Paulson Runs Marathons in All 50 States and DC
In 2009, after finished his first official marathon, on Lithia Park Trail (FL), he wasn’t so surprised that he had been able to finish, even though he had had to walk much of the last five miles. But he was surprised that, in the process, he had managed to avoid a four-foot black snake and plenty of horse manure (especially pungent in the day’s heat), and that the prize for finishing was an “ugly kiln-baked campfire mug” and a knit ski cap with machine-sewn palm trees on it—hardly useful for this Floridian. But that event was the beginning of a long string of events, and he finished in marathons in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. He recalls thinking many times while running, if he didn’t hurt, then he just wasn’t running fast enough.
Competing in all 50 states has helped Paulson level out his emotions, and made for some interesting encounters—like obtaining an endearing autograph from author/runner Dean Karnazes (who wrote “Ultramarathonman”), and running with a 22-year-old woman in the Missoula marathon who ran the entire race with crutches as she endeavored to compete in all 50 states as well (and is in the Guiness record books). About 10 of Paulson’s marathons were 24-hour races (ultramarathons), and he would run all night (with short naps, lots of coffee, and regular eating), then sleep for 14 hours the following day, hardly able to walk afterwards for two or three days. He had to switch shoes throughout the day to “keep his feet confused” so as not to feel the pain. But running this long makes him feel alive and vibrant.
When Paulson is asked about his days at Augsburg, he remembers the faculty as very caring and decent Christian people, whose care made him feel special. His father, George Pauluk ’55, also attended Augsburg, and Neil feels fortunate in having been able to establish a scholarship at Augsburg in his father’s honor.
Following an early career as a lawyer, focusing on trial practice (family law, criminal defense, and personal injury) and on car accidents, Paulson retired in 2000 and is now director of a private mortgage investment fund affiliated with Equity Trust Company. Paulson also enjoys running the 5K, coaching soccer at the YMCA, and weight training