Posted 11/7/2010 3:12 AM (GMT 0)
I was going to post this earlier, when he set off on his run, but never did. Anyway, I think it's a great inspirational story for anyone.
KEY LARGO, Fla. -- Steve Knowlton had already run more than three dozen marathons when he set out on foot, July 30th, from Seattle. Now he's run the equivalent of 142 more.
On Saturday the 45-year-old Prior Lake man jogged into Key Largo, Florida - 100 days and 3715 miles after leaving Seattle.
"It's been rough, it's mentally a challenge to get going everyday," said Knowlton, who averaged 37 miles a day as he crossed the country diagonally. He took not a single day off. "I thought, no, if I take a day off I'll just keep taking days off."
Knowlton ran the entire distance with no escort or support vehicle, carrying his supplies in a backpack at first, until he moved them to a baby stroller. The stroller eased the burden on his back, but sometimes raised the suspicion of law enforcement. Knowlton says he was stopped 30 times by officers concerned he was up to no good.
Knowlton embarked on his run to raise money and awareness for Crohn's disease, a chronic gastrointestinal condition which he has battled since high school. "I hope people are inspired that life isn't over as soon as you get the disease," he said.
Knowlton documented his run with pictures and stories he posted daily on his blog. Having arrived in Key Largo to a welcome by family and friends, he said it will seem strange not get up and run the next day.
He lost 25 pounds on journey and wore out five pairs of shoes. Knowlton says he benefited much from the kindness of strangers who offered him support, money and lodging.
"These will be memories I'll never forget," he said.
A video is available here
http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=880877