The Trans USA Run

The Final Chapter of Running across America

2011-01-23T15:46:00.001-08:00

Running through Pennsylvania and the Appalachian forest following old Lincoln Highway 30 takes you through the beautiful majestic golden Autumn forest. One of the highlights of my run was meeting 'Joe' the hiker who was completing a section of the Appalachian trail. Joe had good stories to share! Being low on food, we made sure he was well stocked before he left us back onto the trail which crossed highway 30. It did snow some on this section but did not stick to the ground.

Michael Hayward was willing to crew me into Atlantic City, NJ. Michael lives in Findley, Ohio where I stayed at his home and his wonderful kind wife Leni cooked delicious meals and helped to arrange some media and radio contacts locally. I was entertained by their very friendly cat Josi. Each day I covered more distance through Ohio and we'd mark our stopping point, returning back to Michael and Leni's home via our support vehicle until nearing West Virgina-where we either camped or found local lodging. 'Ben' my always reliable baby jogger which carried my supplies finally got to rest-but always on stand-by, should Michael have to unexpectedly leave back to Ohio (which he did, for 3 days.) So then I was back to running with 'Ben' the jogger and addressing the steep mountain climbs ahead. You certainly use different muscles pushing a 50 pound jogger for 40 miles, your arms and shoulders and knees 'sing' to you as using different body mechanics, you try to adapt the best you can. Downhill running with a jogger can really stress your knees if you do not control your speed as I quickly learned.

I ran by where United Flight 93 crashed into a Pennsylvania farm field during 9/11 in which terrorist overtook the plane. Heroic efforts of 73 passengers who over took the insane terrorists preventing a catastrophe at our Nations Capital, now a national monument.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania -home to the Amish- was a very enjoyable section to run through. Here time seems to stop with the Amish in their black horse driven buggies, cultivating their lands as their ancestors did. I was told the Amish do not like to be photographed and so I respected their wishes, (though many tourists do otherwise). Lancaster is now a big tourist attraction, always bustling with big tour buses powering on the Lincoln Highway, with their wind blasting me as they pass by.

I was receiving more friendly 'honks and waves' that day, realizing we just received some good press in the local Lancaster papers. While on a break in a small cafe, a family insists on buying my breakfast after reading about our Trans USA Run. The goodness of people is the part of my run I have enjoyed the most. Michael now catches up with me three days later and is eager to navigate me into Philadelphia. Michael, a sharp navigator, is always looking for the safest road to run along. His help has been just absolutely great. Your crew you trust with your life as any ultra runner or endurance athlete would most likely agree. Michael is no exception - a really unique special man who is giving up his time away from home to help me reach the Atlantic Ocean.

Philadelphia Marathon:

Knowing I would be running into Philadelphia soon, I heard about the upcoming Philadelphia marathon. Though already full with no entries, I met with one of the race directors at the Philadelphia Marathon Expo who had some last minute cancellations and granted me an entry! He was quite curious to know why after running over 3,000 miles that I would be willing and crazy enough to do a 'measly' 26 mile marathon..!? “To run in the City of Brotherly Love”, I tell him “and the great American history-besides it's a great ‘side trip’ for me.” The race was a 26 mile dog leg loop around Philadelphia, passing by many historic landmarks and statues and bridges. Not my best marathon time nor am I ashamed to say; my legs were in slow motion-having run alone for so long and now there were runners on all sides of me. It was 'culture shock,' but one marathon I will always enjoy and with fond memories. Very well managed marathon and course, great volunteers and aid stations, of course very friendly runners. You receive a great finisher's T- shirt and medal with bragging rights. A ritual many runners do is to run up the Art Center's many steps, following the path of 'Rocky Balboa'. I'll admit that I did this, slow and easy and humbled.

Leaving Philadelphia left a good spot in my heart. I met some old friends who I knew from California whom had moved back to Philly. 'Charlie' and I go way back and I know his family back in California. Charlie puts Michael and I up for a night in their loft apartment, Philadelphia 'style'. We have a famous Philadelphia 'Cheese Steak' that night.

The following day, with Philadelphia-marathon-worn legs, I begin my run out of Philadelphia, running over the famous Ben Franklin Bridge and Delaware River into Camden, NJ.

As I run across the Ben Franklin bridge, runners 'zip' by me on their training run. I seriously doubted they ran the Philadelphia marathon at that pace or just maybe I was moving too slowly with my ego talking to me-I felt like a 'turtle' coming into side 'cheetahs'.

Camden, NJ unfortunately is the second most dangerous city in America, East St Louis, MO being first. No city or town wants that recognition. Sadly a section I ran through had crime ridden neighborhoods, run-down homes, crime with drug dealers and gangs prevalent on every corner infiltrating the area. Sure I felt nervous running through this section and was warned several times to be cautious, including by the local police. Never had a bad incident-no 'bullet holes' as I passed out copies of The Way to Happiness and DVD's along the worst section. I found the people friendly and surprised at seeing me running and meeting with the home boys and locals, many friendly and asking why am I “running like Forest Gump?"

Michael and I made a special stop at the local Camden police station, where we met with the assistant Captain who took a big interest with our purpose and how The Way to Happiness programs could be implemented into their crime ridden areas. We were quite pleased we made a positive impact running through Camden, NJ. Even in the worst areas, good people exist wanting to survive and be decent citizens, raise their families which are constantly threatened by a handful of anti-social criminals. This was our reason for running across America; for The Way to Happiness and Youth, helping to make a safer environment for them and our future, establishing trust and brotherhood once again.

Running through the 'Garden State' was surprisingly more scenic than I had envisioned, along highway 30 I ran by several farm communities in a rural countryside with small towns popping up more frequently as I neared Atlantic City. Many wooded forests are spread along the way, hosting many animals, including bears, the locals say. Again I found quality tools along the road, giving them to Michael, likely left while repairing a flat tire on a dark night or somehow jostled out of tool box along a bumpy stretch of highway 30. Michael drives six miles ahead and waits for me. I like the 10km distance to run to for each crew stop. At times in bad weather we would shorten it or through tricky navigating sections of towns or cities. Mike has bagels, juice, water and fruit always waiting for me. Mike made the best sandwiches which were quite good and filling and is quite a healthy eater himself.

Day time temperatures were in the mid 50's and 30's at night; cool ideal running conditions but with strong headwinds as we got closer to the Atlantic Sea Board. Route 30 on this section fortunately had a fairly wide shoulder to run along. The cold winds of the trucks still power blast you, I never got used to that. Yet we are blessed with good weather and no storms for the next few days. Though it was Thanksgiving week-traffic was still busy. Little towns such as Elwood, Devonshire and Egg Harbor City stand out and pass quickly. I will never forget seeing the road mileage sign for Atlantic City stating 30 miles. You begin to feel the emotion build up- slowly but it was building up knowing this journey was nearing an end. Mike tells me a friend called and invited us for Thanksgiving in Pennsuaken, NJ. Pat Devlin and her husband Dennis who has cycled (biked) many thousands of miles across the country were kind enough to let Michael and I stay at their cozy home. Pat, a very friendly, upbeat person insisted she come out the last 10 miles of the run and finish with Michael and me; we welcome her company.

Giant airline jets are passing over on their final decent as we near Newark and Atlantic City. Now I see the tall Atlantic City wind mills and hotel casinos in the distance-deceiving it is-you think your a few miles from the Atlantic. Not the case. Its more like ten miles-a real mind teaser. Now in Atlantic City suburbs, you are surrounded by motels from low budget to the higher end 4 and 5 star hotels as you near the casinos. Oddly but probably fitting the location, I encounter a 'hooker' off the road soliciting her trade. At first thinking she was hurt or in trouble-not so as she attempts to "proposition me", here I am a sweaty worn out tired runner, old enough to be her father at least-- guess she needs the business badly I thought! Politely, I decline her offer and run on. Atlantic City has been called the 'Las Vegas' of the East Coast with towering hotels lining the sea board. Some still under construction and some abandoned before the economy tanked.

Michael calls me on my cell letting me know he and Pat are waiting at the Wagon Wheel Casino a half mile from the Atlantic. Soon I catch them and we run towards the New Jersey Boardwalk shore finding it closed off due to construction. Mike and Pat both time it where they need the rest room so we run into the Wagon Wheel Casino, waiting for their return from the rest rooms. As we are in the Casino, slot machines going full swing, people were coming and going as I tell Mike and Pat I would run through Casino towards the eastern entrance facing the Atlantic Ocean. People looking oddly as I run by them- here's a middle aged man in running shorts running through a casino! A couple stops and finds out from Mike and Pat that I am completing a 3,500 mile run across America, they insist on a group photo, another couple also wants a photo. How can I ever say no-running through a major casino at the last leg of a Trans USA Run?

Someone swings the doors open and there is the big Atlantic Ocean staring me in the face! 'Oh my god!' I tell myself with enthusiasm and joy 'there she is, Mrs. Atlantic Ocean!' Mike and Pat quickly catch up with me as we run along the board walk, now about 4:15 pm and soon to catch a setting sun in the east Seas are very calm as we reach the beach and I remove my shoes and dip my toes ceremoniously into the frigid Atlantic Ocean. I receive a warm hug from Pat and Michael, while some distant tourists cheer.

This was special, anyone who has run a Trans USA Run will certainly tell you. Each having their own special moment and personal reflections. For me it was a personal accomplishment and dream I carried with me since I was 16 telling my coach in high school in Southern California that I wanted to run across America. Now 40 years later I fulfill that dream. There would be a lot to take in and process, some who have run across America say for years and even possibly a lifetime, certainly a life time of great memories with numerous life changing experiences and your whole perspective of America and the American people make a big imprint on you.

Fun and facts:
Weight lost: 20 pounds
Shoes Worn: 8 pairs
Hottest State: 122 degrees Needles, CA
Coldest: 19 degrees Hookstown, PA
Favorite States: Arizona, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Steepest and Flattest: Flagstaff, AZ and Indiana flattest.
Scariest moments: Tornado warning in Warsaw, Indiana and thunder storms in Oklahoma with no shoulder to run on with 20,000 pound trucks hurling by you and being' power washed' each time while bailing out on to the side gully. Running on the interstates, very loud, narrow and dangerous, too many flat tires with my baby jogger. Almost getting bit by a rattle snake in Arizona during a night run.

Funny moments: Being stopped 15 times by the Highway Patrol receiving calls 'man running with baby jogger with' baby on board' along Route 66 and Byways.
Outside Chicago a lady thought I was a homeless veteran and insisted I let her buy my lunch. Finds out via Facebook I was not and makes a sizable contribution to my foundation.

Best 'Side Trips' :Running 12 miles round trip up 11,000 foot Mt Taylor in Grants, New Mexico and running the Philadelphia Marathon.

Oddest sleeping spots: Wooden 'Teepee' in Arizona, farm field in Missouri, tool shed in Illinois.

Best lodging: Holiday Express!!

Most Scenic run: Running through Route 66 along the majestic Navajo Indian Reservation with no cars for hours. Fantastic night running with a full moon. New Mexico was incredible, with wide open spaces.

My Advice and Input: Running across America is a challenge of a life time. Few will ever do it but some fellow ultra runners think and dream about running across America-not all will follow through understandably - what with work, family, life and economics. I suggest you research the routes out and gain as much information from past Trans USA Runs and each runner's hands-on experiences, good info over the Internet. March/April are the best months to start a Trans Con Run-I started in July, some start even later- but keep in mind weather conditions, as the longer you wait, back east can get nasty! Have a crew, solo is fun and challenging for the few only. Run for a worthy cause. Don't be a only for" thee and me" runner. Help your fellow man. Make your run and hard earned efforts count. There are many good causes out there-give your best for them and you will win too. Always get a full medical exam from a professional licensed medical doctor before you undertake running across America or any endurance activity. It is very strenuous and very dangerous running across America, the traffic can be treacherous and the efforts involved, planning and preparation great. You are admired and respected for being willing to take on a great adventure.

Feel free to contact me any time for any advice or questions via Facebook.

Thank you for taking time to read my blog. Stay healthy and live your dreams.

Striding on,
John Radich

In Appreciation: My run was a success due to the many wonderful support I had along the way and with sincere gratitude and respect I thank the following for supporting The Way to Happiness Foundation making a safer environment for our Youth and helping making my dream running across America a reality and for a worthwhile cause:

California: Dr Steven L. Smith, Edgar Zarzaiejo, Todor Trenkov, Ron Douglas, Richard Ross, Judy Maguire, Trisha Jackson, Richie Ettricks, Paul Godfrey, Friends of A Runner's Circle, Norm Lopez and the San Bernardino Pacers, Gabrielle Crittenden, Stan Nakashima, Bill Dickey, Deb Clem. Sgt Charlie Tucker US Army Retired Viet Nam Veteran. John Maguire, Steve Shepard, Brian Miehl, Ellen Formery, John Spencer, Mike Tlyer, Lynn Ward. Leni Mulller, Michael A. Hayward who was my wonderfully loyal crew from Ohio to the Atlantic Ocean, Gail and Janice Lance, Scott and Liz Futuch, Walt Bianchi, Cindy Oleck, Charlie and Fred Kress, Dennis and Pat Delvlin.

And to the other runners, crew and friends who assisted me a long the way whose names misplace me but very much appreciated and thanked.

With special gratitude my major sponsor Natural Vitality and Staff, Ned Parker Construction.

My family, who were always supportive and there with me in spirit along with fellow ultra runners and my Facebook friends.

A very special "Ultra Thank You" to Patricia Almieri and Christopher O'Brien our marketing and PR design person for their tireless work keeping the Trans USA Run operating in full force! You were both just incredible and truly professional and key to our success.

The Keystone State

2010-11-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Many will agree Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful states in the union and I agree. Hwy 30 winds into scenic forested Allegheny mountains near by. I am abruptly awakened to the still climbs having been so ever 'spoiled' be the flatter gentler states Indiana and Ohio. Hwy 30 climbs and then climbs some more, my legs are not used to this! The breathtaking vistas of this section of Pennsylvania making it worth the effort to run and enjoy. The coal trucks carrying coal from the local mines leave their 'oily scent' of coal lingering in the mountain air on this 15 mile stretch. It snows one day-though not a heavy snow-it was fun to run through while it shortly lasted. Cabins and well crafted homes of stone dot the forested Hwy 30 (Lincoln Highway). Fortunately I have a wide shoulder to run on which surprised me, a few narrow sections in the beginning which made me uneasy as any runner would attest.

Latrobe, Pa home of legendary pro golpher Mr. Arnold Palmer was a beautiful town and friendly, towns like Irwin, Boswell, Bedford all quaint and with much early American key history, Bedford being one one of my favorites small towns. Also running near the Flight 93 Memorial was quite powerful and moving experience.

Pennsylvania does a great job with marking each historical landmarks all pertinent to our early American history and focal points of events.Temperatures now in the low 30's at night and yet a 'mild Indian summer' exist during the days which is quite a blessing being the weather gods have been kind so far. The last section of the hills awaits me in the busy hub of Breezewood.

To be continued...

Running Ohio

2010-11-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

The Buckeye State is where I met Michael Hayward, who felt compelled to help because of the purpose of the run. Michael crewed me starting from Van Wert, Ohio just east of the Indiana state line - a small Americana town even Andy Griffith would be proud of! Here I run pick up America's oldest and longest highway, the Lincoln Highway 30. Mike has a home in Findlay, Ohio and is quite sharp with the Ohio roads. Each state that I have run through is having its own geographical personality. Long lonely farm roads stretching for miles, dotted with beautiful red barns- all symbolic of the Ohio landscape. Trans USA Runner Phil Rosenstein and fellow ultra marathoner join me for a day of running on Halloween. We encounter kids in their costumes trick or' treating before dark with their families. We are offered candy, hot chocolate and cider.One family took a keen interest with our run and the grandfather was a well -versed historian on the Lincoln Hwy -knowledge which he proudly shared with us. He and his wife offered coffee, candy and even dinner and a shower if we wanted-we graciously declined and kept to our running schedule. Running with Phil was a real treat and honor having him run with me-he ran the same route I was following, two years earlier! Phil was always a very humble and encouraging person- with crewing and generally helping runners to achieve their best- all part of his good nature and big heart. Phil briefs me on the latest news in ultra running and friends which I enjoyed hearing..

We spent a night in Findlay, Ohio at Michael's home. His wife Leni cooks us a great pasta dinner and went out of her way to ensure that were fed and rested. Phil departs back to Akron, Ohio to see his girlfriend. Phil's company and encouragement made my day and will always be appreciated.

Farmers are working late to plow their fields for next years crops, amazes me how big their farm machinery is and the control they have over them. Like an artist, they landscape their fields, their income and livelihood. Running lonely stretches offers its dangers too-dogs! Man's best friend-well stated and true. However any mailman, meter reader,runner and cyclist will tell you differently-dogs can be your worst 'nightmare' too! Unsecured they can pose a danger - dog bites can ruin you day and even cause serious harm. I've had close calls with dogs during the run, no bites-knock on wood! Been chased and charged at many times-my line of defense has been my water bottle which I have 'squirted' them with-works most of the time-no pepper spray, although it's been suggested I do carry it. Rocks also most of the time check their 'charge'.Running in a real rural section of Oklahoma I carried a rake pole which I was told by the locals to keep because of unchained mean dogs wanting a taste of your calf muscles. Never had to use it-maybe it was an intimidating object to them, who knows? Had a lab puppy follow me in Missouri-about a mile before his owner came looking for him.

Micheal waits 6 miles up the Hwy for me. Now parked in a drive way, a family is awaiting me to come by, Michael being the very personable person he is, struck up the conversation with the young family, as they were very curious about our run and The Way to Happiness Foundation we both support. The young father, who was a welder by trade - shows us the 'robot' he made out of pipes, parts, wires and how it was the main Halloween 'attraction' on the block. We are invited in for homemade pizza which was quite good. Michael and I felt part of the family, very kind people we will not forget, accepting two strangers into their home.

The following day Phil refers us to a fellow Badwater runner David Corfman's brother and wife Richard and Sue who live near Orville, OH, home of the Smuckers jam, let us spend a night at their beautiful home. Richard, a former bike mechanic was kind enough to repair my baby jogger wheel bearings and made it like new! Richard treated us to a nice dinner at a local eatery with some of the best homemade breads and soups and gave us a 'cooks tour' of Orville. Sue, his wife, set up a great breakfast the next morning before leaving to run. Great family!

We are fortunate to spend another night 40 miles further east at Gail Vance's home who crewed David Corfman during the Badwater race this past summer. Lance loves running, very upbeat guy. He shares with us that he weighed over 250 pounds, had a double bypass heart operation and has now run four marathons and is now training for another with his wife Gail! Very inspiring man-Vance is inspiring to anyone who meets him. He treated Michael and I to a nice dinner and was just great company and a unique person who has overcome major health issues.

Ohio now tends to become hillier as we enter West Virgina and cross over the Ohio River. It's always a great feeling crossing into a new state. We did receive some nice press in Ohio which carried over into West Virgina. People quickly recognized us and told us that they enjoyed the news article and thanked us for running for youth and The Way to Happiness Foundation. West Virgina and crossing into Pennsylvania was quick. Didn't get to see much of West Virgina.

The Hoosier State Indiana

2010-11-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

Running out of Chicago was enjoyable with the completion of finishing Route 66 still fresh in my mind. I met Mike Tyler who agreed to crew me out of the tricky sections of Chicago and onto Hwy 30, the Lincoln Highway- America's first Trans America Highway.Mike was a lot of fun and a champion wrestler in high school, sharing some fun stories on his odd but effective training methods.

I'm finding Indiana to be a very flat state- rarely did I have a 'hill to climb'! Hwy 30 had a nice wide shoulder to run on, but the trade off was the 'jet blasts of wind' from the trucks- still quite intense and 'hat knock offs' I lost count of! The colder temperatures now made it more challenging.

In the following days ahead John Spencer volunteered to crew me 3 great days through Indiana. John works in the Battle Creek Michigan area and had some extra time to help, which he enjoys (and I appreciate). John and I ran across Europe in 1999, Athens, Greece to Hamburg, Germany so John is no stranger to ultra running and crewing. A real honor to have him along for 3 days.

Tornado! Finishing a 40 mile day, we finished in Warsaw (not Poland!) Indiana - the weather was changing fast - lightening and wind gusts, etc. A „distant siren“ is heard - not having ever heard this, I didn't realize that it signaled a tornado in our vicinity! We 'staked' our stop point (so I could continue on from there, after the break) and headed off to a local eatery to satiate our hungry appetites. The local TV station was on with tornado warnings, so we had stopped just in time - my first encounter with a tornado warning that close by! Fortunately it was soon down graded. But too close for comfort-you could feel the low pressure on your body-at least I did. In California we have earthquakes and forest fires-this tornado was all new for me! Indiana has miles of farm lands, mostly being corn.

John crews me competently and we catch up on each other's lives and share some great times running across Europe. The 3 days John gave me were quite productive with some good press in Warsaw about our run for Youth and The Way to Happiness Foundation.

The Three Rivers Running Store out of Ft Wayne, Ind. - met 'Casey' the store manager , who passed a runner by me -“Ed“'- a snappy and runner savvy marathoner from Van Wert, Ohio, who gave a day of crewing and joined in with me on my run as Ed would leave his truck and 'run up and back' with me to his truck getting his training in at the same time. Ed was a 'folksy' personable guy- family man- father of four. Ed shared his experiences with me, of running the Boston Marathon and a 50km trail race in Indiana. Ed crews me to the Ohio State line on Hwy 30 with a large sign welcoming you to Ohio. With a good day of running in, Ed takes me into Van Wert, his home town where I secure a motel for my first night in the Buckeye State of Ohio. Ed was a big help and an enjoyable personality to run with.

To be continued...

The Last Stretch of Route 66!

2010-11-15T12:02:00.000-08:00

Running through Southern Missouri I still faced heat and humidity, yet more tolerable than Oklahoma and Kansas. Missouri is by no means a 'flat' state with Rt 66 tossing in some rolling hills which makes you work harder. Fellow Badwater crew and friend Steve Shepard volunteered to crew me 5 days. Steve lives in Houston, is a seasoned runner and ultra cyclist, having recently finished a 100 mile bike ride. Steve was a big help on crewing me towards St. Louis. Steve competently navigated me along and with help from his wife using Google maps we found those 'beloved frontage roads' (not always Rt 66) which basically followed Interstate 44. We faced some tricky spots and dangerous sections with traffic. Reaching St Louis and Steve having to go back home, I am now in St. Louis, Mo!

In St. Louis we have a The Way to Happiness Chapter here which I connect up with friends and we receive very positive TV and press coverage. St Louis is a genuine Midwestern City, famous for its arts and music and note worthy people. Thomas Jefferson, Charles Lindbergh to name a few. The giant 'Arch' is a world famous landmark and surrounded by a path with runners enjoying the scenic National Park. No, I never was bold enough to ride up in the ARCH! Take the museum self-guided tour -- yes! Wanting to run around the park with fellow runners, never got that chance - legs were to tired and slow to hold their pace.

Springfield was quite nice and where Abe Lincoln once lived and studied law. I was welcomed to Springfield by a coyote darting in front of me. In Illinois I began to see a lot of pride in their marking of RT 66, making it easier to spot turn offs. I'm hit with strong head winds coming into Pontiac, IL.

Following old „broken up Rt 66“ was closed and safer to run than the narrow adjacent highway, but having to jump off and on . Tedious game it became. People honk and wave and I'm wondering what they are thinking, seeing this man run with a baby jogger - 'is he crazy?'. Taking a water/bathroom break at the local MacDonald's in Pontiac, IL, I met „Gene“ a native to the area. Gene took an interest in my run across America, telling me he was much into ultra cycling and has ridden across many states before he had a stroke. (Though I never noticed much of a limp or physical limitation.) Gene was a retired school bus drive for 38 years, never one accident or ticket, including with his car. Gene was a very likable man, we hit it off well. Gene talked me in having him give me a 'cooks tour' of Pontiac Museum and seeing the beautiful RT 66 Museum they have. Gene made a nice ever lasting impression and inspiration to me as I continued on Rt 66.

Joliet, Il a big town south of Chicago, here I begin to really experience more traffic and leaving more rural areas behind. One of the most difficult sections I faced so far on RT 66, extremely narrow sections, especially for a baby jogger.Trucks barreling down the highway too close for comfort. Camped off the road that night in what I thought was 'secluded' in a wooded area, only shared by a dog barking all night. Although I was comfortable in my one man tent, I don't recall falling asleep.

Chicago! After having RT 66 joining on to Interstate 55, "not a runner friendly section"- finding this out from a knowledgeable truck driver, who pointed out a frontage road that would get me back on Rt 66. Having to back track 3 miles was a bit disappointing but the only solution. Now running into suburbs, sidewalks are a welcome sight to run on and out of traffic.The longest stretches of sidewalks I have seen anywhere. Seeing the tall Chicago buildings and the Sears Tower made it clear I was nearing the end of RT 66 but yet still the last ten miles would be work with traffic and the city congestion. Rt 66 signs now more apparent, which boosts my morale. Chicago is a magnificent city with it's own personality. More people now, more odd looks as run and now walking my jogger, avoiding crowds of people. A lady asked if I was a homeless veteran, a vet yes, homeless not really, I'm running across America for youth and The Way to Happiness Foundation and presented her with our brochure. Later that night I receive a facebook message from this person apologizing thinking I was homeless and makes a nice contribution to our cause!

The last 3 miles: Meeting a friend in Chicago who happens to live along Rt 66 and the last 3 miles gives me a place to stay as I would finish the last 3 miles with friends and fellow runners/walkers the following morning. With almost perfect sunny weather,we follow Jackson Ave on to Lake Michigan and crossing over a block where RT 66 would officially begin on Adams Street across from the Chicago Institute of Art. We reach the start point of RT 66 and it was a very big relief, after running 2,400 miles and what I have been aiming for since July 4th beginning in Santa Monica, CA. I 'hug' the RT 66 sign knowing it's now complete and high fived by all my friends and even strangers who just joined in to be part of the finish. The challenges of covering 2,400 miles are now a reality and it begins to sink in. Still a lot to process. A life changing running adventure through harsh conditions,meeting amazing people along the way, you can't help but grow from this experience.I highly recommend you take a drive ( not encouraging you to run Rt 66!) and enjoy America's most famous Highway!Running RT 66 though an incredible journey, it is extremely dangerous on foot. Trucks, cars travel fast! Be aware.

Here some of the Route 66 facts:
RT 66 covers 8 States: California, Arizona, New Mexico,Texas,Oklahoma,Kansas,Missouri, Illinois.
85% of RT 66 is still drivable. Officially designated 66 Chicago to Los Angeles to Chicago in 1926. Much colorful history has been written about RT 66, movies made, songs sang.
Email www.nationalhistoricroute66federation.com / Phone: 909-336-6131.
National Historic Route 66 Federation, PO Box 1848 Dept.WS, Lake Arrow Head, CA 92352-1848

Striding on,
John

From Albuquerque to St. Louis

2010-10-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

Tucumcari, NM. Small famous rail road town along RT 66. Treated to natures best light show - lightening and thunder blasts in spectacular showing. Jogger tires taking too many flats. Staying at the Blue Swallow Motel, owner Bill and Terrie are very kind host, very retro RT 66 rooms and nostalgia. Bill a former BMX bike racer found the right rugged tires for my jogger and saved me a day not having to search for them in the next distant town. Traveling to Tucumcari: stop and
rest at the Blue Swallow, Bill and Terri will take good care of you.

Texas: More open land and ranches, warmer temperatures now as I droop in elevation. Well groomed roads and stiff littering laws.Rancher stops me and offer me a ride to the next town, I tell him that I running across the USA and RT 66, accepting a ride would 'compromise my run' he says"no o ne will know, true I say but you and I" and God he says finally understanding and makes a donation to The Way to Happiness Foundation. Adriane, Texas, I pick up John MacGuire who will crew me. „“Road shock without running a baby jogger and having support and a car takes a while to sink in“. The jogger becomes a big part of you and the road-like family. John a ultra runner himself is very competent and savoy on crewing and navigation - a great cook, John cooked many healthy meals along the way. John was just a stellar crew to have. Amarillo a big town and we faced a rough neighborhood section, being warned by local police and people, John safely leads me out of Amarillo and enjoying the majority of a great and proud city with its own marathon and many local races. With the heat now over 100 degrees I became dehydrated urinating blood - John pulls me off at 35 miles and we get my fluids back that evening - next day still urinating blood, it begins to come back to normal with John's careful monitoring and insisting I take in more fluids - easy to get lost in the challenge and beauty of run and forgetting to stay hydrated.

Oklahoma: Rodeos, cattle ranchers, famous bull riders, gas around $2,44 with friendly country people with very thin RT 66 roads to run along. Humidity increasing and heat here. You become drenched with sweat after 4 miles - I'm changing my running clothing more often. Each time I'd run into a new state would be a almost a religious experience -you leave another state and run into a new one - that's really „Golden“ as any Trans USA Runner would say. Feet holding up - despite a very swollen toe-blisters are never an issue for me so far. Thanks to Injinji Toes socks www.injinji.com one of our proud sponsors. Narrow roads mean big trucks and you are constantly moving from their wrath and wind which many times blows my hat off. A wave I give to each trucker who makes room for me - many do - some don't care, just stay out of their path - many times I've dropped off the road and into a steep bank avoiding these „solid metal speedy carriages weighing tons'' - valuing my life my family, friends and then the run.
Oklahoma City is a big town with many lakes, big running and cycling town. A complex route of the city and Rt 66 whereas Tulsa was much easier and enjoyable, a very upscale city, great roads leading me out of Tulsa.

Kansas. We are averaging about 35-40 miles a day - we quickly run through Kansas and have some nice scenic legs through this Americana state. Camping off roads and farms and ranches, and a nice motel and shower is nice.

Missouri: 'The Show Me State“. Famous for Mark Twain, the Pony Express and Outlaw Jesse James and many deep caves and caverns Joplin, Mo a nice old town-we get nice TV coverage here with the TV Anchor directing us to scenic historic Rt 66 sights.. John and I have our camping plans stopped with a pounding rain storm in Mt Vernon, Mo, ironically John's last night with me - we depart from „Rescue“, MO.

John MacGuire

In ultra running and sport we call our crew Heroes and Angels - John proved that - his crewing and help was great and much appreciated - I lost a special friend as I began my run with my jogger not having John with me - re-adjusting to the weight and mechanical motion I did not have as a runner takes a good day or two. Passing through Springfield and now picking up fellow Badwater crew Steve Shepard. Steve does a great job crewing and his wife from Houston goggles out our route via his Blackberry and we find 'feeder roads' along I-44 and connect up with RT 66 when we can, not to say I did not run on I-44-filling in missing Rt 66 sections. Steve crews me into St Louis, his work done and much appreciated. Steve a strong runner himself ran several miles with me while crewing me and prepping for the Houston Marathon.

St Louis: Gateway to the West. Rich with Americana history, Jazz, writers T.S. Elliot, Stan Musial baseball hall of fame and Charles Lindberg and Thomas Jefferson to name some. The famous ARCH is my stopping point. St Louis has a big running community with scenic green parks to run and areas to cycle. I'm really worn down as I stop here two months straight without a break - my 56 year old body tells me to chill a bit - Steve departs and my transition with my friend Brian Miehl takes place. Brian works with our local Way to Happiness Chapter and we schedule public speaking and fund raising events and press. Our Foundation is very well received and thought of. Brian takes time and gives me „a cook's tour“ of St Louis. Very unique and beautiful city to see St Louis has their own marathon in February which I have been invited to participate.

To be continued: On to Chicago with 300 miles to run to the end point of RT 66.

John Radich

Jogger John Radich discusses cross country run Radich talks to NewsChannel 5 about his Trans USA Run

2010-10-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

St. Louis, MO (KSDK) -- Imagine taking in Route 66, all on foot.
An ultra marathon runner from California is making his way to the east
coast, logging 35 to 40 miles a day.
Fifty-five-year-old John Radich began his 3,700-mile cross country jog in
Santa Monica, California in August 2010. His goal is to travel the famed
Route 66 to Chicago, journey to New York City and finally go to
Washington D.C., all to draw awareness to stemming school violence and
promoting youth wellness.

Radich's Trans USA Run is sponsored by Way of Happiness Foundation
International, a nonprofit group founded in 1984 by L. Ron Hubbard, the
man who created the Church of Scientology. Radich and his trip
companions will distribute 'Way to Happiness' booklets and DVDs to young
people along the way. The booklet, which Hubbard authored in 1981, is
said to be a moral code to prevent decay in society.
KSDK

http://www.ksdk.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=620244507001#/Ultra+marathoner+hits+Route+66+promoting+%27Way+to+Happiness%27/620243413001

John on the TV News!

2010-09-19T01:03:00.000-07:00

See link: http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13160903

John Radich, 56, is running Route 66 from Santa Monica, California to Chicago, and then hopes to make it to Atlantic City to touch the ocean. The ultra marathoner started his journey on July 4 and has covered 1,700 miles - recording 35 to 40 miles each day.

Radich says he is amazed how preserved Route 66 is in small towns like Carterville, Missouri and was glad to see sites like the 66 Drive in Theater near Carthage. He says the Four States is greener than California and people are extremely nice. Radich says the run gives him an appreciation for America.

"I've run across Europe a few times, Australia, Canada," Radich says. "The United States is the greatest country in the world and following Route 66 has been absolutely incredible - running through the Navajo Reservation in Arizana-New Mexico, running through the panhandle of Texas."

On the Web
Email: thetransusarun@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jradich1
Blog: transusarun.blogspot.com
Donate via PayPal: http://tinyurl.com/d76czj

Flagstaff to Albuquerque

2010-09-10T12:41:00.000-07:00

Leaving the forests of Flagstaff I was welcomed to rains and lightening, fortunately the further I ran east the less intense the storm became. Running on RT 66 was always my first choice - I-40 the busy interstate pipeline isn't my favorite to run - the wide shoulder on this section was nice though. You descend quickly from Flagstaff, the Ponderosa pines soon disappear and high desert chaparral was now a common sight.
Continental Divide: After a very treacherous run along 8 miles of road construction and two lane roads -the most narrow section and most awful run on I-40 so far - trucks blast by you too close for comfort, no place to hide - just need to go on through.

A New Mexico HWY Patrol stopped me saying “I got a call about a man running with a baby jogger and baby on board”. He was smiling and knew what I was doing and took interest in the run. "RT 66 exits and the Continental Divide is about 1 mile away, you'll be happy to know that, I think". “You bet” I told him! Now raining and I was quite spent, I crossed the Continental Divide. A Navajo woman stopped and suggested I stay at the Top of the World Motel , which I did. Karen and Jason, the motel hosts, were quite kind with a complimentary room. I met the locals and many of the Native Navajos in the area who give the best directions and mileage and what to expect running along Rt 66 to Grants, NM. They know - it's their incredible land.A local person in a truck stopped me, offered me a 10 mile ride to Grants – I said “no thanks I'm running across America , a ride would compromise my run's integrity”, he said, “ahh, no one would know”! “Yea”, I said, “but you and I would know” “and God” he said, he understood and wished me luck and donated money for water and snacks. I slept in a truck stop TV lounge that night. Not the most comfortable place, but I was dry.On the road I met this joyful man with a white beard, “Billy”, a runner and teacher and strong community leader at Grants High School. Billy took a keen interest in my run and offered me his place to stay. Billy and his wife Marie and family all welcome me warmly, ironically Billy grew up in Altadena, CA, near me. They have a beautiful cabin. Billy talked me into a "side adventure” the following day, a 6 mile run up to 11,300 foot MT Taylor. A spectacular panoramic views of the valley below. We team up with Bob, a teacher also on a local reservation with an impressive running resume, who is training to run the Pike's Peak Marathon. Billy and his family left me with a very happy experience and a friendship for life!

A Native American family stopped me on RT 66, they gave me Oreo cookies, water, energy bars and their blessings. The kindness of the Native Americans is really amazing. Running into Albuquerque was a long hilly section, Javier a young and upcoming tri-athlete, studying to become a doctor at the University of New Mexico crewed me the last 16 miles, not having to run with the baby jogger was quite a change and welcomed relief! Just awesome! Thank you Javier!! Albuquerque is quite a running mecca, even for some Kenyan and European runners training for a major US marathon. The altitude, dry climate and dirt roads all appeal to runners of all levels. I know now why they call New Mexico the Land of enchantment with its beautiful surrounding mountains and high desert appeal.

Tales from Running Across America by John Radich

2010-08-04T18:45:00.000-07:00

Finally fulfilling a dream of mine since I was 16, which is to run across America which I once told my coach in high school after reading about the Bunion Derby races across America in the 30's. His response, "wait until your older and have a purpose behind it". Well coach, I certainly do now at 56!

Since dipping my feet in the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica on July 4th, following historic Route 66, much has happened along the way - volumes to write so I will cover key areas which may be of interest.

Running with my friends out of Santa Monica was great and a bigger surprise was that my brother Ron and his wife came out to see me leave and follow me the next few days. Backtracking the LA Marathon route in sections was fun, passing through Beverly Hills, the Los Angeles Veterans Hospital and Federal Building continuing on through Hollywood and The Grahman's Chinese Theater for photos and passing by the Kodak theater (home of recent academy awards). Edgar Zarzalejo, a fellow runner and friend joined me for a delicious brunch at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Center. Kista and Michael joined a leg with us running out of Running Circle www.arunningcircle.com, a very popular local LA running store, neighboring running haven Griffith Park which supplied me with shoes gear for my run Across America.

Route 66 continues on through Pasadena, Rose Parade and famous Colorado Blvd. Champion runner Judy Maquire joined me from Monrovia (my home turf) running through Azusa, Glendora (my home town) - on through Upland and Fontana which I encounter four tough looking gang members who asked me where I was running to? “East Coast” I told them - they all high-fived me and cheered me as I run.

Norm Lopez from the San Bernardino Pacers running club lead me with fellow Pacers up the complex Route 66 through the mountainous Cajon Pass.

Now in the Mohave Desert, temperatures reached over 100 degrees as Judy and I entered Victorville and Barstow. Route 66 - America's once most famous highway - still stands, with towns of Bagdad and the famous Bagdad Cafe featuring colorful characters working there; t-shirts scatter the walls from tourists all over. Dagget, Ludlow, Amboy and Goffs: tiny blink towns never exceeding more than 25-50 in population, all with very friendly people and stories to share. European tourists take time and interest to follow America’s Historic Route 66.
Temperatures reaching well over 115 degrees along the highway, Judy does a magnificent job crewing me for the short time she can be away from work, keeping me hydrated and her fun disposition making this section more “bearable”, if you can call it that. Judy leaves me at Needles, one of the hottest places around (120 degrees), hot and humid along the Colorado River. I carry on with my baby jogger and supplies towards Arizona. Legs still holding up, no blisters thanks to my injinji toe socks (www.injinji.com) and Natural Vitality Nutritional products (www.naturalvitality.com) keeping me running strong and long.

Made it to Flagstaff! Made 35 miles today! Beautiful run: I left Williams, but beforehaving a nice breakfast at the local café the owner offered me a free meal. He was Greek and took a real interest in my run and I mentioned I had run through Greece in 99. Also the waitress who served me tells me she saw me running on I-40 to Williams. I signed a The Way to Happiness copy. She was so nice and full of compliments - I blushed! I left Williams with a warm feeling in my heart. People really are nice there. Despite much thunder and lightening, hail and buckets of rain.

Ran the Arizona Divide – the highest point on Route 66 (I-40) @7,300 feet. New Mexico mayhave peaks over 6,000 feet. Received many honks from truckers and cars today, and waves. Coming off the I-40 into Flagstaff I continued right on Route 66. What a very nice run: you see many nice upscale homes surrounded by forest, Ponderosa Pines, leading into big and busy Flagstaff, a real mountain town. I spoke with many wonderful people and handed out copies of The Way to Happiness booklet.

I continued on with my journey and will soon reach New Mexico. More to follow!

For further information or volunteers please contact thetransusarun@gmail.com.

Crossing the Mojave by Judy Maguire (Crew Captain)

2010-07-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Crossing the Mojave is challenging enough in July, even driving - but doing it on foot!?!? “Downright CRAZY!” as a local from Essex told us.

Our first night of camping was a far cry from our graciously donated hotel room at the Holiday Inn Express in Barstow (thanks to lovely Wanda, the manager there) - but we made do with what appeared to be an abandoned train or bus station. We didn't get too much sleep, between the relentless heat and trains going by every hour or two, so were up for an early start by 6:00 a.m. After putting in 10-15 miles, we stopped at the “Bagdad Café” for a nice breakfast - where the actual movie was filmed. Soon we were off again continuing our trip.

We ended the day's run in the middle of nowhere again - so marked the spot carefully and spent the night in Ludlow's only motel. We are finding out that there is no real internet connection, in the middle of nowhere..

We did 36-37 miles the next day – we were determined to make it to "Amboy or Bust"! Meaning - "Anywhere", as opposed to - "Nowhere" again, as we'd had enough of that.. The Sheriff there kindly gave us a free camping spot as the motel was being remodeled and so wouldn't be open for another couple of years.. and also some fresh water to shower with (the taps were all salinated).

The next day after we ran on we found a "shoe tree", literally - a tree which many pedestrians passing through hung up their old shoes. There was also a "sock tree" a bit further down.. We put in 30 miles that day and ended up camping at the High Desert Oasis - which it truly was - a small truck stop "in the middle of nowhere", which had signs posted around for customers not to complain about their prices. They had the highest gas prices I've ever seen..

We drove back the next morning to where we had left off running the night before - and put one foot in front of the other again. Took a pit stop at "JR's Tires" and we had to take photos, due to the shared name with John Radich. JR & wife were very friendly and so we presented them with a The Way To Happiness DVD and booklet. Our destination that day was Goffs (population 12). Arriving there at 2:30pm gave us time to take real showers and hand-wash clothes - even taste a little bit of A/C (in the "cookhouse"). The property was impressive (the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association) – it was like an outdoor Wild West museum of all kinds of antique relics, cars, etc. It's hard to describe, so you'll just have to look at the photos. The Executive Director was most gracious to us.

The next day was a straight shot to Needles -totaling about 31 miles. Although it was mostly
downhill - the temperature was going uphill, in contrast - was around 120 by the time we made Needles!

That was the "end of the road" for me - I had to turn my car around there and get back to my life in LA. John still has a long ways to go - he inspired me. What keeps him so upbeat is his purpose in promoting The Way To Happiness Foundation as he knows that their programs really can improve the state of society.

If anyone out there is interested in helping to crew John or assist in any way - you would be most welcome! Please contact Judy Maguire or Patricia O’Brien under thetransusarun@gmail.com.

Summary over the past days from John’s crew captain Judy Maguire:

2010-07-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

I drove to Monrovia on Monday July 5th, to John's trailer park there - and we put his stuff in my car. I discovered that he has lived in that town his whole life - I didn't know this! It has a small-town atmosphere and everyone there seemed to know him. We stopped for breakfast at Leroy's Cafe - a small-town, homey cafe - which was very crowded, as a lot of people were off from work, after the 4th. Everywhere we went, he was wished well by the people of the town. He started running down Route 66 (Huntington Dr.), while I did some last-minute shopping. The morning was cool & overcast - perfect running weather! We went as far as Rancho Cucamonga - about 22 miles. His brother Ron made a surprise visit just before we ended - and had been studying our route on his GPS and so told us in detail where we had been and where we were going - it was amazing!

We spent the night at San Bernardino at friend’s house there - who cooked us a nice steak dinner with desert. On Tuesday we drove back to where we had left off the day before - and continued on down the road, with me driving ahead 3-4 miles and waiting for John in a (hopefully) shady spot. That day we had a phone interview with the San Bernadino Sun, which appeared the next day. John has been handing out many The Way to Happiness booklets. Some of the highlights of this have been:

1) He handed out some to gang members, in Fontana - who honked and waved at us, later
down the road.
2) Yesterday, in a rough section of San Bernadino, we stopped and I gave a TWTH booklet to
a 19- year-old kid, who was trying to panhandle $ there. Then, some other kids came over,
asking for a booklet, so we gave them to them and took a photo (attached).
3) We then went to the CA Hwy Patrol - to let them know about the run and that we would be
running along the Hwy - and gave the officer there a TWTH (photo attached).

On Wednesday we started much earlier, as we were meeting a group of runners (called the San Bernadino Pacers), who paced us along a difficult and tricky stretch of highway called the Cajon Pass. The leader of this group had already read the article in the paper before we had a chance to even see it and 5 of the runners came out to support John and his cause.
As we were running, another long-time ultra-runner pulled up in a truck, who had read the blog - and so decided to come out and say hello. After running about 15 miles, we stopped for breakfast at the Summitt Inn - a very classic Route 66 diner type of place (photos attached) and met a 92-yr-old man named Enrique Barrios, who first introduced himself as a "white Mexican" and went on to tell us how he had been a competitive runner in the 1930's. He name-dropped a few names that most of us recognized - and so we knew that he was for real.

After the other runners left, it became hot and crowded outside (lots of traffic), but we pushed on into Victorville and made about 30 miles today.
Thursday, July 8th - We started today with an in-person interview, at a restaurant (Coco's - great organic coffee!). This was done by a young reporter from the Daily Press and maybe it will appear also in the Barstow paper.

Starting the run at 11:15am was a bit non-optimum, as it was already scorching hot! So I ensured that we had enough ice & water (and even bought a lawn chair with a canopy over it, to protect me from the sun - and for JR to sit in on breaks, etc.). I also checked the fluids in the car, as we had a long stretch through the desert ahead of us, with possibly no services in places. We stopped at a Route 66 Museum, on the way out of Victorville - very cute! We talked to people there about our run, and got some photos of a guy who was traveling the road with his dad, promoting a book they had written about the "Mother Road" (nickname for Route 66). It has sometimes been called "Main Street USA".

Throughout the afternoon, it got very hot - up to around 104 degrees! Both John and I wore long-sleeved white shirts, to protect us from the sun. JR was determined to make it to Barstow, so we pushed on - (he said that it was now reminding him of the Badwater race..!). We did make it into Barstow - a total of around 34 miles - by 8:00 pm. We were so excited and high morale that we went straight to a nice Holiday Inn Express. The General Manager was very nice granting us a night for free after explaining John’s cause and run.

Thank you very much to everybody who helped and supported us so far!

The Trans USA Run Officially Started!

2010-07-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 4th of July, 2010 – John Radich started officially his run across the United States! He started off at the Santa Monica Pier following Route 66. His crew team Captain Judy Maquire keeps things organized and running smoothly. John's motivation is to help and supports with his running the youth programs of the non-profit organization The Way to Happiness (www.thewaytohappiness.org). Get the full report by Sun Bernardino Sun newspaper. Pictures will follow!

Coast-to-coast runner makes a stop in San Bernardino
Wesley G. Hughes, Staff Writer
http://www.sbsun.com/ci_15453932?IADID=Search-www.sbsun.com-www.sbsun.com

John Radich has harbored a wish to run across the United States since high school, and he's got a good start. He reached San Bernardino on Tuesday with at least 75 miles behind him already, and he'll be headed up Cajon Pass this morning with a couple of runners from San Bernardino.

"It will take me two months to reach Chicago and then on to Atlantic City to dip my toes in the ocean as I did in the Pacific," the Monrovia man said. Radich used to live in Muscoy and ran frequently in Lytle Creek. The purpose of the run is to help kids and keep them out of gangs, Radich said. His run is under the auspices of The Way to Happiness Foundation, which is based on a book by L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology. Although he is a Scientologist, Radich said "the run has nothing to do with Scientology."

Radich began the run at the Santa Monica Pier and is following old Route 66 all the way to its
end in the Windy City. "From Atlantic City, it will be on to New York and then if I still have the horses I will end up in Washington at the Vietnam Memorial," Radich said. "If everything goes well, it will take 3 1/2 to 4 months. I expect to average 35 to 40 miles a day - at least 30," the runner estimated.

"The foundation gets kids involved. I'll be connecting with youth groups along the way," Radich said, admitting that he is in it for the recognition. "Making good works known" is part of the foundation's philosophy, he said. You can check it out online at thewaytohappiness.org.

It's not like Radich is new to running. "I've run across Europe three times. In 1999, I ran
from Athens to Hamburg. The cause was human rights." He's completed the 135-mile Death Valley to Mount Whitney run nine times, from 282 feet below sea level to an elevation of 8,000 feet, a climb of about a mile and a half. Radich is being followed by a support crew in a van, he said. Judy Maguire, 51, is his crew captain.

An Army veteran, he laughed and quipped, "When we get to Barstow, then I'm promoting her
to major."

The Trans USA Run - Running for Youth

2009-04-04T16:13:00.000-07:00

John Radich, Ultra Marathoner, makes his dream become a reality. Starting in spring 2010 he will run across America. He will be starting in Santa Monica, CA, and running along the historic Route 66 into Chicago, continuing into New York and down to Washington, DC. A total of 3,700 miles!

Route 66 goes through eight states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Route 66 symbolized the renewed spirit of optimism that pervaded the country after economic catastrophe and global war. Often called, "The Main Street of America", it linked a remote and under-populated region with two vital 20th century cities - Chicago and Los Angeles.

Since 1979 John has completed hundreds of ultra marathons, covering a distance of more then 30,000 miles. He has run the famous Western States 100 mile trail race, he is the 3 time Arizona 6 Day Run winner in 2005, 2006 and 2007. In 1999 John ran from Athens, Greece to Hamburg, Germany, for Human Rights. John has raised over $100,000 for various charities through his running efforts.

628,200 acts of violence per year. 17% of combatants carrying deadly weapons.. War zones? Inner-city gangs? Or organized crime? No. It's our nation's schools. Today's children will become tomorrow's civilization. The way to happiness has on its route the loving and the helping of children from babyhood to the brink of adult life. John's motivation is to help and supports with his running the non-profit organization The Way to Happiness.

The Way to Happiness International
The Way to Happiness Foundation International was established in 1984 with the mission of reversing the moral decay in society by restoring trust and honesty in the world through the publication and widespread distribution of The Way to Happiness booklet. Today the booklet is published in 94 languages. The Way to Happiness foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation with international headquarters in Glendale, CA, and offices throughout the world.

Based wholly on common sense, the moral code was first published in 1981 and has as
its purpose to help arrest the current moral decline in society and restore integrity and trust to man. Written by L. Ron Hubbard, the book fills the moral vacuum in an increasingly materialistic society. This code of conduct contains 21 basic principles that guide one to a better quality of life. Entirely nonreligious, it can be followed by anyone, of any race, color or creed and works to restore the bonds that unite humankind.

The Foundation coordinates public awareness campaigns worldwide. The centerpiece of the campaign is the award-winning series of 21 public service announcements, each depicting one of the principles from The Way to Happiness. These PSAs have been seen on television all over the world.

But the real power of the booklet is realized when it is distributed to others, hand to hand. In this way, one helps others survive better and lead happier lives. They, in turn, pass copies of the book to those whose lives they influence, encouraging others to treat their fellows with kindness, compassion and respect.

The Purpose of The Trans USA Run
The purpose is to fundraise for The Way to Happiness' campaigns (www.twth.org) and distribute as many booklets and PSA DVDs as possible and create a major impact. Media and other organizations will be contacted along John's course when he passes by. We can thereby support youth to make the right choices through trust, honesty and restoring common sense values, which all cultures and creeds agree with. Kids are our future and this being a worthy purpose, with crime, drugs, intolerance all rampant in our society, this concerns us all.

The Way to Happiness has precepts such as:

● Love and help children
● Try not to do things to others that you would not like them to do to you
● Safeguard and improve your environment
● Don't do anything illegal

Success from Youth
"My school reports contained 'As', but only in the word 'absent'. My parents left a copy of The Way to Happiness on my bed one day, and I sat down and read it. The book contained many ideas and concepts that I had always wanted to live up to, but had failed at, even some real simple ones that I thought weren't a problem for me, such as 'Be worthy of trust', but in fact had failed at, too. Something happened to me when I stared that cold hard fact in the face, and realized I was not worthy of trust. I decided to change."

Contributions
Donations
As with almost any activity in life, we require financial energy to make the Trans USA run. Your support is essential to our success. Remember that all contributions are tax deductible. Please add the code "JR" to your donation if done via phone.

Donate by Internet
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=945094

Donate by Phone
Call The Way to Happiness International at (818) 254-0600.
U.S. residents can call toll free at (800) 255-7906.

Volunteers/Fundraisers
We need volunteers for events coordination, organizational tasks and fundraiser over a period of about 3-4 months. You can choose the amount of time you would like to dedicate per week. Contact: Richard Ettricks, cell 323 377 5409 or Patricia O'Brien, email: thetransusarun@gmail.com.

To get in touch with John Radidch in person, please contact: jrultrarun@yahoo.com.