Long Trail 2012

>>> Campaign Closed.  Amount Raised: $6,500 – THANK YOU!! <<<

GoTheDistance for VT Dental

I am so excited about my first giving campaign which will benefit the three Free Dental Clinics that serve Vermont. The goal for this event is $10,000. It’s a big number for a first run, but it’s a great cause, and I think WE can do it.

I’m willing to do the hard part and run 272 miles over 10 days to cover the VT Long Trail from end-to-end. All I ask of you is a little support. I’ll do the stair repeats through the winter. I’ll crush all the training miles, the squats, and box jumps if you can spare a few bucks to bring a few smiles to Vermonters. Just click the Donate Button below to give what you can.

Who We’re Helping

The Red Logan Dental Clinic, White River Junction, VT.
In August 1996, Red Logan Dental Clinic was opened in response to the need for dental care. RLDC is a program of the Good Neighbor Health Clinic, which opened in White River Junction in 1992 to ensure that quality medical care is available to all those in the Upper Valley in medical need but without the means to pay.

Park Street HealthShare, Rutland, VT
The Rutland Free Clinic began operation in 1996. Staffed by volunteer professionals, this clinic is a shining example of community involvement. Area pharmacies, the local hospital, medical and dental specialists all offer services and discounts to clients in need of care. Volunteers from all walks of life and professions work with us to advertise, support, and provide care to our neighbors in need.

Walk-In Clinic, Brattleboro, VT
The Brattleboro Walk-In Clinic’s mission is to provide primary medical and dental treatment to persons regardless of their ability to pay, and serve as a referral resource for the community and other service organizations. The all volunteer clinic primarily serves persons who are uninsured, underinsured, do not have a local physician or have some other barrier to accessing medical care.

Why We’re Helping

There is an overwhelming need for dental services in VT, and many of those who need it most, can’t afford to pay for basic care and treatment. These 3 clinics survive solely on volunteer support and donations and need your help to continue providing these essential services to their communities.

How We’re Helping

These three programs all survive because of donations from people like you. The money raised will help maintain services, provide supplies, and offer more opportunities for dental care in VT. Help us reach the Long Trail goal! Click the Donate Button to connect to PayPal’s secure service. Not a member, no worries, credit card and check are accepted.

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Tri-State Tough Mudder Review

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Pirate’s Booty

I took on the Tri-State Tough Mudder at Raceway Park in NJ this past weekend, and had a great time. I didn’t do much research on the event and didn’t really know what to expect. I checked out a few of the obstacles the week before and thought it could go either way. Some looked challenging while others looked routine. Tough Mudder bills itself as a “Hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.” I think they hit the mark on some of these elements and missed on others. Overall, it was a fun race event with some great obstacles. Anyone who can run a few miles, should finish this course.

The Hits

The Event was very well organized. The parking was offsite, which sounds like a nightmare, but it was fine. We didn’t have to wait for buses on the way in or out. It was convenient, easy, and free (4 in a car). Registration was fast and efficient. The atmosphere inside was fun. Costume contest, band, mohawks, and all the usual pre-race goodies.

The course was well laid out, but I noticed there were signs that posted potential wait times of up to 30 minutes for some obstacles. Luckily, we didn’t have to wait more than a minute or two throughout the course.  This does signal, however, that the organizers see this as a potential problem, and that would be a deal breaker for me.  We started at 10am with several waves in front of us.  I wonder how the runners starting later in the day made out.

Arctic Enema

The obstacles were very well done and were more about overcoming fear than strength. Getting wet is not my thing, and many of the obstacles had you in cold water. The first obstacle of the day, Arctic Enema, required you to jump in a dumpster of ice water. It was a crazy situation that I never imagined myself in. If that ever happens in real life, you don’t have long to get out. It was quite a shock to the system.

Smoke Chute

One of my favorite obstacles, Smoke Chute, has you climb up to a platform maybe 15′ high where you have your own chute that resembles an air duct. You have to just jump in and trust that you won’t smash your head on the way down.  Of course, it dumps you out in a mud pond.

Two other highlights were Boa Constrictor and Trench Warfare.  Each feature crawling through tight spaces with rising water or complete darkness.  These was the only obstacle where I saw people bail once they got a close look.

The course was very unique. The Tri-State Mudder was at Raceway Park. It was cool to have a Monster truck lead us out, and to spend the afternoon on the dirt track without the dirt bike.

The Misses

Chain Gang

It’s a participation event. This may work for some people and I get that, but you can’t claim to be the “Toughest Event on the Planet” and not offer a competitive option. They could add a competitive wave for singles and teams. Imagine obstacles that require teamwork and strategy. Think log carry or river crossing. How would you get all 4 teammates over the 12′ wall? Could you get yourself over without any help? I understand this is where the camaraderie comes in, but I imagine most of the participants are competitive people and would like to compare themselves to the field.

Ladder to Hell

There wasn’t much of a strength component beyond the running. The rings and bars require some upper body and grip strength, but the climbing was fairly easy with knotted ropes and steps on the walls. Balance and fear of heights was more at play here. Most of the obstacles put you in unfamiliar situations but they aren’t overly difficult to complete.

If you are looking for a fun way to get dirty with your friends, you’ll love this event.  My complaints are mostly personal.  If you are a serious competitor looking for the toughest event on the planet, this probably isn’t for you. At $150, I’m not sure I need to do it again.

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