Introduction

I have reserved my spot, through my coach Lisa Smith-Batchen and her organization Dreamchasers, to run the 2009 Marathon des Sables. The Marathon des Sables is a 150+ mile 6 day stage race through the Moroccan Sahara. The race requires that each competitor carry everything that they will need on their back (water and tents are provided to you). Temperatures can average as high as 120 degrees Fahrenheit and many people consider the Marathon des Sables to be the toughest footrace in the world.

So why am I going to put myself through such a difficult adventure? I am running the 2009 MdS to help Urban Blazers, a Philadelphia non-profit organization, raise money. Urban Blazers provides unique opportunities for physical activity and education, contact with nature, outdoor adventures and social connection to promote the healthy development of underserved youth in Philadelphia.

Urban Blazers makes an important impact on both Philadelphia and the young people that participate in UB programs. Please visit Urban Blazer's website to learn more about them.

While running through the Sahara for 6 days may seem like a lot of work it is nothing compared to the comitment of the 25 volunteers who have committed their time in support of both me and Urban Blazers to help organize and execute a series of fundraising event in Philadelphia, New York and Boston. You can learn more about the series of fundraisers and learn a little bit about each of the members of the leadership team on the fundraiser website.

This blog will detail my training and preparation for the 2009 MdS, races that I will participate in leading up to the MdS, provide highlights from the Urban Blazers fundraising events and provide other commentary...especially on cool gear.

Please leave comments and, if you can, please make a donation to Urban Blazers .