People Are Dying To Try This... Literally!

In the past few years several people have died while trying to run across the United States. Sadly, their vision of running away from one ocean and running into another ocean -- by using only their feet for transportation -- ultimately ended their lives, leaving their heartbroken and devastated families in the wake of their sudden and tragic deaths. The most recent tragedy occurred last month when a man in his early 30's was struck down during his crossing of America when a car came onto the shoulder of the highway and killed him.

In January 2017, the New York Times printed an article about the allure of crossing the continent on foot. In part, the article states:

"The vast expanse of the United States has long been alluring to the men and women who set out on long-distance hikes from coast to coast. Many have added to the tradition of travel literature, describing in their diaries the bouts of loneliness and moments of beauty, chronicling sleeping rough and under the stars, and writing of strangers who became friends... But in the past few years, a few people who aimed to make the trip — whether for activism, adventure or escape — have died trying."

I can relate with the words about the challenge being alluring, primarily as a result of my many solo runs across the United States, Germany, Alaska, the Mojave Desert, and elsewhere. However, it's important to always stay focused while on the road and to never allow the 'allure' to dull the senses. Death is a real possibility. I had to jump 7 times to avoid being struck by vehicles during my 3,260-mile coast-to-coast run across the United States in 2006.

There are those who do their homework and training before setting out to cross the continent on foot, and then there are those who just take off on the adventure with little preparation. Currently, there are several people crossing the USA on foot, some well prepared and others experiencing the consequences of tackling the goal with little planning and preparation. Regardless of one's athletic ability, determination, courage, enthusiasm, or strength -- crossing the continent on foot can be life threatening. Those who have done their homework beforehand know that very well. Ultimately, you have to ask yourself the question: "Is this goal worth my life?"

Historically, there have been approximately 300 crossings of the United States on foot, based on the crossings that have documented information. In contrast, more than 4,000 people have scaled the summit of Mount Everest since it was first conquered in 1953. So, many more people have climbed Mount Everest than have crossed the United States on foot. The adventure of crossing America one stride at a time remains a unique and challenging endeavor. Yet, as more people attempt the challenge, it is becoming far more clear just how dangerous it can be.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

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