Running on thin ice

Ok, Ok! 3:13:23 for the Estes Park Marathon. Sheesh! I only fudged it an hour!

--Terry Haran

Go Terry!!!

I'm rooting for you! North Pole or bust! Seriously, having seen you train while I sat at my desk eating lunch and knowing better than to try running the San Francisco hills with you, I really hope you get to race on both ends of the world.

Marijke

Oh yes, Terry is the absolute ideal person to run this marathon!! Beside the fact that he has experience in cold areas, he has in mind what he is running on - sea ice that is declining in this area dramatically fast - and thus the sport event 'North Pole Marathon' would become extended and get a message!

I would like you to pick up Terry also for another reason: he's a genuine, faszinating person!

Looking forward to read what he'll write about his experience winning the North Pole Marathon,

Angelika

Terry is the perfect choice for this race in the Arctic, given both his polar experience and his very strong running performance. From own experience I can say that he is considerably faster than most passionate runners that are 20 years younger than he is! He is also a very friendly and helpful guy, and does well in writing and in presenting scientific results. I bet that many people will benefit from his advise on any aspect of running.

Be careful on the sea ice: we don't want to lose you in a lead, or to a polar bear!

Christoph

It seems to me that he is quite an interesting and though man! And the whole thing sounds like a lot of fun.
Konrad

What a nice idea to have this contest to sponsor someone to run the Arctic marathon...and how cool, Terry, that you're applying. Who else could be better qualified than you are? You know exactly what you getting yourself into and what it takes to do physical work (or run) in the Antarctic or Arctic. Your discipline when it comes to running is just astounding. I was seriously more than impressed about that when we went to Antarctica together; never exceptions, never excuses when it comes to your daily stretching, running routines etc. And your affiliation with NSIDC (which is probably one of the most visible places regarding the shrinking Arctic sea ice) ensures that you have the very latest information on the current state of knowledge of the Arctic climate system. Yeah, go Terry!!

Why send Terry to run at the north pole? He's good. He competitive. He's modest. He doesn't exagerate (Look at the Megadunes site - that work was at nearly 3000 m elevation on the East Antarctic Plateau - the highest and dryest place on Earth, rivaled only by a few places in the Andes and on the Tibetan Plateau). He will have accumulated an incredible range of latitude at that point (90N to 80S); he knows ice well; he knows climate well; he can put the race experience in to a context that no one else can. He can speak with confidence, backed by experience, and not be burried by the bravado of your typical arctic explorer (that big game hunter thing that adds a cartoonish patena to so many peoples' efforts).

Terry - good luck with any of it that comes to pass.

Judges: you should pick Terry!

If somebody asked me out of the blue who would be most appropriate to run a marathon at the North Pole, I would blurt out "Terry Haran" without a pause. I work with him at the National Snow and Ice Data Center and see him heading out for his afternoon run everyday, regardless of weather. We've had big blizzards in Boulder recently, and I find him outside the building on the way back from a run! As a research associate and scientific programmer here, he knows a heck of a lot about snow- and ice-related research and would be an excellent spokeperson for the cause. Plus he's been to Antarctica twice now in harsh conditions, so he knows what to expect.

Send Terry to the North Pole!!! Go Terry!

Terry is the perfect person for a north pole marathon!
YAYE TERRY!!!!!

Love, Zoe Ann
Loveland, Colorado

Terry is the best candidate to run this race, and the most deserving, because it is a race with a context,not solely another endurance sporting event. His expertise gained through years of dedicated study of climate, specifically of snow and ice, the poles and warming, has aimed at helping the rest of the world to understand and value the Arctic and Antarctic and the losses that climate change is bringing. Partly because of his career contributions at the National Snow and Ice Data Center at CU Boulder, the world has gradually become aware of the escalating melt in the race region. Great runners are a dime a dozen, endurance events regularly yield their champions - and Terry is one of them, and a valid contestant on every level. But the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Terry is prepared for the event in every way, above mere physical aptitude, he brings a lifetime dedicated to the bigger issues with which few others can compete. This is not just about running and strength, this is a race for the planet.

VOTE FOR TERRY!

Terry would be an excellent choice for this.

As usual, Terry is under-stating how qualified he really is for this race. Terry is
an _outstanding_ runner, and a great person to be around. He has an instinct for
helping out in any situation he finds himself in; and he always comes up with good
ideas for how to make the most of a situation, or an opportunity.

But the real reason to choose Terry is that he's an active associate scientist at the
National Snow and Ice Data Center, a place that is focussed on tracking change in the
Arctic and Antarctic, using satellite data and measurements on the ice. Terry has been
to Antarctica twice, and found ways to get some running in while at the same time
pursuing climate data, or writing up software code, or processing images of the ice
for the research.

Our work on the Antarctic Plateau was under some of the most difficult conditions
'what be' on Earth -- it was more like -25 F than -15, and at 10,000 ft altitude, and
the steady wind of 12 knots may not sound like much, but at those temperatures it is
truly brutal. Terry was able to work outside for several hours under these conditions,
and still find energy to help out at camp.

The same was true on the research cruise we took to the Southern Antarctic Ocean;
Terry found ways to help everyone around him, and when there was an opportunity...
there's Terry out for a run on the sea ice, or on the deck of the ship (that's
him running on the Aurora Australis, above).

He has already been talking about ways to get a few measurements in while he's at the
North Pole, and pointed out that if this could be a regular part of the NPM, it would
create a useful data set for us at NSIDC. (We have the gear he would need, and if he
goes, we'll do the website and data work at this end).

Lastly, he's a phenomenal athelete, and something of a goal-setter for the rest of us
baby-boomers. Most runners will never run a marathon, and most that do will never run
it in under 3 hours. Terry trained for, and did this, at age 53. And he did it without
driving himself with stress or ego, but simply by steadily planning his program and
then running it. (note: he's been running since high school -- but the '3=hour
marathon' goal just sort of occurred to him one day, so he thought he'd go for it.)

You'll get more out of this whole thing if Terry is your choice. I guarantee it.

You learn something new every day, and today for me it was about my co-worker Terry Haran, who is no doubt the best person to run the North Pole Marathon. Fascinating story, Terry, and good luck! --Bruce

Terry should definitely go - he'll have the "home ice advantage" having been out on sea ice several times. And of course, he actually works at a polar research center. His presence will give the race greater attention by highlighting the scientific research going on in the Arctic and the impacts of global warming. Plus, he plays a mean guitar, so he can play some tunes for everyone sitting around the North Pole campfire after the race!

Terry is the perfect choice for racing at the North Pole.

He's incredibly passionate about running and sharing in unique running experiences.
A few years ago while at a meeting in San Francisco, I asked Terry (a SF native) to run
Baker Beach with me so I could run the notorious sand stairs that the Escape from Alcatraz
triathletes endure. Little did I know that he would lead me (and his wife Sue) on a SF running
adventure. Upon reaching the top of the sand stairs at Baker Beach, we continued running along
the cliff trails toward the Golden Gate Bridge stopping to explore the WWII bunkers built to
protect the city. We then ran over the Golden Gate Bridge and back. Touring the historic and
hilly neighborhoods of SF, we finally ended up on Hyde Street. Well, what runs up must run down,
so we continued down the Crookedest Street in America running until we made it back to downtown
SF. It's not everyday you hear someone say they ran down the Crookedest Street. This was the
best city tour I've ever taken, painful, but worth it!

Terry would make a great addition to the group that runs the North Pole Marathon. He's
engaging and charismatic, and as I said before incredibly passionate about the athletic and
scientific opportunities this will allow.

Pick Terry!!

As a friend of Terry puts it, "He runs marathons. . . . No, no. He *runs* marathons." No trotting and wheezing for Terry.

Terry can more than run over cold places. He can image them, explain them, and see their relevance to our planet's health.

You should definitely pick Terry for this event!

I work with Terry at the National Snow and Ice Data Center and both his knowledge of snow and ice and his enthusiasm for running make him the ideal choice. Any day of the week, no matter what the weather you will see Terry out getting his run in. And we have had a pretty extreme winter this year in the Boulder, CO area, but Terry is always out there for his run.
As you have heard from many others on this list, Terry has a very strong resume of trips to extreme climes, including 2 trips to Antarctica, where he has had much experience working outside in the most extreme of conditions.
Terry would also be a great choice since he is very involved in the upcoming IPY and this would be great publicity.

I'm not sure I can say anything else that hasn't already been said, so I will say it again -you should definitely pick Terry Haran for the North Pole Marathon.

Gooo, Terry! If anyone can excel at this Arctic adventure, it's Terry. Not only is he doing this for himself, he's running for the greater good of science.

Terry is a perfect choice! I travelled on the same voyage from Hobart to Antarctica in 2003 and can verify that he was always out on the sea ice in all weather conditions to help anyone with anything (as well as doing his own research). Terry was also a great entertainer in the 'bar'(if one can call it that) AND he was a great kitchen hand! Not so important when one is running a race but they are just examples of how Terry fits in with any situation. He is a great person to have around as he's warm, friendly & great to converse with. Terry has my vote!

Run Terry Run!

Hey whom are we fooling here, qualifications for a marathon at the north pole? The only quali for this is to be a complete freak, from my point of view ;-)
And I have certainly never met a cooler freak than Terry. He will not only win this thing, he will also make it an unforgettable experience for his competitors.

The only drawback if Terry will do that run is that I couldn't be there for the after show party (again my point of view).

Go Terry vote for Terry, ....

You go Terry! I especially like the science angle of your application and of course you'll cruise through the race.

When you win, I'll be sure to blog about your exploits on the International Polar Year site.

-m.

I can't think of anyone better to run the North Pole Marathon than Terry! I was on the field team with him in Antarctica. On one particularly cold and windy day while we were still in McMurdo (the main US base in Antarctica), I went out for a quick run towards the New Zealand base a couple of miles away to keep from going absolutely stir-crazy. The whole time I was running, I was thinking how stupid and crazy it was to be running that day, and that I should turn around...when who comes up around the corner, already returning from the kiwis' base? Terry, of course. I did the McMurdo marathon too...but I did it on xc skis, and that was plenty hard enough! Trust me, I was there, Terry is tough, and nuts, and completely perfect for this.

Terry has determination, drive, a passion for running. I hope that I am in half as good physical shape when I'm *40* as he is at 56! Maybe a quarter as good... Terry's an excellent athlete. I, too, am amazed watching him return from his daily runs through driving snow and freezing temperatures. The sidewalks this winter in Boulder have been treacherously slick, and most people walk timidly hoping not to slip and fall. But Terry is out there running, and running quickly at that, over the ice. No fear, just loves to run. And not only does he want to race the NPM, he also wants to take scientific measurements for the good of society, and improve our knowledge of the state of the arctic sea ice. What's not to love about Terry?!

Go Terry!!!

All the praise previously noted holds true for why Terry would be a great runner in this marathon. Plus, he doesn't look a thing like Santa Claus, so no one would get them confused.

According to my friend Zoe C, Terry would be an excellent candidate for this event. Sounds like he qualifies in all regards: crazy, articulate, animated, areobically and Arcticly adapted. So, Go For It and don't forget the mole skin. One more thing, if he completes marathons at both poles, does that make him bipolar? Lykke til og god tur.

I say Terry is the guy for the job! Not only in the interest of representing us geezers (well, I think the technically correct term is actually "pre-geezers"), but also to get someone in the race who is committed and passionate about both running, AND polar phenomena and the science that goes with it. Besides, if there ever was an adventurous soul, that would be Terry. He's the kind of person who goes hiking in the wilderness...but throws away the map...just for the challenge. As for his communication skills, all I can say is that I was one of many who were on the receiving end of his Aurora Australis communiques, which I then passed on to my friends and family because they were so interesting and informative. Go Ter! Norway is rooting for you.

Terry is the perfect guy for this race. He'll bring meaning and context. And he is a phenomenal runner. He is Mr. Science Ice Person. He loves explaining complicated scientific stuff so that normal people can understand it. When he was in Antartica he wrote alot of e-mails to the folks back home. He's been a runner his whole life. IN highschool while prepping for a run he would sing the whole of The Music Man complete with skips and pops on the old vinyl. He's interestingly eccentric.

And here is the best part. He is totally low maintenance. No prima donna egomaniac super athlete.He is the best houseguest. He's the kinda guy you'd want on the NOrth Pole - never whines or complains; is very accomadating regardless of the accomadations.
I remember once there were about 12 of us in this motel room in Canada. Terry of course slept on the floor in a corner letting other people have the beds and the next morning Terry got up, folded up his little mat, did some floor exercizes and then went for a multi-mile run(alone) and then went for a hike later that afternoon with everybody else. I thought the hike grueling and the heat excrutiating. Terry of course carried the biggest and heaviest pack but never in a showoffy way and kept spirits high encouraging everybody else again in a very kindly sort of way.
He is like that cartoon, Underdog - heroic and "humble and lovable". Amundsen, Scott, Shackleton - all would have wanted Terry on their teams.

Ditto what Mo McMahon says. Terry has it all going on when it comes to running and I know how much he enjoyed his Artic adventures. And afterwards, he and Sue can come see me in sunny Arizona to thaw out! I have no doubt that what Terry sets his mind to, he will achieve. Go, Terry!

Terry is the best person to choose to run the North Pole race because he's been able to convince all his couch potato friends that it is a worthwhile and exciting thing to do. He'll win too because of his pure raw determination to attain any goal he sets. I like him because he is different from the common man and his stories make you feel alive!

Terry is the ideal person for this race - no question.

I've been highly privileged to work with Terry on sea ice (in East Antarctica in 2003), and am in awe of his boundless enthusiasm and zest, not to mention his physical stamina and fitness. He's a class act not only as an athlete but also as a person. He also plays a mean guitar!

I have no doubt that Terry will take this opportunity by the "scruff of the neck". His participation will be mutually beneficial, and his excellent communication skills will ensure supreme coverage not only of the event itself but also of broader Arctic issues. I for one look forward very much to hearing about his adventures at the Pole.

Good luck, Terry!!

Best wishes, Rob

With his professional dedication to all things snow, ice, and polar, and his personal commitment to running, Terry is the ideal choice for this particular crazy adventure. He brings the perfect combination of competitiveness and perspective to his running exploits. Go Terry!

Julia

I think Terry would be great. He has the dedication, knowledge and interest.
Go Terry.

I think that it would be a great idea if someone whose work involves the study of environmental conditions in polar regions was involved in this race. To be able to observe the Arctic first hand would be invaluable. Terry Haran is very well-qualified physically for this endeavor. He has completed several marathons and numerous shorter races. In addition, he has completed a mountaineering school run by the Colorado Mountain Club.

Lots of great comments already. Need I say more, how appropriate he is for the North Pole Marathon?

He lives in Boulder, the world capital of running, and works at the National Snow and Ice Data Center, one of the sources reports on shrinking Arctic sea ice come from.

There you go. No better reasons, is there? If you want more, here they are.

Like a lot of people who've posted, I worked with Terry on sea ice. I witnessed him running of the deck of the ship like in the photo, and also on sea ice. Also done the sled-pulling he is talking about. I'm half of his age but could not do half as much work as Terry did.

I've also worked on the Antarctic plateau (different location and time but the same condition) but suffered from minor altitude sickness. Terry didn't. That is one solid proof of his fitness.

And who do we see going for a run during lunch time when Boulder gets dumped with snow or when the air temperature outside is -15 C? Terry Haran!

Also he helps me out a lot as I'm a student here and have a lot to learn. This takes place during the week and weekends. He is one of the few that can be found in his office on Sunday mornings and still willing to provide valuable advices.

Great runner, knows the poles and a great character. Good luck, Terry!

This is a no-brainer. Having watched Terry taking his afternoon run day after day, even in all those sub-zero degree temperature days we have experienced recently, I don't know who would be more qualified to run this race besides Terry. Good luck, Terry.

Terry is way too modest---he is a terrific runner. I am slightly younger than Terry, and he keeps me inspired; no excuses for sitting around and aging! Terry is also a fine colleague and researcher who has given so much to the study of snow and ice, and to the people he works with.

If you want other people to get as excited about this marathon as Terry is, then pick Terry.

There is no one better suited to run this race than Terry. I watch Terry go out to run at lunch everyday no matter what the weather is like, wind, rain, snow, you name it, I've seen Terry run in it! I have worked with Terry for years and if anyone has the strength, determination, and drive to run a marathon at the North Pole it would definitely be Terry. Not only is he in great physical shape, but he is charismatic, easygoing, and flat out brilliant. You have to pick Terry, I'm not sure there is anything he can't do!

Good Luck Terry!
Jenn

I've run with this guy. I've worked with this guy. I've known this guy for 10 years. He's the best man for the job, in every respect.

sjsk

Terry is the perfect choice for winning entrance into the NPM. He's passionate about all the things important to making the most of the NPM - running, scientific research and data collection, and bringing attention to the endangered ice on which the NPM depends. If Terry runs the NPM, you can be assured he'll make it all about everything important, it won't be about Terry.

Terry is the epitome of understatement, not from a lack of confidence, but rather the heighth of his standards! He calls his running experience "intermediate"! Give me a break - maybe by his standards, but by everyone else's he's a master - disciplined, determined, methodical in executing steps to achieving his goals and dedicated - he's been running since before most of the contestants were born!

Terry brings out the best in me - when I'm around him I always want to do what's right. Terry is someone I can ALWAYS count on - no guilt trips, no conditions. And he has a whole bunch of qualities that make him wonderful to be around and travel with - he's funny and smart and loves a party. He never complains or whines, game for anything, incredibly helpful and cheerfully puts everyone else first. He's the one who always offers to drive to the airport during rushhour, washes all the pots and pans and takes the heal of the bread!

I so enjoyed reading his letters from Antarctica and can't wait to hear about his adventures up north. Choose Terry. You'll be sooooo happy you did and the rest of the world will be too!

Go Ter!

Please send Terry to the North Pole to run this marathon. You won't find an applicant who is more passionate about running and science than Terry.
When Terry was in Antartica, he sent out emails and photos to family and friends, and I brought these into my classroom to share with my 4th graders. Because of Terry's notes and pictures my students became fascinated with Antartica, penguins,icebergs,weather, and polar exploration. If Terry participates in the North Pole Marathon I'm sure the same thing will happen.(in fact, if you don't choose him , you will have to answer to 28 San Francisco school children who are looking forward to hearing from their "Uncle Terry" at the North Pole.)
Send the Geezer to the North Pole.
He's great fun to travel with: he cooks and does the dishes. He plays the guitar and does not insist on being the lead singer.And he's not a fair weather runner; he's been a long distance runner since his high school days.

Best of luck to you Ter--I'm rooting for you
Love ,
Brig

I vote for this guy, cause I think that the stories he's going to tell us about the race will go beyond the stories others will be able to tell us.

Frank

I worked with Terry for 5+ years, and I think I saw him in his running shorts more often than in his street clothes. Actually, I think running shorts *are* his street clothes...even in winter. Terry is definitely the obvious choice for this race. Not only is he physically capable and experienced in arctic conditions - he's a genuinely nice guy.

Funny, smart, modest, marathoner--that's Terry!

If you want a dedicated soul who can run with heart and humor--and spin a good yarn, no matter what happens--then you're talking about Terry.

Plus, he has the knowledge and background to broaden the story into one about the International Polar Year, why the Arctic matters, and how our planet is changing.

Stephanie
NSIDC Outreach Coordinator

Terry is a great guy and deserves to be in this race. He will be ready
to race and do well in any weather. He's a hard worker and dedicated to
researching snow and ice in the Arctic and Antarctic. Having Terry in
the North Pole Marathon will impact many people in the Boulder community
and beyond. Many, many people will hear about this if Terry gets to
race. Best of luck Terry!

I have hiked many trails in Rocky Mountain National Park with Terry and his stamina is legendary. It flows from a combination of deep training and gritty determination. He also has a rare genuine empathy for both his species and our fellow travelers. He would be an exceptional ambassador for this race and in the expanding cosmos for the entire race of mankind.

Terry is not another "extreme adventure guy"——please.

I've read most of the other applicant's bios and clearly there are many, many qualified people who want to do this. But Terry will broaden this experience for everyone else who particiaptes and for everyone who reads about his experience.

Terry has boundless enthusiasm, loves to share interesting information (he's so damn brainy) in a way that is easy for the rest of us to understand, and is passionate and dedicated. I've know Terry for more than 35 years and my earliest memories are of him explaining the night sky to me on a backpacking trip in the Sierras when I was 9 years old. He has a deep love and understanding of science and the natural world and he would be a fantastic person to pick.

Terry is modest, friendly, and fun; he's been runner his entire life; he knows what too expect in polar conditions and he can bring additional visability to our global climate; and he's a GEEZER to boot——what an irritating inspriration to the rest of us!

On top of everything else, he'll probably win! You must pick Terry.

Who's the best person to leave out in the cold? Terry Haran by far.

Not only because of all of the 50 year olds he'll leave far behind -- (16 eight-minute miles at the South Pole is a "fun run"?)-- but because his charm and knowledge. He's very good at explaining complicated scientific topics in a clear and interesting way. He's worked for the National Snow and Ice Data Center for almost 10 years and he brings his work alive when he talks about it. Terry's a smart, warm, and engaging guy. Pick him for the race in the cold!

Good luck, Terry!!!

At a recent conference I shared with Terry that I had run my first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon this past October. He is a very encouraging individual and also very humble.What an excellent way to combine his passion for climate research in the polar regions with one of his life passions! How great! I wish you the best in this endeavor if you are chosen! Good Luck!

To Terry: Keep going man... The heart is the most important thing in life... Let it guide you.. Open your heart.... Bless you both!!! Accidents are 'pregnant' and very dificult. Possibilites remain forever.

Your Kindred Spirits...
Love, Les and Patty Bullick
Hayden Lake. Idaho