Because I’m busy planning the details I don’t have a lot of time to document everything…but I will eventually. Update: 12/30/2011 added tons of route detail and replaced the static map image with an actual Google map. More updates to follow.
The Goal?
Run 37-miles on my 37th birthday, December 31, 2011.
The Reason?
To numerous to list. Here are my favorites:
- It’s my birthday and my birthday present to myself.
- Because I can and so many others either cannot or will not. Movement is a gift and we need to cherish it. Plus, having audacious goals help keep life interesting.
- Because it’s a huge leap of faith. I’ve gone up to 20 miles and I’m not 100% sure if I can do 37. However, “can” is a pretty interesting word largely because it’s mental. I know that I – and anyone else – can accomplish anything that I set my mind to. This adventure will firmly prove that.
- No less important to me, I needed a purpose. I’m planning on running in support of Endure to Cure, a very well managed foundation that raises funds for very specific campaigns at organizations that research, treat, and/or provide support for pediatric cancer patients. I want my miles to matter!
If what I’m doing inspires you and you either cannot join me on the trail but still want to do some good please consider donating a few bucks here: Dave Sabol’s 37-for-37 fundraising page on Benefits of Giving. You could also consider donating to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. They are a great group dedicated to conserving cultural and natural resources in the five-county region of Pennsylvania that traverses the historic Delaware and Lehigh Canals.
The Plan?
The plan is to begin between 5:30 and 6:00 AM in Bowmanstown, PA. The course will follow – almost exclusively – the Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Trail down to the confluence – aka Forks – of the Delaware and Lehigh River’s in Easton, PA.
Once on the D&L Trail in Bowmanstown we’ll follow it south to where the D&L Half Marathon ended. From there I’m going to retrace the route of 1/2 marathon to the trailhead in Cementon. I’ll cross Route 329 and the bridge and enter the Northampton Canal Park down to Front Street in Catasauqua. From there I’ll cruise down toward Hanover Park and then to Dauphin Street. Once there I’ll head into Allentown’s Canal Park down into Bethlehem and then retrace the Via Marathon route into Easton.
All said, the route should put me at – or just above – the 37-miles that I need to achieve my goal. If I can maintain a 10-11 minute pace that should allow me to complete the trek in 6-7 hours (by 1:00 PM), but I’m allowing myself the whole day just in case I need it.
For those of you running along and meeting us on trail this will mean I should be in
- Catasauqua between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM,
- Allentown between 9:50 AM and 10:20 AM,
- Bethlehem between 10:50 AM and 11:20 AM and
- Easton sometime between 12:30 and 1:00
This is if everything goes according to plan. Obviously, the times will be off if I end up going slower. 37-miles. Not an easy task, probably not fun, at least not the entire time, but it will be totally worth it!
The Route
View 37 on 37th Route in a larger map
For those of you keeping score, or interested in History, the Lehigh (and Delaware) River’s played a major role in the American Industrial Revolution and actually supplied Philly and NYC with the coal that powered it. So not only is it beautiful and easily navigable it’s also historically significant. The perfect backdrop for a memorable event.
The Team
Obviously, I’ll be running the entire distance to achieve my goal. I’ll be supported throughout the trip by my best friend, and pack horse, Kyle who will be on bike. Originally, this was going to be a solo attempt, but he convinced me that I’d be safer and saner with someone else along. After considering it, I agreed. We’ll be supported by my wife Laura who will be our shuttle-driver and voice of reason. She has also had to put up with me since I hatched this plan, so she should probably get an award or something.
We’ll be joined on the trail by a few great people including my running partner, and sister, Niki who will join us for a few miles. Mike Drabenstott is also planning on joining us from Allentown to Bethlehem. Consider this is an open invitation for anybody else who wants to log a few miles. We’ll be rocking a pretty slow pace so if you feel like celebrating my birthday with me and getting some exercise this is an ideal way to do it.
Because I’m busy planning the details I don’t have a lot of time to document everything…but I will eventually. Update: 12/30/2011 added tons of route detail and replaced the static map image with an actual Google map. More updates to follow.
The Goal?
Run 37-miles on my 37th birthday, December 31, 2011.
The Reason?
To numerous to list. Here are my favorites:
If what I’m doing inspires you and you either cannot join me on the trail but still want to do some good please consider donating a few bucks here: Dave Sabol’s 37-for-37 fundraising page on Benefits of Giving. You could also consider donating to the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor. They are a great group dedicated to conserving cultural and natural resources in the five-county region of Pennsylvania that traverses the historic Delaware and Lehigh Canals.
The Plan?
The plan is to begin between 5:30 and 6:00 AM in Bowmanstown, PA. The course will follow – almost exclusively – the Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Trail down to the confluence – aka Forks – of the Delaware and Lehigh River’s in Easton, PA.
Once on the D&L Trail in Bowmanstown we’ll follow it south to where the D&L Half Marathon ended. From there I’m going to retrace the route of 1/2 marathon to the trailhead in Cementon. I’ll cross Route 329 and the bridge and enter the Northampton Canal Park down to Front Street in Catasauqua. From there I’ll cruise down toward Hanover Park and then to Dauphin Street. Once there I’ll head into Allentown’s Canal Park down into Bethlehem and then retrace the Via Marathon route into Easton.
All said, the route should put me at – or just above – the 37-miles that I need to achieve my goal. If I can maintain a 10-11 minute pace that should allow me to complete the trek in 6-7 hours (by 1:00 PM), but I’m allowing myself the whole day just in case I need it.
For those of you running along and meeting us on trail this will mean I should be in
This is if everything goes according to plan. Obviously, the times will be off if I end up going slower. 37-miles. Not an easy task, probably not fun, at least not the entire time, but it will be totally worth it!
The Route
View 37 on 37th Route in a larger map
For those of you keeping score, or interested in History, the Lehigh (and Delaware) River’s played a major role in the American Industrial Revolution and actually supplied Philly and NYC with the coal that powered it. So not only is it beautiful and easily navigable it’s also historically significant. The perfect backdrop for a memorable event.
The Team
Obviously, I’ll be running the entire distance to achieve my goal. I’ll be supported throughout the trip by my best friend, and pack horse, Kyle who will be on bike. Originally, this was going to be a solo attempt, but he convinced me that I’d be safer and saner with someone else along. After considering it, I agreed. We’ll be supported by my wife Laura who will be our shuttle-driver and voice of reason. She has also had to put up with me since I hatched this plan, so she should probably get an award or something.
We’ll be joined on the trail by a few great people including my running partner, and sister, Niki who will join us for a few miles. Mike Drabenstott is also planning on joining us from Allentown to Bethlehem. Consider this is an open invitation for anybody else who wants to log a few miles. We’ll be rocking a pretty slow pace so if you feel like celebrating my birthday with me and getting some exercise this is an ideal way to do it.