Been There, Done That?

By Cheryl Hart

It recently dawned on me that next May will be the 30 th anniversary of my first race. Over the past three decades, I've run countless miles and experienced the ups and downs (literally) of race courses around the world.

For that reason I find myself relishing events that are different and challenging— ones that take me off the beaten path, up rugged mountains and along the tops. They push me to reach new heights, and leave me gasping for air but feeling fully alive.

If you are feeling that you've “been there, done that,” and are looking for new challenges, look no farther. The following events are not for the faint of heart. But each time you accomplish one, it will inspire you to even greater pursuits in life. And some of these give the entry fees to a charitable cause, making your effort even more worthwhile.

I have twice joined 1800 other runners in the Pikes Peak Ascent (13.32 miles with a 7.815 vertical gain). The Colorado event, held in August, also offers a marathon (limited to 800) and believe it or not---both fill up quickly. This year registration closed in 9 hours and 53 minutes. It is physically and psychologically demanding but the views and homemade donuts at the top lure you onward. To register for next summer, visit raceinfo@pikespeakmarathon.org .

In July I ran the Grandfather Mountain Marathon in Boone , NC . It was one of the most beautiful and most challenging courses I have run. We finished in the middle of the World's second largest Highland Games amidst bagpipers, Scottish dancers and sheep herders. If you need spectators, this is not the event for you. But waterfalls and rushing streams kept us company as we made our way up the 4500 foot elevation.

But why stop there? The Grand Canyon Rim-To-Rim in Arizona is a 48 mile out and back run from the south rim to the north rim, beginning at an altitude of 6800 feet with an elevation gain of 11,000 feet. Runners are warned of possible snow on the north rim trail.

Speaking of elevation, what about trying a stair run?

The Sears Tower in Chicago (the tallest building in the USA ) hosts “Go Vertical,” the longest urban stair climb. The event held this year on November 12, will have runners climbing to new heights in the fight against cancer as they tackle 103 floors and 2109 steps. Chicago also hosts “Hustle up the Hancock” in February.

Each year over a hundred runners from around the world scurry up 86 floors and 1576 steps to the Observatory Deck of the Empire State Building . The men's record is 9 minutes and 33 seconds, while the women's is 22 minutes and 16 seconds. If interested, contact the NY Road Runners.

Oregon 's Hood to Coast Relay held in August is one of my favorite running memories. The 197-mile, 12 person relay runs from the top of Mt. Hood at the Timberline Lodge down to the Pacific Ocean in Seaside . I was a part of Team Timberline, joined by 12,000 runners and 4800 walkers from around the world. One of my legs began just before dawn. I could hear the rushing stream and smell the pine but was not prepared for the stunning beauty revealed at the break of day. The team finished together hand in hand on the beach under a big arch of balloons. You can participate as a male, female or mixed relay. Call (503) 292-4626 or e-mail office@htcrelay.com . There is a group from Louisville going next summer. If interested contact Gail Hart at ghart@ivsllc.com .

The Jay Mountain Marathon held in July in Vermont is said to be “like none you've ever run before.” It is dubbed as “ America 's ultimate off-road challenge.” In fact, the logo says, “Persevere—Endure---Outlast.” Although listed as a marathon, it's actually 30.5 miles of mud, mountains and mayhem. There are numerous river crossings, a sandpit, and “brush so thick you figure you can't possibly be on the right trail.”

This Halloween, dress up as a gorilla and help save these animals from extinction (there are only about 723 mountain gorillas alive today). “The Denver Gorilla Run,” held this year on October 28, is a 5.6 mile charity run that makes a difference. Each participant represents a group of real live gorillas in the wild. With your entry, the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund provides the gorilla suit, which you keep afterward. For more information call 1-866-gorilla.

Of course, if you hate wearing big bulky, hairy costumes, there's always the “Bare Buns Run” on the beach in Washington , where clothes are optional.

Likewise, the” Bay to Breakers,” which runs through the streets of San Francisco sports runners in everything from their birthday suits, to runners in costumes (our Kentucky team went as horses and jockeys) or runners toting couches with loungers. I even saw a thatched roofed bar with runners posing as bartenders and patrons. You have so much fun that you hate to see the 7.4 miles come to an end. It's held the third Sunday in May.

Next June, combine facial and fitness with the “Mud Run” at Camp Pendleton in California . The 10K course features deep sand, muddy creeks, slippery slopes, a tunnel crawl, tire obstacles, high walls, a lake to forge, and a final 30-foot mud pit to the finish. See Camppendleton.com. Or call (760) 725-6289.

The Olympus Marathon in Greece was labeled “an epic battle by Runner's World Magazine. The 2007 course, which starts at sea level and ends at 9,120 feet, will allow 300 runners to attempt the 13.1 miles to the summit and back down. There is a12-hour time limit and each runner is basically alone but is escorted to the finish by a policeman on a motorcycle. Last year's winner said that “At Olympus, you see things in yourself that you can't see when you run ‘normal' races.”

Keep reaching for the summit; enjoy the view from the top and come down to share your stories with one another.

Cheryl Hart, owner of 2 nd Wind Motivation, helps individuals, teams and corporations establish and achieve goals. She is a motivational speaker, certified fitness specialist and spin instructor and is currently pursuing a masters in psychology. Cheryl is also an All-American triathlete and duathlete, competing on Team USA internationally. To contact Cheryl call 693-7443, e-mail offrunnin@yahoo.com or visit www.2ndWindMotivation.com .