For many people, running a few miles a day is a challenge. For Steve Knowlton , a few miles is merely a warm-up.
Starting June 1, the Prior Lake native will begin the journey of a lifetime -- running an average of 70 miles per day, for 45 consecutive days across America from west to east -- in order to break a world record. Incredibly, this will be his second run across the country.
Knowlton, 46, will run to raise money and awareness for Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. All funds he raises will be donated to Asperger's Network Support (ANSWERS), a Minnesota-based support network that advocates for research, education and assistance for families living with Asperger's syndrome.
In order to break the record, previously set by Frank Giannino in 1980, Knowlton will force himself to run about 5 miles per hour in order to keep up the vigorous pace. He will depart from San Francisco and plans to arrive in New York City on July 14, after running roughly 3,100 miles.
Knowlton, who has completed 46 marathons and seven ultramarathons, in 2010 ran alone from Seattle to Key Largo, Fla., in 100 days, averaging 37 miles per day and pushing a jogging stroller he estimates weighed 100 pounds for the majority of the trip.
Pushing the stroller convinced him he could break the record by running an extra 20 to 30 miles per day without it, so long as he has a crew to take care of his diet, nutrition and lodging needs. Knowlton estimates he will pound the pavement for 14 to 18 hours a day and burn through 12 pairs of shoes. He plans to eat whatever food is available along the way, whether it's fast food, gas station snacks or a home-cooked meal courtesy of the kindness of strangers. During the last run, he survived on the likes of oatmeal cookies, Snickers bars and 5-Hour Energy shots. He expects to drop a significant amount of weight.
"I by no means take this run lightly," he said. Knowlton said he takes on a "militant" mindset when he runs -- essentially, he doesn't think about running.
Because it's his second trip, Knowlton says he knows what to expect this time around -- "somewhat."