So, I’ve been talking and talking about Operation Jack for the past six months, and FINALLY it’s go time! January 1 is Friday, so after more than a year of brainstorming and planning, I’m starting on my 60-marathon adventure this week! I’m excited, nervous and overwhelmed all rolled up into one. But I’m pretty much locked in, so hopefully this all works out.
Physically, I’m ready to go. Not exactly sure how fast I’m going to be right off the bat, but I’m going to give it my all every time out. Everybody is different, but for me, I consider a good run to be 3:10 or quicker, so I’m hoping to average 3:09:59 or better for the year.
From a team-building perspective, I’m hoping to average 17 people per race, which would total 1,000 people. The early races will have lower totals, but I’m optimistic that as the year goes on, we’ll get more attention and more people will jump on the bandwagon.
As for fundraising, that’s not the be-all, end-all, because from my perspective, I’m trying to plant seeds for growth that Train 4 Autism will harvest a few years down the road. But money won’t hurt and my dream is to raise $100,000 overall from all sources. I don’t know exactly how (I’m sure I’ll get better at this as the year goes on), but I think it’s possible.
Beyond that, I’m just looking forward to meeting all sorts of great people all over the place. There are so many of you already that I can’t wait to meet, and I know there’s going to be a lot more that I come across in the upcoming months. I know I’m getting some people off the couch, which is awesome, plus I’m really hopeful Jack and I will be able to have a positive impact on lots of people affected by autism.
See That Roadrunner Ad On The Left?
Operation Jack will get a contribution equaling 13 percent of your order from Roadrunner Sports if you click the ad at the left and proceed to shop. The ad is on every page of this site. If you shop somewhere else, that’s cool, but if you’re going to shop Roadrunner, PLEASE click from here! They actually have pretty good deals, although I highly recommend that you don’t buy running gear online if you don’t know what you should be buying.
Don’t buy a certain pair of asics because you like the colors or Nikes because you like their commercials. Make sure you’re in the right shoe, otherwise you’ll injure yourself. Get fitted at a running shop and make sure you’re wearing something appropriate for the way you run. More expensive isn’t necessarily better, but don’t skimp and save money just to spend 10 times as much at the doctor!
If you’re like me, though, and you know what you wear (for me, it’s Saucony Guides), check the prices at Roadrunner. Worst case, you waste 30 seconds of your life checking. Best case, you get a deal and Operation Jack benefits!
10×10
Last week, I mentioned a 10×10 program I’m trying out. A lot of you have asked me what you can do to help. So, I figured this would be a good way to raise money and spread the word with targets that are truly reasonable and nowhere near outrageous. Oh, and I’ll send you gear if you do it!
Spread The Word!
If you’re not a member of the Operation Jack Facebook Group, click on the Facebook button on this page and join! If you are a member, can you spread the word to any of your Facebook friends who might be interested? As you know, I’m trying to spread the word, and Facebook is a huge help!
That’s All For Today!
Have a great Monday!
Jen Morgan says
Bring on 2010 and Operation Jack!!!! So excited to watch you get started!
Ally Phillips says
Can’t believe it’s here!!! 2010 will be a great year–exhausting, I’m sure, but, you’ve got an awesome outlook on it. I can’t wait to hear about the first marathon.
PS. My dad has a summer house in Montana. I’m now thinking of signing up for the Missoula Marathon too. Eeek! I never said I wasn’t crazy 🙂
Jenn Fellrath says
We are ready!
Ben Delaney says
Good luck this week Fels. I will be logged onto the Houston marathon site on the 1st to see how you did.
I am always in need of new running gear, so the Roadrunner ad will be clicked on by me a few times looking for socks, shirts, and shorts. Speaking of shirts, I am rocking my OJ tech shirt on every run right now. Can’t wait to wear it in Carlsbad and Surf City in the coming weeks.