God's Plans

DUE TO UNEXPECTED EVENTS, I AM FORCED TO LEAVE MY QUEST AND RETURN HOME.  I will be on the next available flight out and should be back home as soon as possible.  I am sorry for letting you all down.  You have no idea how bad I really want to keep going.  But apparently God has other plans for me right now.  Thank you all for your support and prayers! Words cannot express how grateful and thankful I am for all of you.  Perhaps in the future, I can continue with my dream.  Perhaps with my future family, perhaps with more time, perhaps with a group runners running in a relay style, perhaps....Perhaps.


Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD our God, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Day ? Beauty

The biggest concern for me the whole night was weather or not I was going to wake up in the morning and still be able to feel my toes.  After waking up six to seven times in the middle of the night, I finally awoke to the sun.  Swiftly I got out of my soaked sleeping bag and ran up to the bathrooms, where I could put my hands and feet under the dryer and hopefully thaw them out.  An hour later, I was putting down my tent and packing up my stuff, and not a moment too soon, because again, the park ranger was on the prowl.  Now, I was on my way.  Knowing that Yosemite valley was still about 25 miles out, I needed to put some miles behind me and start going as early as possible.  With my stomach still bothering me, I chose no/was not hungry for breakfast (I don't really know the last day/time I had a real meal).  However, a wild thought came across my head... since the Rangers wanted me to return to the entrance so much, maybe they can give me a ride to the valley or the very least the point of where I was before forcing me to turn around the previous night.  After asking, they said they couldn't and asked me if I needed to call someone from San Francisco.  HAHA!  Who I am going to call in San Fran??  They also told me that an additional two to three feet of snow is expected in the next couple days.  Most importantly, they told me that the Tioga Pass, the road that was crucial for my success was closed still.  OH NO!! Now what am I going to do?  With so many questions and thoughts pondering my head, I still ventured up this 8 mile hill in the cold and snow, but this time the sun was out.  As I got higher and further, the view and scenery was unspeakable.  There were creeks, running water, snow covered trees, hills, and snow covered mountains everywhere.  Being in this trance, I was the victim of mini avalanches from trees that fell on top of me and my stroller.  Onward still....through hills (I was now up over 6100 ft... not fun with a loaded stroller), dodging traffic, through tunnels, off roading for better pictures.  The amount of beauty is unimaginable.  Waterfalls, raging rivers, Half-Dome, mountains, trees, etc...INCREDIBLE.  For some reason, the waterfalls reminded me of the waterfalls in the movie Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  "The Waterfalls mix the chocolate".  With every rock, mist, and spray, I really wanted to drink the water from here.  MMM how good would a nice churned, cold drink of water would taste.  However, I thought about all of the microbes that could be living in there and refused the temptation.  At one specific spot, a lady came up to me and asked if I was the same person she has seen on the roads days previous.  I responded saying yes and told her my story and she wanted a picture of me.  HAHA.    Climbing down, I finally made it to the raging Merced River.  WOW, what an amazing river.  It sounded like walking near an expressway with the rushing water, and the crashes of waves and rocks.  I would love rafting on that or maybe at least getting a drink from it.  More waterfalls, more mountains, until... I realized that I got turned around by a misleading sign.  I was going the past four hours in the wrong way...how depressing.  With the night settling, and my legs toast, I decided to close up shop.
Song in my head....All of Creation
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Genesis 1:1,

Day 8: God has humor

Because of the rain and snow, I raced to get my tent down. The tent, sleeping bag, and all of my stuff was soaked. Just about leaving my site, a truck with 10 people got out and they told me that they were going rafting!! How fun!! Maybe one day. I then walked back to a diner to get warm and get some food. This diner gave me an up north cabin feel. Everything had a cabin/woodsy feel to it. Knowing that I didn't eat anything yesterday, I knew that I had to try and get a large breakfast. However with no luck. Again, I couldn't finish my meal, and everything made me gag. Frustrated I ventured out into the snow and sleet. All around me people were wearing winter gear: there was snow all around me. Going towards Yosemite, not many towns were present. If I was lucky, there was a gas station. Again, nothing sounded good to me and I felt sick just thinking of food. For the whole day, I was forced to take a break once an hour to be sick. I knew that I must eat and drink something for I felt tired and dehydrated. However, even water made me sick. Still, I ventured through the coldness. Passing through a handful of national forests, that looked like the the forests from the movie E.T., I finally made it to the entrance of Yosemite. Going through the entrance, I had to stop at the restroom to warm my hands. One of the park rangers told me that it was uphill for the next 8 miles then downhill from there. Great! That is my goal. Another 8 miles then I would pitch my wet tent. It was crucial to keep going in the snow. Going up this hill, numerous park rangers asked me where what and where I was going. Because of my frozen lip, I couldn't respond properly, so they laughed. I ended up putting on more layers with clothes and socks. However, six miles up, another park ranger told me that I had to go back to the entrance where the campground is at and I immediately through a fit. I didn't climb up this hill for nothing. Agreeing with them, I stopped and saw a bathroom. I had half the mind of staying inside for the night. However, the ranger kept close tabs on me, and was forced to go back. On the way down, it started to hail. Wow. God must be laughing! Finally making it to the campground, it was night and the worker at the campground was gone. So... I pitched my tent next to a motorhome so that it appeared the tent belonged to it. That night was the coldest and uncomfortable I have ever been. Two feet of snow was uncomfortable and very cold. It soaked the bottom of my tent and sleeping bag. I woke up numerous times not being able to feel my toes and stomach still hurting. Now I am sure God was laughing.
Song in my head... Secret Place

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4: 4-6

Day 7: don't underestimate the locals

Another nice and clear night. I was able to see the stars and the big dipper. It was very peaceful with the lake nearby. However, the next morning I woke up not feeling well. Even though I slept for ten-ish hours, my stomach was in knots and leaving was the last thing on my mind. I knew I should have eaten better. Eventually I was on my way. Around the lake the road took me, until I hit a snag. Now the night previous, two gentlemen asked me if I needed a ride especially up the hill. Being as proud and stubborn as I am, I replied that I didn't need any help. BIG MISTAKE!! This was no hill; it was a mountain. The road snaked around the whole thing. I was forced to take a break often and go slower than walking pace. Hours later and 3300 ft later, I made it to the top. To my luck, there was a restaurant at the top. With my appetite gone and stomach still upset I tried eating a hamburger, but with no luck. After the break, onward I went. I made it to Groveland where there were many bed and breakfasts. I was also on the lookout for a bicycle. According to the internet, their was a bike store nearby! After many hours looking for this bike store and the locals telling that they have never heard of a place, I gave up and kept trucking. Before leaving the town, a couple of firefighters recognized me from the day before. The were amazed on what I was doing and told me to expect snow and rain for the night and the next day. After thanking them, I kept moving and eventually made it to Buck Meadows. It was a very quaint town with campgrounds, motels, and diners. Seeing that it was supposed to rain or snow, I asked for a price for a room, but too hefty for my liking. I unraveled my sleeping bag off the road in a tree shaded area. If it began to rain, then I would put up my tent, but it never came. I was fast asleep when I was awoken by rain drops. Hurriedly I put up my tent in the dark. All through the night I could hear the raindrops on the tent and what I thought were leaves falling the tent. When I awoke the next morning, there was snow on the ground. At least a couple inches. Now everything that I owned was soaked, because it was a very wet snow and I left my stuff outside under my rain fly. Still snowing, I had to put my sleeping bag and tent away with zero success. Luckily there was a diner nearby where I could try to eat something and get warm.
Song in my head... Back in the saddle by aerosmith

Don't panic. I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10

Day 6: the challenge

Day 6: the challenge.
Just walking outside of Oakdale, I decided to call it quits. I took refuge under a few trees just off the road. Again the stars were out shining. Waking up early, the sun was already warm. Being already cooked and sunburned, I left my long sleeve pants and shirt on. Having learned that the biggest concern in sunburns is the lost of water, I didn't want to expose myself the sun again. For this was going to be my biggest challenge thus far. There wasn't going to be any restaurants or gas stations until the city of Groveland which was over 40 plus miles away from where I woke up. Planning ahead, I took along with me two bottles of water, poweraide, beef jerky, twizzlers, and moon pies. Oh!! And also an old hamburger. Trucking along, I found out how hot it really was. Is it possible to reach 80 degrees before 10:30 am?? It felt like it. The road was long, hilly, and boring. Quickly I went through my supplies. Jerky-gone, one water bottle empty, poweraide went like candy, and before I knew it, I only had my twizzlers, half of a bottle of water, and two moon pies left... And it was only noon. I told myself that I was going to take break until the heat passed so I just sat in the shade. After a couple of hours I decided to keep rocking. I still needed to cover a lot more ground. However, a bit later I relaxed in another shaded region. This time a family gave me a water...oh so good!! I then decided to start wearing my cooler clothes. Then on I went. A couple of more hours, I finally spotted an official Yosemite Park sign!! Getting close! Just 85 miles.... Onward I went. Then, as I crossed through the Chinese Camp (a real place. It's on the map and signs), I found a market!! Ice cream, cranberry juice, and a sandwich for dinner..? I think yep! After the makeshift dinner, I still had more ground to make. Becoming darker, I realized the beauty around me! Green grass, evergreens,hills, and even rivers and lakes. I think I may unravel my sleeping bag here next to this amazing lake! I need to make it to Groveland for a late breakfast and hopefully finish up near the entrance of the road leading into the park!
Song in my head... Something about the way you look tonight by Elton John.

Lord you are amazing!

Day 5: Honestly who names a sidewalk??

Leaving the city of Tracy with hopefully accurate directions in my head, I was headed to Manteca. Not having a full service detailed map/directions, I had to memorize my route. After what felt like forever through the city and through a lot of corporations and farms, I was in the middle of No- Mans land. There is supposed to be a road that runs parallel with the expressway, I could not find it. There had to be a route to the city without going on the expressway! My directions said there was. After a mile, I turned around, I must have missed it. I did...but the road was barely paved and had a sign " not a through road" but I took it anyway. It eventually dead ended to someone's driveway that was gated. Now what...!!! There was nothing except for the cars whizzing by on the expressway. Then... Eureka!! There was a sidewalk that was overgrown with grass, barely visible. I was expecting a road, because there was a name attached to it (according to my directions). The sidewalk ran near the expressway for miles, then I was supposed to turn at a certain road... But it never came. Again, I had to turn around and look for this hidden road. I eventually called home for more specific directions getting more frustrated: where is this road? I stopped at a dead ended deserted park entrance. Then... Again there it was. Honestly!? Who names a sidewalk?? A mysterious sidewalk that ran between two expressways and a train AT THE SAME TIME ( but were divided by fences...so I felt safe). Eventually, I made it the city. Getting something to eat, I got a strange vibe from a few punks that looked at me. With this vibe and being night time in the city, I decided to sleep in a motel for the night. It was so hard leaving in the morning; a comfortable bed, a nice shower, Sportscenter to keep me updated on my teams, and Evan Almighty was on. My feet barking at me, my hip flexors sore, sun burn galore, arms hurting, an aching knee and blisters starting...BUT THE SHOW MUST GO ON!! I need to make it to Yosemite. Immediately I could feel the heat of the sun. I knee that it was going to be a hot one today. Beginning my quest, I never realized how many and different farms California had: strawberries, cherries, oranges, almonds?? Mind boggling. Making it to Escalon, I stopped for food and getting out of the heat. Then, back on the roads to Oakdale. The sun was still hot; I was forced to take off my shirt and put on shorter shorts. After going through more farms, I could vaguely make out the mountains in the distance! So exciting!! But the sun was still hot. I am sure that my backside is toasted, ears are about to fall off, and my face is already leathery. Going on my way, I noticed a lot of unusual names for roads... And eventually to Oakdale!! And... I noticed that they have a Chocolate Festival but in 7 days, almost. Even though I made it to Oakdale, I am planning to go for another couple hours. There are very few towns, restaurants, and gas stations until Yosemite, so I may not be able to update for awhile, but I will keep writing. Thank you so much for your support!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Day 4: Windmills and Tan Lines

Day four and already some problems. Running to Livermore, I somehow hurt my knee. I am blaming it on lack of stretching and pushing my stroller up hills and mountains, because it is a pain behind my knee ( I am assuming the plantaris muscle because my ankle feels tight as well. Since the muscle inserts near the ankle, I am guessing it is it). If I was in training right now, I would run through it, but I know I have many miles to go so I am going to baby it. When I felt it, I did what any runner does... Keep on running. I ended up buying a knee brace/support to help ease the pain (I was planning on sending one in my first care package anyway). So my last ten miles last night were more of a shuffle. I ended up sleeping next to railroad tracks that I thought were no longer used. However, numerous times in the night a train went by. I freaked out the first time it went through. Waking up early, I knew that I had to get going. With a bummed knee I had to shuffle for at least eight hours now. As I got started, I noticed that it was incredibly windy with hills all around me. As I got started I realized that there were windmills everywhere!! They were so awesome and scary at the same time. I guess it makes sense: where there is wind, have windmills. When I saw the presence of these I immediately thought of the movie Battle for LA, where the mother ship in LA was being lifted by all of the propellors. Ha. I then started to think back how windmills work. On my way to the town of Tracy. After four hours of shuffling (knee feels much better, but still shuffling as a precaution. No sense of risking something worse). I felt I was lost for quite a while, because I was now surrounded by flat wheat fields. After calling home for more detailed directions, I was on the right path. I finally made it to Tracy where I could have breakfast and lunch. I still need to shuffle for another four hours and make it to Manteca and hopefully its outskirts.
I ha e been thinking a lot about tan and tan lines. It's funny to think that people tend to think the more tan you are the better looking you are, and if you have tan lines, people frown upon you. In my opinion, tan lines represent you!! I am going to have tan lines where my watch, bracelets, ankles and shoes are. Pale and white they may be, but they are what is important to me. My running watch and shoes, and bracelets because they all play an important role in my life. Tan lines mean that you went and did something and the only part that didn't get tan is what you didn't take off, so it must be important. They are better than tattoos because they are a direct representation of you. GO TAN LINES!!
Song in my head... I can't dance by Phil Collins
Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalm 119: 132-133

Day 3: taking the heat

Not really sure where to stay the night, I decided to ask for a price for a room. The price was a little hefty for my liking so I chose to keep looking. I ended unrolling my sleeping bag on top of a monster mountain/hill that overlooked the city of Hayward. It was so incredible seeing the lights and the stars. I was off to sleep in no time. Early next morning, the sun awoke me. I knew immediately that the day would be a warmer one because I woke up very warm in my sleeping bag. After a couple of incidents of runaway stroller, I was finally down the monster hill and still running down Mission ave where it must be world known for how many car dealerships, car parts, and body shops it has (it was awesome!). Even though I started early in the morning, I could feel the hotness of the sun. The sky was so blue without a cloud in the sky. A couple of hours in I needed a break in the shade where I loaded up on the dreaded sunblock (I really dislike the feel of lotion of any kind). Finally after my break and another hour of running, I made it to my next road...Naple Canyon Trail. This road is so scenic!! Through the mountains, rivers, trees, bridges, and old trains and train tracks. The only problem was how narrow it was...eek. It really reminded me of the video game Cruisin the USA. I made it to the city/village of Senul and had a great lunch at a diner. The worker asked me where I was running to and from (the first one ever) and he was shocked. He even told the whole diner. Haha. On to the next town of Pleasanton, where I have never seen more of a homey-sense city. Really feeling how much sun I got, and noticing how red I am, I decided to take a break in a comfortable McDonalds until it cools off. I still need to go another 15 ish miles through Livermore and then to Tracy.
Song stuck in my head: In my head by Jason Derulo
The Lord is my Light and my Salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27: 1

Day 2

Day 2: Finding a way around 580.
Being woken up by people running near the beach is no better feeling (and with the sun rising on the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz). Wow. These individuals were up at the crack of dawn and already being active. The cool temperature and the cool breeze all night made me very lazy when the sun rose and heated me back up. My sleeping bag did an amazing job keeping me warm though. As soon as I was coming to, somebody asked me where I was headed. He said that he was on his way to Boston!! How great is that!? I think his website is firstjohn.org. But I could have dreamt this I guess. Either way, he was a very nice guy. With all of my gear packed I was off. From the night previous, I knew the location of a few restaurants for breakfast. After a quick cinnamon roll, I blazed through the city. I stopped at pier 39 to see the sea lions,because a specific person told me to see them ;). What a gorgeous area and town. Leaving the city behind me by ferry, I picked up my running in Oakland. Because of the size of the two cities and their highways, this is the area that I was most skeptical about. How could I travel to Yosemite without using any of the busy freeways?? Especially the dreaded 580. My maps told me that their were, but with no Wi-fi...no detailed maps.Numerous times I pulled out my old fashioned road atlas to try to spot where I was. One time, a gentleman gave me great directions that did not include the 580. However 10 miles out, the road that the guy told me to be on dead ended. After circling Oakland airport a couple times, I decided to ask directions that didn't include freeways. Every one that I asked said that there were no such thing ( um... No offense to any females, but everyone that I asked were of that sex). Finally, someone told me that I could go through downtown Oakland to get where I am going. His exact words were "head for those hills". Oh goodie. So here I am, running in downtown with my short shorts and a stroller over these monster hills. BUT!! It only took me to the exact entrance of 580. I do not want to attempt running on this. So Again,asking around with no luck until a male says I can take a road right next to the freeway...YES!! I followed this road for miles and miles, hoping to reach the town of Tracy or Oakdale. Total running mileage- between 35 to 40 miles.

Day 1

The first day of the quest. I woke up later than I wanted to because of some last minute packing the night before. Hoping to buy my mother breakfast and flowers for mothers day, I instead slept in and my brother made me breakfast. Saying goodbye to family and loved ones was very difficult, but had to be done. I can only imagine what they were thinking..."see ya, selfish brat." or "see ya in a couple of days. You won't make it far". Ha. The flight departed from Flint Bishop airport to Minneapolis. If you ever want someone or people to stare or say crazy things to you: simply push around a baby stroller in the airport. People will say "aren't you missing something?" Ha. Oh well. Makes life more entertaining right. The connecting flight was fine too. For some reason being on an airplane puts me to sleep: I don't remember any of the flight. At the San Francisco airport I really didn't want to leave. I knew that if I left the airport then I will for sure be on my own. After an hour of walking around, I decided to get going. I got on the BARTA train and went to downtown San Fran. The train was surprisingly clean but screeched loudly. My ears are still ringing. Finally getting off, I wanted to walk to the Golden Gate Bridge. I have only seen pictures of it and want to see if it is really that much larger than the Mackinaw Bridge. The first thing I did was eat... At Subway. Walking a mile in the wrong way, I finally knew where i was going. I passes the Bay bridge, millions of restaurants and Starbucks, Pier 39 and the sea lions. I was able to see Alcatraz with the Golden Gate in the background so I knew I was getting close. Well the walk was much longer than I thought. I ended up pushing my stroller, two bags, tent, and sleeping bag for about 4 to 5 hours. I noticed that the city was very user friendly. It wasn't too intimidating and has a 80s feel to it (could be the cable cars and the diners). I saw families, couples, and people out running everywhere. The hills and houses look something so unfamiliar, but still looked great. This is a city that I would love to come back to and explore with my family. With my hands and body getting chilled I finally made it to the park near the bridge. At this time its dark, so I decided to pitch my tent here and get an early start to the day until a police officer told me that I could not pitch a tent there. So instead I slept on the beach. The righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

What Life is all about!

Trying to run across the United States has always been a dream of mine. What better way to experience the world and Gods creation. I originally wanted to this for my own personal satisfaction and growth. However, the more I thought about it, it made sense to try to raise support and awareness for different organizations and charities. I have been involved with The Make-a-Wish foundation for many years, and really admire what they do and what they stand for. St. Judes Children Research Hospital is another organization that has a great cause. Please watch the videos on this site or visit their websites. To grant a wish for a child who has a terminal illness or care/research for illnesses is what life is about. Helping others! No matter who or what circumstance.

The Physical Demands

Ok... I will state the elephant in the room:  3,000 miles in 100 days is 30 miles a day?  A lot of individulas would immediately deem this as impossible-over a marathon  for 100 days?  (I really hate talking about myself, but in order to convince others and more importantly myself, I must reaffirm my abilities).Have I ever ran this far before in 100 days-no. Have I ever ran a marathon- no.  But I have ran more than 30 miles with 24 hours though (all the time actually), and I have ran 22 mile at sub 6 min pace and then did an interval workout on the track faster than 5 min pace less than 24 hours later.  (This is the part where I talk about myself, sorry agian). For over ten years, I have been running weekly mileage that averages around 85 miles a week.  Within these weeks there long runs (17+ miles), interval workouts, tempos, recovery runs, mid week long runs, and the race on weekends.  Then you start the whole routine over again on Sunday morning.  This routine is repeated for about 47 weeks out of the 52 week year.  (wow I really talked a lot about myself, but  I had to in order to convince others).
This is my logic.  In season, if I can run at an average of 100 miles a week at .85 effort (average: long runs at 6 min. pace, tempos and workouts at 5 min pace, and recovery runs at 6:20 pace), then why can't I run twice as long with half the effort?  In my opinion, running is not graphed as linear, but asymptotically, where your full potencial (how fast you can go) is never really ever met.  If you slow down your average speed/effort a little, you will see changes but not too much.  However, if you cut your effort/speed in half you, will get drastic changes in the y-coordinate...distance (where that is never met).

Injury- Oh yes. The dreaded shin splints, pulled muscles, or... stress fractures...Bum Bum Bum... What is key?? Foot protection!  New shoes will be sent to me throughout my quest (hopefully every 600 miles ish).  Stretching!  The simplest way to avoid injury is to stretch.  Even though I usually never do, I am planning on it.  IT IS A MUST. I may even take up Yoga.  Calorie intake-  According to my Garmin GPS, I burn 100 calories per mile.  So my daily calorie intake will be 5500 a day (using 2500 calories for my daily uptake).  Sounds like a lot of stops to fast food places!  Hydration!  Two larger water bottles will be taken and filled at every chance that I get.  Dehydration is the quickest way to ruin a run or possibly my plans.