Well here we go again. They say most successful ventures were not accomplished on the first try. I have known for years that my destiny would be to run across canada and encourage others to join in the fight against diseases like Cancer. Motivate and guide others to get up off the couch and take up active lifestyles and balanced healthy diets. It has only been a matter of what, when, where, and how. I always new the Y…….
So, my latest idea…..and I think my best. Is to ‘hexathon’ across the Canadian Rail Trail.
http://www.tctrail.ca/home.php
I have long contemplated what would get me the best results in my dreams and goals. Running along Canada’s hi-ways attracting as much media attention as possible to spread the word and try to encourage others to join. There are a lot of logistical headaches when it comes to that. Also, it has been done to death I fear. As great of a feat it is, people and media do not seem to excited about the idea of someone running across Canada to raise money or awareness for disease prevention or cure. It’s almost dare I say passe. After meeting with media groups and organizations like Participaction and Body Break. No one seems interested in jumping on board to make something of it. Now,maybe it was my approach? and I’m reading to better my approach for this time around.
First off, using the rail trail iliminates all kinds of logisitics. The trail is a “shared use” recreational trail. Meaning one and all can use the trail. “To the extent feasible, the Trans Canada Trail will be a shared-use Trail, accommodating six preferred activities: walking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.” ( from FAQ’S on cttrail.ca)
This way I can start whenever and finish whenever. No permits or police escorts needed. Anyone and everyone can join in to help me reach my goal of 1km from every canadian. No cars or dangerous roads involved. The only thing is that it is a much longer trek. Which is why this is a “trek” and not a run. or as I like to call it now a “hexathon”. 6 different disciplines. Running, biking (rollerblading or skateboarding), hiking (walking), snowshoeing ( cross country skiing), swimming, and canoeing (kayaking). As the trail will have sections that require all of those. This also allows for every canadian to join. It will also be much easier for the dogs to take part which can now involve another facet, the SPCA. Need a reason to get active, adopted a dog. I feel it is a win, win, win, scenario. The only downfall is the distance and time required. But, there is a benefit to that to. It has never been done. This may get the media back interested now. The reality of my goal is, the more media invovled the better chance I have of acheiving my goal of 1 km per canadian. Let’s do it!!!!!
Steve
www.stevegaul.com