New Event for Glen - Extra Mile Endurathon

I will be participating in the Extra Mile Enurathon (click here) this weekend.

The event is an Ultrawalk where the participants walk on a 3.7 mile loop through Boulder, CO beginning at 5pm today (May 30th) and there is no finish line the last person walking wins.

The record was set in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil at 102 hours. Distance is not important, time is.
We only get a 10 min break every loop to rest, fix our feet change clothes etc.. Though there is an athletic component in the walking it is more an event around Will & sleep deprivation.

I am pretty stong willed and do well without much sleep - so we will see. The top 4 contestants qualify for the World Championship in Las Vegas on December 3rd, 2008. I would like to be there.

Please feel free to walk with us this weekend if you are in Boulder, otherwise follow my podcasts from Utterz. I will be posting them live during the event.

I GOT 'R DONE!!!

It was a long enchanted journey, believe it or not I didn't get a single blister. My only injury came the evening after I finished when I was shaving and I nicked my face. I lost a few pounds early in the run but my weight stabilized somewhere in Texas. I had a very few difficulties with the Zzzoomer because it is such a simple device. Early flats were a big issue, but once I got those Armadillo tires I went over 1500 miles without one.

I truly felt blessed by my encounters with all the different people I met along the way. I can't count how many either bought me diner or offered to help out in someway. I have hundreds of people who have signed the Zzzoomer from all over the country. I felt fortunate to not have caused any accidents nor did any animals perish as a result of chasing me (and believe me they did - but they just didn't know where to bite!)

My father (Bob Turner) who operated as my control center was an invaluable resource daily. One day, early in the morning after I had stopped for breakfast I got a call from him when he realized that I was heading west by mistake. If he hadn't have called I certainly would have gone gone a lot farther the wrong way. When I lost my wallet if he hadn't have bailed me out with a Western Union wire my shortest day may have been my last. Thanks Dad, you're the best. He also started a community team but because he was on the computer tracking me so much his team "The Flatlanders" never made it very far.

I also I need to give special thanks to the Coury family, Jamil for the fantastic job that he did developing and maintaining the Web Site; and to his mom Pati for helping get the word out to town officials and the media.

Another family that I need to give attention to is the Hope's in Tuscaloosa, AL. Bob Hope and his wife Christine took me in, let me shower, washed my cloths, fed me, gave me the shoes of his feet (literally), and contacted the local ABC affiliate television station who then filmed me.

The team leaders also need special consideration. Loren Floming from Emerald Elementary was the first teacher to help begin the planning of the student team concept. Peggy McGuff from Mountain View Elementary actually initially put the idea in my brain about having the kids follow me. I want to say that the conference call that we had from the side of the road in Texas was just as inspiring to me. Then there is Bud Glassburg from Eagle Elementary. Talk about an inspiring man. He was the first person to make a financial contribution, and then he stepped up and organized a team in Indiana (where my Sister's family and Mother live). As of the last report they had 155 kids running from that school alone (he is not even a teacher at that school). They were out to catch me - without a handicap. Kids were recruiting other kids to make it so. Also Budd and his daughter met me in Mississippi -we were going to met in Texas but I was a little ahead of schedule :o) , and to top it all off he even wrote an article for the local newspaper. Budd you're the MAN.

You kids gave me more energy than you know. I hope you keep up your running, and I look forward to coming to your school and sharing with you my stories, pictures and videos.

Leah kept together the only community team that made it out of the starting blocks. Good job. You have been a great motivator, and I really appreciate the support from a part of the country that I never would have expected.

Hopefully as a result of all this running and Zzzooming, I have inspired not only the youngsters in age, but the young at heart as well to live a healthy lifestyle that includes getting out there and moving their body. I may share more about this experience in a book, and certainly in a multimedia presentation that I will make available soon.

I'll just never forget the full moon rising into and out of a total eclipse over the Mojave Desert during my first 100 mile day.

Nice visiting Mississippi, Hello Alabama!

I had a surprise visit from Bud Glassberg and his daughter Ellie. Bud is the teacher/organizer of the Eagle Elementary Beagles. They are bound and determined to chase me down for bragging rights to the most kilometers run. They don't want a handicap, they are challenging me head on. With 155 kids they are pushing me. It was fun running with him.


I spent the night in Columbus MS and I had a nice meal given to me by Harvey's. It began raining pretty good so I spent the morning working on getting a new Driver's license and Credit cards. I also mailed home almost 20lbs worth unneeded clothes etc that I didn't want to just throw away.

In Tuscaloosa, AL I met some fantastic people when I came into town late at night to fix a small but important part on the Zzzoomer. I got help from Eric at the Velocity bike shop. Later we went out for sushi and met some of his friends. One of the guys was Dr. Rob Hope, a podiatrist, and cyclist. He offered me a room in his home for the night, I accepted for the first time on this trip. I am glad I did. He had a truck and we put the Zzzoomer in the back (he bought me back to the same spot in the morning so I didn't miss any ground). I still haven't received any shoes from ECCO (that's a sore topic for later discussion). He gave me a new pair of shoes and I met his wife Christine and two little girls. They were great. Christine called the local TV station and within an hour I was being filmed by the local ABC affiliate for channel 33/40.

I had lunch in Brent, Alabama and met a couple friendly locals and got interviewed by another newspaper and I have a conference call schedule for another interview coming up in the next half an hour. I just I'm starting to get noticed. It is flatering but it takes time and I am having a harder time getting my miles in.

Mississippi Headwinds

Computer Problems in & out of Texas

Sorry about the text portion of the website Blog. I have been having computer and internet connection issues for the past several days. I don't know if I have it licked yet but it is working for the time being. I have been publishing my Audio podcasts and I hope that you enjoy them. They are by far the most current, and to the news. Please check there first. Listen to the Utterz! I have also been publishing my photos in webshots. My videos have been difficult because I need to translate each clip to a new format before it is up loaded and that takes time. Sorry, but I will get caught up soon I hope.

Smooth sailing out of Roswell into Texas

I left Roswell after recharging my batteries (literally & figuratively). I worked hard to get something for day 16. My distance for that day is totaled at 9:26am Pacific time so pushed for 50k, I got just about as close as you can get. I was on the road with no place to really take a break so I carried on with a gentle tail wind and a gradual decent :) to Plains, TX. I arrived to find the town about to roll up the streets. I had 15 mins to get some food at the DQ before they closed at 8:00pm. The other Mexican restaurant had already closed. I decided to call it a day and found a place to park the Zzzoomer and set up camp.

I started before sunrise so that I could finish out Day 17 with over 100 miles. I had to work hard to get to Brownfield because the wind had changed direction during the night in advance of an approaching storm. As I write this I am considering a severe weather advisory (see below:)

I was just finishing up this blog and the waitress told me that my meal was paid for by one of the patrons. I don't even know who. It constantly amazed at the friendliness and generosity of the people I have met on this adventure.

Special Weather Statement

PARMER-CASTRO-SWISHER-BRISCOE-HALL- CHILDRESS-BAILEY-LAMB-HALE- FLOYD- MOTLEY-COTTLE-COCHRAN-HOCKLEY-LUBBOCK- CROSBY-DICKENS-KING- YOAKUM-TERRY-LYNN- GARZA-KENT-STONEWALL- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...FRIONA...BOVINA... DIMMITT...HART... TULIA...SILVERTON... QUITAQUE...MEMPHIS...TURKEY... CHILDRESS... MULESHOE...LITTLEFIELD... OLTON...PLAINVIEW...FLOYDADA... LOCKNEY... MATADOR...ROARING SPRINGS... PADUCAH...MORTON...LEVELLAND... LUBBOCK...SLATON...WOLFFORTH... CROSBYTON...RALLS...DICKENS... SPUR... GUTHRIE...PLAINS...DENVER CITY... BROWNFIELD...TAHOKA... O'DONNELL... POST...JAYTON...ASPERMONT 535 AM CST WED MAR 5 2008

...ANOTHER ROUND OF LIGHT SNOW POSSIBLE TONIGHT AND THURSDAY...

AN APPROACHING STORM SYSTEM COMBINED WITH AN INFLUX OF COLD AIR WILL RESULT IN A CHANCE OF SNOWFALL FOR AREAS ON THE CAPROCK ESCARPMENT TONIGHT AND THURSDAY MORNING WITH A RAIN AND SNOW MIX POSSIBLE ACROSS THE ROLLING PLAINS. PRECIPITATION CHANCES ARE GREATEST IN THE EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN PANHANDLE AND THE NORTHWESTERN SOUTH PLAINS...GENERALLY WEST OF A MORTON TO TULIA LINE. ACROSS THOSE AREAS 1 TO 2 INCHES OF SNOW WILL BE POSSIBLE... ALTHOUGH LIGHTER AMOUNTS ARE CURRENTLY ANTICIPATED FOR MOST AREAS.

Las Cruses to Roswell

I have had to camp in the Zzzoomer fro the past 3 nights. The first night I stayed in the parking lot of a Family Dollar behind the card board collection trailer.The second night was aesthetically much more pleasing in the White Sands desert. Last night was the most difficult of the Whole trip - I was caught by a wind (50 - 70 mph) and snow storm.

weather.com - Local Severe Weather Alerts Details

Winter Storm Warning

/O.CON.KABQ.WS.W.0005.000000T0000Z- 080303T1900Z/ SANDIA/MANZANO MOUNTAINS- CENTRAL HIGH PLAINS/ESTANCIA VALLEY- CONCHAS LAKE/GUADALUPE COUNTY-QUAY COUNTY- LINCOLN COUNTY HIGH PLAINS/HONDO VALLEY- CAPITAN/NORTHERN SACRAMENTO MOUNTAINS-DE BACA COUNTY- CHAVES COUNTY PLAINS-ROOSEVELT COUNTY- CURRY COUNTY- GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS OF CHAVES COUNTY- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...SANDIA PARK/CEDAR CREST... MORIARTY/ESTANCIA...SANTA ROSA... TUCUMCARI...CARRIZOZO... RUIDOSO... FORT SUMNER...ROSWELL...PORTALES... CLOVIS 851 AM MST MON MAR 3 2008 ...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MST TODAY... A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON MST TODAY. ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS UP TO ONE INCH ARE STILL POSSIBLE ACROSS THE CENTRAL MOUNTAINS AS WELL AS THE SOUTHEAST AND EAST CENTRAL PLAINS... PARTICULARLY ALONG AND SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 70. IN ADDITION...NORTH WINDS OF 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 35 MPH WILL ALLOW FOR AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW AND REDUCED VISIBILITIES. TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS OR ROAD CLOSURES MAY BE IN EFFECT OVER THE WARNED AREA. FOR THE LATEST ROAD CONDITIONS...CALL 1.800.432.4269. THE SNOW AND WINDS ARE EXPECTED TO DIMINISH BY EARLY AFTERNOON. I Broke 1000 miles in the morning after I got going. Things have been pretty smooth sailing until this storm. Thankfully Zzzoomer and I weathered it safely. Tomorrow will be a rest day I have decided and I will not try to put in as many miles

Las Cruces Article - March 1, 2008

Zoom, zoom: Man runs, coasts cross country to promote physical fitness
Sun-News report
Article Launched: 03/01/2008 12:00:00 AM MST

Sun-News photo by Norm Dettlaff

Glen Turner, 48, runs along Avenida de Mesilla on Friday with a "Zoomer" attached to his body. The man from Louisville, Colo., stopped in Las Cruces on his way to Savannah, Ga., after he started his trek in Oceanside, Calif., on Feb. 17. He is making the 2,500-mile journey solo with nothing but what he can carry in the wheeled cart he made. The device is strapped to his body as he runs, but he can sit inside, prop his legs, and coast down hills — an action he calls "the zooming effect." At a goal of traveling 62 miles day, he plans on making it to his final destination in under 40 days. He said he is making the cross-country journey to promote physical fitness and to prepare him for a run around the world.

Link to Article

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Las Cruces, NM

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Sights along the way days 10 -12

I will share a little here, but check out the Webshots for more.

Pounding out the miles & flats, flats, flats

The past couple of days I have been working really hard. I hand been right on the cusp of my new goal pace and I wanted to get off the edge. Last night (rather early this morning) I took care of the edge. I put in another 100 mile day! Now I am comfortably 90 kms above my goal pace. To do that I swear I went through 20 patches and spent a couple of hours on the side of the road. I am not exaggerating. I have found a bike shop in Las Cruces, NM, RIDE ON SPORTS, that says they have the tire for me. The Armadillo from Specialized, I Googled it and found this video:



We will see, but I am very excited about this product.

02/25/08

Today was tough lots of climbing not much Zzzooming. I stopped in Globe AZ because after Globe there wouldn't be any stores for a long time. I met a trucker who said that the route up 60 had snow and that I should take 70, a southern route. It would mean that I would be on I-10 for a stretch in NM. I called the NM state police and they said that it would be ok. I have decided to take the route and I will try to get from Globe to Safford all in one day. Like the 100 mile Desert run. This crosses a large indian reservation and is 78 1/2 miles.It does have a few hills but I feel confident.

Today was spectacular for the views. I also had a thrilling section in a tunnel. there were no signs preventing me so I just went for it.

I will be out of touchmost of tomorrow (limited cell coverage)

New Goals!

02/23/08

I have completed my first week on the road. My goals have changed a bit as I have discovered more about the "Zzzoomer effect" I am much faster than I thought I would be. Now I am going to shoot for 100k per day average. For the teams that I am running with This new goal will be retroactive from the start and as long as you have met your weekly goals your team will stay with me. My rules for this are that one can increase their mileage goals but can not decrease them. I have a small cushion going into the mountains but not much. I am hoping that if I fall behind my goal I can make up for it on the other side of the Continental Divide.

I am no longer trying to "break the record" for the solo journey runner classification as defined in John Wallace III's website. However setting that as my initial objective made sense to me when I was only running. But now that I have chosen "Fun over Fame" I hope that no one is too disappointed.

I have said all along that this is not just running, but now I have to conclude that it really is a completely different athletic activity. I do run a lot but I "scoot & glide" which I call Zzzooming a lot as well and that saves my muscles and I hope will help prevent any over use injuries. This "run" has all along been about inspiring kids (of all ages) to get out and exercise. I don't have any children of my own and this is my way of sharing some of my knowledge and energy in a fun way. This crazy contraption is a great conversation starter. It is a conversation magnet! The older boys are curious about the techno gadgets like the solar power & GPS systems.

Another objective of mine has been to see if I have what it takes to run around the world with Jesper Olsen beginning in July. I chose this time period because may want to run the 6 or 10 day race in NYC again. Since I had to run in the winter I had to choose a southern route (which several people have noticed is shorter) this is a coincidence but it also serves my objectives in staying healthy during what I am considering an epic training run.

So far I am Happy,
healthy and still Zzzooming down the road.

I hope this helps explain some of my motivations and decisions

Glen

Field of Dreams

02/22/08

Field of dreams - If you build it they will come.

I began this run on a wing and a prayer (as my Grama T. would have said). Two days before I left I had less than $100 in cash. I had been working on a masonry project that was going to pay out eventually, but I still haven’t been paid. Just before I left Anytime Fitness from Erie, CO stopped me on the side of the road and asked me what I was training for. I told him and he got rather inspired. Hi gym offered a financial sponsorship that helped me afford the gas and other last minute necessities that I needed to begin. He also started making some phone call to the corporate office and other Anytime gyms along my route to see if they would also help out. A couple of days after I had started I got a message that my Cousin Jim who is the Founder and President of a company that designed and built “The Pocket Wizard” flash controller. It is a radio controlled flash system that offer remote wireless flash control. The funds offered by them will enable me to complete the crossing. I recommend anyone to read “the Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho, one of the themes in it is that if you are following you true passion the whole Universe will conspire to help. I honestly believe that, and each day I see the proof.