Four months to the date after setting out on January 20th from Oceanside, CA, 28-year-old Jeff Grabosky completed his incredible, solo, and unsupported run across the country by jumping into the Atlantic Ocean on May 20th in Long Island, NY. Jeff didn’t run to raise money for charity but rather took prayer requests and prayed a decade of the Rosary for each intention for 3,700 miles.
St. Michael Society caught up with Jeff to ask him all about his run, the prayers he received, why he felt called to do this and how he knew that the Blessed Mother was watching over him every step of the way.
SMS: You managed to come out of a very difficult situation (the death of his mother and his wife leaving his marriage in the same week) stronger in faith when many others would have given up. How did you do it and what advice can you give to others in similar situations?
Jeff: It is never easy when we face a situation that is difficult and we are unable to understand why it happened. I have personally had a number of occasions where I had to go through what felt like impossible and unfair circumstances. I got through them by staying steadfast in prayer and believing that God had a plan, even if I was never able to see it. I would advise anyone facing a difficulty to turn to God and continue to trust in Him no matter bad our situation may seem and know that He will never abandon you.
SMS: How many intentions do you think you prayed for? What were some of the ones that really touched your heart?
Jeff: I did not keep track of how many I received, but if I had to make a guess, I would say I prayed for approximately three to four thousand intentions. Many of them were touching, but the ones that stuck with me the most were the requests that I could relate to such as a family member struggling with cancer or people going through a divorce. Additionally, some of the most difficult ones to read were about children who were battling serious illnesses. It made me want to help in any way I could, and I believe there was no better way to help then to pray for them and their families.
SMS: How many hours a day did you usually spend running? Were you able to pray the entire time?
Jeff: I averaged about 35 miles per day on the road, which would take me six to seven hours to complete. However, I often ran much further, (upwards of 60 miles in a day) so sometimes I would be out on the road for much longer. As far as praying, I continued down the list of requests one by one, but tried to pray intently on every one. If I found myself distracted or needing to focus on the road more, I would take a break and then come back to prayer.
SMS: What was the greatest lesson you learned from your mission?
Jeff: I learned many things from my run and the mission of encouraging prayer. I think the greatest lesson I experienced is that we need to make time in lives for God, not only in prayer, but in listening to Him as well. God has a plan for each one of us and if we trust in Him, He will not only direct us where to go, but will give us the strength and courage to complete anything.
SMS: Many of our readers are Catholic professionals. How do you think Catholics can live out their faith in their daily lives – both at work and home – when they have so many obstacles (obligations at work and with family, stressful jobs, family problems, etc.)?
Jeff: I believe that while our lives are always going to be busy and full of obligations, our main concern should always be in how we live. Our actions can be a great example of our faith if we live how Jesus did. It may just be a kind word, listening to someone’s struggle, or finding a small way to help the sick or the poor. I have learned through this run that everyone has something they are struggling with or something/someone they are concerned about. I am trying to be more patient and less judgmental with others because the truth is that I have no idea what that person is going through. Treating others how we want to be treated no matter the circumstance can really go a long way in showing others the love of Jesus.
SMS: What surprised you the most on your run? What stereotypes about America and Americans are all wrong?
Jeff: I was most surprised by how positive people responded to my mission. When people asked me what I was doing, it was often an opportunity to ask if they needed me to pray for anything for them. Undoubtedly, people would immediately give me a number of things going on in their life to lift up in prayer. I think it showed that the world really is in need of prayer and a deeper focus on God.
I believe the media today shows that many Americans are concerned only with their own well-being. However, almost everyone I encountered jumped at the chance to do to help out in any way they could. I was especially touched by just how much people with very little were willing to give whatever they had to assist me on the run.
SMS: You ran on a lot of dangerous roads – in canyons, on switchbacks up and down mountains, on many busy roads without shoulders while pushing your 80-pound baby jogger. Do you think you had some supernatural protection during your run? Do you have any stories about it?
Jeff: The dangers in the roads, terrain, semi-trucks, drivers on cell phones, and weather conditions were a constant concern. I felt I had to stay focused every second to ensure my safety, but there were definitely many situations that were quite dangerous despite being so attentive. I truly believed God would keep me safe and that Our Lady was watching over my every step. Mary promises her grace and protection for those faithful to praying the rosary and I certainly believe that was a big reason why I made it across the country.
I believe I kept my guardian angel very busy as well and even had a unique experience in between Bovina and Dimmitt (in Texas). I was just over halfway done with my run for the day and there is not much between those towns except open fields and the road I was running on. I happened to look back and saw a man running the same direction as I was dressed in white, but on the other side of the road just a little bit behind me. I thought it was odd for someone else to be running out on the road where I was, so I looked back again - but there was nobody there.
SMS: Are you a changed man after your run? How has your run affected your relationships with your family and friends?
Jeff: I don’t think you can help but change after an experience like this run. I feel as though it has drawn me closer to God and has made me trust even more in his plan for us. I felt called to do this run and wish to continue to live in God’s will because I have seen just how remarkable our lives can be if we allow Him to walk – or run – with us every step of the way. I believe this journey has made me a much more patient and kind person and I hope that continues to manifest itself in my relationships with not only my family and friends, but with everyone I meet.
SMS: And, of course, would you do this again?
Jeff: Despite the hardships, injuries, and difficulties I faced along the way, the experience of the run and the good I believe it did in this world is priceless. I am so glad I did this run and would not trade it for anything. I still love running and while I am sure I will continue to compete and run long distances, I don’t see myself running across this or any other continent again!
Learn more at Jeff’s website at www.jeffrunsamerica.com and check out his Facebook page searching for “Jeff Runs America”.
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