The hiking equivalent of a marathon...

[stardogs]

So I heard about an event to help out Make a Wish last year, but had an ankle injury that kept me sidelined. This year I knew I wanted to do it, so I signed up: the event is called the Trailblaze Challenge and involves hiking 28.3 miles in ONE day on the Foothills Trail on the border of NC/SC/GA. I'm SUUUUPER excited!

I'm trying to raise $2500 (or more), so I figured I'd share in case anyone was interested in helping out a fellow Chazzer and some seriously ill children at the same time. Donations are tax deductible and at least 75% of the money donated will go straight to wishes - MAW here in NC only uses about 20% of their donations for support and expenses outside of the actual wishes.

Here's my direct fundraising page - the donate button makes donating super simple!

Erin's Trailblaze Challenge 2015 Page

 

[Fran27]

That sounds awesome!

 

[amberdyan]

That sounds REALLY awesome! I think the most I've ever done was 18 miles in a day on a backpacking trip. That sounds tough and awesome! Great cause too.

 

[stardogs]

I've always wanted to do something epic - I think this totally qualifies.

The trail itself isn't supposed to be too rough, thankfully, and I have a training program to help condition me. The event even has aid stations like a marathon, so all I need to carry is my light hydration pack. Super well organized!

We will start around 5a and most people finish in about 12-14 hours.

 

[yv0nne]

This is so fun!

I will definitely make sure to donate in the next few days

 

[stardogs]

Awww, thanks so much yvonne!! It's truly appreciated and every little bit helps.

 

[meepitsmeagan]

I'm planning on donating early next month as well.

 

[stardogs]

<3 You guys are awesome! I'm working on a tshirt design for a fundraiser currently, so stay tuned for that. If I just sell 50 I can be almost halfway to my overall goal.

 

[stardogs]

I made a shirt! Go check it out on Booster.

http://www.booster.com/erinstrailblazechallenge

 

[stardogs]

Bumping this because I hiked 18 miles today and rocked it! The hike leaders said that if you can complete this trail you should be aok for the big hike as this trail is VERY strenuous and the hike day trail is more moderate. I finished in 7.5 hours and was the 4th person to finish, despite trying to restrain my pace to aid in endurance. So happy!

 

[amberdyan]

Bumping this because I hiked 18 miles today and rocked it! The hike leaders said that if you can complete this trail you should be aok for the big hike as this trail is VERY strenuous and the hike day trail is more moderate. I finished in 7.5 hours and was the 4th person to finish, despite trying to restrain my pace to aid in endurance. So happy!

You're always at the top of my list of friends on fitbit because you have so many steps : p It looks like you're kickin' ass, congrats!

 

[stardogs]

Hehehehe yea - I hit 45k today. Two new badges and a new weekly record for me I think!

 

[stardogs]

For those who haven't seen this on fb yet:

I ROCKED IT!!!!!! Started in the back so I could pace myself well and finished in the top half in 11.5 hours.

The trail was rougher than I anticipated, but I did it, stayed well hydrated and never overheated despite highs in the 80s. I'm actually not sore at all today other than a rub spot on my shoulder and sore shoulder muscles from carrying a pack all day. I walked another 1.8 miles with DH tonight when I got home. I feel like Superwoman.

Still have some funds to raise to meet my goal, but I'm getting closer. Hearing the stories from some of the participating Wish parents was so inspiring. <3

 

[amberdyan]

That's awesome! Congrats!

 

[LostAndConfused]

so somehow I missed this on here. Question, are you still doing the shirts? My sister needs one...or two.

 

[stardogs]

YES - until tomorrow actually!

http://www.booster.com/erinstrailblazechallenge2