Robert Eilek:
CLASS OF 1969
Washington High SchoolClass of 1969
St. paul, MN
Mississippi Elementary SchoolClass of 1963
St. paul, MN
Robert's Story
Hello Classmates and Friends,
The big day is quickly approaching. I am pretty well recovered from my last foot surgery. The plan is to finally start my Run Across America on Saturday, April 30 from Oceanside Pier in California. My route is mapped out and I will be going through 12 states and end the run in New York City with a jump into the Atlantic.
Unfortunately, I have not been able to find a driver to provide vehicle support so it looks like I will be running solo with a backpack/stroller carrying basic survival supplies. My worries are running through the Arizona desert (snakes, excessive heat, running out of supplies) and injuries that could derail my effort. But my determination is strong.
I will finally be setting up a GoFundMe page this week to help me pay for basic expenses including food, water, and health items. If anyone wishes to donate, I will have the GoFundMe specifics posted here in a couple of days. I am also attempting to raise funds ($50,000 is the goal) for Running Strong for American Indian Youth co-founded by Billy Mills (1964 Tokyo Olympics 10,000 meter champion). That highly rated charity provides many benefits to impoverished Native Americans (see their website). I will also set up a G0FundMe page for those of you who wish to donate to the Running Strong charity as well. Information on how to do that will also be posted here or you can simply send in a donation to Running Strong in honor of (Robert Eilek Run Across America). I will post the Running Strong address as well. The run is roughly 3,000 miles and I will try my best to complete the run under 100 days.
The local Press-Enterprise did a story on my run about two weeks ago. If you wish to read it just Google Robert Eilek Run Across America or check it out on my newly created Facebook page which is open to the "p...Expand for more
ublic." As Billy Mills once said, "Every passion has its destiny."
If you want to donate to help me with necessary supplies, see my Facebook page where I have my GoFundMe page specifics listed. If you want to follow me on my journey, you can also do that on my Facebook page, look me up under Robert Eilek and I will report on my daily progress.
UPDATE: My GoFundMe effort for needed supplies is now set up on my "public" Facebook page under Robert Eilek. My wife has decided that she will drive our SUV and support my journey from California through Arizona. Once I enter Colorado, I will finish the effort going solo since my wife will be returning home. I am getting both excited and nervous. I hope I can do it!
Update 2: My adventure/fundraising effort for Running Strong is now listed on Billy Mills' website. I am humbled and honored. April 30, date of departure, is rapidly approaching. On April 3, I finally met Billy Mills--what an unexpected honor!
Update 3: I was on the KUSI San Diego news station yesterday (April 23) for a pre-run across America interview and KUSI will be recording my departure from Oceanside, Ca. on April 30. If you want to see the interview, go to my Facebook page under Robert Eilek or just google my name. Great news: my wife and son will be able to escort me with a support vehicle into Kansas now!!!!!
Update 4: As some of you know, a foot injury derailed my run across America. I have now fully healed (fingers are crossed) and will continue my run from the point I was forced to stop due to the injury (near Blythe, Ca.). I will depart July 8. The heat will be excessive in Arizona so I will be doing my two long runs starting at 5:00 am (maybe 4:00 am) and will complete both of them by 10:00 am. I will throw in two short 5 milers towards the late afternoon/early evening. Never Give Up!
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