51 marathons in 51 days

Sam Thompson just finished his 51st marathon in 51 days. Just when I thought a goal of 44 marathons over a lifetime was tough, this guy does 51 in 51 days. I’d love to try something like that but there are 2 things that hold me back. One, I couldn’t get that much time off from work. Two, I wouldn’t have enough money to sustain me the whole time. Possibly three, 51 marathons in 51 days is nearly crazy! But I’d try it. I bet no one has ever done that many joggling.
The really impressive thing is the kind of times he ran the marathons in. His fastest was the 50th marathon in which he ran a 3:29. That’s great. Oh to be in my 20s again.

I thought his purpose for doing this was interesting…

To raise both awareness of the devastation that still remains along the Mississippi Gulf Coast left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and funds in order to continue the work of rebuilding homes and lives in the area. The hope and determination of the Gulf Coast region has been amazing to witness firsthand, and perhaps equally amazing has been the outpouring of aid from every corner of this great country. Though media coverage for the Mississippi Gulf Coast has faded from the spotlight over the past months, great needs still remain. With a new hurricane season on the horizon, there are thousands of people now living in nothing more than small travel trailers, and still others who have yet to receive any form of housing at all. This effort will touch the nation on not only a national level, but also a very local level, reminding the country that “Everything is not fixed.” There is nothing more refreshing than seeing our nation pour out their generosity to help their brothers and sisters in need.

When I read things like this, I sometimes I think that I need a purpose for my joggling. I’ve just not found one yet. The best I have is National Public Radio. I love NPR and am a donating member. But it seems to lack some of the seriousness of other worthy causes. I don’t know. What do you think?