In a few short days, it is the start of another trail season. I have been fortunate enough to find time and health for training along with continued support from my wife to arrive prepared and excited for what the year holds. A few things always get me excited for trail running. Whether it is the serenity of a quiet trail, a new adventurous route, or the hardships that running long distances produces, there is always a feeling of reward. Along with the many positives running produces, there are also sacrifices. I would be lying if I said I haven't given up other opportunities for my own agenda at times. To be honest, it is easy to get too caught up in the solo pursuit of competing within one's self. Yes, it may be just a Type A problem, but it exists for some.
Since running is a passion that I have been fortunate to enjoy for many years, I want to use it in a way that gives to others. This is where Running.Water comes into play. Back in 2002, I had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania, Africa with my family. As in many developing countries, I was stricken by two sights. One was pregnant women riding bikes up to 20+ miles (one direction) for medical care. The other was the congregation of villagers at solo water wells. Like the women cycling to receive medical care, people would walk for tens of miles daily in order to obtain remotely clean water. Both sights struck me with how unbelievably fortunate we are.
In 2012, my friend Jason started performing missional work in Haiti with an organization called Healing Haiti. Like me, he was stricken by the desperate need for clean water. For this very reason, Running.Water was born. The hope is that through running, $7,500 of funding can be raised to cover the cost of a fresh water well in Port Au Prince, Haiti.
Instead of following photos, adventure recaps, or some of the things I learn while pushing myself to the limit this year, I ask you to consider giving in any way you feel moved to do so. In return, I will do the same for each race that I do.
So, how can you become involved? It's simple really. This year, health permitting, I plan to do the following running and cycling races:
For each race that I complete, I hope to have people sponsor the run through charitable donations to Running.Water. These can be 1x single amount donations based on your belief in the end goal. You can base them on the mileage I complete or simply your ability to give. For each race, I plan to match the mileage that I run in contributions to the well. The first 30 (miles and dollars) is on me this weekend. What can you give? Don't worry, I won't ask you to run for me. Though, I may hit you up to crew come September!
To donate and learn more about the cause, visit Running.Water.
Cheers!
Since running is a passion that I have been fortunate to enjoy for many years, I want to use it in a way that gives to others. This is where Running.Water comes into play. Back in 2002, I had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania, Africa with my family. As in many developing countries, I was stricken by two sights. One was pregnant women riding bikes up to 20+ miles (one direction) for medical care. The other was the congregation of villagers at solo water wells. Like the women cycling to receive medical care, people would walk for tens of miles daily in order to obtain remotely clean water. Both sights struck me with how unbelievably fortunate we are.
In 2012, my friend Jason started performing missional work in Haiti with an organization called Healing Haiti. Like me, he was stricken by the desperate need for clean water. For this very reason, Running.Water was born. The hope is that through running, $7,500 of funding can be raised to cover the cost of a fresh water well in Port Au Prince, Haiti.
Instead of following photos, adventure recaps, or some of the things I learn while pushing myself to the limit this year, I ask you to consider giving in any way you feel moved to do so. In return, I will do the same for each race that I do.
So, how can you become involved? It's simple really. This year, health permitting, I plan to do the following running and cycling races:
- Chippewa 50k - April 25th
- Ice Age 50 Mile - May 9th
- Dirty Benjamin 107 Mile Gravel Race - June 13th
- Black Hills 50 Mile - June 26th
- Voyageur 50 Mile - July 26th
- Superior 100 Mile - September 11th
For each race that I complete, I hope to have people sponsor the run through charitable donations to Running.Water. These can be 1x single amount donations based on your belief in the end goal. You can base them on the mileage I complete or simply your ability to give. For each race, I plan to match the mileage that I run in contributions to the well. The first 30 (miles and dollars) is on me this weekend. What can you give? Don't worry, I won't ask you to run for me. Though, I may hit you up to crew come September!
To donate and learn more about the cause, visit Running.Water.
Cheers!