On Oct. 4, former Bowling Green High School teacher and baseball coach Doug Merrill began his “Run To The Keys,” a six-month journey of half-marathon (13.1 mile) runs that took him from Boston south along the east coast to the Florida Keys. Merrill's run was done to raise awareness for his Power UP Foundation, an organization that promotes physical health as a way to foster better mental health and prevent suicide. The run was to cover 2,041 miles, running six days a week. Minus parts of the route he was not permitted to run (some highways, bridges and tunnels), he actually logged 1,921 miles, averaging one hour and 50 minutes per run. Merrill, 38, completed the journey April 2 in Key West. Along the way he spoke to high school audiences and rotary clubs delivering his foundation's message. He continues with his quest from his office in Bowling Green.

How did the reality of your journey match up with the expectations you had beforehand?

Nothing you can imagine can prepare a person for the physical and mental demands that come with such a journey. I learned a lot about not only myself but about people as well.

Were you able to do all of your half marathons as planned?

I was able to run 1,921 miles as planned. I was forced to make adjustments. If I took an unscheduled day off, I would have to make up the mileage somewhere. Some days I ran 16 to 20 miles. Twice I ran a full marathon.

Did you suffer any injuries or other setbacks along the way?

Between Philadelphia and Baltimore, I made the mistake of attempting a night run on U.S. 1. As a carapproached I moved further off the road and rolled my left ankle. My ankle swelled to the size of a softball. I was advised to take 2-3 weeks off. Instead, I opted for crutches and the next three days used them to travel over 40 miles.

What was the low moment or most difficult obstacles you encountered?

Being away from my wife [Lisa] and kids [son Andrew, 11; daughter Taylor, 8]. We used the webcam to talk and soon after hanging up I would have tears in my eyes. It was very difficult not being there, but I would remind myself of the people I had met and how important the work was that we were doing.

What was the high point or most uplifting single experience?

Typically after a few days or weeks of speaking at a high school, I would begin to receive e-mails or messages from students, and some staff members, of their new attitudes, motivation, and goal setting. Those messages were without question the high point of the journey.

What was the most memorable town or location you passed through, and why?

There were two. The first was the day I ran through New York City. I began in the Bronx and passed through Harlem, Central Park, Midtown Manhattan, Times Square, past the USS Intrepid, and to the Holland Tunnel, all with NYPD escort. The second was running through Philadelphia, past the Liberty Bell and around Independence Hall, and running up the museum steps like Sylvester Stallone did in the movie Rocky.

At any point, did you doubt that you could or would continue, and what kept you going?

After eight miles hobbling on crutches after my ankle injury I began to question my decision to continue. I was moving at a snail's pace and in pain. Two things kept me going. A message from a friend that read “You can't do that [run with crutches]” — four words I have nothing in common with. And the thought of a another friend who has a medical condition that causes his bones to break after simple falls. No way could I look him in the eyes if I quit.

Who was the most interesting or impressive person you met along the way?

The owner of Gino's Philly Cheese Steak in Philadelphia. Joey [Vento] spent an afternoon with us discussing the history of his family and his cheese steaks. He's a true example of how believing in yourself and hard work equals strong mental wellness.

Generally speaking, how were your mission and message received?

I got used to watching people's mouth hit the floor when I was introduced as the guy who was running from Boston to Key West and was called Forest Gump more times than Tom Hanks. The overall message of improved physical fitness to achieve better mental wellness and believing in ourselves was received very well.

What is next for the Power UP Foundation?

We have been organizing Power Up events up and down the east coast. From Boston to Key West.

As far west as Phoenix we are hosting 5Ks, 10Ks, 12-and-under 1-milers, walks, golf outings, wine tastings, and dinners to promote physical fitness, mental wellness, and Power Up Clubs in high schools. Our first Power UP golf outing is June 25 at Heather Downs Country Club.

— Steve Junga

First Published April 25, 2010, 11:19 a.m.