly challenging me, and "Bob".

I've been told by many local residents that all of Iowa's roads are like that... all gravel shoulders except for the Interstates (which I cannot run on by law). Out of today's 37 miles of running, I would say that 30 miles of it was done on gravel. There were moments during the day that I could jump up onto the oncoming traffic lane and get a few hundred feet of running in before having to jump back into the gravel shoulder due to an oncoming car. However, I don't think I ever got more than 1/4 mile in on the pavement before being tossed back into the gravel. "Bob" got new tires put on in Rochester, Minnesota and those new tires are certainly getting a workout! The challenge of gravel is that your feet slip quite a bit, the surface is uneven, and Bob bounces around a lot. I always have to have my hand gripped firmly on his handlebar and that creates a lot of muscle tension in my shoulders, back and neck. I just can't relax much on the gravel surface. Also, the terrain has consisted of many hills. Pushing Bob uphill on gravel is certainly not enjoyable.

Tomorrow will be much like today. I will run approximately 39 miles from where I stopped today by the town of Marion to a small town called "Hills" just south of Iowa City. My route will be on Highway 30 to a city called Mount Vernon, and then I'll take Highway 1 to Iowa City. From there I will take county roads (mainly W66) to the town of Hills. The weather is supposed to stay nice for the next several days and will likely keep my path sunny until I reach the Illinois border this coming Sunday morning. Today we learned that I'll be able to cross the Mississippi River at Burlington, Iowa into the state of Illinois. There are no restrictions on pedestrian travel across the bridge and I will cross early in the morning. There should not be much traffic since it will be a Sunday.

Tonight I am at the home of Nancy and Derek Weldon. We had a wonderful pizza dinner and now it is time for me to ice down my legs. I'll be back on the road at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow and will actually be staying with the Weldon family once again tomorrow evening.

By the way, I am officially at the two-thirds point of this 3,200-mile run across America. In all, I have run 2,132 miles (67% of the total distance). I'm so close to having less than 1,000 miles to go!

Thanks for checking in on how I'm doing out here in Iowa. It's good to have the drier weather, and I'll just have to continue to deal with the gravel shoulder of the highway.

Time to ice!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul - Reading about your travels through Iowa have been really neat. I know it hasn't been the easiest stretch with poor road conditions and rains, but I have traveled your route through Iowa many times. I hope your run today brings you safely into Marion. It looks like sunnier skies will be with you as you continue your journey through this great state. Perhaps we'll make a connection this evening. I don't think I'll be able to join you for a run tomorrow morning, as I need to be at school by 7:15 a.m.  Safe journeys ... I'm praying for you! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Bummer on the flat tire and the conditions, hopefully they get better. Congratulations on your journey thus far, it was great seeing you in Rochester, Minnesota; you look great and ready to succeed in your journey. Good luck. - Bart Hanson (Rochester, Minnesota)

  Hi Paul. You've done an awesome job so far. You've impacted so many people of all ages. Now you've got to do whatever it takes to keep yourself mentally sharp and physically safe! The goal is getting closer everyday and you've got lots of folks behind you wishing you well and wanting to see you succeed!  We'll keep praying and you keep watching out for those inattentive drivers. You WILL do it! - Gin Graham (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul, I just love reading your journal and catching up on where you are and how things are going. I see from your latest entry that I need to add to my prayer list for your safety that your mental concentration stay sharp to avoid bad drivers. I also pray for Vicki and the kids to be taken care of while you are gone. Press on, you will make it! - Chris Benson (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul, I guess in a journey run some things are no different from a normal race. You look at the mileage you've done, see that you've come over the hump (halfway) and the focus starts to lag. Be safe out there! - Wayne Baker (New Jeresey)

  Paul - Your entry today reminded me very much of a quote by Norman Maclean, "Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the worlds great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters." The pebble path you are running on is Gods way of reminding you that you are sharing words with him that are only yours, and your covering a path that has been laid by others' words. You'll do fine. The path will smooth and you'll always share something special with God. - Leslie (Missoula, Montana)

  Keep it up Paul, you are doing GREAT!!! - Jonathan Wright (Kuna, Idaho)

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14:  39 MILES (Sunny, 78 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,171]
Stopping Location: Hills, Iowa (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 630 Feet

DAY 84: Bob Seger sang a song that said, "Just give me that old time rock and roll... that kind of rhythm just sooths my soul." Well, the kind of "rock and roll" I experienced today didn't sooth my soul! The gravel was more "rock" than I cared for, and the "roll" of Bob wasn't too smooth.

Today was a 39 mile day from Marion to Hills, Iowa. I had gravel the entire way, and rolling hills. The gravel was pretty loose and made it rather hard to push Bob. In fact, I was brought to a slow, drudging walk for much of the time. The day began with considerable fog and ended with clear, sunny skies and 78 degrees. Nancy Weldon was kind enough to pick me up at the end of my day and take me to her house in Coralville. Her husband, Derek, made a wonderful steak dinner and I enjoyed the cheerful company of their 5-year-old daughter, Hannah. She makes me miss spending time with my own children.

This day was a struggle. I was on the rocks much longer than I prefer for knocking off a 39 mile day. My back and shoulders ache, and my feet have taken a beating coming down on the uneven rocks for several days in Iowa. In the past 36 hours I've logged 76 miles on the gravel. Tomorrow is slated to be a 44 mile day to Mount Pleasant, Iowa where I'll be in a hotel. Then, on Saturday, I will have a 28 mile day into the town of Burlington - which will be my last stop in Iowa and is right on the Iowa/Illinois border. So, trekking across the gravel edges of Iowa's roadways is nearly complete.

This morning I had a nice roadside visit from Amanda Freese, a high school vocal music teacher and avid runner from the town of Marion. She gave me a t-shirt from her high school as well as a nice card and some energy food. It was very thoughtful of her and appreciated. Thanks Amanda!

I will push on tomorrow and am looking forward to an afternoon discussion I'll be able to have with the Russell Elementary 5th graders in Missoula, Montana. Their teachers are going to call me on my cell phone and put me on their telephone speaker so that I can talk to the kids and answer some questions. It will be good to hear them and to have some communication from the edge of the highway... which they ultimately put me on!

Time to ice down the legs and get some rest. Although I've been running this week with what feels like an elephant on my back, I'm optimistic about Illinois! Let's hope that they have paved shoulders on their highways. Thanks for stopping by!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, It was SOOOO great to meet you this morning. That fog was something else! It looks like that burned off fairly quickly, though. Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit for just a bit. You have a beautiful (albeit long) day ahead of you today. I hope the shoulders were kind to you. Have a great night with relatives again tonight. Best of luck with your continued journey! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Paul - In our office we were just discussing how amazing it is what you are accomplishing. Running such distances, having to push "Bob" (sorry Bob) in difficult terrain. We are simply awed. Congratulations to reaching the 2/3 mark!!! We're praying for you and cheering you on... we wish we could do more. - Paul Glidewell (Missoula, Montana)

  Good job... keep it up. Coach Bamforth is my X-C coach and he told me about you. - J.C. Ashby III (Lewes, Delaware)

  Howdy. Sorry for the challenges of the roads and traffic. As in life, the daily obstacles that we have to deal with are so trying. We are excited to follow your progress and it is immeasurable what God is doing in and thru you/your journey. He will see you thru this commitment, journey on with our prayers and support. - Merl & Anna Mae (Zumbro Falls, Minnesota)

  Keep up the good work. I can't imagine running that far and being away from my family. I think it's great that you can run that far. - Peyton Medd (Delaware)

  I know that today and the days past in Iowa have been very trying for you in both the mental and physical sense. I could hear it in your voice today that you were tired, but you kept on going. You're almost down to triple digits and you're closing in on the prize! The difference in you from Cannon Beach to now is remarkable, and I have a feeling that you're spiritual journey has only just begun. This trek is only the first stepping stone. (I'm sure you would prefer no references to any kind of stone right about now! ) May you have better roads ahead, and a breeze at your back! We're still thinking of you! (You have no idea how many times a day your name goes between Diana and I! ) Run safe! - Stacey (Missoula, Montana)

  I know that today was a "trudging" day for you and you seem to think that you didn't do very well. But you know what? With the conditions you "trudged" through, you did a remarkable job! You told me today that you averaged 3 1/4 miles per hour! Not your best time, but ABSOLUTELY amazing with the rolling hills covered in gravel, very dense fog, the construction zones, and finding your way through the streets of Iowa City. Two more days and then it is straight ahead (east) to the Atlantic! Don't look back at this point. Just keep your eyes and mind on the road ahead. And watch out for the motor homes! - Diana (Missoula, Montana)

  Paul - Our family talks about you often and continues to pray for your safety and that God continues to replenish your physical, mental, and emotional reserves. This journey is inspiring and what you are accomplishing is one of the greatest athletic feats I've EVER seen or read of. True greatness on athletic fields or courts is reserved for those who consistently achieve at the highest levels. Your consistency is un-rivaled and that is a tribute to your faith and tireless determination. You've been blessed with many special, special talents (physical and mental) - you are using them to the fullest and you are now touching and inspiring thousands with those talents/strengths. Thank you Paul. Godspeed. - Brad, Kelly, Adam, Drew and Ty Huse (Bozeman, Montana)

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