Discovering America One Marathon At A Time [Paperback]

After this 51-year-old runner set a lofty goal, his quest to run a marathon in every state merged with America's rich history as the author. Told he was too old to run a marathon in every state, Jim Anderson laced up his running shoes and took on the challenge. Twelve years later, he completed his goal and gained a unique appreciation for our nation and its history. Stories of America discovered The grandson of our tenth president lives on. A town starts from a boxcar left after a train wreck. An Iowa farm girl saves a passenger train. Andersonville prisoners prayers for water are answered. A cross country skier passes away, yet completes his 20th Birkebeiner. And the authors quest to run in every state Running through 4 cities in 2 states in 1 race& Finishing in front of 100 Scottish clans on Grandfather Mountain& Making his way through the Hatfield and McCoy Feud country& Running the Chisholm Trail& Running the worlds highest paved marathon & and 45 more! These all come together in an inspiring story of a senior marathoner who saw Americas history come alive while fulfilling his dream. Although Jim Anderson is not the only runner to complete a marathon in each of our 50 states, he is undoubtedly the only person to accomplish this amazing feat plus complete 38 American Birkebeiners, the longest cross-country ski race, held in his home town of Cable, Wisconsin. One-hundred fifty pages filled with photos will guide you to the unusual and off-the-beaten-path places we all wish we could visit. Written for all ages. This foreword by a respected silent sports advocate explains: Goals. We all set them. Some large. Some not. Most come from within. Some are inspired by others. Jim Anderson, a Wisconsin public school teacher closing in on retirement, had a fellow tell him, At your age, you could never run a marathon in every state. Though not meant as a challenge, one marathon soon led to the next and the next. Twelve years later, AndersonlS%