The everyman raceth

Jerry Hodges

Frisco, Texas
36

Running Experience:
Advanced

Why should we pick you to go to the North Pole?:
I began running 2 years ago at the age of 34. My weight was approaching 250 pounds due to a sedentary lifestyle with poor nutrition. My training began with one-mile runs three times a week. Twelve months and 110 pounds later I completed my first marathon with a time of 3:20. The feeling of accomplishment compelled my to strive for more. The next twelve-month period saw my weekly mileage increase to 85 miles and the completion of six marathons with a best of 3:00. This year's traing schedule is building to 120 miles per week and a goal of 2:40 for my next race. Special talents or amazing physical skills do not describe me. Everything I have accomplished has come through hard work and dedication. I can only offer in-depth journal and photo accounts of my training, travel and race experiences from an average middle-aged man's perspective.

Offer some evidence that you can complete a marathon in harsh, sub-zero conditions at the North Pole:
My only cold weather experience is completing the Austin and Chicago Marathons in 29 degree and 32 degree weather last year. The coldest run I have completed was a 20-mile training session in 10-degree temperatures last year.

Tell us about your cold-weather race experience:
My only cold weather experience is completing the Austin and Chicago Marathons in 29 degree and 32 degree weather last year. The coldest run I have completed was a 20-mile training session in 10-degree temperatures last year.

Tell us about your marathon experience, including times, results, etc.:
I have currently completed 6 marathons in a twelve-month period. My first marathon time was 3:20 and I have improved my time with each marathon. Currently my best time is 3:00. My next marathon will be the Austin marathon in February. The goal for this race will be 2:40.

What do you expect your North Pole Marathon time to be?:
5:00

Can you write well? Explain:
I would maintain an in-depth verbal and photographic account of all my training stats including my daily run schedules, daily weight and diet information. I would also describe the emotional highs a low encountered during heavy training while balancing running, family and work responsibilities.

I would provide detailed information and photographs related to the travel involved with this adventure.

I would create a mile by mile breakdown of the race with descriptions of my physical and mental state. I would carry a camera during the race to catalog the events.

Tell us about your media experience:
I have no media experience. The closest thing I have done is conducting many meetings with large groups. I have no reservations about producing video or audio reports.

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