In fact, we are almost there. “There” means New York City. I have been in New Jersey for several days finishing up my miles on the bike. It has not been fun but it was necessary. There are way too many cars in New Jersey and I think that every single one of them honked at me at least once. Some were even kind enough to point me in the right direction using an extended middle finger. I think they were telling me to go North but I can’t be sure. Normally I would just honk my purple bike horn and give them a friendly wave. But every so often I returned the gesture just to show my gratitude.
I have been waiting in NJ and hoping that Marshall would make it by tomorrow (Monday) but it appears that will not happen. He is making strong and steady progress but his arrival looks certain to be midday on November 4th. I will go ahead and run across the George Washington Bridge at sunrise tomorrow (Monday). I will make my way on foot to City Hall. Then I will go to Champs Sports in Times Square and greet our sponsors and many of our supporters. I will tell them about Marshall and his incredible journey. They will hear from me about his toughness and determination.
I think it is fitting that Marshall will finish on November 4th, maybe the most important day in our country’s recent history. The news media may not notice us as much but Running America symbolizes everything that is great about America. We are the country that used to be known for achieving the impossible. Running America should remind everyone that we are still that country. Life is never perfect no matter where a person lives but this is still a fascinating and vibrant place to live.
After Champs, I will run with friends and my crew to the Columbus Circle entrance to Central Park. Anyone wishing to run a short loop around the park should meet me there at noon. I will celebrate and thank the people that have been there for me throughout this journey. I will run these last miles for all of you that did not give up on me when I couldn’t run any longer. I will run for the kids in Sidney, Iowa and in Normal, Illinois and in Norwalk, Ohio and in every other school that tracked our run across the country.
Running America has changed my life and my feelings about America. I now have a much greater understanding of what is truly going on in this country. I will save that story for another day and another blog. I will tell you though that as a country, we have a lot of fear these days but much more optimism than I expected. As for me, the truth is that I am relieved to be at the end of this crazy journey. Nothing has really gone as planned but I learned more than I could have ever hoped for.
I guess that’s the point of trying things that are difficult. One just never knows what lessons will be learned. I will continue to blog here a few times per week and it will also appear on my own website www.charlieengle.com
See you along the way.
Charlie
Best wishes for the final day! kram /e
Comment by Elisabeth — November 3, 2008 @ 3:43 am
Way to go, Charlie!!!
We are so proud to have been able to be a part of your journey across America. When Marshall arrives, we hope you are both able to enjoy some down time with family and friends. You guys are awesome!
Comment by Mrs. Jodi Leary — November 3, 2008 @ 10:41 am
We’re proud of you, Charlie! Run, Marshall, Run!
Comment by Mrs. Laughlin's Class — November 3, 2008 @ 11:08 am
Good for you, Charlie! We are very happy for you!
We know things didn’t exactly go as planned, but that happens in our Kindergarten classroom sometimes, too! We admire you for not giving up and we are proud of you!
Comment by Mrs. Sheldon and the Sidney Kindergarten Class — November 3, 2008 @ 12:19 pm
Glad to hear you showed those honking motorists some good southern hospitality. I bet you were smiling a big grin too! You and Marshall have inspired and touched so many people and countless numbers have benefited from your examples in all the various situations you encountered on this journey. Thank you both for sharing it with all of us.
It is only in adventure that some people succeed in knowing themselves - in finding themselves. Andre Gide
Comment by Debbie — November 3, 2008 @ 1:45 pm
Charlie,
We never once thought that you wouldn’t cross that finish line….one way or another! Thanks for taking us along on your incredible journey! It has been an experience that we won’t ever forget!
Comment by Mrs. Wehling and Students at Sidney (IA) Elementary — November 3, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
Charlie, seeing you finish in NYC today at Champs was one of the most exciting moments ever (well next to giving birth…and this was much less painful
& lunch was, well like eating Banana Pudding 
…happiness was had by all…This journey of a lifetime has touched so many children who are the future of our country and our world, and one never knows which one of these children WILL change the world…to make it a better place, a safer environment…
Charlie, you have really had the journey you were suppose to have…filled with many hurdles that you overcame…both on and off the road
But the lessons you taught to the children and adults as well, was when life throws a curve, hit a homerun by adapting…and adapt you did…walking, running, riding a bike, whatever it takes, you will do it to complete your goals…this lesson is a hard one, but one that tells a story of a man who always keeps his promises… a man to be respected, learned from and loved…and you are all of that…I have been inspired just being a spectator from the “blog” cheap seats 
and will continue to be part of your life for as long as I breath.
A book must be in the works including all your insightful blogs, filled with humor, and life changing awakenings.. which are moments of clarity that give you the ability to see all the new possibilities that lay on the road ahead… and see them you do…and act on them you do…you are by far the best role model for all those thousands, no, millions of children in your quest to end obesity in children…
Now I also realize why Chuck was in the hot tub with you and let me just say to both of you…”good game!”
(you know I had to end this with a smile)
L., Joy
Comment by Joy Taylor — November 3, 2008 @ 6:29 pm
Congratulations, Charlie! You are such a survivor. I am mightily impressed with how you hurdled the obstacles in front of you. Very very nicely done!
With awe and respect,
Lisa
Comment by Lisa Bliss — November 3, 2008 @ 8:52 pm
Charlie,
Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to finish with Marshall? Seems a shame for him not to be a part of the appearances?
Paulette
Comment by Paulette Hansen — November 4, 2008 @ 9:35 am
Charlie…good job on getting to the finish. Now hang there and be there to support Marshall when he finishes. BOTH of you have had a great adventure, savor the finish together.
Best,
Chris
Comment by Chris Frost — November 4, 2008 @ 11:09 am