| Endurance Challenge 50k |
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(click here to go back and learn more about Valarie) Shawn knew he wanted to use a race to fundraise for Valarie. In choosing the event he wanted something that would push his limits beyond what he had previously accomplished. A new challenge. A new goal. Something tough enough to raise the question, "Will I make it?"
The North Face Endurance Challenge is a series of endurance running events at five different U.S. locations, including the event Shawn will run just outside Washington D.C.. Although it includes other (shorter) distances, Shawn will participate in the 50 kilometer (31.1 mile) run.
"It is a new experience for me in several ways," says Shawn, who has completed numerous half-marathons and participated in both the 2007 Philadelphia Marathon and the 2008 National Marathon in Washington D.C. "Marathons are tough. There is no way to make 26.2 miles of running easy, no matter how hard you train. But I've proven to myself I can do it. So I wanted a higher challenge, something that would really get people's attention, to get help for Valarie, as well as push my own limits. So I signed up for the Endurance Challenge."
The 31.1 mile race will present new challenges to Shawn in two ways. First, the distance. In this ultra-marathon he'll be running 20% further than his previous regular marathons. In addition, he'll lose the advantage of predictable, paved road running. The Endurance Challenge takes place exclusively on trails. He'll have to watch his footing, dodging rocks and tree roots, while also dealing with continuous up and down elevation changes.
"I'm up for the challenge, but I can't be 100% sure I'll make it to the finish," says Shawn. Finding time to train is one challenge. In addition to his wife and three small children, he balances the required countless hours and miles of training with a busy schedule as a medical student.
National and local sponsors have signed up to support this effort. "I'm grateful for the companies who have helped cover the costs of this fundraiser. I hope individuals will recognize Valarie's special needs. Her life will always be limited by her disorder, but she can accomplish so much more than simply existing if we each pitch in just a little. We live such blessed lives in this country, it really is an easy sacrifice to give twenty or thirty dollars to a cause like this."
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