Getting to the Point : In a dozen pairs of Shoes

Getting to the Point. In a dozen pairs of shoes is the story of the first modern-day trail run across America. Running alone and wearing only a 10-pound pack, ultra runner Brian Stark often had to rely on the kindness of strangers, and hope for mercy from the elements. Over the course of his 8-month trek across America, Brian learned first hand what this country is really like, the diversity of its people and their experiences. This is more than just a book about running, it's a book about people. If you liked Forrest Gump or A Walk Across America, or if you just like a rousing good story complete with daily wrong turns, surprising rescues by strangers, a blossoming romance, and a Hollywood ending, this book is a must read.

Brian Stark attributes his success as a distance runner to his parents who drove 300 miles away from a pit stop on a family vacation before they realized that he had gotten out of the van. Brian was nine years old. He started running after the van and hasn’t stopped. Since completing his 10,000th mile in high school, he has crossed 27 states on foot, half-way in his attempt to become the first person in modern times to cross all fifty states on foot.

In 1995, he hiked the 2100-mile Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia.

In 1998, he ran a mammoth 5000 mile trail run from Delaware to California over eight months becoming the first to cover the American Discovery Trail on foot.

In 2001, Brian ran the 800-mile Arizona Trail from Mexico to Utah crossing five mountain ranges and the Grand Canyon in 39 days.

Most recently, in June of 2006, he ran 540 miles across Iowa in 17 days following the northern branch of the American Discovery Trail.

Each trip is done alone and without vehicle support, while following trails and back roads as much as possible.

When not getting lost in rural America, Brian, husband of an understanding wife and father of two, teaches 7th grade writing in Tucson, Arizona.