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Dean Schuster
Columbia, South Carolina
36
Running Experience:
Intermediate
Why should we pick you to go to the North Pole?:
I’m your man!
I’m a committed, serious runner ready to take the next step to expand my horizons as a marathoner. I’m ready for a new challenge… for an epiphany.
I see this as the essence of the contest: A normal (I reckon that’s debatable) runner shares a once in a lifetime experience with the greater running community. I’ll do this with great enthusiasm and passion, conveying the experience from its grandest moment to the minutest detail. Together, we’ll entertain, educate and have a blast doing it.
I’m perfect for this contest because not only am I addicted to running; I’m addicted to writing about running. I can connect with runners. Check out my BLOGS: Run the Pole (runthepole.wordpress.com) and Zero to Boston (www.zerotoboston.com). This sort of thing is right up my alley.
I won’t be the most accomplished marathoner to enter, for certain. That’s never stopped me. I am completely confident in my ability to run this race and run it well. I’ll train hard, and yeah, I’ll run in a meat freezer, an absolute necessity in sunny South Carolina.
But it’s not enough that I run well or offer exciting, engaging coverage of the experience. There’s a mission here. I’ll engage the climate change evidence with vigor, and I’ll run to support Crohn’s disease research, for my friends who suffer from this chronic condition.
I’ll run the pole with awe and respect. It will be a privilege and an honor.
Please Send me to the Pole!
P.S.
See also: THE TOP TEN REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD PICK ME.
(runthepole.wordpress.com)
"But the fact remains. I can’t offer controlled, scientific evidence that I’ll take to the Pole like a Palmetto bug takes to cookie crumbs. The only way to give you real evidence is to actually run the race. Of course, if I’d already done it… if I’d already proven it, you’d have less reason to send me." |
Offer some evidence that you can complete a marathon in harsh, sub-zero conditions at the North Pole:
Some folks may offer their extended experience running naked in frigid temperatures, winning races then jumping into ice cold water for a victory lap or two. This is NOT me. According to the North Pole Marathon website, “Most participants will never have encountered extremely cold conditions before traveling to the Pole.” THIS is me.
Actually, that would be an overstatement. I grew up in New England, so I know a little something about harsh winters. I’ve run there in bitter-cold conditions, just not extensively.
I will thrive in the sub-zero conditions at the pole. I WANT the cold, the ice, the wind, and the snow. I want icicles on my face. I want to breathe in the crisp, biting air at the top of the world. At mile 23, when the incredible realization sets in that I’m about to finish the race, I’ll savor every remaining step. I want to drink in every last iota of this experience. I can barely wait to don my gear and set off from the starting line.
But the fact remains. I can’t offer controlled, scientific evidence that I’ll take to the Pole like a Palmetto bug takes to cookie crumbs. The only way to give you real evidence is to actually run the race. Of course, if I’d already done it… if I’d already proven it, you’d have less reason to send me.
Tell us about your cold-weather race experience:
(Insert sound of crickets here)
As a New England youth, I recall running through deep snow drifts fleeing a rather large, imposing forth grader named Dennis. Beyond this, I can’t give you any real cold weather racing experience. But that chase was more harrowing than any subsequent race I’ve ever run, I assure you. No one wants an atomic wedgie when the temperatures are in the low teens.
I’ve run in cold conditions, just not regularly, and I have started a few marathons in 20 degree weather, but that’s not very tough. Should I be fortunate enough to get the run the pole, my cold weather resume will be enhanced significantly.
Tell us about your marathon experience, including times, results, etc.:
I started running in the summer of 2004. I’ve run 4 marathons, a host of other races in between. I’ve planned a decent marathon schedule moving forward. Depending on my training cycle, I’ll do 50-60 miles/week (sometimes more). I’m most often found on the trails.
PAST MARATHONS
2005 Disney Marathon:
4:49 (Proves I did not win the genetic lottery.)
2006 Disney Marathon:
3:31 (68 minute improvement over my first marathon.)
2006 Nipmuck Trail marathon:
5:12 (My first trail marathon. Loved it. Developed a stress fracture during this one, Yeah!)
2006 Kiawah Island Marathon:
3:31 (You can count the spectators on one hand.)
OTHER RACES OF NOTE
2006 Governor’s Cup ½ Marathon:
1:29 (Hilly course)
2006 Blue Ridge Relay:
200+ mile course. (Our team took fifth place.)
2007 MARATHON SCHEDULE
February:
Myrtle Beach Marathon (SC) (targeting 3:20 or less)
March:
Snickers Energy Bar marathon (Albany, GA)
April:
North Pole Marathon (Please don’t make me think of some other race.)
June:
San Diego Rock n’ Roll Marathon (CA)
October:
Chicago marathon (IL)
What do you expect your North Pole Marathon time to be?:
6:40
Can you write well? Explain:
This is where I can shine for you. I might not be a Herculean, superhuman runner, but I can write, and I love to write about running.
The best way to show you how I’d share my North Pole Marathon experience is to show you precisely how I’d do it. With that in mind, I’ve created a BLOG called Run the Pole (runthepole.wordpress.com). I’ve been updating the site since early January (really). Please check it out. This is exactly the sort of thing you can expect from me.
I offer my take on the quirky side of running subculture at my regular BLOG: Zero to Boston (www.zerotoboston.com). Please visit and enjoy. It’s a site for runners, and those who love, but may not understand them.
Also, please read my family Christmas card (Seriously)(schusterama.truematter.com). It’s an entertaining way to get to know who I am in just a couple of minutes.
The last bit of professional online writing/editing I’ve done was for a printing company called Crowson (www.crowsonstone.com). It’s a bit off the beaten path. I highly recommend the History section. (www.crowsonstone.com/lm-about-history.aspx)
Tell us about your media experience:
I do not have formal audio/video experience, though I have done creative direction for audio/video for the Web. Web media integration is my cup of tea, though.
I’ve been interviewed locally a fair bit, typically in a professional setting, I’ve guest-lectured at the USC (That’s South Carolina) school of business, and done a variety of local speaking gigs.
I also do some acting on the side. I’m completely at ease in front of a camera. My Audio and Video reports will be lively and fun. Man, I can’t wait!
Websites:
runthepole.wordpress.com
My North Pole Marathon training blog. Please, oh please let me continue it!
www.zerotoboston.com
My BLOG about running subculture. I reckon I’ll have to change the name when I qualify for Boston.
Happy holidays from my family to yours. Not your average Christmas card.
www.crowsonstone.com / www.crowsonstone.com/lm-about-history.aspx
I wrote/edited the copy for this website. Please enjoy the About/History section. Scout’s honor it’s not boring.
Show us your video:
I’ve prepared three videos.
Stiff Shirt – Cold Weather training in South Carolina
Vox Populi – Don’t just take my word for it.
This Amazing Opportunity – My take on the meaning of this contest.
You can also find these videos on runthepole.wordpress.com
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.thumbnail.JPG "Kissing the Hardrock")
CP says:
Dean Schuster is the man for the North Pole Marathon. Anyone else will be just another runner.
Dean will use his media savvy and writing smarts to inspire, motivate, and amuse the world. Plus, he's a natural runner who can conquer any insane race, this one included.
MS says:
Send Dean! Send Dean! Send Dean!
This is the guy who needs to go. He not only makes for a great story -- but will be able to communicate his experience with everyone and make a real impact.
Ken says:
Dean - you are THE MAN for the north pole marathon! All I want to know is what color will the mohawk be when you run this one?
Rusty says:
As his business partner of 5 years, I must say I have met few with Dean's tenacity and honorable character. He would be an incredible spokesperson for his chosen philanthropy and the running sub-culture. Dean will make us all proud!
Tim says:
You want color? Dean's your man!
Your field will just not be as good as it can be without Dean Schuster - period. He's the whole package you're looking for: serious runner, dedicated to the insane, an incredibly creative writer, good natured, and will amuse, entertain, and encourage everyone along the way. In the world of golf, Dean's the essence of what the Rider Cup captain is looking for in his two picks beyond those that qualify by way of points.
Buzz says:
Dean is YOUR MAN!!!! You'll not find an athlete more dedicated or passionate about his running. Couple that with his wonderful ability to convey this passion through his eloquent and light-hearted writing and you've got yourself a REAL WINNER!
Running with Dean is a joy--that is when I can keep up with him!
As for the color of the mohawk...there's only one choice...Glacier Blue! (Pantone 2975C or RGB:165,217,236)
Ramsey says:
Be not fooled by the mohawk! Dean is a DYNAMO!!!! An Ice Man fit for running with Polar Bears and lifting your event to hall-of-fame status!
I watched him "grow up" into "runninghood" over the past 2 years since I met him during a lunchtime run from the Cola., SC Uptown YMCA. He added his energy, enthusiasm and genuine character to our group as my other running mates will undoubtedly post later (come on guys!).
I watched his son and daughter cross the finish line with him at Kiawah and swallowed a huge lump of emotion. The Ice Man has warm heart! You only have to meet his family to know that!
So send him packing to the polar tundra. Your marathon was "born" for Dean and Dean was born to run it!!!!!! ... and "Drink it all in" he will!!!!!
Ramsey says:
Be not fooled by the mohawk! Dean is a DYNAMO!!!! An Ice Man fit for running with Polar Bears and lifting your event to hall-of-fame status!
I watched him "grow up" into "runninghood" over the past 2 years since I met him during a lunchtime run from the Cola., SC Uptown YMCA. He added his energy, enthusiasm and genuine character to our group as my other running mates will undoubtedly post later (come on guys!).
I watched his son and daughter cross the finish line with him at Kiawah and swallowed a huge lump of emotion. The Ice Man has warm heart! You only have to meet his family to know that!
So send him packing to the polar tundra. Your marathon was "born" for Dean and Dean was born to run it!!!!!! ... and "Drink it all in" he will!!!!!
JustPlainDave says:
I have known Dean for a very long time and the one thing I can tell you about him is whatever he may lack in Cold weather Marathoning experience he makes up for in HEART and TENACITY! Dean does nothing halfway. SO I SAY, SEND DEAN TO THE POLE! I guarantee that you will not regret it!!
Punsh says:
Jan31 weather.cnn.com
Magnetic North Pole, Nunavut -20°F Light Snow
Columbia, South Carolina, USA 43°F Partly Sunny
What I understand is that Dean is willing to suffer. He is training intensely. He is focused intently on running. And running respectfully at the North Pole (-60°). But more so his mind-set is way up to the challenge of experiencing the event, the effects, the awe of competing with exceptional runners, and the avalanche of inspiration that awaits. Dean will absorb ALL of the experience – he will tell it ALL too. Dean's mind is set on this race and will uncover a great perspective when it is done. It sounds like an amazing race and somewhat crazy. Dean is amazing and crazy. He's perfect!! And his greatest asset: always a very positive force.
April says:
Dean, Dean, He's our man....if he can't do it......no one can. :)
SEND HIM TO THE NORTH POLE!! But please make sure he has a place to hook up a lap top. Thanks!
Rick says:
I received the email from Steve Outing about this contest and the first thing that popped into my head was "this is perfect for Dean." Dean took the ball and started running with it as soon as he received the email.
Dean doesn't talk about doing things, he does things. You can see that in the Run the Pole site that he set up as soon as he started the quest for the North Pole. He has taken all of the limited opportunities to run in the cold here in South Carolina. I can vouch for the shirtless run on January 17, and the icy run on the 18th. If it means training runs in a freezer, Dean will do it, that's just how it is.
The main reason you should pick Dean is for his ability to tell a story. His humor and ability to apply obscure references to any situation is a gift. It doesn't matter if it's Shakespeare, the Bible, music lyrics, or popular culture, Dean manages to keep it all in his head (maybe that's why he often forgets his running watch) and can quote verbatim.
Dean is the type of person this contest was designed for. He will promote the race and document the experience like no-one else can.
Kevin says:
Dean is obviously the best choice to run in this race. Trust me, as a runner from Wisconsin, anybody who is ASKING to go to the North Pole obviously is of the best and most insane state of mind that you just have to let him run, ya just gotta!
Plus, what fun it will obviously be to read about it!
Go Dean!
carla says:
Send Dean---I haven't met him yet!! , but I've heard he's AWESOME!!
Dennis says:
If you send Dean, he will run like that bully Dennis is chasing him on Rocket powered ice skates. I should know. I'm Dennis... and I daddy just got a new pair of skates.
Brandon says:
Seriously, I think Dean will win the marathon hands down. If for some reason he is not chosen to participate, I think the reason shall be due to the looming intimidation he would bring to the other would-be participants in the contest. You see, Dean is such a sure fire win, that if he gets in and the word circulates in the running community, there will likely be forfeitures for those who do not want to meet the untimely fate of viewing the back of his shirt and eat his perspirationcicles (they form from the sweat wicking through performance wear in sub-zero weather).
So, I send this as a comment to allow the North Pole to consider the challenge known as Dean. Anything else will be weak! I'm calling you out North Pole granters of the right to the trip. Be strong, take on Dean.!!!
Alyssa says:
I love my daddy and I really want to be in this race. You should pick him becuase he's a really good runner. He's really fast and good. He's really looking forward to it. Please put him in this race. he's going to try his best.
Chet Morton says:
First and foremost, Dean is a born storyteller. It strikes me that this is a must-have trait for this assignment...and rare within the running community. He is infinitely enthusiastic...charismatic...telegenic. The multimedia aspects will be no problem. Oh, and he's a team-player. He'll understand what you're after...goals and objectives of the project, and he'll take your lead...follow and build on it. The guy gets "it"...whatever "it" may be. So that leaves the athletic stuff. Dean is a competitor like none other...he's got the proverbial "eye of the tiger" to such a degree that many of us who know him, start to feel uneasy when we find ourseleves standing between him and his objective. He'll meet the physical requirements...no matter what they are. Really...you'll be stunned. Or not...I think we're all saying the same thing: give our masochistic friend a shot at the North Pole. If you don't, all of us back in in South Carolina will suffer...Dean will most likely be very disappointed...get some other crazy notion in his head and start obsessing over it. (Like he's been doing with this!)
Rick (The other white meat) says:
Why should you take Dean to the North Pole, let me count the ways... I believe you are looking for two things.
1) Your looking for someone with a desire to expand the human experience through running & extreme conditions. That is the easy part.
2) You are looking for someone to share that experience with the wider running community & beyond.
That is why you are having this contest right? If the qualifications were just to find the toughest, meanest, most experienced cold weather runner out there to join the expedition, then there would be no need to open up the contest to the whole wide world. The top guys with the experience of only the first criteria are few and probably fairly easy to find if you know where to look.
But the ability to connect and share the experience, for that you can check out Dean's blogs and you can read the comments of those who know him. When Dean goes to write about his experience, you'll find little about what his split was here or his split was there. Instead you'll find what it *felt like* to be running in the forest and deciding it was better to enjoy all the light a glorious full moon than to see the trail a tad better with his headlamp. You'll find someone who can explain to you what it means to see his son holding up a poster along a marathon route that his son insisted on making all by himself, just like his dad will be running the marathon all by himself, except now they have both helped the other achieve their goal. And while I'm far from the sentimental type, that is far more compelling and interesting stuff than a split time or the prefer mixture of Gatorade.
So maybe I'm mistaken, but I believe you are not looking for a Tenzig Norgay. I think you are looking for a George Plimpton. I believe you don't need Dean Karnazes, you need Dean Schuster.
And to you Dean, should my comments here help in any way to get you into the run to the pole (which by the way, these comments in no way imply any liability or responsiblity to 'Rick - The Other White Meat' or his heirs should Dean actually be accepted), but should you be accepted, all I ask is that when you finally do make it to the pole you give a shout out and in your best James Cagney, "Top of the World Ma !".
Angie says:
As Dean's wife, I can testify that Dean is very committed to running the North Pole Marathon. He REALLY wants to go! He is very optimistic and encouraging. He works very hard to meet his goals, then just sets them higher. If he says he can run the North Pole Marathon, he can. He is highly motivated. The original reason he started running, was when he was first given the opportunity to run a marathon, he decided to go for it, just to say he did! Well, he's hooked. Now, he wants to run at the North Pole, who am I to stop him?
Emily says:
PICK DEAN! HE'S YOUR MAN! IF HE CAN'T DO IT NOBODY CAN!
Val says:
Dean, I think you're crazy. But that's got to be part of the requirements, right? So, go for it! I can't wait to hear all about your experience!
Chris says:
You gotta pick Dean. Who else would freeze a shirt just to train? Watch the video and listen to the man let out a determined chi as he tries to put on a freezing wet shirt. That is devotion.
KB says:
Of all the people I want to send straight to the North Pole, Dean tops the list. Pick Dean!
Barry says:
You got to send Dean he will help take this event to the next level. Plus he will deliver a package to Santa for me so please send Dean!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tanee says:
Want a man with the heart of "Rocky Balboa" and the mind of "Bullwinkle"? Than you'll want to pick Dean. Decision made...next?!
David says:
I can't really say anything here that hasn't already been said. I haven't known Dean for all that long. But I gathered from this short time of acting with him that Dean is dedicated, he's a professional at heart and aims to do things RIGHT, he's witty to boot(the other runners are going to have a blast being around him), and he is VERY serious about running, especially running this marathon. So please, send him to the north pole, because I don't think I can handle being told how unhealthy my lunch decisions are for another week! ^_~
ally says:
Let him run. He can do it
Israel says:
***PICK DEAN!*** HE CAN DO IT! I'M SHOUTING BECAUSE I'M SO IMPRESSED BY DEAN AND HIS RED HAIR... OR FORMERLY RED HAIR! HE'S READY TO RUN! **PICK DEAN*** **PICK DEAN*** **PICK DEAN*** **PICK DEAN***
Valerie says:
Pick Dean! He's awesome!!! I'm pulling for you man!
Christina says:
It takes a special kind of person that actually enjoys running (I only run if a really big, scary killer is chasing me.) A really really special kind of person is one that WANTS to run in below freezing temperatures! Ya know what? Dean is that special person!!
Not only will Dean run this race and run it well, he will probably sell advertising space on his forehead for ya! C'mon. you gotta pick him. You would be sorry if ya didn't. Ok, maybe YOU wouldn't be sorry but his family sure would if you don't, cuz he will just be sobbing uncontrollably in the fetal position for days! How could you sleep at night knowing that you did that to such a kind family?? Well? HOW??.... Exactly, you couldn't.....good choice. Thank you in advance! =0)
Canyon says:
Please let my Uncle Dean run this race. I love him. He is a very very good runner and he likes to run. He can run for a long time. I think he can run for 2 days. He is the fastest Uncle I have. Please choose him. When you do...thank you.
Alyson (3) says:
I love Uncle Dean. I saw him run. He gave me a christmas present. Please pick Uncle Dean.
Amy says:
Please let him run this race! You will not find someone more dedicated or determined!
Kai says:
My Dad is a good runner. My Dad runs 22 miles when he trains, so please pick my Dad.
Brad W. says:
IN A WORLD… where the mundane is accepted,
and boredom reigns supreme.
One man stands alone…
A man in pursuit of distinction…
Who excels beyond the ordinary…
Who epitomizes the antithesis of convention.
THAT MAN…
Is me.
But I don’t run… and I don’t like the cold.
So who’s the next best thing? Well that’s Dean.
Seriously! He's looney enough to run a MARATHON in the NORTH POLE.
Josh says:
DEAN IS THE ORIGINAL RUNNING MAN!!!! PICK DEAN!!! PICK DEAN!!! WHY AM I SHOUTING? I DON'T KNOW. JUST PICK DEAN!!!
Scott says:
Hey running dudes from the North Pole Marathon, if you are worried about dean's ability to have enough stamina to run in the COLD, apparently you haven't seen dean play Wii Tennis. PICK DEAN! 'nuff said.
Andrea says:
You won't regret picking Dean for this Challenge. As his neices and nephews have verified, he not only gives excellent Christmas presents, but he's also quite skilled at running.
Vernon says:
Dean's a great guy, even if he is a Yankee. He has a passion for the things he does that few people have without being high strung. He'll be great publicity. Normally, I don't care how somebody did things up north, but Dean is a great writer and actor. You won't find another runner like Dean.
Millie says:
Y'all just gotta pick my baby cousin Dean!! This isn't just a race for him, but a dream come true. Besides, being stubborn and committed is a family trait. *ahem*
Jason says:
If Dean were to run as a penguin, would anyone notice that he is out of place? While it takes a certain level of insanity to even run marathons (think this sport is other sports' punishment), it reaches a whole new level to want to run in a location such as the North pole. What makes Dean special is that he is aware of his insanity by putting forth this application. Accepting this application brings to the race a serious runner who balances that motivation with a humor that will positively impact every other contestant. He is a most worthy choice.
TERRI-ANN says:
What everyone has said is true about Dean. If you have just met him or have known him as long as I have you will throw away all the other applications. Why you ask? I'm his sister and who better to ask then someone who has seen him achive many accomplishments. As a child he had to overcome the absence of a father due to his passing when Dean was only one. Growing up he turned to Grandfathers and male family friends. I can see now how that made him stronger in the way he is raising his children.
He has received many awards though school but, the one thing that made me beleive Dean was different and unique was that he started wearing two different color socks in high school. We all thought this was odd of Dean. His reply "you never have to worry about the washer vortex that sucks the life out of only one sock, or if you get a hole in one there's one more and besides who has time to match them." So during graduation he had to stop his speech to show everyone his two different color socks. To top it all off he received a job because he was bold enough to wear to different socks to a job interview. HELLO....
Dean is someone who needs to run at the North Pole, his uniqueness, strength, character, committment and the fact that he is running in support of those with Chron's disease has my vote.
Look no futher the Ice Man is here to stay! Gettem Dean, you have all my support. I'm d** proud of you. Your already at the north pole. We just need to show others your there. Pick Dean, he'll give you a great story. GOOOOOOO ICE MAN YEAH!
Clint says:
Well...
Just send him. I left SC for the crisp, cool air of Oregon. He'd appreciate a nice run in the chill of the North Pole. I wouldn't, but then again, I ain't Dean.
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