Running Across America... and Experiencing a Hallucination!

A hallucination is defined as an experience involving the apparent perception of something not present. There is only one time in my life when I've experienced a hallucination, and it was on August 2, 2006. On that particular day, I was doing a 40-mile run in 90º heat on Highway 12 in eastern Montana during my coast-to-coast solo run across America. To say that this portion of eastern Montana is flat, barren and dry would be making this section of Montana sound too glamorous!

Since it was the second hottest summer on record in America, cattle were dying and streams were dried up. Heat radiated off of the pavement, making the road shimmer in the hot sun. I had run for countless miles without seeing anyone, without seeing any man-made structures, and without seeing any trees. In fact, I would run for two hours without seeing one car. However, there was a gentleman who stopped that day and handed me some carrots and a bottle of water, just to show his support. Encounters like that were very rare in eastern Montana.

I was nearly 1,000 miles into my 3,260-mile run across the country when on that very hot day in early August I saw something I had been craving to see in that barren countryside. I saw a grove of trees just off of the roadway to my left... up in the distance. I figured the trees were about a mile ahead, and I was determined to get there and to rest in some shade. I put my head down and pushed my support stroller with determination as the sweat dripped down my face -- my running cap completely soaked and salty from my perspiration. I ran for a few minutes, nearly mesmerized by the white line on the road's edge that I was following, and then looked up to see that the grove of trees was no closer!

My reasoning at the time was that the trees must be farther away than I had thought, and that I may be moving slowly due to how fatigued I was feeling. I put my head down and pressed on. I remember looking up again and seeing nothing but barren, dry land. There were no trees in sight! I looked behind me, thinking that perhaps I had run past them while not paying attention. No... there were no trees anywhere in sight. I immediately became scared! What had happened?! I knew that something had happened mentally and it truly shook me to the core. I stopped right there and took out a tarp I had on the stroller to make a lean-to in order to 'create' shade. I sat next to the stroller under my makeshift lean-to in order to pull myself together. I drank water and ate a PowerBar. I laid down on a thin mat that I had and tried to relax. No cars came along as I was laying there and all I could hear were grasshoppers in the weeds next to me. There was no wind... no sign of life... nothing -- but intense heat.

After about 20 minutes, I got up on my feet and continued on. I never had an experience like that again. In the online journal I maintained while running across America, I didn't mention this hallucination in the entry for August 2, 2006. The reason is that I didn't want to alarm my family and friends who were following my progress each day. However, the moment is forever etched into my memory.

By the way, after that 40-mile day with the hallucination experience, I ran 35 miles the next day in 100-degree heat -- having logged 75 miles within 36 hours. It was quite an adventure across 15 states!

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

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

Today's Milepost Was Over 24 Years In The Making

Today, I reached a milepost in life that all parents eventually arrive at. Today, my youngest child, Brian, turned 18 years of age. Now, I am the father of four adult children (between the ages of 18 and 24). It's a milepost on life's road that I've known for nearly 2½ decades that I would eventually reach. Now that I'm here, it's a moment of mixed emotions.

On one hand, I'm so proud of the young adults that all four of my children have become. On the other hand, I'm a bit saddened to see their childhood years officially come to an end. Along the way, there were countless mileposts reached... losing a first tooth; learning how to ride a bike; learning to drive; and so many other moments. I have over 24 years etched into my heart and memory of times with my children -- sledding, camping, road trips, playing in the yard, and more. Now, I look forward to watching all of them blaze their path in life.

My two eldest daughters have graduated from universities and are in professional positions. My almost 20-year-old son is working full time and creating wonderful music that so many people enjoy. Now, Brian is 18 and will be graduating from high school in less than 5 months. The time goes so quickly, and I cherish the years I had with my children as they were growing up. The walls of my home have many photos of past moments with my kids. Today, I've looked at those pictures with deeper appreciation for the blessing of being a parent.

Yes, life is filled with mileposts. Some we want to get to right away, while others we hope will take a long time to reach. The milepost I reached today came too quickly, but it's one that I know all parents eventually reach. Tonight, I'll be laying my head down to sleep knowing that I'll wake up tomorrow still being a parent, but that my children are fully raised. I'll always be a parent and hope that all of my children will want to seek my advice and/or input as they are reaching for their own mileposts on life's road.

There are more mileposts ahead... such as weddings and grandchildren, although neither of those mileposts are within sight at this time. There's certainly no need to rush things! Ha!

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

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

Would You Pay $16,000 For A Bicycle? How About $500,000?

You're looking at the Cervélo P5X high performance triathlon bike, which costs between $11,000 and $16,000 depending on the specifications preferred. It's one of the most anticipated triathlon bikes for 2018. Cervélo states on its website that the P5X is "the world’s fastest, most technologically advanced tri bike has been engineered as a complete system that harmoniously addresses speed, fit and usage."

So, would you spend $16,000 on a bike? Before you answer, you should probably know that you could spend more for a bike... A LOT more! The Trek Butterfly Madone, by designer Damien Hirst, used real butterflies to adorn the high end performance mountain bike as a tribute to Lance Armstrong’s return to the cycling circuit after surviving cancer. Even with the butterflies, this mountain bike was made for racing and can perform well, like any other bikes Armstrong rode in his career. The cost? $500,000 -- yes, that's right... HALF A MILLION! It's the most expensive mountain bike you can buy.

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

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

If I'm a Freak, Outsider or Oddity -- So Be It!

The last movie that I watched in 2017 ended up being the best movie I saw during the year. In fact, it's one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's not often that I make a prediction about a movie, but I believe this movie will win many Golden Globe and Tony awards, and it is one that I definitely want to buy the soundtrack of. The movie I'm talking about is "The Greatest Showman" starring Hugh Jackman as P.T. Barnum.

I won't give away any of the story line, but I will say that P.T. Barnum's circus, as shown in the film, featured human "freaks," "outsiders" and "oddities." The Bearded Lady; little person "General Tom Thumb;" the world's fattest man; and, the "Irish Giant" (the tallest man in the world) -- were all featured in Barnum's shows. Not all who have seen this movie are supportive of it featuring the "disabilities" (as some call them) of these people's differences to the norm of society, particularly by a man profiting from such differences. I will not get into my views about that, but I will say that I can relate, at least to a degree, to the looks and stares that some of these "oddities" received as a result of their being different from society's norm.

Back in 1985, when I was 20 years old, I announced that I was going to run across America. A local newspaper printed a story of my planned coast-to-coast run and as a result... I lost some dear friends. You see, they couldn't grasp my belief that I could accomplish such an undertaking. I was laughed at by best friends and eventually made an outsider by friends I had throughout my teen years. When I was injured in 1986 during my first attempt to run across America and was unable to finish it, I was laughed at even more by these once-upon-a-time "friends." As the years went by, I always believed that I could run across the country. However, even some members of my extended family told me it was "nonsense" and that I would never do it. In 2006, at the age of 41, I proved all of them wrong by accomplishing a solo 3,260-mile run from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean in just 108 days.

Along the way, there were occasions when I was called names and belittled for what I was doing. Some yelled "Get a job!" while others told me that I was crazy, out of my mind, and a lunatic. One elderly man even told me that I had the brain of a scarecrow. When I was two-thirds of the way across the country, I gave a presentation at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic -- only to be told the very next day by someone associated with that famous hospital that I was "not normal" and that I shouldn't be able to do what I'm doing. I was spit on, had things thrown at me by passing motorists, and was run off the road by people deliberately swerving cars at me. Getting across America by running 30 miles per day solo was a challenge beyond anything I could have ever imagined. However, I succeeded -- and then I went on to run solo across Montana, Alaska, Germany, and the Mojave Desert.

As I was completing the run across the Mojave in 2011, I was told by someone that I had known for 25 years that they didn't understand the running part of my life and that I wasn't normal, because in that person's limited perspective "normal people" don't do the extreme running adventures that I had been accomplishing for many years. That person clearly never truly knew who I was, even after 25 years. Yes, there were many times during my running endeavors that I felt like a freak, outsider and oddity -- running more than the marathon distance every day while pushing gear, food and water in a yellow jogging stroller. However, I ran on... knowing that even though most people couldn't relate with my ability and purpose, I believed in myself and in what I was doing.

What many are considering to be the anthem of The Greatest Showman movie is the song "This Is Me." As I heard this song for the first time in that dark theater, my eyes welled. I thought back to all of the painful, lonely miles... pounding myself into the ground along side roads in America and Europe. The song includes these words:

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down 

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out

I am brave, I am bruised

I am who I'm meant to be, this is me

Look out 'cause here I come

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum

I'm not scared to be seen

I make no apologies, this is me

I ran with words like that in my heart, and to hear those words in the movie truly resurfaced feelings that I dealt with as I ran through countless small towns where I would receive curious looks by people who wouldn't approach me but would convey with just one look how 'odd' they perceived me to be. In the movie, P.T. Barnum states "No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else." I hope all of the running I've done across states and countries to promote youth health and fitness made a difference... even in a small way. I retired from extreme ultra-endurance running in 2016 and now blend into society. Most people who meet me have no knowledge of my accomplishments, and aside from this blog, I generally don't offer information about the mileposts that I've reached for. Suffice it to say, I am truly just another face in the crowd these days -- and I'm okay with that.

The new year is stretched out in front of you. Make it the very best that you can... and step out into each day with confidence, commitment and conviction -- showing the world 'this is me.'

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

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

"Merry Christmas" vs. "Happy Holidays" -- The Debate Goes On...

Last week, a colleague in my office asked me if I believe that "Happy Holidays" has become the most common phrase of the Christmas season, rather than "Merry Christmas." In fact, he asked which phrase I tend to use the most. I'm a "Merry Christmas" kind of guy, but I certainly don't mind the "Happy Holidays" phrase because that also encompasses New Years. Regardless, whether to use "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" has been a debate for many Americans over the past several years.

Just in the past week, CBS News reported that a new poll shows that “Merry Christmas” remains the top holiday greeting among Americans. The poll, conducted by Monmouth University Poll Institute, shows that 67 percent say that at this time of year ‘Merry Christmas’ is the greeting they tend to use. Twenty-five percent of those polled say “Happy Holidays."

In another poll conducted in the past week by the Pew Center on Religion and Public Life, it was shown that most Americans are not concerned about the language of Christmas/Holiday greetings in public places. In fact, 52 percent of Americans say they don't care how a store clerk acknowledges the holiday, while 32 percent would like to hear "Merry Christmas," and 15 percent would prefer "Happy Holidays" or "Seasons Greetings."

So, what does any of this have to do with health and fitness (since this is a fitness-oriented blog)? Well, your vocal apparatus is your lips, tongue, teeth, top of the mouth, and the voice box in your throat. There are muscles in the lips, tongue and throat as well as your cheeks and jaw. Overall, it takes about 100 muscles to speak! In fact, it takes the same amount of physical energy to say any of the following: "Merry Christmas," "Happy Holidays," or "Seasons Greetings." So, exercise your vocal apparatus this month by expressing to others one of the three phrases -- and have yourself a wonderful Christmas... Holiday... or, Season!

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

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

Over Five Thousand Santa Claus Runners Set World Record

It was just one year ago that 5,025 road race participants dressed in Santa suits crossed the finish line at the Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler in Virginia Beach, Virginia. As a result, they broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Santa Claus Run.

The most complicated Guinness requirement was that the participants had to be wearing all five pieces of the Santa suit provided to them for the duration of the race, including the red pants, a red jacket, hat, black belt, and a white beard. Guinness officials allowed runners to pull the beard down under their chin, if needed, so it wouldn’t restrict their breathing.

To help make the suits as comfortable as possible for runners, there was an alteration table set up during packet pickup the day before the race, as well as the day of the race.

Race officials were also required to take video of the start and the end of the race, and have counters at the finish line to see how many racers did not have their full five-piece suit on. The official counters tallied 191 Santas who did not have their full suit on at the finish, which left them with 5,025 official Santa finishers — enough to break the previous world record of 4,961 Santas set at the 2013 Dundalk Charity Santa Fun Run in Ireland.

The course went along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, which was decorated with Christmas lights. Racers could even make pit stops at either a gingerbread cookie or a candy cane aid station for an energy boost throughout the race.

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

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

Go Nuts, Not Donuts -- Going Nuts for Heart Health!

Harvard researchers followed 210,000 adults for 32 years. They looked at heart health for people who ate nuts at least once a week to those who didn’t eat any nuts. People who ate:

• Walnuts at least once a week had a 20 percent lower risk of heart disease.

• Peanuts two or more times a week had a 14 percent lower risk of heart disease.

• Tree nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, or macadamia nuts) two or more times a week had a 15 to 23 percent lower risk of heart disease.

Of course, it’s possible that other habits helped reduce the risk of heart disease in the study's adults, such as being active each day. However, it can't be overlooked that nuts are high in fiber, nutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats that can help lower heart disease risk.

So, go nuts! Even a small handful once or twice a day can help keep your heart healthy.

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

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

Enjoying The Feeling of Being Retired From Adventure Running

One year ago, I announced via this blog that I have retired from running across states and countries. Sometimes when athletes retire from something that they've done for most of their life, they come out of retirement so that they can try and relive the feeling and excitement of their sport one more time. So, what am I feeling now that it has been nearly 7 years since my last adventure run (across the Mojave Desert) and having been officially retired from running over a marathon a day across vast land areas all alone while pushing a support stroller of gear, food and water weighing half of my body weight?

I feel great and have absolutely no regrets!

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

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

North Pole, Alaska is a Great Place to Visit!

I grew up in Alaska and have been to the small Alaskan town of North Pole a couple of times. It's known for its year-round Christmas decorations, including candy cane–striped street lights. Santa Claus House is a Christmas store with walls covered in children’s letters to Santa, as well as a 42-foot-tall Santa Claus statue outside! Streets have names like Kris Kringle Drive and Mistletoe Lane. Live reindeer and an opportunity for a photograph with Santa Claus at the Santa Claus House are available year round.

As I write this blog post, it's currently minus 5 degrees at North Pole, Alaska. However, when I ran through there during the spring of 2009 on my 500-mile Alaska running adventure, the temperature was pleasantly in the 50's. On average, North Pole, Alaska receives just over 5 feet of snow during the winter months, and has only 3 hours of daylight at mid-winter. The lowest recorded temperature there was achieved in 1990 when it got down to minus 53 degrees!

Prior to Christmas each year, the post office in North Pole receives hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa Claus, and thousands more from people wanting the town's postmark on their Christmas greeting cards to their families.

You may be wondering if there are any athletics going on in the tiny town of North Pole, Alaska (population around 2,000 people). You may be surprised to learn that the town has an all-female flat-track Roller Derby league called the "North Pole Babes in Toyland" (NPBT) whose athletes have Christmas and/or North Pole inspired Skater names.

I consider myself very fortunate to have grown up in Alaska and I will always cherish my memories of visiting North Pole, Alaska with my parents.

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

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

Are There Health Benefits of Peppermint Candy Canes?

Did you know that the United States has a "National Candy Cane Day" on December 26? Each year, nearly 2 BILLION candy canes are made and 90% of candy canes are sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The "candy cane" is first found in literature in 1866. Its earliest known association with Christmas was in 1874, and by 1882 canes were being hung on Christmas trees. In 1921, a machine was invented that could automatically make candy canes. Before this, each cane was made by hand.

Traditionally, candy canes are white with red stripes and flavored with peppermint, but there are many other flavors... such as, bacon; pickle; gravy, and more. Candy canes typically contain sugar, corn syrup, natural flavor, and have color added. The average candy cane contains around 50 calories and does not contain any fat or cholesterol.

According to Harvard Health Publications, peppermint oil can help relieve indigestion. Also, peppermint oil in candy canes contains a substantial amount of antioxidants -- in fact, among the highest found in nature. The Cornell Center for Materials Research notes that peppermint oil contains higher antioxidant levels than those in cereals, fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants strengthen your body's ability to fight diseases and infections, protecting your cells against attacks by the molecules produced when your body breaks down food.

Some studies have found that tension headaches may be alleviated with peppermint, including one study that found using peppermint is as effective as taking acetaminophen after 15 minutes. Also, the menthol in peppermint is known to be an effective decongestant to open up nasal passages. In addition, it's soothing to the throat and can calm a dry cough.

Enjoy some candy canes this holiday season!

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

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

There is SO Much to be Thankful For This Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day is coming up this week in the United States and I have so much to be thankful for. This will be my 52nd Thanksgiving and I've been thinking back over the past 52 years of countless times with family and friends. Yes, there is so much to be thankful for and I want to take a moment to express some of the reasons why I am truly thankful this year.

In the photo accompanying this post is my lovely fiancé, Kelley. We've been together for 2½ years and engaged since November 2016. I am so thankful to have the love of a beautiful Christian woman who has captured every part of my heart. In 2018, Kelley and I will be married and our next Thanksgiving will be as Mr. and Mrs. – which will be a blessing beyond measure. Kelley has four wonderful children, two of whom are adults. Her adult children are pursuing college degrees while working many hours each week at jobs. Her two younger children are straight-A students and are very involved in dance classes. Kelley is an amazing mother and her children are certainly a blessing to her. I am thankful to be in their lives and to see each of them pursuing their interests and goals with such passion and commitment.

I have four fantastic children of my own and my youngest, Brian, is a senior in high school and will be turning 18 years old in just 7 weeks. Once that big event happens, all of my children will be adults. Brian's high school career has included playing soccer and running cross country. He stands at 6 feet tall and will soon be blazing his trail as an adult. Ky is 19 years old and creates the most incredible music, recently finishing an ambient influenced synth-pop project. I never thought that when I bought him his first sound mixer many years ago that he'd develop his talents so well and be creating music that people from around the world listen to on SoundCloud, Google Music, and Apple Music. My daughter Ashlin, who is 23, graduated from the University of Montana this year with a bachelor of science degree in exercise science, health and human performance. She is currently working as a Psychometrist at a neuropsychological practice. My daughter, Jenna, is 24 years of age and in her second year of teaching 3rd grade at a K-12 private school, as well as being a varsity volleyball coach. She'll be spending this Thanksgiving with Kelley's family and I in Indiana. As a father, I couldn't be more proud of my children and all that they have accomplished, and I love each of them more than they'll ever know.

My parents are in their 80's and are doing well. They've been married for 63 years and consistently encourage me and offer advice in so many of life's arenas that I find myself in. Their love and support has meant the world to me over the years and I'm thankful to be their son.

I am the youngest of seven children and unfortunately I rarely see my siblings. As the decades have gone by, we've seen the miles between us grow and our connections decrease. However, I love each of them and am thankful for all of the Thanksgiving moments that we've shared in the past. I have friends that have been in my life for countless years and who have often provided an ear to listen, an encouraging word, and more. I am thankful for each and every one.

My health is very good and my job keeps me busy. Income flows steadily, bills are paid regularly, a house shelters me daily, and food is within reach at any time. I can adjust a thermostat on the wall to instantly have warm or cool air, I have clean water and a comfortable bed, and I possess many of the conveniences of the 21st century. In so many ways, I am far more fortunate than many people in this world. I thank God, my Provider, for watching over me and for guiding my steps on life's path. My salvation through Jesus Christ is the ultimate gift to be thankful for this Thanksgiving... and every day of the year. 

To you and your family, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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

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

Ways That Your Partner Relationship Can Affect Your Health

Can your romantic relationship make a difference in your overall well-being? Research shows that strong partnerships can help us avoid illness, adopt healthier habits, and even live longer. On the other hand, troubled relationships tend to breed stress and weaken immunity. Today's blog post will share just a few ways that your health is affected by the partner relationship you choose.

First, I must say that I've never been happier in a relationship than I am at this point in my life. For over two years I've been with Kelley (pictured above) and we've been engaged for one year. We've both experienced the stress and turmoil associated with disharmonious relationships and divorce, and we both feel blessed beyond measure to have found one another. We are truly happy to be getting married next year and building our home together! Between us we have eight wonderful children (six of whom are adults) and both of us are committed to a loving, mature and healthy relationship as the years unfold.

When it comes to a person's well being, there are many factors which affect our health, whether it's behaviors we exhibit toward each other or the habits that we pass on to each other. Regardless of the level of your partner relationship, you should keep in mind the ways that your romantic bond may influence both your mind and your body.

According to a 2012 study, people tend to gain weight as they settle into marriage (they "let themselves go"), but lose weight when a marriage ends. However, the opposite has proven to happen quite often. A happy couple can motivate each other to stay healthy -- they'll go to the gym together, set goals, and feel responsible for each other. When couples do put on weight, it may be a symptom of conflict, not necessarily "letting themselves go." It has been shown that dissatisfaction in a relationship can lead to passive-aggressive eating behaviors and sleep problems, which will ultimately lead to weight gain.

Did you know that regular physical intimacy can reduce stress and boost well-being? I know, that's probably not much of a surprise! A 2009 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, found that people who frequently had sex were healthier mentally and more likely to report greater satisfaction with their relationship and life overall. However, sexual intimacy is just one part of a relationship. Your partner's behavior outside the bedroom can just as easily send stress levels moving in the opposite direction. Parenting disputes, disagreements about money, or even deciding who does which household tasks have been shown to increase stress.

Sex isn't the only type of physical contact that can lower stress and improve health. In a 2004 study of 38 couples, University of North Carolina researchers found that both men and women had higher blood levels of oxytocin (a hormone believed to ease stress and improve mood) after hugging. The women also had lower blood pressure post-hug, and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It has been shown that caring behaviors -- such as a touch on the arm, holding hands, or a rub on the shoulder -- can stimulate those hormones and help to overcome stress and anxiety.

It has also been shown that sleeping next to someone you love and trust can help you fully relax and embrace sleep. However, a big exception is if your partner keeps you up at night -- by snoring or by tossing and turning. Studies show that people are more likely to experience daytime fatigue and fitful sleep themselves if their partner struggles with restless sleep or insomnia. Relationships can affect sleep in less direct ways, too. Research shows that relationship insecurity or conflict is associated with poorer sleep.

In some cases, relationship difficulties may actually contribute to full-blown anxiety. Several studies have found a link between marital problems and an increased risk of generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety. Also, stressful relationships have been shown to dramatically increase the risk of clinical depression.

A person's diet, exercise habits, and stress levels can all have an impact on blood pressure, so it's not surprising that your relationship status (and the strength of your relationship) can, too. In a highly publicized 2008 study, researchers at Brigham Young University found that people in happy marriages tended to have lower blood pressure than those who are single. People who were unhappily married, however, tended to have higher blood pressure than singles.

The link between relationships and cardiovascular health goes well beyond blood pressure. Studies consistently report that being married is associated with a lower risk of heart attack and better outcomes after heart surgery, especially for men. Why is that? Stress and other underlying biological factors (including blood pressure) are thought to be involved, but the emotional and tangible support that partners provide is believed to play a role as well.

Also, a partner's watchful eye and day-to-day care appears to foster a healthier lifestyle and closer attention to health problems. People in healthy relationships take care of each other and may feel more of a desire to take care of themselves.

Finally, it has been shown that it's not just your current partner relationship that can affect your health, but also your past ones -- especially those that ended in hurt feelings and rejection. In 2011, researchers from Columbia University found that thinking about an ex-lover can have similar effects on the brain as physical pain. It's even possible for a breakup to result in something called broken heart syndrome, a temporary enlargement of the heart (with symptoms mimicking a heart attack) brought on by extreme physical or emotional stress.

These are just a few of the ways that your partner relationship can affect your health. What's most important is to make certain that the relationship you're in is one that is healthy and beneficial for both partners. If it's not, then whether you should continue the relationship must seriously be examined.

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

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

E-cigarettes (Vaping) May Contribute to Inflammatory Lung Disease

In September 2016, I wrote a blog post titled "Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes: Inhaling The Dangerous Facts." This week I read that a new study from researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that e-cigarette use can trigger immune responses in the lung that can contribute to inflammatory lung disease. The research was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Globally, e-cigarette use is soaring -- especially with young people. In 2016 the US Surgeon General identified a 900 percent increase in e-cigarette use in high school students from 2011 to 2015. While e-cigarette vapor doesn't contain the same kinds of carcinogenic compounds as regular cigarette smoke, there is a growing body of research to suggest "vaping" may have its own set of harmful effects.

The study examined 44 sputum samples from e-cigarette users, current cigarette smokers, and non-smokers. Amongst e-cigarette users, a significant increase in neutrophil granulocyte- and neutrophil-extracellular-trap (NET)-related proteins was identified. The study notes that while neutrophils are useful in combating pathogens they also are known to contribute to lung diseases such as COPD and cystic fibrosis. The study also identified similar increases in specific biomarkers associated with lung disease between e-cigarette and cigarette users. An increase in mucin 5AC, a mucus secretion associated with chronic bronchitis and asthma, was also found in both e-cigarette and cigarette users.

Dr. Mehmet Kesimer, senior author of the study, has said: "Comparing the harm of e-cigarettes with cigarettes is a little like comparing apples to oranges. Our data shows that e-cigarettes have a signature of harm in the lung that is both similar and unique, which challenges the concept that switching from cigarettes to e-cigarettes is a healthier alternative."

It's becoming more clear that there are adverse effects of e-cigarettes. While they most likely don't cause the same kind of harm as cigarettes, it may indeed be a misnomer to believe that they are a "healthy" alternative. The only truly healthy alternative to cigarette smoking is to simply not smoke at all.

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

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

The Funniest Compliment I Ever Received About My Running

On the evening of October 9, 2006, I was in Fellowsville, West Virginia, at the home of Stan Shaver and his wife, Thelma. They were kind enough to provide overnight accommodations as I was nearing the finish of my solo run across America. On that particular day, I had run more than the marathon distance and the next day I was scheduled to run 38 miles to Mount Storm, West Virginia, which included steep and narrow roads going up the Appalachian Mountains.

At the time of my visit, Stan was the Principal of Fellowsville School and was serving in the West Virginia House of Representatives (District 46). After a wonderful dinner, Stan and I were sitting in his living room chatting about the cross-country adventure that I had been doing for over 3 months. He couldn't believe that I had averaged 30 miles per day solo pushing a 65-pound jogging stroller of gear for 2,960 miles to his front doorstep. It was simply amazing to him. He told me that what I was doing surpassed anything in athletics that he had ever seen, including Lance Armstrong's wins in the Tour de France. He then gave me the funniest compliment that I had ever received regarding my ultra-endurance adventures. Stan said, "There are IronMen, and then there's whatever the hell you are!" I laughed, but quickly realized that he didn't mean it as a joke. He was completely serious!

Of course, the "Ironman" title in athletics is for those who complete the Ironman Triathlon challenge in Hawaii -- swimming 2.4 miles; bicycling 112 miles; and, running 26.2 miles (in that order, without breaks). I've never felt compelled to pursue the Ironman (mainly due to my lack of strength in swimming), but I greatly respect those who can complete that race. There's also "Iron Man" -- the fictional superhero by Marvel Comics. However, I don't think that's the "Iron Man" he was referring to!

So, to hear Stan say what he did was taken as both a compliment and quite humorous. Thanks for encouraging me, Stan!

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

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