People who accomplish “impossible” goals will always get my respect. Those who push the frontiers of our limits show the rest of us what we’re capable of achieving.
Some runners show us that beating chronic injuries is not just possible, but relatively simple with the right approach.
Others demonstrate that running opens doors and makes us into a modern Indiana Jones.
And – perhaps my favorite – running teaches us more about ourselves and redefines how we see our successes.
These athletes are the embodiment of what our sport can do for us:
- Build our physical and mental strength
- Increase our happiness and sense of self-worth
- Improves our self-confidence
There’s truly no limits to what running can do for you and how it can improve so many aspects of your life.
But while running can give so much, so can we.
Instead of using our passion for running to enrich ourselves, can we use running to enrich others?
Yes, yes we can.
Meet Joel Runyon.
Life is Either a Daring Adventure, or Nothing
Joel smashes through goals normally considered impossible. I even have his Impossible t-shirt.
Recently, he completed an ambitious project to run 7 ultramarathons on 7 continents for charity to build 7 schools in developing countries.
He succeeded – raising over $190,000. The 777 Project brought him to:
- Thailand
- Antarctica
- Australia
- Patagonia
- South Africa
- Finland
- and Chicago!
Joel’s philanthropic quest brought him around the world to extreme locations and terrain that nearly broke him.
But his persistence led to the constructions of seven schools through Pencils of Promise, a charity where 100% of donations go toward its mission of school construction, scholarships, and teacher training.
Joel is on the podcast to talk about what it takes to run a series of ultramarathons in rapid succession, in varying climates, on very different terrain, all over the world.
What are the travel logistics like for such an audacious project?
How do you train for so many different races?
What kind of gear is necessary to race in Antarctica?
We cover that – and a lot more – on today’s show.
Download the latest episode in iTunes or on the Android platform Stitcher.
Resources & Links From the Show:
- The 777 Project
- Pencils of Promise
- The Patagonia Jacket that saved Joel in Antarctica
- Ian Sharman’s podcast episode (a top ultra-runner)
- The MoveWell App (mobility routines)
- Jason’s recommended foam roller
- The outer layer jacket you wear in Antarctica
This episode is sponsored by Health IQ, an insurance company that helps health conscious people get special life insurance rates. Head on over to healthiq.com/strengthrunning to see how your running can help you save on insurance.
They’ve pulled the latest data on runners’ health risks to convince insurance companies to offer cheaper rates. Just consider:
- Runners have a 41% lower risk of heart disease
- Runners also have up to a 35% lower risk of premature death
And they’ve been successful: over the last three years, they’ve helped health-conscious athletes secure billions of dollars in coverage.
Want to see if you qualify for cheaper life insurance? Check out this tool to get your free quote.
