Tuesday, June 23, 2020

"Oh, You're That Crazy Runner!" -- 14 Years Later, I'm Not That Guy.

"Oh, you're that crazy runner!" It was 14 years ago today when those words would become quite common for me to hear. It was on this day back in 2006 that I began my solo run across America. Most thought I was crazy. Many predicted that I would fail. I'm not sure if it was a combination of crazy and determination, or just plain luck... but somehow I succeeded at that adventure. Now, 14 years since I took that first step away from Cannon Beach, Oregon I can say with absolute certainty that I am not that man any longer.

Not only did I retire from extreme running in 2016, I also packed away into the far recess of my attic the trusty BOB stroller that endured every step with me. If you've followed this blog for any amount of time, you know that I've written about a number of emotions, experiences and struggles concerning that 15-state adventure. Here are just a few (click on any titles to read the blog posts):
Recently, my wife and I watched several of the videos at my YouTube channel from the various adventure runs. I watched those videos and had a mixture of emotions. I am pleased with what I was able to accomplish and with each picture and video I recalled the numerous emotions I experienced in order to successfully complete each journey. I look at myself in those videos and see a different man -- a man who was personally struggling in several ways, and not just with trying to run across a state or country. My life had been one that was rooted in perseverance... enduring... simply reaching for the future, for the next milepost. I am not that man any longer.

I'm posting this video at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time, which is 6:00 a.m. on the west coast. That is the time that I opened my eyes in Cannon Beach, Oregon to begin that solo U.S. run. As I post this writing, I can't help but to reflect back to that morning... the emotions I was feeling... the uncertainty that was in front of me. Today, my life is no longer uncertain. In fact, I have a peace and contentment that I never imagined I would experience. I am happy, I am whole, I am peaceful, I am blessed.

I no longer live under a running cap. My eyes are no longer shaded by sport sunglasses most of the day, and my legs no longer look chiseled and deeply tanned. I am not so incredibly thin and no longer have to wear an ID bracelet in fear that someone may find me injured or dead along a highway. I am no longer reaching for life's horizon with a feeling of loneliness. I am fortunate, I am thankful, I am wiser, I am complete.

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

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Monday, June 22, 2020

The Emotions of Becoming a Father of a Teenager for the First Time


I'll never forget the emotions I experienced on June 22, 2006 -- fourteen years ago today. My eldest child, Jenna, was turning 13... becoming a teenager. And, the very next day I would begin my 3,260-mile solo run across the United States from coast to coast. Today, Jenna is 27 years old and I hope that she has a wonderful birthday. She's an elementary school teacher and high school volleyball coach and lives over 500 miles away from me. We don't see each other as often these days. In fact, I haven't seen Jenna for 8 months and there's no plans on the horizon for us to spend time together. With careers and often chaotic schedules keeping us on the run, it has certainly become more challenging to find moments to spend together. However, we do keep in frequent contact and I'm so happy for all that she has going on in her life.

Getting back to her 13th birthday, we were at Cannon Beach, Oregon where I would begin my 15-state U.S. run. Jenna was incredibly supportive of the endeavor and as her Dad it was certainly difficult to begin that run the day following her birthday. I had just become the father of a teenager and was about to embark on the season of life of having a teenage daughter. We celebrated her 13th birthday and then prepared to say our goodbyes. I remember holding her in my arms and being so thankful for the blessings of Dadhood. Yes, my eyes welled up as I came to the realization that my little girl was growing up. My eyes welled even more when I got my last glimpse of her as I ran down the coastal highway that June 23 morning back in 2006. I recall saying a prayer for all four of my children, and then I just kept reaching for the horizon for 108 days on the road.

When I was about four weeks into my cross country run, Jenna wrote these words to me: "Hi Dad! I just want to start this out by saying how proud I am of you!!! You are a role model to many kids and adults... How many people can say they ran across the United States pushing a stroller!! Not many! I am probably the luckiest girl on the planet. I have a great dad who is proving to the world that he keeps his promises. I really look up to you dad. I have missed you but support you, and always will. I will continue to pray for you and encourage you. Whenever you are having a hard day just know that I am praying for you! I love you and am extremely proud of you!! I will cherish this event forever if you make it or not, but I know you will!!! Good luck!! I love you!! Hugs and kisses."

Even reading those words again brings tears to my eyes -- as was the case when I read them for the first time in July 2006. I remember feeling so proud to be her Dad and wanting to do my very best to succeed. I wanted all of my children to be proud of their Dad and to see me as a positive role model. Yes, it was incredibly hard to be away from Jenna -- and all of my children -- during the summer of 2006. I knew I would never get that time with them back and was determined to succeed so that the time lost with them wouldn't be in vain.

It has now been 14 years since Jenna blew out 13 candles and I laced up my shoes to run toward the horizon. So much has occurred in our lives since then. In many ways, life is so incredibly different. Yet, the love I have for Jenna has grown as I've watched her blaze a path as an adult. We both have made decisions on life's road that we know in our hearts were the best for us, and to curb criticism or judgment of those decisions is something that we both benefit from. Jenna will always be my little girl, but I know that to the world she is viewed as a strong woman of principles and faith -- and I couldn't be more proud.

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

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Friday, June 19, 2020

When I Was a Boy, I Enjoyed Philately and Was a Hobby Philatelist

When I was a boy, I enjoyed the study of postage stamps and collected stamps from around the world. My oldest U.S. stamp is this 1932 three-cent George Washington (shown in the photo). Stamp collecting has been a popular hobby since the nineteenth century. By 1860, thousands of collectors and stamp dealers were appearing around the world as this new study and hobby spread across Europe, European colonies, the United States and other parts of the world.

The first postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued by Britain in May 1840 and pictured a young Queen Victoria. It was produced without perforations and had to be cut from the sheet with scissors in order to be used.

I started stamp collecting in the 1970's. My parents would save cancelled stamps that they received on envelopes and they would also order cancelled stamps that could be purchased. I couldn't wait to go to the mailbox and find a package of stamps to add to my album. The longer I collected, the more common it was to receive a stamp that I had already obtained. If the stamp I received was better than one that I had previously put in my book, I would use it as a replacement so that I would have the best quality of stamps possible. My stamp collection book from the 1970's contains postage stamps from all over the world.

I'm in pretty good company as a Philatelist -- or one who collects stamps. U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a stamp collector, as was English singer, songwriter and peace activist John Lennon. King George V of the United Kingdom collected stamps, as did Freddie Mercury, lead singer of the band Queen. Why did I collect stamps as a boy? I believe it was because I was intrigued by the pictures, designs and colors of them. Remember, this was back in 1975 -- long before the Internet. Back then, at the age of 10, my exposure to the world was limited to what I would see in the Encyclopedia Britannica. Stamps were something that put into my hand an item that came from another part of the world. The images on the stamps were a window into another culture, and I thought that was quite interesting.

The most valuable U.S. stamp has an interesting story to it. It's the Inverted Jenny stamp of 1918.


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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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Wednesday, June 17, 2020

As Many Runners Know, Pain or Discomfort is a Running Companion

I've experienced a few injuries in my running career. One that occurred very unexpectedly was on the second day of my 2008 solo run across Montana. That was a 620-mile run in 20 days from the Great Plains at the North Dakota border to the Rocky Mountains at the Idaho border. On the second day of that endeavor, I sustained an injury to my left foot that would be something I would have to endure for the remaining 18 days while pushing "BOB" -- my "Beast Of Burden" stroller of gear, food and water weighing about 65 pounds.

Here is a part of what I wrote in my journal on April 29, 2008:
At around the 24 mile mark today I was pushing "BOB" up a considerable incline on my way to the Powder River. I wasn't experiencing any problems, but all of a sudden a tendon or ligament (to the best of my knowledge) at the top of my left foot pulled or strained... bringing me to a stop and making me scratch my head as to why this happened. I've pushed BOB over the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian Mountains, and everywhere in between and have never had anything like this occur. However, today it happened and it brought me to a limp... I don't believe it is a stress fracture, but rather a tendon/ligament issue. I'll know more tomorrow. These types of things can happen and I'm certainly not Superman. Yes, I did run across America solo in 2006. However, I even battled a few injuries during that journey. Yet, none of them were serious enough to stop me. When faced with a situation like this it's important to stop and find out precisely what is happening, and that is what I'm going to do. You have to be smart and when the body is experiencing a problem and is not responding as it should, you need to find out why. Tomorrow I hope to do that.
Ultimately, I saw a sports medicine physician and had an x-ray performed. A tendon strain was identified and I resumed the Montana run the next day... averaging 32 miles per day for what remained of the journey (about 560 miles). Sure, there was pain/discomfort with each stride. However, I was determined to do the run. It required alternating ice and heat and scheduling more walking breaks, but I managed to accomplish the undertaking. There were even occasions when I iced the foot in snowbanks along the roadway!

Running across states and countries requires the ability to manage pain. To some degree, pain is always present. It is a constant running companion. Some days are worse than others and some days can bring you to tears. Regardless, I always pushed on and accomplished every running challenge I set for myself. In 2016 I retired from adventure runs. Now, at age 55, I am pleased with what I was able to achieve and have no permanent injuries that limit my life in any way. Thank goodness!

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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Welk and Rogers -- Little Tunes I Sing to Start and End The Day

The Lawrence Welk Show aired on television from 1951 until 1982. My parents would occasionally watch the program and enjoyed the range of music -- from polka tunes to novelty songs to big band standards. To this day I remember the closing song ("Till We Meet Again"), and the lyrics are:

Good night, sleep tight and pleasant dreams to you.
Here's a wish and a prayer that every dream comes true.
And now 'til we meet again
Adios, au revoir, auf wiedersehen.
Good Night!

My stepdaughters know that I like to sing this song to them before they go to bed. When I first sang it, they thought I had made it up! I let them know that the song is actually much older than I am. In fact, the Lawrence Welk show first aired nearly 70 years ago!

So, what do I sing to them when they wake up? Well, you can't go wrong with Mr. Rogers' song It's Such a Good Feeling -- which was a part of the Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood television show from 1968 until 2001. Here's a part of the lyrics that my stepdaughters have also heard me sing to help them start their day:

It's such a good feeling
To know you're alive.
It's such a happy feeling
You're growing inside.
And when you wake up ready to say
"I think I'll make a snappy new day."

I'll usually sing the entire song (sometimes changing the last few lines) before heading out the door to the office, even if they've buried their heads under their pillows to try and block out my wonderful vocal talents! I hope that they'll always remember those two little tunes to help them begin and end their day.

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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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Monday, June 15, 2020

An Elderly German Man Patted My Face And Said "Freundlich" 3 Times

As I embarked on my 3-week, 500-mile solo run across Germany in 2010 I wasn't sure what to expect from the locals. I had read that Germans are stoic people who strive for perfectionism and precision in all aspects of their lives. They place a high priority on structure, privacy and punctuality. They do not admit faults, even jokingly, and rarely hand out compliments. Their attitude can come across as unfriendly; yet, there is a keen sense of community and social conscience.

However, I was an American who didn't speak German... and who was running across their country pushing a yellow jogging stroller of gear. How welcoming would they be to me? That question ran through my mind during each day of training for the journey. Germany is at the center of Europe -- not only geographically, but also in terms of politics and economics. The country is Europe's second most populous after Russia, with more than 83 million people. I would encounter many of them as I would stride from one side of that country to the other.

After just a few days of running in Germany I concluded that nobody was going to acknowledge my existence. I would pass pedestrians on sidewalks -- often with their heads looking down -- and would say (in my best German vernacular) "Guten Morgen!"... which is Good Morning! I would get no response, not even a glance. I kept trying, but after several days I decided that I wasn't going to have any success in getting a reaction from the locals.

One day I was walking down a pedestrian path drinking water as I pushed the stroller and an elderly gentleman was approaching. He read the sign I had on the front of the stroller which briefly described what I was doing -- and it was written in German text. He stepped in front of the stroller, bringing me to a stop. His eyes flew open wide as he read that I was a solo American running across the country to promote youth health and fitness. Suddenly, he began to speak non-stop in German. I wasn't understanding a word and tried to interrupt him with "Sprechen Sie Englisch?"... which is 'do you speak English?' He just kept right on talking, and I interrupted him again -- asking the same question. That's when he walked right up to me, just inches away. He looked me in the eyes and patted me on the cheek saying "Freundlich, Freundlich, Freundlich." With that, he turned and continued on his way down the path.

In German, "freundlich" means friendly. The old man apparently viewed me as a friendly American, although one who couldn't speak German. It was a quick encounter, but one that left me feeling that not all Germans are as unfriendly as non-Germans may think. Somehow, that gentleman saw this out-of-place American as friendly, and I carried that positive feeling with me for the rest of the journey.

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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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

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Friday, June 12, 2020

I'm Not Into Wanderlust and Not a Vagabond, Wanderer or Gallivanter

"Wanderlust" is defined as a very strong desire to travel. A "vagabond" is a person who wanders from place to place without a home or job. A "wanderer" is a person who travels aimlessly. A "gallivanter" is a person who travels around in search of amusement, fun or adventure. During my years of running solo across states and countries, I had all of those terms applied to me by people -- most often by people who didn't know me. All of my running was to promote youth health and fitness, goal setting, and to try and encourage and inspire young people to have dreams. It had nothing to do with wanderlust or wanting to be a vagabond, wanderer or gallivanter.

There's one thing I definitely learned by running in and out of communities on a daily basis, and that is people can be quick to label you upon first glance. There were people who viewed me as a jobless wanderer and actually yelled "Get a job!" There were times when people stopped their cars and asked me if I was lost, needed help, or was confused -- likely because I was on the edge of highways with a jogging stroller. If you were driving and saw a thin, tanned guy all alone pushing a stroller along the edge of the roadway you too may wonder what in the world his story is. Those who stopped to talk and learn about my running endeavors were incredibly supportive. They asked questions and learned that I was a father, had a job, and was the founder and president of a non-profit organization aimed at promoting youth health and fitness. I wasn't driven by wanderlust and certainly wasn't a vagabond, wanderer or gallivanter.

While on my various running adventures (across the USA, Germany, Alaska, Mojave Desert, etc.) I had some very bad experiences by people who had quickly come across my path and didn't know anything about me. I had objects thrown at me, was spit on, and was deliberately run off the road. I was called some terrible names and endured moments of profanity from some who apparently had nothing better to do than to try and discourage and disparage another person. I honestly believe that many people who saw me on the road viewed me as nothing more than an aimless wanderer who had nothing more in life than blisters and a weathered stroller of worthless belongings.

Some of the most genuine and kind encounters I had on the road were with homeless people. I would stop underneath overpasses -- where they were many times sitting in shade or out of the rain -- and chat for awhile before continuing on. I was never judged by a homeless person and actually gave some food and money to some that I could tell were truly hurting. There were certainly days when I was accepted more by those who were homeless than by those who were more fortunate.

These days, my life stays away from any actions that might fall into the perception of wanderlust, vagabond, wanderer or gallivanter. I appreciate the experiences I had on the road and believe that those experiences made me a better person -- a stronger person. I've always liked the words of 1 Corinthians 9:26, which reads: "I do not run like someone running aimlessly." In all of the running I've done, I always had an aim... even when others didn't understand it.

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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Adventures in Dadhood -- 27 Years of Parenting in the 'Hood'

I love being a Dad. It has been one of the greatest joys in my life for the past 27 years. I'm blessed to be the father to four adult children (ages 20-27) and four stepchildren (ages 12-23). My parents raised seven children and I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a dad. When I was 28 years old, my first child was born... and the adventure in Dadhood began!

I equate becoming a parent similar to taking on a professional position after four years of college. No matter how prepared you think you are, you're in for an awakening to reality. Just like reading about work scenarios in books isn't the same as actually dealing with them in a professional environment, reading the "What to Expect" guides on parenting doesn't truly prepare you for what you'll actually experience. It isn't until your feet are in the fire, so to say, that you actually have your eyes tossed wide open to the real life responsibilities and commitment needed to properly and successfully raise a human being from the drooling, crying, bottom-wiping phase to the high school graduate crossing the stage... and crossing into adulthood.

When I became a father, I was unemployed. I had left the world of elementary school teaching and completed a second Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Literally one month after obtaining that degree, my eldest daughter was born -- two months premature. After three weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, she was finally able to go home. That's when things got very real. I was able to obtain a job in a law firm and the adventure in Dadhood was underway. Over the years, I was blessed to become the father of another daughter, and two sons. Dadhood became an epic adventure, far greater than any other adventure I've ever experienced in life. It was always a blessing, frequently exhausting, sometimes challenging, and never a regret.

There were some heart-wrenching situations along the way -- such as deaths of loved ones, divorce, and going in different directions. However, the love I have for my children has never wavered. In 2015, I was blessed beyond measure to meet the woman I would eventually marry in 2018. Today, she is the mother of four children ages 12, 15, 22 and 23. Upon our getting married I entered into a new 'hood' -- Step-Dadhood! What I've learned over the past years is that this 'hood' isn't much different than the Dadhood that I've been in for 27 years. Sure, there are some differences between Dadhood and Step-Dadhood, but there are many sights, sounds and experiences that are the same in both 'hoods.' I'm learning the Step-Dadhood life and am incredibly fortunate to have two young ladies at home who are understanding and forgiving when I make mistakes.

Yes, I love being a Dad (and Stepdad!). My life in the Dad arena is in two 'hoods' simultaneously, and the blessings that come from that are incredible.

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

Paul J. Staso
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Tuesday, June 9, 2020

During a "Toxic Trifecta" God is Not Helpless Among The Ruins

As of yesterday, approximately 112,000 Americans had died as a result of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). That's more than the total number of American soldiers who were killed in the Korean and Vietnam Wars combined! In fact, we're quickly approaching the point where the number of American Covid-19 deaths will surpass the number of Americans killed in World War I (116,516). From April 2 through mid-May, 2020, more than 1,000 people died each day in the U.S. from Covid-19. On at least 10 days, the toll exceeded 2,000 -- more than the average daily death rate for heart disease.

Sports without fans, no public concerts, no eating in restaurants, and more has really been a change in the world during 2020. CNN recently reported that Americans are now dealing with a combination of Coronavirus, vast unemployment, and systemic racism -- calling it "a toxic trifecta." Many are saying that this will be the "new normal" for quite some time.

New Normal is a term that was first used following the financial crisis of 2007-2008. It was also used during the aftermath of the 2008–2012 global recession, and most recently the Covid-19 pandemic. The term has also been used in a variety of other contexts to imply that something which was previously considered abnormal has become commonplace. Are handshakes a thing of the past? Will social distancing continue indefinitely? No one has a definitive answer. Some Christians are actually wondering if this pandemic is God's judgment against us.

A book that I've owned for decades sits on my bookshelf with marked, dog-eared pages falling out due to many instances of re-reading it. In his book Disciplines of the Christian Life, Eric Liddell wrote:
"God does not say that because you believe in Him, he will keep you from hardship and suffering. He says, if you trust him, he will strengthen you to meet all the experiences of life in a conquering spirit. You will have secret resources of power to call on when they are needed. Life is full of hard experiences, bitter disappointments, unexpected losses, grim tragedies... Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins. Our broken lives are not lost or useless. God’s love is still working. He comes in and takes the calamity and uses it victoriously, working out His wonderful plan of love. ‘All things work together for good to them that love God.’ He is always master of the situation. There is infinite resourcefulness in the almighty love. Many a man has become great in spite of, as well as because of, disaster. This is the victory of God's love."
Liddell states that circumstances -- whether they be brought on by natural disasters, the realities of life, humankind's sinfulness, or our own sinfulness -- many times appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans. But as conclusive as that appearance of wreckage may seem to be, and as utterly ravaged as God’s plans may appear to be, “God is not helpless among the ruins." Our lives may be broken, but they are not forever lost or forever useless.

Words to think about during this "toxic trifecta."

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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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Monday, June 8, 2020

A Patio Extension Worth The Work and Many Memories Will Be Made!

Last evening, I enjoyed a peaceful moment with my wife on our new patio. We watched the fire flickering in our new fire pit as we relaxed on our new Azalea Ridge patio furniture. Birds were chirping as the sun dropped lower, which signaled our accent solar lights to turn on. We've been doing a lot of outdoor projects around our home this spring, but the patio was the biggest undertaking.

From start to finish, the new patio took ten days to complete -- which we worked on during two weekends. There are parts to the patio that are not seen in the accompanying photos, such as a new bistro table and chairs. Kelley had the overall vision and my desire was for it to turn out just the way she wanted. Last night, she smiled and hugged me... saying that it's better than she could have imagined. Those words made every bit of the work worthwhile!

Kelley and I work well together on projects. We've done many to our house and have truly made our house a home. It is comfortable, clean, attractive and inviting. My wife and I both agree that our home is truly what we've wanted all our lives, and to have it together is absolutely wonderful. We both want our home to be a place of special memories. We want our children and future grandchildren to enjoy time at our home. Kelley and I agree that this will be our final home -- the home that we'll enjoy during our retirement years.

Marriage is like a three-legged race. If you try to push ahead without your partner's cooperation, you both fall. However, if you work together you'll both do well. Kelley and I work well together, and the patio project was just one of many that we've accomplished side by side. I recently read the five "C's" to working well together as a couple:
  • Commitment: If two people are not solidly committed to each other, their marriage will sooner or later fall apart. Trust is the foundation of a good marriage, and trust begins with commitment. The traditional marriage vows say, "for better or for worse; for richer or for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love, to honor, and to cherish until death do us part." This is true commitment. You must be committed to honesty, faithfulness, and a lifelong love.
  • Communication: Without communication, any team is in trouble. It’s important to communicate your thoughts, ideas, plans, and opinions on a regular basis. You also need to communicate your feelings -- those joys, fears and frustrations in your heart. Communication forms the connection that allows you to understand each other and grow closer.
  • Coordination: Without coordination, your marriage will face conflict and tension. You'll find yourselves working against each other. Coordination means figuring out a way to work together that uses both partners' talents and abilities. It doesn't mean competing with each other or letting one person do all the work. When your efforts are coordinated, life goes more smoothly and more is accomplished.
  • Consideration: Without consideration, feelings are hurt and dreams evaporate. A lack of consideration is selfishness, and selfish players undermine a team. True teammates show consideration for their partner's feelings, interests, needs, desires, and preferences. Lack of consideration can block wishes, while real consideration ultimately gives you what you want. This works for both husbands and wives.
  • Clarity: Without clarity of vision, a team has no goal or direction. The players wander aimlessly in circles or slip into a downward spiral. Dreams give us clarity. They energize us and motivate us and give us hope. Dream big and dream together. Plan for the future with excitement and anticipation. A couple who is looking in the same direction can walk forward hand in hand with determination and satisfaction. We all need dreams, plus the passion and courage to pursue them.
Kelley and I are blessed to have a marriage where the five C's are constantly active. As a result, we also get to experience a sixth 'C' -- Contentment!

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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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Friday, June 5, 2020

Words of Encouragement in the Most Unexpected Places

I'll never forget the first time I saw my name on a sign board. It was early on during my solo run across America in 2006. I was wrapping up a day of running and was approaching a Quality Inn hotel, where I would be staying for the evening. On the sign board I saw written: Welcome - Good Luck Paul Staso. I was certainly surprised, and as I crossed the country I would see signs welcoming me not only at hotels but also schools, fitness locations, and communities. The words of encouragement were always very appreciated.

Some of the sign boards would also refer to "BOB" -- the 65-pound running companion I had, which was a stroller full of gear, food and water. I logged about 10,000 miles with that stroller.

I must say that after logging a 30 to 50-mile day on the road, it always boosted my spirits to see a thoughtful welcome sign. As my running gained more media attention, I would not only see signs but also receive more honks from supportive drivers -- and believe me, I could tell an encouraging honk from a honk of annoyance about some guy running along the edge of the highway with a yellow jogging stroller!

Unfortunately, I never got to thank those who were responsible for putting up welcome board signs for me. So, I'll take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to those who took the time to encourage a lone runner on his journey. The words truly encouraged me!

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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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Wednesday, June 3, 2020

I Aimed To Be An "Influencer" Long Before It Was Social Media Popular

Several studies report that about half of the world's population actively uses social media. That's nearly 4 billion people. Over the past decade, many people have turned to social media to locate an "influencer."

A "Social Media Influencer" is defined as a user on social media who has established credibility in a specific industry. This type of influencer has access to a large audience and can persuade others by virtue of their authenticity and reach. Essentially, influencers in social media are people who have built a reputation for their knowledge and expertise on a specific topic. They make regular posts about that topic on their preferred social media channels and generate large followings of enthusiastic, engaged people who pay close attention to their views.

For the record, I don't consider myself an "influencer" for what I post in this blog. Only about 1,500 people access my blog each month from around the world. During an average week, I'll have readers from 15 to 20 different countries -- based on my blog statistics.

It's said that bloggers and influencers in social media have the most authentic and active relationships with their fans. Blogging has been connected to influencer marketing for quite some time. There are many highly influential blogs on the Internet. If a popular blogger positively mentions a product in a post, it can lead to the blogger's supporters wanting to try out the product. Occasionally, I'll mention a product in this blog, and I've actually received thank-you notes from companies who have taken notice. However, I don't earn one penny on this blog (or for anything I post online). I never include advertising and every single blog post I've made has been written on my free time. For me, this blog is a hobby.

Today's social media influencers include YouTubers, podcasters, and those who leverage Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms. When I was running across states and countries promoting youth health and fitness, social media platforms weren't at my disposal. I simply aimed to be an "influencer" by being an example in my everyday life. Sure, there were times when I would be featured in newspaper, magazine, radio and television news reports for my running adventures; however, aside from that I simply had a website and a blog. I would speak at school assemblies, churches, and other venues to share a message about goal setting and fitness, and I always considered my greatest ability to 'influence' by being in front of people and talking with them.

It's important to understand that influencer marketing has been around for over 100 years. Santa Claus, Tony the Tiger, Ronald McDonald and Mickie Mouse are all symbols of influencer marketing. Today's social media influencers are the latest trend in a century-old history of influencers in media. According to a recent FOX Business News report, the average social media influencer can make anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 per year by promoting products like clothing, food and hotels. Influencers with more than 1 million followers can make over $100,000, or even up to $250,000, per sponsored post.

I'll just stick with my job at a law firm and leave the social media influencer dollars to others. I guess you can say that I'm not influenced by online influencers' money, popularity and follower numbers.

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

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Tuesday, June 2, 2020

I Turned 30 Years of Age in 1995 and Celebrated With a 30-Mile Run

The year was 1995. I was working in a law office, was the father of two daughters (ages 6 months and 22 months), and was turning 30 years old. I had been running long distances for over 12 years at that point and was in pretty good shape. The morning of my 30th birthday, I opened my eyes and looked out the window onto a slightly overcast day. Just then, I decided I would celebrate my 30th by going out for a 30-mile run.

It wasn't planned, and I hadn't been logging big mileage in the months leading up to my birthday. However, I decided that turning 30 was a milestone and I wanted to acknowledge it by doing something substantial. I got dressed, put some water bottles into a hydration belt, and headed out the door. Having previously run countless miles around the area where I lived, I knew where particular mile markers were (5, 10, 15, 20 and so on). I decided to do a 15-mile out and back route.

I settled into a comfortable pace quickly and decided to simply relax and contemplate life after three decades -- which at the time seemed like a lot to me. I ran through the Montana countryside and didn't experience any challenges for the first 15 miles. Then, I turned around to run the remaining 15 miles home. That's when I faced a headwind which would slow my progress. Overall, I completed the 30 miles in five hours. Certainly not a record-breaking pace, but I was happy with it.

There are many runners who celebrate their birthday by logging miles or kilometers that are equal to the number of years they've been alive. For instance, David McGillivray, the race director for the Boston marathon, has been running his age in miles since his 12th birthday -- back in 1966. I must admit, after completing the 30-mile run on my 30th birthday, I entertained the idea of doing it each year on my birthday. This year would have been 55 miles! However, reaching the 30-year mark was the only time I would celebrate my birthday by running miles equal to my age. Now if I get winded on my birthday it's likely from blowing out candles!

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

Paul J. Staso
_______________________________________

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

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Monday, June 1, 2020

Walk With Me Down My Memory Lane -- A Path From The Pandemic

So far, 2020 has been a difficult year for many people. The Coronavirus pandemic has swept across the globe, leaving in its wake death and economic destruction. There have been protests and other demonstrations of civil unrest. Unemployment has skyrocketed, schools closed, and sporting events cancelled. It seems that more people are starting conversations with the words "remember when." I've been doing some remembering of things in my lifetime and thought I'd share a few with you.

I remember when paper bags were being blamed for the destruction of trees -- and plastic bags were the solution.

I remember when "Law and Order" was a political campaign slogan and not a television program.

I remember when the name "Starbuck" was a fictional character in the 1970's TV series Battlestar Galactica and not associated with a coffee company.

I remember when a hashtag was called a pound sign (and we played tic-tac-toe on it!).

I remember when you had to get up to change the TV channel, and when TV broadcasting ended for the day at midnight and didn't resume until 7:00 AM.

I remember when Elvis died, when John Lennon died, when Bing Crosby died, and when disco died.

I remember when there wasn't MTV and music was played on 8-Track tapes.

I remember when cartoons were only aired on television during Saturday mornings.

I remember when homes didn't have microwave ovens, and cars lacked air conditioning.

I remember when the voting age in America was lowered from 21 to 18.

I remember rotary phones, 45 records, and using typewriters.

I remember life before computers, before video games, before cell phones, and before the Internet.

I'm older than many restaurants -- including Wendy's, Subway and Domino's. I'm also older than health warnings on cigarette packages; the passage of the U.S. National Minimum Drinking Age Act; the Super Bowl; and, the creation of Post-It Notes. During my life, ten U.S. Presidents have come and gone, man walked on the moon, and Medicare and Medicaid were created.

Even with all of those facts, I still don't consider my age of 55 as "old" -- even though I was born just six years after Hawaii and Alaska became a part of the United States.

Finally, I remember when I prayed for the things I now have.

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

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