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Robbie's Run Across America

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Hi, I’m Robbie Balenger
I am going to run across the United States from Los Angeles to New York City, a total distance of 3,200 miles. My goal is to complete the run in 75 days, which means running an average of 43 miles per day. I am a 100% plant-based athlete who aims to promote a healthier lifestyle by creating conversations about food choices through personal interactions, social media, and a documentary film.

The Planting of a Seed
My inspiration to run across the United States was born last year after a trip to the Copper Canyons of Northern Mexico where I ran with the Tarahumara people. I was amazed at the richness of their intentional way of life. I began thinking about how better food choices and moving our bodies can lead us to harmony with ourselves and the environment.

To Run is To Grow
For me, running started as an outlet from the stresses of my demanding job in the restaurant industry. Now I find that running enhances my creativity and grounds me in ever deeper ways; when I’m with the sound of my own breath and focused only on the present moment, I am free to  grow into the best version of myself.

Beyond Running
In this journey of reconnecting with my roots and values, I have become increasingly in tune with my health and the impact I make on this planet. Thus, I have transitioned to a 100% plant-based diet and use running as a platform to promote wellness to my community and beyond. This lifestyle shift has aligned my daily decisions with the footprint I wish to leave behind on Earth. In light of many disturbing statistics such as the fact that 39% of American adults and 20% of children are obese, I can’t think of a more important mission than advocating for better food choices. Conscientious eating impacts personal health and  it is one of the most environmentally-friendly choices we can make as individuals.

About my Transcontinental Run
On March 15th, 2019, I’ll set out from Los Angeles with a small crew. In the 75 days to follow, I will run 25-60 miles a day. My route takes me first through the deserts of California, then across the canyons and plateaus of Arizona and New Mexico, then onto the open plains of Oklahoma and the Midwest, and finishes with the rolling hills of Pennsylvania that lead down to the coastal lowlands of New Jersey and New York. The crew will help me to eat between 8,000-10,000 calories a day, stay hydrated, and stay safe on the roads.

Sponsorships
My title sponsor is NadaMoo!, an Austin-based dairy-free ice cream company that has provided tremendous support in my plant-powered mission. Their partnership has been essential to the realization of this dream. I also have relationships with Switch4Good, Zeal Optics, Bobo’s oat bars, 22 Days Nutrition, Skratch Labs Natural Hydration, Hemp Daddy's, and Whole Earth Provision Company. Each of these brands has agreed to provide me with necessary products and promotion. I am so grateful to have them join me on this journey. I would also like to give a shoutout to Bufalina Pizza  for helping me to secure my primary support crew vehicle, and to Carroll Voss at Overland Race Management  for being a mentor and generous supporter.

Your Support
Even with my sponsorships, there are still needs that you can help me meet. Many friends have approached me asking how they can help me with this project, knowing that they are not able to physically join me. I am excited to include my communities in this plant-powered mission and my transcontinental run. The support of friends and family in this epic event will lift my spirits, keep me motivated, and help me feel connected to a greater community even in the darkest hours. Your contribution will go a long way to help me make a positive impact with this mission and provide me with an even greater sense of purpose with each step.

Documentary Film
A big part of my vision is to be able to reach a large audience. I would love to share my message with as many people as possible by showcasing this journey with a documentary film . In order to fund and secure the documentary crew, I need to cover the "must-haves" first. If we are able to exceed the baseline of the fundraising goal, all additional funds will go towards getting the film crew out on the route as much as possible.

 Outstanding Must-Haves:
1) Support-vehicle-related
– Fuel
– Buildout materials
– Pull-behind camper rental

 2) Nutrition
– 8,000–10,000 calories per day (for me)
– Food for the crew

Stay in the Loop
I sincerely thank you for participating in my journey, in whatever capacity. Every contribution goes miles in both morale boosting and logistics. Please bookmark my website , Instagram , and Facebook page for updates, blog posts, pictures and video clips as the adventure unfolds. Also please share my social media accounts (especially Instagram: @robbiebalenger), and this GoFundMe with friends and family so they can follow along as well. THANK YOU!
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Donations 

  • scott blauweiss
    • $100 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer

Robbie Balenger
Organizer
Denver, CO

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