Alex & Tad Run 335 Miles for I Will

As some of you already know, this past fall following a DNF at the Grindstone 100, Alex and I had begun planning the Steel-Town 500k, which involves us running 334.5 miles this coming October on the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal towpath, Pittsburgh to DC. Given my recent accident, however, this run will hold much greater meaning, both for me and for Alex. We have decided to use this event—and, yes, I’m still going to run—to bring awareness to a cause and a foundation that has taken on a special significance for both of us--the I WILL Foundation.  We would ask you to take a few minutes to spread the word and follow and support us.

The I WILL Foundation (www.iwillfoundation.com) was founded by New York firefighter Matt Long after he was struck by a bus riding his bike to work in 2005.  Its mission is to help those whose lives have been affected by life-altering illness or traumatic injury, with the will to work hard, overcome adversity and challenges and live life to the fullest.  I count myself as extremely blessed that my injuries were not nearly as traumatic, but the psychological effects have certainly influenced my perspective on life, and I'd like to make the most of this opportunity to help those who haven't been as fortunate.

Additionally, after a little research, we’ve decided to extend the run by 8 miles to 343 and end at Arlington National Cemetery—one mile for every firefighter who died on September 11th, 2001. This obviously holds special significance for many, so I won’t trivialize it and say that it does for Alex simply because he's a fireman.

I will end by simply saying that we hope you take a moment to think about others who have suffered from traumatic injuries while we take the time to suffer 343 miles on our own. Thanks…