JOURNAL FOR WEEK FOURTEEN
September 22 through September 27, 2006

Paul Completed The Run Across America In 108 Running Days

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22:  40 MILES (Cloudy, 79 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,406]
Stopping Location: Forrest, Illinois (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 686 Feet

DAY 92: Today was officially the last day of summer. Well, it was quite a day for me. The threatening storm clouds did not dump any rain until I wrapped up my 40-mile run from Secor, Illinois to the town of Forrest (Yes... people have compared me to "Forrest Gump"). The south winds were stiff all day and kept me working to keep "Bob" moving in a straight path. Today had to be nearly a record day for being stopped by curious people. I was stopped 15 times and it certainly made for a longer day on the road... although I love to visit with people along the way.

The temps were warm in spite of the clouds. It reached 79 degrees and in the afternoon there was a tornado watch issued for all of Illinois. I didn't see any (thank goodness), but it kept me alert. I did have an unfortunate incident with a passing automobile. The passenger thought it would be fun to soak me with a coke and ice - while going by at 55 miles per hour. It was a mess, and the ice cubes actually hurt as they hit my face. I had to stop and change my shirt (and rinse off my arms and legs). I just don't know why some people have to make my trek harder than it has to be.

Tonight I am at the wonderful household of the Joe Sieving family. We went to dinner and it has been so nice to be around a family. Joe is a local elementary P.E. teacher and also coaches sports - such as track and field. I truly appreciate their willingness to take in this weary runner after a 40 mile day.

Tomorrow will be a 36 mile day to Watseka, Illinois - my last day in this state before entering Indiana on Sunday morning. I'm hoping that the heavy traffic on highway 24 will be lighter tomorrow since it will be the weekend. The weekday workers, school buses, and 18-wheel trucks have been heavy this week on this route.

Thank you for stopping in and getting the update for today. All is well and I'm doing just fine (and so is Bob). I appreciate the wonderful guestbook entries and kind e-mails I've received. There have been many questions asked and I'll try to answer those in upcoming journal entries. For now, I need some rest. More tomorrow from eastern Illinois!

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  I know that on any great journey, whether it be crossing the ocean or crossing the country, there are ups and downs. You have done well to keep positive and have maintained an incredible ability to be your own "coach and cheering section." You are now, in my experience, entering a difficult section of your journey. You passed halfway a while ago and are starting to look forward to the destination. This is where fatigue and the accumulated wear and tear can start to get just plain annoying. So, I just wanted to say that I appreciate what you might be going through. I wish I could be at Cape Henlopen to greet you. But, we will be adding a new runner to the family in mid-December. So there is a lot going on here. Best Wishes. - Scott Miller (& Katharine, Gareth, and Petunia [that is Gareth's name for his baby sister...this week anyway] (Juneau, Alaska)

  Dear Mr. Paul - Is Bob heavy? I would think that he would be. You must be tired of pushing Bob. We just had our virtual run kick off today. It was really fun. We are already in Maryland! I still can't wait until you come. Keep on going! Have a great time! - Lexy Atsidis (Lewes, Delaware)

  Dear Mr. Paul. I hope you are having a great run. I cannot wait to see you. Is Bob hard to push? How many miles are you running each day? Love - Emma Ludwicki (Lewes, Delaware)

  Dear Paul - We completed our virtual run kick-off today. We are so excited to know that you are on your way to our state. Our third graders have been walking one mile everyday. The teachers are walking also! We hope to see you soon. Good luck! - Mrs. Sharp (Third Grade, Shields Elementary - Lewes, Delaware)

  Hi Paul. I have your daughter, Jenna, in my classes this year. What a great kid you have raised! My daughter is in 6th grade with your other daughter. I just wanted to say, "Way to go and keep it up! What an accomplishment you have, even to this point!" We will follow what is left of your run in Science. This will be great to consider the weather and natural sites you are seeing. Take Care and I will meet you when you get home. - Karin Flint (7th grade, Meadow Hill Middle School - Missoula, Montana)

  Seeing what town you'll be in tonight, I've gotta say it: "Run, Forrest, Run". Well, maybe "Run to Forrest, Run". Run safe! I hope to meet you in Delaware. - Wayne Baker (New Jersey)

  Paul, it is truly fascinating to follow you on this trek. Mike and I are holding you (and mostly your feet!) in our prayers, and we pray that those last 800 miles bring you joy, hope, and the knowledge that your run has inspired so many people. Bless you, and may God hold you safe. - Pastor Jana Schofield (San Luis Obispo, California)

  Way to go Paul. I read about your journey in the Montanan Magazine today and then looked up your web sight. Fantastic job on the web and way to go with the running... I'm inspired!!! - Gordon Newman (Kailua, Hawaii)

  I am so glad that you want to be that fit. I will be seeing you in awhile because I go to Shields Elementary. I am really looking forward to seeing you hope you have a great journey. - Jack Rothner (Lewes, Delaware)

  Hi Paul - I'm so glad you are almost here in Delaware. I could never stay away from my family and friends that long. Keep up the good work. - Michele Bahtiarian (Lewes, Delaware)

  Dear Paul - Are you having a good run? Shields Elementary is also running across America on our track. I hope that you know you can't run across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Have a good run. - Michael Wright (Lewes, Delaware)

  My son is on the Jr. High Cross Country Team at Farmington School. Thank you for your words of encouragement to the students. It will leave a lasting memory. Your words were so true... that you never know where running will lead you. Good luck and be safe on your journey. - Kelly S. (Farmington, Illinois)

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23:  36 MILES (Cloudy, 75 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,442]
Stopping Location: Watseka, Illinois (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 633 Feet

DAY 93: Goodbye Illinois! It took me six days to cross this state, which was about 200 miles. Tomorrow morning I will enter my 10th state, Indiana.  I will also be crossing into the eastern time zone. 

Today was a 36 mile day from Forrest, IL to the town of Watseka, IL.  The tornado warnings ended last evening and today's weather was cloudy, 75 degrees, and very humid.  I had a couple of brief rain showers and the two foot wide shoulder continued all day (a tight fit for "Bob").  Considering the narrowness of  Illinois shoulders and some rather windy weather, I'm pleased with my 32 mile per day average across Illinois. It will take me 4 days to run across Indiana and I will have a day off the road on Thursday of this week (in Bluffton, IN). 

I will continue to run on Highway 24 through half of Indiana and then will move to county roads. I have approximately 750 miles left and am still scheduled to finish on October 20.

Overall, I enjoyed my run through Illinois and look forward to visiting Indiana, a state I have not spent time in before. One final item: Today is the 3 month mark for the run.  It was June 23rd when I started from Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  It is hard to imagine what the extremely rude person was thinking when they threw the coke and ice at you. The day before you had written about the many wonderful people that you had met that were making for a great run across America. Praise God that the good outnumber the bad and I will continue to pray daily for your safety on this DOWNHILL part of your long journey. Run, Paul, Run... You've got it in your sights! - Bobbi Patton (Elliston, Montana)

  Paul, I just read all the 5th grade entries. Pretty amazing what a little promise can do for a bunch of kids isn't it! Thanks for setting a great example for them! - Leslie (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul! I hope you are having a great time running across America! I run, walk and bike one mile ever day and lost 49 pounds. I go to Shields Elementary. The way you are coming to Delaware you are going past my house. My mom will be cheering you on. I hope to see you soon. How are you getting back home? Are you running or are you taking a plane? - Victoria Handlin (Lewes, Delaware)

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24:  33 MILES (Cloudy, 68 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,475]
Stopping Location: Remington, Indiana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 735 Feet

DAY 94: Hello Indiana!  Today I ran 33 miles from Waseca, Illinois to Remington, Indiana.  I had rain on and off throughout the day with temperatures in the upper 60's and high humidity.  Upon arriving at the boarder the shoulder of the road improved.  The past seven days have been higher than normal mileage averages and based on today I decided to make some pacing changes for Indiana. This will not lengthen the run but will make the daily distance a little more even.

I want to share with you a part of a letter that I've carried with me from my 13 year old daughter Jenna. I have read this letter several times and it has helped me during the past few weeks.

In Delaware (at the finish line) you will look back on all that you did.  When you look back over your shoulder at all the way you ran you will know that you changed a lot of people's lives forever!  You will cherish the memories but not quite have the same "feeling".  You'll know that (1) you've found things out about yourself; (2) you kept a promise; (3) you've changed a lot of people's lives [including mine]; and, (4) you've completed your dream!  I love you.  Keep running.       - Jenna

I'll keep running for the beach!  I can't wait to get home to my family.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul - I am disappointed to know that there are people in this world that would throw a coke and ice on you while you are just running along minding your own business! It reminds me of an incident that happened to me when I was in junior high school. I was walking back to school after lunch and some of the "popular" girls drove past me (I was a very geeky kid in junior high) and threw a milk shake on me. It hit me in the face, coating my glasses (before contacts) and clothes. I was able to stop by a friend's house and wash off the stickiness as well as I could before returning to school. It was mean and humiliating. I hope you don't get any more of that on the rest of your journey. I am excited that you are nearing the end and still doing great! One thing that always comes through in your journal is your positive attitude. Keep it up! - Chris Benson (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi! Paul. I Hope you get here soon to Delaware. You are doing great. How is Bob doing? Hope I get to see you soon. - Erica Reese (Lewes, Delaware)

  Paul, I can't believe you have already gotten across Illinois! I hope your crossing into Indiana went smoothly today and you were able to enjoy some of this beautiful fall weather we ran in this morning! Only 750 miles to go ... WOW! You are truckin'! Keep it up... looking forward to hearing about your Indiana adventures. - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25:  19 MILES (Sunny, 67 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,494]
Stopping Location: Monticello, Indiana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 679 Feet

DAY 95: Today I had a "easy" day.  It was 19 miles from Remington, Indiana to Monticello.  After arriving in town I did a newspaper interview and then did some grocery shopping.  I was then picked up by Jean Gaumer of  Logansport, Indiana and taken to the Logansport YMCA for a dinner with some local runners.  I shared some details of the run and met some very nice people.  I appreciate their encouragement and wish each of them well in their own personal running goals.

I received some wonderful hand made cards that were created by local students of Columbia Elementary School.  I truly appreciate their kindness and the cards are being mailed to my home town in Montana. 

I want to thank Disk Jockeys Craig and Al in Missoula for interviewing me live on the radio this morning. You guys are great!

The road across Indiana has not had much of a shoulder, although it did for the first 10 miles.  I tend to do some serious three-wheeling with "Bob" in the thick weeds along the side of the road and based on what locals tell me it sounds this will be the case across Indiana.  Things are still on pace as scheduled and the weather is suppose to stay nice this week. 

Vicki is working on airline reservations and she and the kids will likely do the White House tour with me.

I want to close today's entry by thanking Jean Gaumer for the 5 pounds of M&Ms that she gave me.  I think I have enough M&Ms to get me to the coast!   I have 706 miles to go.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Hi Paul , I was once again disappointed in the human race for throwing coke and ice on you. I can't believe how rude some people are. I was wondering, however, if any of the other runners before you have had the same problems you have encountered? I hope that the remainder of your journey is free from all ill doings. Please continue to be safe. I know you are really going to make it now. - Margaret (Walla Walla, Washington)

  Dear Paul - You certainly are a shining example of the Hebrews text about running with perseverance the race that is set before us. Thank you for letting me get a glimpse of your light. - Nancy Strand (Milan, Minnesota)

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26:  39 MILES (Sunny, 70 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,523]
Stopping Location: Peru, Indiana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 650 Feet

DAY 96: The top news of the day is that "Bob" went on a diet.  After 2,494 miles I decided it was time to send home the tent and poles that I have carried across the country unused.  I am now in much more populated areas and needed to have "Bob" lighter for maneuvering through traffic easier. The tent will save me about 5 pounds (but of course I have those 5 pounds of M&Ms from Jean Gaumer!).   I still have my sleeping bag and a tarp if absolutely necessary. 

Today was a 39 mile day from Monticello, Indiana to the town of Peru.  The first 18 miles had very little shoulder, which spoiled my pace.  Also, the Monticello Newspaper printed and article on the run and that caused many curious people to stop me.  I finally got in a good pace at around the 20 mile mark and the rest of the day went well. 

I want to thank Bill Bauman Of Logansport, Indiana for shipping my tent home, checking on me periodically throughout the day, and taking me to dinner with his girlfriend Carmin Peterson (see our picture below). I enjoyed a wonderful pizza dinner at Harvey Hinklemeyer's Restaurant in Peru, and I even got ice cream. Bill and Carmin were very encouraging and I appreciate them taking the time to get to know me better. 

Tomorrow will be a 36 mile day to Plum Tree, Indiana via Highway 124.  The weather is suppose to be nice tomorrow with rain coming in tomorrow night making things wet on Thursday. I am feeling really good and am excited to be only 677 miles from the finish. For the kids in Missoula reading this, the distance I have left is about equivalent to running from Missoula to Billings and back. Today I received my security clearance for the White House and Vicki and my children will join me there in three weeks.

Only 26 marathons left to go.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  Paul, Sounds like the roads in Indiana may actually be more challenging than the ones in Iowa! Before you know it, you're going to be at that 500 mile mark. I continue to pray for your safe journey and turn to your running as a source of inspiration in my own running endeavors. Take care and keep up the fantastic work. Your pace is AWESOME!! - Amanda Freese (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)

  Good running! It was good to hear you on the radio the other day. I'm glad there's much more behind you than ahead now. Keep on running. - Caroline (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul - How cool that you only have 691 miles to go and that Vicki and the kids get to tour the White House with you! Keep on. - Chris Benson (Missoula, Montana)

  Hey - I have learned as you have been running that most of the things in life we let bother us are trivial. What you are doing makes life easier for people and gives people the power to press forward. - Steve Lyons (Missoula, Montana)

  Hi Paul - I continue to follow your trek. You are seeing so much landscape and so many people - both the highs and lows. I didn't even know what to think about the photo showing tire tracks which caption of "another close call with a car" - I send prayers for your safety and protection. I imagine you are a running philosopher by now! I hope it's a sunny day where you are - sunny in Missoula - having cold nights now but able to keep tomatoes ripening on the vines by covering them overnight. Did you eat corn in Iowa or was it feed corn for stock mostly? I am going to go exercise now, inspired again by you. Take care. - Teresa Jacobs (Missoula, Montana)

  Go Paul, what an inspiration for so many people, young and old. Our prayers are with you. - Sarah (Monticello, Indiana)

  Dear Mr.. Paul - You might come here on my friend's birthday!!!! Oct 24!!! Her name is Emma Ludwiki. I am sorry to hear that somebody threw soda and ice at you. - Lexy Atsidis (Lewes, Delaware)

  WOW... where to start! I didn’t know Paul before yesterday; I met him when he came to talk to the local runners at our Logansport YMCA. He was genuinely friendly to everyone. I learned a lot about a very unique man. After spending more time with him today and tonight he is truly a great person and doing this for all the right reasons. I felt like I have gained a lot of knowledge and a perspective of the open road that I have never seen before. I can only wish him the best on his roads ahead, I will remember this for a very long time. Not every day you meet a person like Paul Staso, I know I am proud to call him my friend. - Bill Bauman (Logansport, Indiana)

  It was awesome to hear you went through our town. You an inspiration. - Jessica Baker (Monticello, Indiana)

  Let's see, You gained a 5 pound bag of M&M's and mailed back your 5 pound tent. By my calculations Bob didn't lose any weight. I think you better eat those M&M's fast. We will put them in the protein group just for health reasons. HA! I love reading your journal pages. It's great that you will have something wonderful waiting for you at the end. Wish we all could be there to see the finish. Keep on Truckin'. Oh! I have a great song for you. It's by Willie Nelson. We always played it on our family summer driving trips. It's called "One the Road Again". Just to let you know I grew up in Roundup, Montana. I saw that you passed through there. I pray for you every night. You truly are a light!!!! - Darla Orbistondo (Juneau, Alaska)

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27:  36 MILES (Sunny then Rain, 72 Degrees) [Total Mileage to Date: 2,559]
Stopping Location: Plum Tree, Indiana (click here to see the location via MapQuest)
Stopping Elevation: 856 Feet

DAY 97: Today I ran 36 miles from  Peru, Indiana to the town of Plum Tree, IN.  I had two construction zones to go through, but generally highway 124 had little traffic and usually a decent shoulder.  Today's run was comfortable although the 72 degree sunny weather disappeared in the afternoon and I was hit by two intense thunderstorms.  During the day the Wabash Newspaper stopped to interview and photograph me and the Logansport Newspaper ran a front page story on the trek.  (Click here for the story).

Tomorrow will be my "rest" day and will be 15 miles to Bluffton, Indiana.  In the afternoon I will be doing some speaking at local schools and to a community walking fitness group.  The Bluffton Newspaper printed and article about my pending arrival and the times and locations I'll be speaking (Click here for the story). I want to give a special thank you to Bill Bauman for finding me on Highway 124 today and bringing me ice cream. I appreciate his encouragement!

I only have 35 miles remaining in Indiana and will enter Ohio on Friday.  Reservations are being made for my family to fly into the Baltimore airport, and I am still scheduled to finish the run on October 20th.  More tomorrow from my last stop in Indiana.

Guestbook Entries For Today:

  We've been offline for a while and enjoyed catching up on your journey for the past two weeks. I imagine that shrugging off the negative comments and unkindness has been a journey in and of itself. Your commitment requires you to 'get over it' and keep running towards Delaware despite the weather, criticism, nagging injury, loneliness, close calls with crazy people, monotony, road conditions, curiosity, and fear. Those lessons will stay with you for the rest of your life as you continue to pursue your dreams and goals. I encourage you to keep impressing that valuable life lesson - 'pressing on' despite the circumstances - to the kids at Russell Elementary and those of us who have been encouraged and inspired by you, Paul. Congrats on finishing another state - hard to believe you've been on the road for three months! The coast is very near, Paul. Press on... - Sharmin McCalla (Phoenix, Arizona)

  Thank you so much for sharing this journey. Its been inspirational and educational to read the journal entries and look at the pictures. We hope to see you travel through the Capital Region soon. All the best and stay strong. - Laura (Arlington, Virginia)

  I am so sorry people threw ice and coke at you. I am also sorry people skidded mud at you. Do you know my gym teacher Coach Bamforth? I live in the same neighborhood. - Stephanie Foresman (Lewes, Delaware)

  Paul... Wow, you're really doing it. That is so excellent. If you can do this there is nothing you won't be able to handle in your life! It sure is disappointing to hear about the stupid people you have encountered on your trip. I am sure that if they knew what you were trying to accomplish they would rethink their stupidity. I guess God only knows. Keep after it and try to not let that get you down. I will make sure I pray for your safety and strength EVERYDAY until you are finished. May God bless you this day. Thanks for your example to me on stretching yourself on this amazing task. Take care. - Greg Stenlund (Malaysia)

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