RunAcrossTheUSA.com

[Matt]

Today we passed the 500-mile mark on our RunAcrossTheUSA! Besides that milestone, I set the new stroller speed record of 20.1 mph. As you might have guessed, we have been traveling on hilly roads once again. These two records happened on another hot and humid day.

This morning we went about six miles before stopping at a new WalMart Super Center in Coshocton, OH. As we were going inside, a Fed Ex deliveryman asked us about what we were doing. Apparently he saw us yesterday and wondered what we were up to. After talking to him a few minutes we went inside--pushing our stroller, of course--to do some shopping. We were very happy to find some good deals on running shoes and picked up more food for the trip.

As we were shopping, an attractive lady approached us. She was from the Coshocton Tribune and asked if she could interview us. Of course, we were happy to speak with her. The article she is writing will be in Friday's paper. Cool!

Michael Major, the store manager, approached us to talk about "The Run" and Water for Children Africa. He said he liked what we were doing and told us that WalMart would sponsor the purchase of everything in our cart. Additionally, WalMart would give us a generous gift card to use as we travel. We were thrilled and humbled by WalMart's generosity and Mr. Major's thoughtfulness.

Believe me, we left Coshocton with smiles on our faces!

We went 37 miles today and are spending the night at the Community Center in Martinsburg, OH, through the kindness of a local citizen.

This was an exceptional day! Thank you once again to everyone who has helped us on this trip--you are the best!