Discovering America One Marathon at a Time

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. 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 author's 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 world's highest paved marathon ... and 45 more! These all come together in an inspiring story of a senior marathoner who saw America's 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, Anderson crossed yet another finish line, allowing him to join that finite group of determined athletes who have run a marathon in each of our nation's states. This is more than a book about how to run or where or why or when. True, the struggle to complete these fifty arduous races captures attention. How could it not? But it is the backstory of each event-the people, the history, the charm of each new place-that fascinates. Chapter after chapter presents another atypical look at our land, unique perspectives missed by everyday travelers. As one who has organized, coordinated, and participated in many athletic competitions, I can say that this book, Jim Anderson's chronicle of discovering America one marathon at a time, is both fascinating and inspiring as well as an amazing goal conquered. Gary Crandall Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival Director 2003 Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Inductee