Inspiration
It's all around us. I tend to find mine in people. Too recently one of the more inspiring people in my life passed away in a climbing accident in the mountains. It is possible that many Chuckanut 50k runners know Chad Kellogg. Much more known in the climbing world, his only race result on UltraSignUp.com is the 2011 Chuckanut 50k. He loved to run, loved to push himself and loved to find more each time he went to the mountains. A humble being that was also one of the most motivated, driven and enduring people I have known. He made unreal sacrifices to spend the most time possible training for and being in the mountains. This man lived it and loved it.
His life was celebrated on Saturday and I am extremely thankful I was able to be there to celebrate his life with such an amazing group of climbers, friends and family. Funerals are for the living and super helpful in the healing process and trying to understand each for themselves the loss of a close friend.
I want to continue to celebrate Chad. Such that Chuckanut is the focus of most of my energy these days I think that the runners of the Chuckanut 50k can make a positive impact by donating to the climbing fund established to inspire others to get out and enjoy the mountains as he did.
The American Alpine Club makes it easy with the contribution page on their website. https://americanalpineclub.org/donate/contribution
Additionally, Runner Girl Races, LLC will match any donations made on race weekend up to $500, (maybe $1000 if I can swing it) but I hope we can blow that number out of the water. There will be a bucket for your contributions... $1, $20, or whatever change you have in your car's ash tray think about helping me channel some energy to this great memory.