The 3,260-mile Route That I Ran Alone Across The United States

Since 2006, I've been asked many times what route I ran solo across the United States. So, I've decided to dedicate today's post to the subject. I averaged 30 miles per day across America for 108 days on the pavement, running unsupported -- no vehicle or bicycle support. The distances shown below are precise, gathered from GPS tracking data acquired during the actual run. I began the journey at Cannon Beach, Oregon and ended it at Cape Henlopen State Park (Lewes, Delaware). The endeavor was 3,260 miles and I took a total of 12 days off during the run. The lodging marked below as "Hotel" was a hotel/motel, guest ranch, or some option available to the general public. Those locations marked "Residence" were private homes of individuals and families who opened their hearts and homes to me. The few entries marked "Motor Home" were from when friends drove an RV out to my stopping point and let me sleep in it for the evening. The single entry marked "Rafting Co." is when I slept on a picnic table in my sleeping bag on the edge of a river where a rafting company was located. The longest day was August 25 (48 miles) and the shortest day was July 19 (9 miles).

DAILY SCHEDULE ACROSS AMERICA
DATE	MILEAGE (Day/Total)	DAILY STOPPING LOCATION	LODGING
June 23	22/22	Near Elsie, Oregon	Motor Home
June 24	25/47	Near Buxton, Oregon	Motor Home
June 25	25/72	Near Aloha, Oregon	Residence
June 26	22/94	Portland, Oregon	Residence
June 27	27/121	Mount Pleasant, Washington	Residence
June 28	21/142	Stevenson, Washington	Hotel
June 29	31/173	Lyle, Washington	Residence
June 30	27/200	Near Towal, Washington	Residence
July 1	23/223	Near Roosevelt, Washington	Residence
July 2-3 - Two Days Off The Road
July 4	30/253	Alderdale, Washington	Residence
July 5	26/279	Umatilla, Oregon	Residence
July 6	29/308	Wallula Junction, Washington	Hotel
July 7	30/338	Walla Walla, Washington	Hotel
July 8	20/358	Waitsburg, Washington	Residence
July 9	22/380	Dayton, Washington	Hotel
July 10	25/405	Pomeroy, Washington	Residence
July 11	31/436	Clarkston, Washington	Hotel
July 12	32/468	Lenore, Idaho	Rafting Co.
July 13	35/503	Kamiah, Idaho	Hotel
July 14	22/525	Syringa, Idaho	Hotel
July 15	34/559	Wilderness Gateway Campground	Motor Home
July 16	39/598	Powell Campground	Motor Home
July 17	20/618	Lolo Hot Springs, Montana	Hotel
July 18	25/643	Lolo, Montana	Hotel
July 19	9/652	Missoula, Montana	Residence
July 20-21 - Two Days Off The Road
July 22	37/689	Greenough, Montana	Hotel
July 23	37/726	Helmville, Montana	Residence
July 24	30/756	Elliston, Montana	Residence
July 25	22/778	Helena, Montana	Residence
July 26 - One Day Off the Road
July 27	34/812	Townsend, Montana	Hotel
July 28	23/835	Half Way to White Sulphur Springs, Montana	Residence
July 29	19/854	Into White Sulphur Springs, Montana	Hotel
July 30	34/888	Half way to Twodot, Montana	Hotel
July 31	28/916	Harlowton, Montana	Hotel
August 1	29/945	Ryegate, Montana	Residence
August 2	40/985	Roundup, Montana	Hotel
August 3	35/1020	Melstone, Montana	Hotel
August 4	26/1046	Ingomar, Montana	Hotel
August 5	42/1088	Forsyth, Montana	Hotel
August 6	24/1112	Hathaway, Montana	Residence
August 7	22/1134	Miles City, Montana	Residence
August 8	36/1170	36 miles east of Miles City on Highway 12	Residence
August 9	32/1202	Plevna, Montana	Residence
August 10	32/1234	Marmarth, North Dakota	Residence
August 11	32/1266	Bowman, North Dakota	Residence
August 12	37/1303	Hettinger, North Dakota	Residence
August 13	34/1337	Thunder Hawk, South Dakota	Residence
August 14	31/1368	McIntosh, South Dakota	Residence
August 15	28/1396	McLaughlin, South Dakota	Hotel
August 16	31/1427	Mobridge, South Dakota	Hotel
August 17	37/1464	Bowdle, South Dakota	Residence
August 18	39/1503	Ipswich, South Dakota	Hotel
August 19	30/1533	Aberdeen, South Dakota	Hotel
August 20-21 - Two Days Off The Road
August 22	18/1551	Groton, South Dakota	Hotel
August 23	32/1583	Webster, South Dakota	Hotel
August 24 - One Day Off the Road Due To Bad Weather
August 25	48/1631	Milbank, South Dakota	Hotel
August 26	33/1664	Appleton, Minnesota	Hotel
August 27	25/1689	Montevideo, Minnesota	Hotel
August 28	39/1728	Marshall, Minnesota	Hotel
August 29	30/1758	Walnut Grove, Minnesota	Residence
August 30	25/1783	Springfield, Minnesota	Residence
August 31	29/1812	New Ulm, Minnesota	Hotel
Sept. 1	28/1840	Mankato, Minnesota	Hotel
Sept. 2	31/1871	Waseca, Minnesota	Residence
Sept. 3	26/1897	Claremont, Minnesota	Residence
Sept. 4	30/1927	Rochester, Minnesota	Residence
September 5-6 - Two Days Off The Road
Sept. 7	35/1962	Preston, Minnesota	Hotel
Sept. 8	35/1997	Decorah, Iowa	Residence
Sept. 9	30/2027	West Union, Iowa	Hotel
Sept. 10	26/2053	Oelwein, Iowa	Residence
Sept. 11	16/2069	Independence, Iowa	Hotel
Sept. 12	26/2095	Manchester, Iowa	Hotel
Sept. 13	37/2132	Marion, Iowa	Residence
Sept. 14	39/2171	Hills, Iowa	Residence
Sept. 15	44/2215	Mount Pleasant, Iowa	Hotel
September 16 - One Day Off The Road
Sept. 17	34/2249	Burlington, Iowa	Hotel
Sept. 18	33/2282	Roseville, Illinois	Residence
Sept. 19	36/2318	Farmington, Illinois	Residence
Sept. 20	23/2341	Peoria, Illinois	Residence
Sept. 21	25/2366	Secor, Illinois	Residence
Sept. 22	40/2406	Forrest, Illinois	Residence
Sept. 23	36/2442	Watseka, Illinois	Hotel
Sept. 24	33/2475	Remington, Indiana	Hotel
Sept. 25	19/2494	Monticello, Indiana	Hotel
Sept. 26	39/2523	Peru, Indiana	Hotel
Sept. 27	36/2559	Plum Tree, Indiana	Hotel
Sept. 28	16/2585	Bluffton, Indiana	Hotel
Sept. 29	40/2625	Converse, Ohio	Residence
Sept. 30	34/2659	Ada, Ohio	Residence
Oct. 1	34/2693	Upper Sandusky, Ohio	Hotel
Oct. 2	40/2733	Mansfield, Ohio	Hotel
Oct. 3	35/2768	Wooster, Ohio	Hotel
Oct. 4	34/2802	Dover, Ohio	Hotel
Oct. 5	40/2842	Cadiz, Ohio	Hotel
Oct. 6	21/2863	Wheeling, West Virginia	Hotel
Oct. 7	38/2901	Littleton, West Virginia	Hotel
Oct. 8	31/2932	Fairmont, West Virginia	Hotel
Oct. 9	28/2960	Fellowsville, West Virginia	Residence
Oct. 10	38/2998	Mount Storm, West Virginia	Hotel
Oct. 11	34/3032	Romney, West Virginia	Hotel
Oct. 12	42/3074	Winchester, Virginia	Hotel
Oct. 13	28/3102	Middleburg, Virginia	Hotel
Oct. 14	33/3135	Seven Corners, Virginia	Hotel
Oct. 15	36/3171	Edgewater, Maryland	Residence
Oct. 16	11/3182	Sandy Point State Park, Maryland	Residence
October 17 - One Day Off The Road
Oct. 18	30/3212	Denton, Maryland	Hotel
Oct. 19	31/3243	Georgetown, Delaware	Hotel
Oct. 20	17/3260	Lewes, Delaware	Hotel

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

A Large Moose Brought a Group of Cross Country Runners to a Halt

This past weekend, a woman in her 30's was running with two other people in Glacier National Park in Montana. She was the lead runner on a trail and -- in her words -- "collided" with a bear that she unexpectedly came up on. According to her report, she and the bear tumbled off of the path and the bear then ran away. She sustained minor injury. I lived in Montana for 32 years and visited Glacier National Park on many occasions. Prior to Montana, I had grown up in Alaska. Wildlife on trails can suddenly appear and runners need to be extremely alert to their surroundings.

Often, a bear will attack if it is surprised -- or if it is defending its cubs. Fortunately, the three trail runners weren't attacked. Although I have never run into a bear, I do recall a time in 1980 when I was running in a high school cross country race in Alaska and a large moose brought all of the runners to a halt. The moose was standing directly in the middle of the wilderness path and wouldn't move. As the competitors started to bunch up as they all came to a stop about 50 feet from the moose, it soon became apparent that it wasn't going to be scared off by a bunch of guys wearing running shorts. So, runners started to dart off of the trail in an attempt to get around the moose -- I being one of those runners. It was a race I'll always remember.

Running where there is dangerous wildlife -- such as wolves, bear, moose and mountain lions -- presents unique challenges. It's important to always be aware of your surroundings and to be prepared in the event you come upon such wildlife. Trail runners should be educated on such situations and as the old boy scout motto says... be prepared! Remember, bears can run between 25 to 35 miles per hour; wolves 31 to 37 miles per hour; moose up to 35 miles per hour; and, mountain lions 40 to 50 miles per hour. All of those animals could easily chase down a human runner.

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 Only Official Proclamation in Existence That Bears My Name

Not many people are aware of this, but the day that I finished my solo run across America in 2006 is the same day that the Mayor of Missoula, Montana (my then hometown) proclaimed October 20, 2006 as "Russell Elementary Run/Walk Across America and P.A.C.E. Run 2006 Day." Here's the Proclamation by Major John Engen:

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

A Montana Governor and a U.S. Senator Who Wouldn't Shake My Hand

It was July 25, 2006. I had run 778 miles in 28 days and stood just a few feet outside of the office door of Montana Governor, Brian Schweitzer -- and he would not come out of his office to shake my hand. At the time, I was running solo across America to keep a promise I had made to some Montana elementary children. The governor's office knew that I was scheduled to be there at 4:00 p.m. on July 25 and I was told that I would meet Governor Schweitzer and Lieutenant Governor John Bohlinger -- both of whom had supposedly been aware of what I was doing and why I was doing it.

Upon arrival at the capitol building, I was told that Governor Schweitzer would not see me... even though I was literally a few feet outside of his office door. He was "occupied," as I was told. Instead, Mr. Bohlinger met with me alone and offered congratulations on the endeavor I was undertaking (he and I are in the accompanying photo).

At the time of my visit, Schweitzer had been in his role of governor for about 18 months. He stated to the press and voters that he was supportive of childhood education and prior to my visit had signed into law "Indian Education for All" funding. In fact, he invested more in both K-12 and higher education than any previous administration. On July 25 -- just outside of his door -- stood a 41-year-old man, a former elementary teacher, and a father of four children who was running across the United States to keep a promise he had made to 96 elementary students in Montana after they successfully completed a running and learning challenge that encompassed the entire school year. However, he would not open the door to shake my hand.

On the day that I arrived at the Montana capitol, Governor Schweitzer had given out the Governor's Efficiency Award for State Employees. He awarded framed palladium medals to three employees of the Department of Labor and Industry Business Standards Division's Board of Realty Regulation. The reason for the medals? These three employees had scanned documents onto compact disc, exercising -- as he stated in a press release -- "a conservation measure that saves trees and money." I guess keeping a promise to some kids by running 30+ miles alone every day across the country doesn't compare to scanning documents to CD.

That would not be the only time an elected politician didn't meet me as scheduled. When I ran into Washington D.C. during that coast-to-coast run, I was scheduled to meet Montana Senator Max Baucus -- who was supposedly aware of my undertaking and a fellow runner (in 1979, he became the first U.S senator to finish a marathon). At the time I had arrived in D.C., I had run 3,182 miles and was only 78 miles from the finish line. However, upon my arrival at the U.S. Senate building I was told that the Montana senator wouldn't be meeting me.

I didn't run across the country to meet politicians or influential people. I ran across to keep a promise. That I certainly accomplished!

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

Annual Survey Says $178,201 is a Mother's Market Value

If stay-at-home moms earned an annual salary for all the jobs they perform on a daily basis, how much would they earn? Salary.com has aimed to answer that question.

According to its Mom Salary Survey, the estimated value of a mother's work based on tracking real-time market prices of all the jobs that moms perform is $178,201. The study gave consideration to traditional roles – like housekeeper, dietitian, and day care teacher – and newer roles, such as network administrator, social media communications, and recreational therapist. The report notes that the role of a mother requires a diverse skill set that commands serious market value in the talent market. Example positions of the Mom hybrid job role include:

• Academic Advisor
• Accountant I
• Art Director
• Athletic Director
• Buyer II
• CEO
• Coach
• Day Care Teacher
• Dietitian
• Instructor
• Event Planner
• Executive Housekeeper
• Facilities Director
• Groundskeeper
• Interior Designer II
• Janitor
• Judge/Magistrate
• Laundry Manager
• Logistics Analyst I
• Maintenance Supervisor
• Network Administrator
• Photographer
• Plumber
• Public School Teacher
• Psychologist
• Recreational Therapist
• Staff Nurse
• Social Media Specialist
• Tailor
• Work/Life Manager

Personally, I feel that mothers are priceless!

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

Public or Private? Choosing Wisely When Sharing Information

I consider myself a rather private person. While I was running solo across states and countries from 2006 through 2011, my privacy was considerably lessened as I put myself out on paved highways and the Internet highway with greater frequency to share the running adventures I was undertaking. However, now that I am in my mid-50's I prefer to lead a much more private life out of the spotlight -- spending most of my time with my family when I am not at the office.

In February 2019, I wrote a blog post regarding my social media. At that time, I had 35 Facebook friends (after eleven years), 21 Twitter followers (after five years), and 23 Instagram followers (after two years). Now, nearly 1½ years later, I can tell you that I've added 13 Facebook friends, 1 Twitter follower, and 7 Instagram followers. Why the 'big' boost in Facebook friends (and I use the term 'big' loosely!)? I recently became Catholic and there were some within my church who wanted to connect via Facebook.

There is quite an overlap with the people who follow my social media accounts, most being family and close friends -- and only a few being in the acquaintance category. Suffice it to say, the total number of individuals who can access my social media content actually adds up to about 50 people. Yes, that's the grand total of my actual social media "friends" and "followers."

Most of my children have hundreds of followers on their social media accounts. That seems to be the case with several of the people who follow my social media. One pastor that follows me has nearly 5,000 Facebook friends! There's even a man in my church who is nearing 90 years of age with almost four times the number of Facebook friends than I have. Simply stated, I'm a rather private person -- regardless of what people can see through this blog, my YouTube channel, or my Google photo albums.

I know that you're probably thinking that a person who writes between 100 to 200 blog posts per year can't possibly be that "private." However, the posts that I make are about matters that I don't mind placing into the public eye. I choose topics wisely and am selective about what information I share. I wrote my first blog post in September 2005, nearly fifteen years ago. About five years ago I chose to remove my blog writings from the Internet and on June 23, 2016 I started this blog -- which primarily focuses on topics related to family, faith and fitness. I hope you'll come back again to read what I have to share.

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

She Approached With Tears in Her Eyes... Gripping Her Shopping Cart

Last weekend, my wife and I were grocery shopping with my two youngest stepdaughters -- ages 12 and 15. At one point, my wife walked over to the meat counter to have some chicken packaged while I took a stroll down the cereal aisle. When I went back to her, I put my arm around her and gave her a little kiss... something that I like to do no matter where we are. We proceeded with our shopping and about three minutes later an elderly woman approached us in the canned foods aisle.

She told us that she saw me walk up to my wife in the middle of the busy grocery store and give her a kiss. As her eyes filled with tears and her voice began to break, I could tell that she was quite emotional. She told me to never stop showing my wife affection and that I need to tell her daily how much she means to me -- no matter where we are. She expressed how wonderful it was for her to see me walk up to my wife and give her a kiss while shopping.

As tears fell from her cheeks, she told us that her husband had taken his own life just four months earlier and that she misses him greatly. When she saw me give a moment of affection to my wife, it touched her deeply and made her miss him even more. My wife and I didn't know what to say. It was certainly an encounter that you don't anticipate in a busy grocery store on a Saturday afternoon. The elderly woman looked at both of us and said that we need to always cherish what we have. Then, she walked away.

I looked at my wife and we both had tears welling in our eyes. My stepdaughters were quite surprised by what they had just witnessed, and I believe it was valuable for them to experience it. We continued with our shopping and I knew that the encounter with the elderly woman would be a moment that I'd never forget.

The New York Times recently reported on a growing trend among older Americans as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic -- lives stripped of human contact, meaningful activity, purpose and hope that things will get better. Since late February, the stories from nursing homes and assisted living facilities have been appalling: people dying of neglect; people starving to death; defeated people lying in bed or staring out windows with no hope of reprieve; people with dementia fighting restrictions they cannot understand and being sedated for behavioral issues, sometimes to the point of becoming bed bound and unable to eat. Assisted living facilities are reporting that more residents have symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Last year, National Public Radio reported that men who are 65 and older face the highest risk of suicide, while adults 85 and older (regardless of gender) are the second most likely age group to die from suicide. Research has found that one out of four senior citizens that attempt suicide dies.

I am praying for the woman that my family and I encountered in the grocery store last weekend. She is truly grieving and we all need to be aware of the emotional, mental and physical issues that senior citizens face.

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

"I'm Happy You're Happy" -- Words I've Heard Several Times Lately

For those of you who are not aware, I recently completed the process of stepping from a Protestant life to becoming Catholic. I was confirmed on June 28, 2020. Prior to that, I had been a Baptist for 43 years. In some recent communications with certain Protestant friends and family, the topic of my entering the Catholic church has arisen. What I'm often hearing is, "I'm happy you're happy." Those words have been echoing in my heart.

First of all, I am in a very small fraction of adults who make the switch from being a Protestant to a Roman Catholic. In fact, Pew research has shown that only about two percent of the adult population does that. Protestants and Catholics worship the same God, but the principles of their faith are different. Over 500 years since the the Reformation began, there are still divisions between Protestants and Catholics.

So, now I am in Full Communion with The Roman Catholic Church. My faith has grown and matured over the years -- from the time I became a Baptist on May 1, 1977 at age 12 until the time I was confirmed in the Catholic church on June 28, 2020 at age 55. So much transpired in my life during those 43 years. Those who have only known me as a Protestant are still trying to wrap their minds and hearts around my being a Catholic. I understand that. I really do, and I can only pray that they will accept it. No, I don't expect them to agree with everything that I believe in my faith, but I do hope that they will respect my choosing to believe what I believe.

Protestantism is the largest grouping of Christians in the United States with its combined denominations collectively accounting for about 43 percent of the country's population. Catholics account for about 22 percent of the U.S. population.

Getting back to the statement "I'm happy you're happy" -- when someone says this I believe they mean that they are truly happy for a another person's happiness, even if they don't have something to gain from what is making that person happy. Essentially, the person making the statement recognizes that the situation the other person finds themselves in is bringing them joy and they are acknowledging that person's experience. There have been some who have added, "... although I would never become Catholic!" They could have decided to place the period after "I'm happy you're happy" and leave it at that, but apparently felt the need to make their Protestant position known.

From fellow Catholics I've received many kind words, such as: "Welcome home!" and "Glad you've joined our church family." I've been deeply touched and blessed by Catholics who have been so welcoming to me.

Research suggests that people who come into contact with happy people tend to be happier. This research came from Harvard and U.C. San Diego which polled 4,700 individuals over the course of 20 years. The results suggest that simply knowing someone who is happy can boost the likelihood that you will be happy by 15 percent.

I am happy to be Catholic, and I hope that somehow boosts the happiness of those who know me!

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso

-- Pictures and Videos on Instagram: Run_Bike_Cross

_______________________________________

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

Coronavirus Pandemic Increases Popularity of Running and Bicycling

A study of 14,000 regular exercisers across 12 countries conducted by Asics found that 78 percent of runners say that being active during the Coronavirus pandemic has made them feel more 'in control', while 82 percent said running plays a key role in helping them 'clear their mind'. Those people are not only running, but also buying.

During the pandemic's onslaught this past spring (with people stuck at home and gyms closed), fitness enthusiasts turned to sports such as running and biking, both of which have seen a spike in interest. Stationary bike sales were up 101 percent through May and treadmill sales increased 68 percent. Popularity of fitness apps has also increased. For instance, Asics' data shows that its Runkeeper app -- which lets people track their runs and progress -- has seen a 252 percent year-on-year increase in sign-ups.

During a recent webinar for the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, it was said that while online sales of fashion apparel were flat through May as a result of COVID-19, active apparel was up 19 percent. The same trend was evident in footwear where fashion styles were down 11 percent while athletic footwear sales rose 25 percent. Among the brands that have performed best are Brooks -- which showed a net gain through May -- along with Hoka One One, which had a very strong spring. Under Armour has also been showing strength in its footwear sales. Many athletic shoe retailers are reporting that nearly half of all running shoe sales have been to new runners or walkers.

Although there has been an increase in interest by people to join the ranks of runners and bicyclists, there has also been an increase in injuries. Physical therapists are reporting that more people are calling with complaints of injuries after taking up running and cycling as the pandemic has impacted the world. For those not accustomed to regular physical exercise, pounding the pavement or overextending oneself can certainly present the possibility of injury.

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

I am Now in Full Communion With The Roman Catholic Church

On June 28, 2020, I became a member of The Roman Catholic Church. On that day, I completed a lengthy process of learning, discernment and prayer through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), or Ordo Initiationis Christianae Adultorum -- a process developed by the Catholic Church for those seeking a path to Catholicism. I was baptized in 1977 at the age of 12 in a Baptist church and now, at age 55, I am in Full Communion with The Roman Catholic Church.

In this blog, I've made posts about my spiritual life and personal journey into the Catholic church (click on the titles below to read the posts):

• Saint Francis de Sales ("The Gentleman Saint") is an Inspirational Saint
• Safe Environment Training Program to Volunteer in the Catholic Church
• I Am 20,031 Days Into My Spiritual Journey... And Counting
• Becoming Catholic -- My Journey Into The Catholic Church
• Becoming Catholic -- The Journey Continues

Last Sunday, I entered the Catholic church through a profession of faith and reception of Confirmation and the Eucharist. My wife has been a Catholic since the cradle and now we are one in faith and attend Mass each week with the joy and blessing of being able to experience the sacraments side by side.

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God,

the Father almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,

the Only Begotten Son of God,

born of the Father before all ages.

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary,

and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,

he suffered death and was buried,

and rose again on the third day

in accordance with the Scriptures.

He ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory

to judge the living and the dead

and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,

who proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Apostle's Creed

I believe in God,

the Father almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried;

he descended into hell;

on the third day he rose again from the dead;

he ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty;

from there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting.

Amen.

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