Seeking adventure through running

Michael Cooper

Eagan, Minnesota

39

Running Experience:
Intermediate

Why should we pick you to go to the North Pole?:
Because I am crazy enough to actually follow through with this if I am selected. I'm definitely not a hard core marathon or ultramarathon runner, but view running as a great way to accomplish personal goals. Running is an adventure that you can do alone, share with family and friends and experience the crazy excitement that exists at the start of every race from a 5K to a marathon. I've always challenged my 8 year old son that the word can't doesn't exist. You may not know how, but with trainin, practice and knowledge it can be done. He will definitely be an inspiration for me if I am selected to participate in this race.

Tell us about your cold-weather race experience:
I have trained in the cold of Minnesota during every month of the year.

Tell us about your marathon experience, including times, results, etc.:
I have completed two marathons, several half-marathons and a number of shorter races over the past seven years. Both of my marathons were completed after recovering from a serious fracture of both sides of one ankle. Over the past several years my running time has shrunk due to family committments. I view this as a great opportunity to reenergize my running.

What do you expect your North Pole Marathon time to be?:
8-9 hours

Can you write well? Explain:
I manage the communications function (internal and external) for the Sales department of a major airline. We do a wide variety of communications email, web, video, etc. I'd like to use the opportunity to inspire others to reach for their dreams and believe that there is nothing they can't do if they set their mind to it.

Tell us about your media experience:
Coordinate with internal media relations personnel through my professional work.

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