Bear Cave Run With Jack

Jack had a huge day of running today.  We went out to Bear Cave Park to run 4 miles on the trails there this morning.  About 5 hours later, he was begging to get out again, so we ran 6 more!  9 years old...10 miles for the day.  He's asking about running his first 1/2 marathon!

Pacing with the MN PACERS

I paced the 4:15 group today at the Mankato Marathon for the MN PACRS.  I had a huge group to run with for this race!  It was unbelievable!  I started out with about 50 runners through the first 18 miles or so.  At that point, I normally expect some of the runnners to drop off the pace.  This is what tends to happen with pace groups.  I had 30 or so still with at 20 miles and 20 still with me at 25 miles.  This is unheard of in pacing.  Most pacers finish alone or with just a couple of other runners.  It was great to run with this group from start to finish and listen to their stories.  Some were experienced runners, looking for a PR.  Others were new runners, simply looking to finish.  Got to meet Frank Shorter today!

I have to say I am very glad they have allowed me to join their group this year.  I am honored to be able to help others achieve their time goals in races ranging from the half-marathon to full marathon.  I was spot on again today, running 4:14:50.  My personal goal is to finish about 10 seconds under race pace.  We are not supposed to be even 1 second over our time.  I am proud to say I was within about 10 seconds in all the races I paced this year.

Races I have paced this year include:
Med City Marathon 5 hour group
Red Wing 1/2 Marathon 2:05 group
Woodbury Country Mile 1/2 Marathon 2:05 group
Get Ready To Rock 20 Miler 3:10 group
Mankato Marathon 4:15 group

Endurance Planet Book

The story of Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge has been published in a new book, now available in both e-version and paperback. Endurance Planet's Big Book of Bravado "Tales of Extreme Endurance" can be ordered through http://www.amazon.com/Endurance-Planets-Big-Book-Bravado/dp/1461155673/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320156261&sr=1-1

Check it out if you are looking for some inspiring stories about running and other endurance events.  The chapter I wrote - Sharing the Passion for Running - begins on page 91 and tells about my motivation for doing Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge.

From the Endurance Planet site:

Are You Ready To Be Inspired?


Get ready for amazing tales of extreme endurance from athletes around the globe. These aren’t pros or elites – these are people just like you who have decided to step outside their comfort zone and attempt to achieve the extraordinary. You’ll get to read stories that include:

-An amateur athlete’s emotional journey through his first 50 mile race

-An amazing weight loss journey that resulted in crossing the Ironman finish line with just 34 seconds to spare

-A heart that begins to fail during the heat of competition in an ultra-endurance event

-The 7 million steps of a Pacific Crest Trail adventure

-An HIV+ triathlete who defies the odds and keeps on competing

-The story of an epic 155 mile bicycle climb

-An office manager who runs the Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu

-And much more!

Brought to you by EndurancePlanet.com, the web’s top source of endurance sports fanaticism, this book is guaranteed to thrill, amaze, entertain and inspire.

Pacing 2:05 at River City Rambler 1/2 Marathon, Red Wing, MN

I had the opportunity to pace the 2:05 group at the River City Rambler 1/2 Marathon in Red Wing, MN on July 30th.  It was quite warm and very, very humid for the race.  I didn't see the final numbers, but race organizers were confident that they would end up with about 1000 people running their races that morning.  I love being able to help others achieve their running goals!

I got to the race about an hour early, checked in, and got my MN PACERS shirt and 2:05/9:33 per mile sign, visited with the other pacers, and met some of the runners I would be running with.  It was nice to run with Laura, whose husband is also a pacer.  Laura and I worked several years together at Summer of Service.

The last time I ran this race, I placed 1st or 2nd with a 1:10, but that was long ago.  Our pace was easy and relaxed, but the heat and humidity got the better of some.  I had a great time visiting with those around me the entire way, many of them running in their first 1/2 marathon.  I am proud of all of them!

Here is a picture, from near the finish in Bay Point Park.

I ran this race in the Brooks Launch.

Running up Harney Peak, Black Hills, SD

I had the chance to run the trails up and down Harney Peak in the Black Hills of South Dakota 3 times during the last few days of our family vacation.  I ran with Jim Fox (pictured down a few pics) from Duluth, MN twice...the first time from the KOA and the second from Sylvan Lake.  I also had the chance to run it from Sylvan Lake with my 9 year old son Jack.  He loved the views from the old fire tower on the summit.  The run from the KOA is considerably more difficult, with about 2200 feet of climbing during a 13 mile round-trip run.  The run from Sylvan Lake is a bit easier with about 1000 feet of climbing during the 7 mile round-trip run.  The trails from Sylvan Lake are also in much better condition and are used much more than any of the other trails leading to the summit.  I wore the Brooks Launch for all 3 runs.  Even though they are a lightweight road shoe, they work perfectly on the trail.  The weather on Harney Peak can vary greatly, from cool and sunny, to quite cold even in July, very windy, and cloudy.  I had the chance to experience all of these conditions on my runs this year.

RunRunLive.com podcast - featured interview

Check out my featured interview (episode 177)on RunRunLive.com's podcast.  I did this interview with Chris Russell part way through marathon run #5 of 7 the end of May.  My interview begins at 11:45 into the show and lasts about 15 minutes.  If interested, go back and check out episode 171, done after my 16 hour run at the Y.  They are both also available to download through iTunes.  http://www.runrunlive.com

Did my last run today before tomorrow's 6 hour run during the Project Fit Families Harmony Event.  I will be running a continuous loop near the high school there as a part of this fun-packed event for area families.  Show up if you are able.  http://www.projectfitfamilies.org/

Here is a copy of the flyer:

7 Marathons in 7 Days - Stewartville Star Article

Check out the May 31 Stewartville Star article about my challenge:
http://www.thinkstewartville.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=4848&SectionID=7&SubSectionID=18&S=1

My students' reactions:
http://www.thinkstewartville.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=4867&SectionID=10&SubSectionID=92&S=1

Marathon 7 - May 29

What an amazing week!  I finished it up today pacing the 5 hour group at the Med City Marathon in Rochester, MN.  My job was to run exactly 5:00.  I hope I can keep my job with them...I was 32 seconds fast by my Garmin.  4:59:28.

From Monday's Rochester Post Bulletin
http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1456195

It was a bit difficult to hold back today, as I was excited to be done, but then again, I am going to miss it all too.  Again, my feet and legs felt great!  I met some great runners with the MN PACERS today and was able to run with some great people, some of them completing their first marathons.  I feel a bit guilty about it at times, but I draw so much energy from others and am inspired by many of their stories.  I really had a great 5 hours today of visiting with a great group of fun people!  I had a good sized group with me or near me for the first half of the race, as I was also the PACER for the 2:30 1/2 marathon runners.  Things thinned out a bit when they split off for the finish, but we still had a good group going until about 23.  I picked up a couple of runners who had decided to walk it in with about a mile to go.  I was lucky enough to get them moving a little more quickly again and was excited to pull them along to a sub 5 hour finish!  That is exactly what the MN PACERS group is all about.  I'm glad to say that I will be pacing several more races for them this year.  I am honored to be allowed to run with this fine team and help others achieve their pace goals!

The shoe of choice for all my marathons this week was the Brooks Launch.  Absolutely no foot or leg pain all week.  I am truly a fan of this shoe!

Marathon 6 - May 28

Fastest day yet!  4:23, and it felt really good.  First day this week with negative splits - 2:15/2:08. Wayne ran 10 with me and Mike ran 5.  Ran 16 miles on my own, but had Mark from the Star with on the bike, so his company was nice.  Looking forward to slowing things down tomorrow, as I will be pacing the 5 hour group for the MN PACERS at the Med City Marathon.  157 miles down this week...1 marathon to go!

Marathon 5 - May 27

4:44! Felt great today, as yesterday's marathon was done just 11 hours before today's started. Had the chance to run with dozens of kids at different times today at one of the elementary schools here in Stewartville. Man, were they excited! It was great to draw energy from their enthusiasm! Felt a bit warm at times, but the company today helped a lot. Thank you Kris for all the miles you put in...I am proud of you...you are really tough!!! Kris figured she ran about 26 miles today also! Very cool! Legs and feet are still doing great! Only 2 more to go!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch

Marathon 4 - May 26

Another good day!  4:53.  Fastest time so far this week, but without the same level of effort.  The clear skies had me worried, but the temps were very comfortable.  We had a nice group come from Byron Team R.E.D. this afternoon and evening.  It was great listening to their conversations about current and "old-time" runners from the area!  Legs and feet are still doing just fine. Time to eat and get to bed as my next marathon begins just 11 hours after this one finished.

Marathon 3 - May 25

Today went much, much better than yesterday.  4:57.  I started out with a much easier pace, running by myself for the first 10 1/2 miles.  Joined by a couple of nice groups for much of the next 10 miles, then finished the last lap by myself.  The rain kept up for the first 15 miles, but was welcome, as it kept my body temp down.  Still, no leg or foot pain to speak of!  Mentally, I am in a much better place today than yesterday!

Marathon 2 - May 24

5:25. Tired now. Didn't sleep at all last night. Stomache not feeling good, due to being way too hot for way too long yesterday. No leg or foot pain at all this morning, so happy about that. Felt great through 17 miles, but fell apart after that. Hoping to sleep tonight, as I was extremely sleepy all day at school today.

KIMT showed up today.
http://www.kimt.com/content/localnews/story/Stewartville-teacher-takes-on-Endurance-Challenge/QKwirOyuB0KoDX_cNYaUsA.cspx

Marathon 1 - May 23

4:57. Started out way too fast on a very warm day. 2:18 for the first half. Decided quickly that running that fast was not a good idea, so slowed things way down and spent more time walking. Pretty quiet. Ran with only 1 or 2 others at a time and even had some time to myself. It was nice to run a few miles with Jack today.

KAAL TV6 showed up today.
http://somn.kaaltv.com/news/community-spirit/stewartville-teacher-runs-inspire-his-students/46427

2011 Marathon Route

I will be running these routes 5 times/day for a total of 26.2 miles/day, from Monday-Saturday. Sunday's run will be at the Med City Marathon. Please feel free to join me for a few miles if you are able. I am sure I will need the company and encouragement. All Stewartville runs will begin and end in at the Stewartville Middle School Gym parking lot. Start times for my runs will be as follows:

Monday, May 23 - Thursday, May 26: 4pm
Friday, May 27: 8am, running a slightly different route, as the plan is to be able to run with the kids at both elementary schools in Stewartville throughout the day. See below.
Saturday, May 28: 8am
Sunday, May 29th, 7am, Med City Marathon

Here is the link to the Mon.-Thurs. and Sat. map for more detail:

http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=F9D1DF5A-C505-BC0E-C01B2778DEDB5A4D&success=2

Friday's route, which will allow me to run with the kids at both elementary schools in Stewartville throughout the day.

http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=0FCA00FA-A16D-776B-E7CA2CE153F872D3&success=1

Book and MN PACERS

I just found out yesterday that my submission WILL be included in the Endurance Planet Big Book of Bravado - Tales of Extreme Endurance, to be published in August. I will pass along purchasing information when I have it.

Also, I WILL be pacing at the Med City Marathon on Mat 29 for the MN PACERS. I will be leading the 5 hour group...or maybe they will be leading me, as it will be my 7th marathon length run that week!

Dean Karnazes Quote

Dean finished his 75 day run across the US yesterday. Amazing!!!

"Struggling and suffering are the essence of a life worth living. If you're not pushing yourself beyond the comfort zone, if you're not demanding more from yourself - expanding and learning as you go - you're choosing a numb existence. You're denying yourself an extraordinary trip."

-Dean Karnazes

RunRunLive.com Podcast

A couple of weeks ago, I did an interview with Chris from RunRunLive.com for his weekly podcast.  The interview went online last Friday.  It can be downloaded through iTunes or played from his website at the following link:
http://cyktrussell.libsyn.com/the-run-run-live-podcast-episode-171-jim-parry-teaching-through-inspiration-

Bear Cave Park

This has been one of my favorite places to run ever since I was a kid.

Kyle Amos 24 Hour Challenge

I received the following email this morning from Kyle Amos:

Kyle Amos  You replied on 4/30/2011 9:43 AM. Sent: Saturday, April 30, 2011 4:32 AM To: James Parry

Jim, That was the greatest day as a teacher of my life.  I am still processing what just  happened but my brain and body need a little time to recover.  Thank you for coming  up with and sharing this amazing idea of how to get kids moving.  Now because of your  original idea there are over 600 students and their families excited about exercising  and getting/staying fit in Gardner, Kansas.  I can not thank you enough for setting  such a great example. Thanks, Kyle Amos PS   I will get you shirt in the mail monday.  Life got a little crazy this week. Kyle is a PE teacher at Moonlight Elementary in Gardner, KS.  He contacted me way back in October, having seen the article in Ultra Running Magazine about Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge.  He had questions about doing the same challenge for his students and we have been in contact ever since, with information for each other about both challenges.  His 24 Hour Challenge happened this week with Kyle running 24 hours from Thursday morning to Friday morning for his students.   Amazing and very cool! Here is a link to a TV story done about his challenge the morning of his 24 hour run.  You have got to watch it.  He seems like a great guy who is genuinely interested in his students' well being. http://www.kctv5.com/local-video/index.html?grabnetworks_video_id=4666894 From Kyle's 24 Hour Challenge FB page: Kyle Amos with 1 minute to go.

2011 Marathon Challenge

http://www.thinkstewartville.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=18&ArticleID=4730

16 hours...61.25 miles...$1565 raised!!!

Media coverage from 16 hours on the treadmill

FOX 47 TV
http://www.myfox47.com/story/14496815/stewartville-teacher-to-run-17-hours-straight

KTTC TV  4/22/11
http://www.kttc.com/story/14496815/stewartville-teacher-to-run-17-hours-straight

KAAL TV6   4/22/11
http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/s2078067.shtml?cat=10151

Olmsted County Journal 4/28/11
http://olmstedcountyjournal.com/run-jim-run

Rochester Post Bulletin   4/21/11
http://postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1451795

Pictures

I ran again this year in the Brooks Launch.  17 hours in them on the treadmill last year and 16 hours this year, without a single blister.  Not even a hotspot.  These shoes are light, flexible, and cushioned enough to protect the feet.  That is exactly what I look for in a shoe as an ultramarathon runner!  Looking forward to the new colors coming out soon!

Today's Post Bulletin

Check out the article from todays PB.
http://www.postbulletin.com/news/stories/display.php?id=1451795&query=jim%20parry

16 Hours, not 17

I goofed up and didn't check to see that the Y is only open until 9pm on Fridays, so my treadmill run will be from 5am-9pm.  I am sure I will welcome the earlier finish time that evening.  Call 507.287.2260 to reserve a time on one of the other 2 treadmills.

Thanks,

Jim

Sign up and/or make a pledge

Sign-up sheets are up and ready to go at the Y for those who are able to come run with me at the Y this Friday.  I will be running from 5:00am - 9:00pm.  2 other treadmills, in addition to mine, will be set up in the lobby for others to run/walk on.  You do not need to be a member of the Y to join me that day.  Call 507.287.2260 to sign up for a time slot...they filled up quickly last year, so call early.

If you can't make it to the run and wish to make a donation to the Strong Kids Campaign, send me an email and I will email back a copy of the pledge form or you can call 507.287.2260 to make a pledge.  Remember, the money raised will go to helping kids who need some financial help affording the cost of attending Y programs and camps.  Please help out if you are able.  Thank you.  Jim

From the Rochester Area Family Y's website:  http://rochfamy.org

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience our programs, regardless of financial difficulties their family might be facing. YMCA programs such as child care, camping, swim lessons, youth sports, LINK, and Y Mentors do more than teach skills; they instill confidence, responsibility, and help young people to be strong in spirit, mind and body. These experiences help our local youth grow into healthy, contributing adults.

With your help, no person will be denied the benefits of a YMCA membership based on financial limitations. Through our Annual Strong Kids Campaign, people just like you come together to make their community stronger. Donations to the Strong Kids Campaign allow the Y to provide membership and program assistance to kids and families who might not otherwise be able to afford to pay for our services. With a commitment to making programs and services available to everyone, the YMCA provided nearly $800,000 in scholarships and program subsidies in 2009 to over 17,000 of our Southeast Minnesota friends and neighbors. We ask that you give generously so that more in our community can share the YMCA experience.

A Letter For Help

My name is Jim Parry and on April 22nd, I will again be running on a treadmill in the lobby of the Rochester Area Family Y for 16 hours to raise funds for the Strong Kids Campaign.  Last year I ran 67.5 miles in 17 hours, completing the same challenge on a treadmill.  We had a lot of runners and walkers join me on one of the other treadmills and raised just under $1600, but I know we can do better!  My goal this year is to raise at least $2500.

My family was able to take part in Y programs when I was a child because of this scholarship program. We would never have been able to afford those opportunities without the generosity of others. This event is called Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge for the YMCA and is one way I feel I can give back.  I take the responsibility of being a positive role model for children seriously and running is an easy way for me to do that. I also know that sometimes this just is not enough for some. The Strong Kids Campaign provides the resources to participate in Y programs for those who would not otherwise be able to afford to.

The idea for Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge came to me soon after I started teaching in my hometown of Stewartville and, before I knew it, became a reality with the first event happening in 2009. I ran/walked 96 miles during those 24 hours…in 2010, I ran and walked 100.68 miles over 24 hours from April 29-30. I have heard many stories about how individuals made big changes in their lives because of Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge. Those stories motivate and inspire me.

I need your help to fulfill this challenge. The Y is providing a 2 other treadmills for people to run or walk on with me. You can sign up for 15 minutes or an hour. It’s up to you.  My run is from 5am – 9pm on Friday, April 22. It makes a HUGE difference for me to know that people are supporting me and this wonderful cause.

Please consider signing up on the bulletin board in the Y lobby. You do not need to be a member of the Y to join me that day. You can also call the Y at 287-2260 to sign up. Thank you!

Jim

To find out more about Jim Parry’s Endurance Run for the Y, talk to a fitness center staff today. You can also make a pledge to support Mr. Parry online at http://www.ymcastrongkids.org. More information about Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge for the YMCA can be found at http://www.rochfamy.org/ and http://mrparrysendurancechallenge.blogspot.com/.

Fools Five Road Race

Jack and I ran the Fools Five Road Race today.  Jack's official chip time was 45:16, on a very windy day!  Way to go little man!

At the start

At the finish

April 2 Long Run

Stewie Striders this morning. 8 runners out this morning. Jim, Lee, Kevin, Mickie, Teri, Becky, Rebecca, and Joe w/Ruckus. Some big runs logged this morning, with Mickie and Teri running 16, Kevin doing 18, and Jim getting in 23. Kevin found a dime, but Teri was the winner, finding a quarter near the end of her run!  I even found a geocache just south of town, while out with the group.

Running Room Presentation

I had a great time tonight presenting at the Running Room's Marathon and 1/2 Marathon Clinic.  I spoke for about an hour and then went for a run with the group, doing repeats on a popular, nearby hill.  It was great meeting new and experienced runners who are looking to do something extraordinary.  They inspired me tonight, as I am sure they have inspired others with what they are attempting.  Nice job Mike on organizing such a great clinic!

What Would You Do?

Slightly New Route for 2011

http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=F9D1DF5A-C505-BC0E-C01B2778DEDB5A4D&success=1

Here is the slightly new course for Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge 2011.  I will be running this loop 5 times/day from May 23-28, then will be finishing up with the Med City Marathon on May 29th.

2 In A Row

Got out early this morning to help get Mickie through a 15 mile run. 18 for me...40 between yesterday and today. Today was much easier for me, as my "all day" pace kept the plantar from protesting.

4 more miles late this afternoon with Jack on the track at a very easy pace.  Jordan walked and ran a few laps himself  Wore the Brooks Mach 12s...no pain at all, but the slow pace kept my plantar calmed down.  22 miles for the day and 44 miles for the weekend.

March 26th Long Run

Got out early to do some extra miles before meeting up with several different groups of Stewie Striders runners this morning.  Hopefully this will be the last of the cold weather!  10 runners were there this morning.  I got in 22 miles, without any real problems...other than my left plantar screaming at me for the final 10 miles.  No GU today...and no energy crash either...that is good news!

Jim Mason is the race director for the Chester Woods Trail Run and is adding a 50K to the events this year.  He gave me a formal invitation to run on Thursday night while I was visiting Byron Team R.E.D.  I will need to recover quickly from 7 Marathons in 7 Days, as the 50K is the next Saturday.  Take a look at his write-up about my challenge on the blog for his race.  http://chesterwoodstrailrun.blogspot.com/2011/03/7-marathons-in-7-daysand-50k.html?spref=fb

Byron Team R.E.D.

I had the chance to go speak to and run with the Byron Team R.E.D. runners the other night at the Bear's Den.  Tom O'Leary sure knows how to get others out to have some fun running!  I spoke for about 30-40 minutes and then joined them for a run.  After 6 miles of conversation I spent the rest of the evening visiting with many on the team about Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge, Brooks Running shoes, training, races, and "bucket-list" runs we all wish to do.  I looked at my watch at 9:30 and couldn't believe I had been there 4 hours already!  Thank you Tom for making me an honorary member of the team...I will have to show up for more of the fun when I can.  I am honored to have been invited and left inspired by those that I met!
http://byronteamred.blogspot.com/

I also got a chance to visit with Jim Mason a bit about the Chester Woods Trail Run 50K to be held the weekend after my 7 Marathons in 7 Days.  He gave me a formal invitation, so looks like I will need to recover quickly!  From his race blog:
http://chesterwoodstrailrun.blogspot.com/2011/03/7-marathons-in-7-daysand-50k.html?spref=fb

Brooks Prize Drawing Items

I received a shipment of prize drawing items from Brooks Running yesterday. They sent me a box of Run Happy water bottles and drawstring bags. They will be given away at the Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge events this spring. Thanks Brooks!

Thanks Brooks!

Speaking

I will be speaking to a couple of groups over the next week or so. This Thursday night I will be traveling to Byron, MN to speak to the runners of Byron Team RED. We will be meeting at the Bear's Den. The presentation begins at 5:30, with a 6 mile run to follow. http://byronteamred.blogspot.com/


Next Thursday I will be speaking at the Rochester Running Room's new marathon runner clinic.

Both presentations will include the following key points:

1. Do something extraordinary.
2. How to motivate yourself and others.
3. What to do when things get really tough.
4. Don't set your limits...go out and find them.
5. Success and failure - why they are both good for you.

4 Miles With Jack

Ran 4 miles with Jack tonight in the hallways at school. Nice, easy pace in Brooks Mach 12s. Warm with wind-pants on, so it will be nice when it finally warms up a bit more outside and turns into shorts and t-shirt weather.

March 19th Long Run

Got in 30 miles this morning, part of it with the Stewie Striders and then the last 4 with Jack and Jordan. Overall felt good, but my left heel was still sore. 6 weeks of this...hope this goes away soon. Glad that the effort seemed easy though, as I completely forgot to bring GU with me and only had 2 quick water stops at the school.

Questions for Runners

Please take the time to answer the questions below for my 6th grade students.  They are curious to get others' viewpoints about running!  Choose to answer any or all of the following.  Please include at least your first name and city/state, so we can see where the responses come from.

1.  Why do you run?  Who encouraged you to start?
2.  What is the longest run you have ever done?
3.  How many races would you estimate you have done?
4.  Do you have any connections with Mr. Parry's Endurance Challenge?  Comments about it?
5.  Any advice about running?
6.  Other - shoes you wear, nutrition during runs, any sponsors?

Thank you!

Jim

Rochester Y Strong Kids Campaign 16 Hour Treadmill Run April 22, 2011

Just added...I will again be doing a 16 hour treadmill run to benefit the Rochester Area Family Y Strong Kids Campaign.  My run will be on April 22nd this year and will be held from 5am - 9pm in the lobby of the Y.  The plan is to again have 2 other treadmills set up on either side of me for others to run on.  Stop by, give a little, and run with me for a while if you are able.  The Strong Kids Campaign provides scholarships to kids whose families can not afford to let them attend Y camps and activities.  My family used these scholarships a couple of years when I was youg...we never would have been able to participate in Y camps because of our finances.  Last year's run was a huge success, with just under $1600 being raised!  My goal is to raise at least $2500 this year. See my earlier blog post for a post-run write-up from last year's fundraising run.
A Letter For Help
My name is Jim Parry and on April 22nd, I will again be running on a treadmill in the lobby of the Rochester Area Family Y for 16 hours to raise funds for the Strong Kids Campaign.  Last year I ran 67.5 miles, completing the same challenge on a treadmill.  We had a lot of runners and walkers join me on one of the other treadmills and raised just under $1600, but I know we can do better!  My goal this year is to raise at least $2500.

My family was able to take part in Y programs when I was a child because of this scholarship program. We would never have been able to afford those opportunities without the generosity of others. This event is called Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge for the YMCA and is one way I feel I can give back.  I take the responsibility of being a positive role model for children seriously and running is an easy way for me to do that. I also know that sometimes this just is not enough for some. The Strong Kids Campaign provides the resources to participate in Y programs for those who would not otherwise be able to afford to.

The idea for Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge came to me soon after I started teaching in my hometown of Stewartville and, before I knew it, became a reality with the first event happening in 2009. I ran/walked 96 miles during those 24 hours…in 2010, I ran and walked 100.68 miles over 24 hours from April 29-30. I have heard many stories about how individuals made big changes in their lives because of Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge. Those stories motivate and inspire me.

I need your help to fulfill this challenge. The Y is providing a 2 other treadmills for people to run or walk on with me. You can sign up for 15 minutes or an hour. It’s up to you.  My run is from 5am – 9pm on Friday, April 22. It makes a HUGE difference for me to know that people are supporting me and this wonderful cause.

Please consider signing up on the bulletin board in the Y lobby. You do not need to be a member of the Y to join me that day. You can also call the Y at 287-2260 to sign up. Thank you!

Jim

To find out more about Jim Parry’s Endurance Run for the Y, talk to a fitness center staff today. You can also make a pledge to support Mr. Parry online at http://www.ymcastrongkids.org. More information about Mr. Parry’s Endurance Challenge for the YMCA can be found at http://www.rochfamy.org/ and http://mrparrysendurancechallenge.blogspot.com/.