Pope Leo's "Life in Abundance" -- Longest Papal Document on Athletics

I recently read a letter issued by Pope Leo XIV titled “Life in Abundance.” It's about the value of sport and he issued the letter on the occasion of the 25th Winter Olympic Games and 14th Paralympic Games.

The letter is the lengthiest papal document on athletics. It has eight sections:

• Sport and the building of peace
• The formative value of sport
• Sport, a school of life and contemporary forum
• Sport and personal development
• Risks that threaten sporting values
• Competition and the culture of encounter
• Sport, relationships and discernment
• A pastoral approach to sport for life in abundance

Pope Leo begins by stating,“Sport, as we know, can be very professional in nature and highly specialized. As such, it is a calling for relatively few people, even though it elicits the admiration and heartfelt enthusiasm of many who identify with the victories or defeats of the athletes. But sport is also a shared activity, open to all and salutary for both body and spirit, even becoming a universal expression of our humanity.”

Pope Leo discussed reflections on athletics by St. Paul, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Hugh of Saint Victor, and St. Thomas Aquinas. He also turned to figures from the last five centuries, such as St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Philip Neri, and St. John Bosco, as well as papal and conciliar teaching beginning in the pontificate of Leo XIII (1878-1903).

Pope Leo said, "All this finds its ultimate meaning in the biblical promise that gives this letter its title: 'Life in Abundance.' This is not an accumulation of successes or performances, but a fullness of life that integrates our bodies, relationships and interior lives. In cultural terms, life in abundance invites us to liberate sport from reductive mentalities that would transform it into a mere spectacle or product. In pastoral terms, it urges the Church to be present and to offer accompaniment, discernment and hope. In this way, sport can truly become a school of life, where all can learn that abundance does not come from victory at any cost, but from sharing, from respecting others and from the joy of walking together."

Pope St. John Paul II (1978-2005) frequently spoke about sports but did not publish a letter as comprehensive as Pope Leo’s. Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013) also addressed the topic, though less frequently. In 2018, during the pontificate of Pope Francis, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life published “Giving the best of yourself,” a document on the Christian perspective on sport and the human person.

Calling for models of integrated holiness, Pope Leo writes: “We need to rediscover those who have combined passion for sports, sensitivity to social issues and holiness” -- pointing to St. Pier Giorgio Frassati as a young man who “perfectly combined faith, prayer, social commitment, and sport.”

Gotta Run,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Rededicating the United States as 'One Nation, Under God'

We're only five months away from the United States' national celebration of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Yesterday, at the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump announced that on May 17, 2026 (which is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on the Catholic calendar), the United States will hold an event to rededicate the nation to God.

President Trump said, “When our founders proclaimed the immortal truths that echoed around the world and down all the way through time, they declared that all of us are made free and equal by the hand of our Creator." In honor of the occasion, the President announced that he will hold an event titled "Rededicate 250" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17 “to rededicate America as one nation under God.” He said,“We’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall to pray, to give thanks.”

Earlier this year, President Trump launched the “America Prays” initiative, asking Americans to pray for the country and its citizens. The White House published a 22-page document at the time to highlight the Christian roots of the country, which contained historical prayers, sermons, and presidential proclamations. On January 29, 2026, President Trump issued a proclamation which read, in part, "The Bible teaches: “In all circumstances give thanks.” As such, it is fitting that we mark this special year as a unique occasion to celebrate our proud history, reflect on our abundant blessings, pray for our country and our people, and rededicate ourselves as one Nation under God."

President Trump said the country is seeing a resurgence in the Christian faith and highlighted a rise in Bible sales in 2025 and a higher frequency of young people attending religious services -- citing one study from the Barna Group, which showed millennial and Generation Z Christians attending religious services at higher rates.

Gotta Run,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Its Been 20 Years Since I Ran Across America Alone to Keep a Promise

It was 20 years ago when I was in the process of training to run solo across America to keep a promise to a group of elementary children. In June 2006, I set off on that adventure with nothing more than a jogging stroller to carry my gear, food and water. Fortunately, 108 running days and 3,260 miles later, I completed that coast-to-coast endeavor. Yes, 20 years seems like a long time, but honestly it seems like it really wasn't that long ago when I took those first steps away from the Oregon coastline. I was facing 15 states (5,246 kilometers).

I recently heard, "My boss wants me to sign up for a 401K. No way I'm running that far!" It made me chuckle -- comparing a 401K retirement account to the 401K distance (401 kilometers is about 250 miles). I actually ran a 401K on week 15 of my run across America. I was in the states of Indiana and Ohio that week and was striding along comfortably. So, I've technically run a 401K. It just happened to be during my crossing of the country.

You can click here to see various statistics and details about my solo U.S. run.

Gotta Run,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

110,000 Feet of Elevation Gain (Nearly 4 Times Mount Everest's Height)

I was recently asked what the total elevation gain was for my 2006 solo run across America from Cannon Beach, Oregon to Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware -- literally 3,260 miles from the Pacific to the Atlantic. I was able to calculate it by placing my 15-state route into Google Maps and then analyzing the elevation gain data. That coast-to-coast run totaled nearly 110,000 feet in elevation gain in 108 days on the road. That's the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest nearly 4 times! I did that while pushing 65 pounds of gear, food and water in a jogging stroller (the stroller weighing nearly half of my body weight). I was 41 years of age when I did my run across America and took over 6 million steps to conquer the distance.

Gotta Run,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Coast-to-Coast Running Attempts are Losing "Adventure" Challenge

I first attempted to run across the United States in 1986 at the age of 21. That was nearly 40 years ago and that attempt ended with an injury. Then, in 2006 I attempted a coast-to-coast run across the U.S. solo... with no support vehicle or team. I completed that journey from Oregon to Delaware in 108 days on the pavement, averaging 30 miles per day for the 3,260-mile route that included 15 states. I was 41 years old when I finally accomplished my goal.

Over the past 40+ years, I have read news stories, blogs, magazine articles, and more about people taking on the challenge of running across America. I've written in this blog before about those who have been caught cheating on such runs -- skipping portions of the route by riding in a vehicle. Some crossers are motivated by gaining attention, acquiring more social media followers, raising money, and so on. Today's crossers seem to focus more on social media postings of their daily efforts rather than focusing on the adventure itself. Many go less than 20 miles per day and have a support vehicle. There are those rare few who take on the challenge solo while averaging a marathon or more per day. Some make it, many don't.

I've been following the crossing attempts of a few runners lately aiming to add their names to the ranks of transcontinental runners. One recently blogged that he was facing a challenging stretch of his chosen route that was over 100 miles of desolate countryside, so he decided to arrange for a vehicle to transport him over that section. That is NOT a coast-to-coast run -- no matter how he tries to justify it in his mind by saying that he'll make up the mileage somehow down the road. To skip a section (allowable by law for pedestrians) by riding in a car is to take yourself out of the ranks of a true coast-to-coast runner. When I crossed in 2006, I was incredibly focused on making sure that I covered every step allowable by pedestrian laws in America. The only stretch that I was not allowed by our government to run was a high-security bridge near Washington D.C. (Chesapeake Bay Bridge, approximately 4 miles). I had nearly worked out a police escort over the bridge so that I could run across it, but had uninvited interference in communications with the security personnel by someone who had been tracking my progress online -- and the confusion that interference caused with the security office ultimately made them pull the plug on my crossing on foot with an escort.

It's becoming more common for coast-to-coast runners to feel comfortable with simply catching a ride over portions of their chosen route that they deem to be too challenging. That's the idea! It's supposed to be challenging! When I ran 506 miles solo across the Mojave Deserts in 2011 all alone... it was challenging! It was an adventure! It was painful, difficult, and exhausting. That's the whole idea! It should be. I didn't catch a ride on a turtle or flag down the vultures to come and carry me away. I ran. Period. It's a right, left, right, left repetitive and daunting regimen... but that's what it's all about.

When I made my first attempt to run across America nearly 40 years ago, it was a huge undertaking. There was no Internet or social media audience. There was no online fundraising portals, couch surfing sites, or media attention. It was just me and the road, and most people that saw me had no clue what I was doing. Today, it seems that too many continent crossers simply want attention, online followers, money, and to get their name known. Sadly, it seems that true adventurers who take on a run across the United States simply for the challenge of it (and not all of the attention and such) are fading away. You can disagree if you want to. However, being a runner who has followed transcontinental crossings for over 40 years, and who has had one unsuccessful attempt and one successful attempt, I've seen quite a change in how these runs are approached and actually done.

Yes, I believe that coast-to-coast running attempts are losing the "adventure" challenge that they once had. It's becoming easier for runners to simply catch a ride or to find someone to take them in -- thanks to the Internet. With Google maps, there's no wondering anymore what's around the next bend in the road. We've got detailed weather information at our fingertips, so there's no more reading the skies for cloud patterns and what weather might be stirring on the horizon. Using social media, everything is now captured in real time and many things seem staged. I do miss the days of the true grit cross country attempts from one ocean to another. No social media... no electronic maps... no rides in vehicles over tough sections... and no turning to the Internet world for help with problems that arise. I can honestly say that I'm glad that I made my first attempt long before the Internet came around, and that I made my successful crossing in 2006 before iPhones, the world-wide grip of social media, and the popularity of Google maps. The flip phone I used was just fine, the paper maps I used were sufficient, and the blog that I updated with some photos every 5 days or so was fine. In 2006, I had become only the 5th person in history to run solo coast-to-coast across America, and it was truly a genuine adventure.

I wish all future crossers the best of luck and I offer a piece of advice. Be sure to keep your eyes more on the road than on your social media accounts. The real adventure is happening in your strides, not in how many followers you have. Run on!

Gotta Run,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

It Has Been A Week Of College Graduations... Travel... and Joy!

What a wonderful week it has been! My youngest son, Brian, graduated from Northern Arizona University and my beautiful stepdaughter, Hannah, graduated from Indiana University. Kelley and I have been so blessed this week!

After flying to Arizona, Kelley and I enjoyed some time at the Grand Canyon and then drove to Flagstaff for Brian's graduation. We had beautiful weather for our entire trip and Brian is so happy to be done and can now focus on the next step of life's path. We are proud of his perseverance in achieving this milestone.

Hannah wrapped up her B.A. degree here in Indiana, is working full time and enjoying her apartment life. She had achieved her Associates degree while in high school, so she only had two years at IU to wrap up her Bachelor's degree. We are so proud of her!

It has been such a wonderful week of college graduations and travels. Now it's time to roll up my sleeves and get ready for directing Vacation Bible School in June. God is good... all the time!

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

My Annual Blood Panel Results Are In! Overall, Very Good For Age 60.

I turned 60 years of age earlier this month and last week I had an annual blood panel, as well as a colorectal screening (which was negative). I'm pleased to report that all is good! Although I don't typically share details of my annual results, this year I decided to include those (see below). I'm 5'9" and weigh 158. In the past, I've written in this blog about how I don't drink alcohol and I don't smoke -- and never have. I've never taken recreational drugs and have never had a prescription drug. I don't drink coffee and I stay away from fatty foods. I have practically eliminated soda from my diet, having it only occasionally. I get at least 8 hours of sleep each night, love being married... being a father of 8... and being a grandfather of 5, and I enjoy my ministry in the church. I stay active and am aiming to be on this earth to the age of 100 (in the year 2065). By then, my eldest daughter will be 72. God has blessed me in countless ways, including my health, and I am incredibly grateful for the life I have.

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

My Youngest Son Completes His First IRONMAN Half Triathlon

My youngest son, Brian, recently completed his first IRONMAN Half Triathlon in Oceanside, California. Competing in the 25-29 age division, Brian did quite well considering the fact that he dealt with some bike issues during the race, as well as the discomfort of an iliotibial band inflammation in the weeks leading up to the race. Brian covered the 70.3-mile course in a time of 8:11:32 (which is a 10:57 per mile average). The number of participants was over 3,600 -- so it was a big race along the Pacific Ocean! I'm incredibly proud of Brian and told him that anytime that he wants to borrow my well-used "BOB" stroller and do a run across a state or country, he certainly can. So far, however, he seems to prefer the swim/bike/run combination -- which is great. He's being active and fit in his 20's and that's so important. Congratulations Brian!

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

60 Laps Around The Sun... and Countless Blessings to Recall

It's official. Today, I'm 60 years old. It's a milestone that has certainly captured my attention. Most birthdays just pass by hardly noticed. However, this birthday has me pausing briefly to think about my 60 laps around the sun.

Sure, there have been some incredibly difficult moments during the past 21,900 days on earth. However, those are far outweighed by the countless blessings that have come my way. I am blessed beyond measure to be married to Kelley, to be a father of four, to be a stepdad to four, and to be a grandfather of five. I've accomplished far more in running than I ever imagined I could, and I've had a professional career that has used my abilities in a positive way -- most assuredly my current position as Director of Faith Formation (Religious Education) at a Catholic parish. My wife and I own a beautiful home and are blessed with very good health. God has indeed been good to me... despite the many times I've fallen short of what He, or others, would expect or desire from me. He is the ultimate Forgiving Father and it seems that I've been his Prodigal Son on more than one occasion.

Although I'm still on this journey of life (hopefully for many years to come), I'll pass along some thoughts and/or perspectives to ponder:

• Faith, Family and Fitness need to be well in focus -- and in that order.
• The "right job" is the job you love some days and can tolerate most days, and pays the bills. Hardly anyone has a job that they love every day.
• Don’t fall into the credit trap. Live within your means.
• Take care of your health. Start eating better and exercising regularly. If you put on weight now, it will be much harder to loose it later.
• Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Those weeds in your flower bed? Pull them out now, or in a few months there will be ten times as many of them and they’ll be five times as tall.
• Don't stop reading and learning -- especially the Bible. There's so much to know, and when we stop stimulating our minds, we become disengaged and stagnant.
• The most important person in your life is the person who agreed to share their life with you. Treat them as such.
• Children grow up way too fast. Make the most of the time you have with them.
• A friend will come running if you call them in the middle of the night; everyone else is an acquaintance.
• Your job provides the means to do what’s really important in life, nothing more. Do the job but live for your family.
• Savor every moment with grandchildren. Like children, they grow way too fast. Make sure you're available to them so that they know their grandparents.
• Don't marry too young. Learn to take care of yourself before you take on the responsibility of carrying for others.
• Go places. Do things. Pack a bag and go wherever you can afford to go. While you have no dependents, don’t buy a bunch of 'stuff.' Instead, see the world.
• If you have a dream of doing something that seems impossible, go for it anyway. It will only become more impossible as you age and become responsible for other people.
• We have an unknown amount of time on this earth. Don’t wake up and realize that you're 60 years old and haven’t done the things you dreamed about.
• When you meet someone for the first time, realize that you don't know anything about them. You see race, gender, age, clothes. Learn to look beyond those things. Biased assumptions that come into your head because of the way your brain categorizes people can limit your life, and others’ lives.
• Appreciate the small things and be present in the moment. Put the phone down at the table, at concerts, when talking with someone. Call more instead of texting. Regain true personal communication. Be present and give undivided attention.
• Marriage is not 50:50. It is 100:100. Remember that when you wake up and when you go to bed. Every day.
• Keep your word. At the end of the day, all we truly have is our faith and our integrity.
• Be kind, generous and forgiving. It will come back around to you.
• Nobody ever dies wishing they had worked more. However, too many die wishing they had spent more time with family.
• Take care of yourself, but don’t make it an obsession. Focus on your kids, but leave room in your life for yourself. Save enough money so that you’ll have enough for the future and for emergencies, but spend enough now to avoid looking back with regret.
• Collect experiences more than things.
• Remember, tomorrow is not guaranteed. All we really have is today, so we need to make the most of it.

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Easter: The "Feast of Feasts" and "Solemnity of Solemnities"

Easter is one month from today! As I pray and prepare lessons in my office at St. Charles Church, I am reminded of what the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states at paragraph 1169:

“Easter is not simply one feast among others, but the “Feast of feasts,” the “Solemnity of solemnities,” just as the Eucharist is the “Sacrament of sacraments” (the Great Sacrament).” 

While indeed Easter is the “Feast of feasts” and the “Solemnity of solemnities” — and therefore deserves the emphasis which it is given, we should remember to carry this same devotion for the liturgy throughout the year.

There are those who can testify that it is easy to slip into a habit of routine commitment. In doing so, we lose sight of the significance of this liturgical season, which is highlighted each time the Mass is celebrated. We can forget the intrinsic beauty and transcendent worth gifted to each of us every time we enter into the celebration of the Mass and receive the body, blood, soul and divinity of Christ in the Eucharist.

Take just a moment to contemplate the overwhelming reality which the Mass offers us — an opportunity that we can, if so desired, partake in on a daily basis. It is a gift above all other gifts! The more that we come to understand what the Mass is, the more we will grow in this innate desire to participate in it.

The Mass gives us the opportunity to remember and appreciate what it means to be Catholic. It is truly filled with an abundance of spiritual symbolism, church tradition and supernatural meaning. Each time we are drawn into a commemoration of the “Passion, Resurrection, and the glory of the Lord Jesus” (CCC 1167), we are reminded of the fundamental elements of our faith and, at the core, the center and pinnacle of each Mass, we are given the most beautiful, life-giving gift through the reception of the Holy Eucharist.

St. John Paul II writes is his encyclical, Ecclesia De Eucharisti, that it is from the Eucharist that “the Church draws her life” and “her nourishment.” How profoundly blessed are we to be given such an incredible gift?! For in the Eucharist is “contained the whole spiritual good of the Church” (CCC 1324) — Christ himself, fully and truly present.

May the remainder of your Lenten season — and the upcoming joy of Easter — be a time of spiritual renewal as you draw closer to our Lord and Savior.

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Heading Into 2025 With Some Relatively Easy Cycling Plans

I was a Sophomore in college back in 1985 when the movie Back to the Future came out. Back then -- as a 20-year-old -- I viewed Marty McFly's going into the year 2015 as something far in the future. By then, I would be 50 years old! Well, here we are... heading into 2025 and in three months I'll be 60. As I've shared on my Instagram and Facebook accounts, my 60's will primarily consist of cycling for fitness. I plan to explore more of our nation's rails-to-trails. I want to cycle the 240-mile Katy Trail across Missouri, but am going to put that one on hold a little longer as I explore some other trails with the limited days I have available from the office in 2025.

This has been another year when cancer has made an invasion into our family. I remember doing some running events in the 1990's to raise funds to fight cancer (including the Relay for Life event), and it is an ongoing battle that so many people face. It is a disease that has impacted both my family and my wife's family -- but thankfully not the family that Kelley and I have together.

I am currently praying about where my wheels will turn in 2025. I'll let you know what the Lord places on my heart.

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

What Exactly is Heroism? Is it Strength... Endurance... Patience?

In his book Job: A Man of Heroic Endurance, Charles R. Swindoll examines what Job’s sufferings can teach us about humanity and faith. In Scripture, Job is the central figure in the Book of Job, which focuses on God’s justice during difficult times, and how God guides us through times of suffering. Ultimately, Job endures many trials and often feels abandoned by God. However, God never actually abandons Job.

Swindoll's book teaches readers how to embrace God’s challenges. Using Job as an example, he explains that we find answers to our questions in unexpected places — and God doesn’t always give us the answers we expect. Epitomizing strength, endurance, and patience, we can all learn from Job’s life story. 

Heroes come in all forms. Job doesn’t stand idly by watching his life crash down around him. He consciously endures the trials God throws at him. Battening down and enduring hardships are heroic qualities. Life is unavoidably difficult. What separates heroes from the rest of us is how they deal with those difficulties. Just as Job learns the most about himself when he is suffering, we learn through our mistakes and disappointments. We rarely learn anything about our spirituality or ourselves when life is easy. Challenges make heroes of us.

Job suffers in the way we all suffer; his life is terribly unfair. Many can relate to his problems: he loses his family, his property, and his health, and his life is one catastrophe after another. However, because these catastrophes are timeless, Job speaks to everyone regardless of what era they live in. Job represents humanity. One of Job’s most poignant moments is when he loses all ten of his children at the same time. Standing over their graves, wondering what to do with his life, his wife tells him to renounce God, to give up and let his grief consume him, the way it consumes her. Job, however, refuses to give in. He simply vocalizes his faith in God. It doesn’t matter how God treats Job — Job never strays from the path.

Job suffers every insult imaginable. His friends turn on him; covered in agonizing welts and sores, everyone says he is to blame for his own misfortune. Job asks God for guidance, but God never answers him. Somehow, through this silence, Job stays true to God, and God finally rewards him. Yet, God’s rewards are never certain, and it takes an incredible amount of trust by Job to believe in Him.

God doesn’t bless Job with any special powers to help him endure what life throws at him. All Job has is his humanity, and this is what saves him. This is comforting; we are all capable of enduring life’s trials.

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

I Do Not Need Kudos In This Life

I’m just a few months away from reaching age 60 and wanted to make a social media post simply to state that I do not need "kudos" in any aspect of my life. For those unfamiliar with the term 'kudos,' it is praise and honor received for an achievement.

I have raised many children and have several grandchildren. I have held some quality professional positions over the past 40 years, and have accomplished numerous running endeavors. I have done countless speaking engagements in the United States and Europe, and have been fortunate enough to have experienced being a sponsored athlete. I attribute my accomplishments and successes in life to a strong work ethic that was instilled into me at a young age during the 1970s and early 80s.

Any task that I undertake, whether it be professional or personal, is simply for satisfaction of knowing that I am using my God-given gifts to the best of my ability. No, I do not need kudos. Occasionally, I do appreciate encouragement. There is a significant difference between kudos and encouragement.

When I ran solo across the United States for 108 days to keep a promise I had made to a group of school children, I did not receive "kudos" during any of those 3,260 miles. However, I did receive much needed "encouragement" here and there as God orchestrated. Believe me, if I was one to seek kudos, I would have never ran over 500 miles solo across the barren Mojave Desert, turning down an offer that was made before the run for a documentary crew to film it.

In my opinion, doing anything for kudos is quite shallow. Doing things out of passion and tenacity for joy and satisfaction -- and to make a positive impact -- means far more. Please do not interpret anything that I post on social media, or that I do in my professional and personal life, to be a desire to obtain kudos or approval from anyone other than my Creator. One day, I hope to hear God say "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Cycling 43 Miles in 4 Hours in Indiana on the Great American Rail-Trail

The Great American Rail-Trail is the nation’s first cross-country multiuse trail, stretching more than 3,700 miles between Washington, D.C. and Washington State. It is in development in 12 states and currently about 55 percent of the trail is complete. A rail trail is a public path built from a former railroad corridor that is used for many non-motorized activities, such as walking, running, and bicycling.

My first experience cycling on a rail trail was in the summer of 2001 when I rode the Route of the Hiawatha trail in northern Idaho. Over the years I've bicycled in various places, such as Alaska; Idaho; Oregon; Montana; Delaware; Maryland; Virginia; Indiana; and elsewhere... often taking advantage of the rails-to-trails pathways.

Yesterday, I cycled a portion of the Great American Rail-Trail that I've been wanting to do. I logged 43 miles on a roundtrip ride from Peru, Indiana to Rochester, Indiana on the Nickel Plate Trail. I posted videos and pictures on my Instagram and Facebook accounts. The temperature was 85 degrees and I completed the ride in 4 hours -- including stops. I experienced 1,100 feet of elevation gain and truly enjoyed this peaceful ride through Miami County and Fulton County. About half of the route has a nice canopy of trees, providing welcomed shade on sunny days.

Several road crossings are necessary to completely navigate this trail, but I found none of them to be difficult. The Nickel Plate Trail surface is paved asphalt and smooth. It is typically at least 6 feet wide and there is a painted dividing line and metal bollards at street crossings along the trail. The majority of the trail is estimated to be in the mostly gentle grade category (5% or less). Anyone interested in cycling the trail from Peru to Rochester should bring enough water. There are no nearby off-trail places to refill water bottles. If you're doing a roundtrip of 43 miles as I did, you'll definitely want a few bottles on an 85-degree and hotter day! By the way, the trail is open year round.

So, that's another section of the Great American Rail-Trail that is off of my to-do list!

Gotta Roll,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past