Endurance Is

IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL RUN

Cycling has the Tour de France, soccer has the World Cup, running has, well, a bunch of really good marathons spread across the country at different times of the year. Oh, and mostly on Sunday’s. The North Face Endurance 50 plans to change all that.

The Endurance 50 is a novel concept that allows us runners to experience some of the greatest marathon courses in the county in a small, intimate group, often during an entirely different season than when the actual race is held. The Race Directors and Race Staff of dozens of marathons across the nation have worked tirelessly to make the necessary arrangements to open their sanctioned marathon course on a day other than that of their normally scheduled race.

Now a runner, for instance, can experience the certified Boston Marathon course in the Fall, when the event historically takes place in the Spring. As well, because the Endurance 50 happens over fifty consecutive days, the option to run two or three (or more) back-to-back marathons is now a possibility, and many people have already registered to do just that!

Aid stations and support will be provided along the course, just like a regular marathon, and there will be an official start and finish, along with a health and fitness festival at the conclusion of each run. Any participant who registers for this unique event, regardless of the distance they cover, will receive a terrific goodie bag, filled with all kinds of great free stuff, and an official race number.

Yet beyond the running experience, the mission of the Endurance 50 is to encourage people of all ages to get out and do what they can, to enjoy the outdoors, and to make physical wellbeing an important priority in life. The event is a benefit for Karno Kids, an organization committed to reversing the unfortunate trend in childhood and youth inactivity and poor diet. The numbers are staggering, fully one-third (25 million) of children and teens in the United States are overweight. Together, we can make a difference and take back the heath of our nation, one step at a time.

Look forward to seeing you soon!

Dean

RUNNING WITH GIANTS

Over the course of the past year, I’ve heard so many inspirational stories of people pushing the limits doing absolutely extraordinary things. I’d like to share two of these with you.

The first is Sam Thompson. Some of you may have heard of Sam Thompson, some of you may have not. Sam is in the midst of running 50 consecutive marathons in 50 states. In many ways it is similar to the Endurance 50, in many other ways it is very different. Sam is traveling with his parents, his girlfriend Kirsten, and her parents. They are supported by an SUV and a BMW sedan, and have been staying in hotels across the country after running and driving.

I had the pleasure of recently traveling to Atlanta to run with Sam. There were a handful of other runners at the start. A few covered the entire marathon, while others ran primarily to show support and get some exercise. Sam was a delightful individual, and Kirsten and their parents were extremely gracious. I got to run with Kirsten’s father, a school teacher like my mom, which was really an honor. We ran at a nice clip, and Sam looked surprisingly good for someone who’s been traveling the country for more than a month. Sam and I spent a lot of time talking, and it was clear that he has a deep passion for running, and for life.

Kirsten ran the second half-marathon with us (her second half-marathon in row!!) and when we reached the finish we were greeted by some other runners, the ING marathon staff, and some passers by. Sam did a couple interviews, shook some hands, took some pictures, and then was off to his accommodations for an ice bath and massage (Kirsten is a massage therapist). That has been their routine following the marathons.

It was really terrific to be able to join Sam. He seemed very down-to-earth and likeable from the moment I met him. Yet the most inspirational element didn’t even come out until late in our run (that is how understated Sam is). In 1998 he was in a horrible car accident and was told he would never run again. Sam spent a month in the hospital, but wouldn’t accept the prognosis. With the help of his brother, who was in medical school at the time, they found an orthopedic surgeon who put a titanium pin in Sam’s leg. Now many of us would be content just to walk again after such an ordeal, but not Sam. He wanted to run, and not just run, but run well. Well the rest, as they say, is history. Sam Thompson hasn’t looked back since. Keep charging brother!

I’m sure we will run together again in the future, and I very much look forward to it. Here is a link to Sam’s website: www.50in50in50.com. He is running to bring attention and funding for Hurricane Katrina relief. Please support his most worthy cause if you can.

The second story I would like to share is that of Christian McEvoy. Christian is in the midst of running across the country for cancer patients and survivors. He is supported by a small crew of friends, and has been covering 24 miles a day, and intends to do so until December! I’ll be running with Christian through Utah, and will be delivering to him, and his crew, a care package of clothing and gear donated by The North Face. I’ll also be bringing a couple books, as there’s not much opportunity to restock while running across the desert.

Since he began his endeavor in San Francisco in July, he’s been going strong and keeping on his projected pace. Most of all, Christian has raised over $110,000 for cancer patients and survivors!! We’re also looking to hookup at some further point down the road during the Endurance 50 to support his efforts in every way that we can. Christian’s website is: www.CoastToCoastRun.org For anyone who has had personal experience with cancer, or has had a loved one inflicted, Christian is a true hero.

Together with their crews (and I can’t give enough credit to their crews), both of these guys are doing remarkable things. Not only are they expanding the realm of what is humanly possible, they are using their talents for the benefit of others. I am awed and inspired, and wish them both continued safety and success along their journeys.

I also wish the same to you, regardless if you run great distances, short distances, or not at all.

Best regards,
Dean