Snacking on iceblock candybars

This guy kicks ASS! He has helped me out more times than I can count with a variety of things including feeding me when I was too poor to do so myself. I remember a time when he was in the hospital because of the actions of a friend and he completely forgave him of all that. I mean it when I say that I would do anything for this guy. He deserves a chance at this and I am certain he will do well and succeed. A few years ago he got me into running and went slow with me while I built up to better running speeds. He was way better than me but was willing to sacrifice his own run to get me going. Give him a shot! Thanks.

With this wonderful opportunity I am sure there are many qualified applicants that deserve this opportunity. How does one separate one runner from the next? I don’t know but what I do know is about Bard.

When it comes to any races, especially ones that test physical and mental toughness, it is more about the journey than the time. Sure there are applicants that have more ultra or marathon experience than Bard but I have no doubt that Bard possesses enough experience, skill, and training to accomplish the North Pole Marathon. Saying that, if yourunning.com’s goal is not to win but to finish then what separates one applicant from the rest is their character and ability to chronicle the experience. Bard is a family man whose sincerity goes beyond when people are watching. He would make a great spokesperson for Pixie Mate. In addition, the years of writing that it takes to earn a Masters Degree in Communication has given Bard the uncanny ability to express in writing emotions and experiences that others lose in translation from head to hand. I can’t imagine anything more captivating that Bard reliving his experience at the North Pole Marathon.

I have known Bard Parnell for the last ten years and have been in a variety of high adventure situations with him. I can think of nobody who is more dedicated to a cause and full of optimism than he is. We have ventured through the mountains in the Wasatch Front blazing trails on numerous occasions. I feel that the marathon at the North Pole will be an opportunity seized by Bard. I can honestly say that there are few who match his determination and his athletic ability. In choosing a person to send, I'm sure that character is a huge determining factor. There is none other who can match the character and stature of Bard Parnell.

I have had the opportunity to know Bard for the past two years and can honestly say that this guy is the man! He has been there for me numerous times and has been like an older brother to me. I always know that if I ever needed anything, all I would have to do is give Bard a call. I cannot think of a more deserving person to be accepted into this race. He has inspired me in countless ways to do better! Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every time in which you really stop to look fear in the face." I don't think that Bard has ever stopped or backed away from being that man that looks fear directly in the face and says, "Bring it!" Nothing is impossible for this guy! If they say he can't climb it, he'll do it! If they say it's too hard to run that distance, he'll do it! If they say that there's no way that he can raise 2 kids, be the lone supporter of his family, work the most time-consuming job that I know of, run 6 -15 miles a day, and still make time everyday to play with his 2 boys, he'll do it! So, my only question that I have to ask is how can you turn down a contestant for this marathon that lives his life by the phrase, "Never say Never!"?

Yes.....there is a relationship. I'm Bard's dad. This is simple. Bard's a finisher. When he was about 12 he decided to take out a stump in the back yard. The more he chopped and dug, the bigger the stump got. At one point the hole was so big that he and his brother and I had our picture taken in it. It took him all summer.....but he took out that stump with a hatchet and a shovel. He's been attacking life's stumps the same way for 28 years.

I met this guy on a long, lonely road in Wyoming. We ran for charity, we ran for support of a man who we would all love to be like, we ran for the health of children and nothing else. Running is one of the rare experiences in life where a person can truly connect with himself and others. That is what Bard does every time he laces up his shoes. Any event will be richer for having accepted him. When it isn’t about the time or the medal, but it is about the experience and the effort, you will want Bard involved. If I had to tackle a bitterly cold run in isolation, with no family or fans, I would want this guy in the race. I know he would make the experience just that, an experience. I had never seen him before that less than inspiring route in the Wyoming hills, and yet I think back even today how much I enjoyed that run just because I was able to talk, share, and learn from Bard.

I know Bard Parnell as his older brother and his Master Instructor in the Korean martial art known as Haidong Gumdo. This is an intensive sword martial art that requires amazing discipline, physical fitness, and perseverance. He has accomplished his first degree black belt and is nearly ready for his second degree test. He has also distinguished himself as the demonstration Team Captain, a team which received world wide recognition from the Haidong Gumdo Supreme Grandmaster and President, Jeong Ho Kim. I ran the Utah Mid-mountain marathon with him in 2006 and was amazed by his speed through the rugged mountain terrain and difficult altitude. As a former NCO in the United States Marine Corps I am well trained to evaluate and recommend men for difficult assignmnets. I would recommend Bard for this run, he will not only accompish the mission, he will do so with excellence.