|
Duncan Larkin
Exton, Pennsylvania
34
Running Experience:
Guru
Why should we pick you to go to the North Pole?:
Even though the famous explorer, Ernest Shackleton went to the South Pole instead of the North, he'd still look down from his heavenly aerie and give me an approving nod: Had I lived when he did, I'm quite confident that I'm the kind of person he'd want with him aboard his ship, Endurance.
Shackleton's ship was appropriately named. Endurance is required to run at the top or the bottom of the world; the poles can bring out the very worst. They can rub a man raw, exposing him for everything he is or isn't. You can't hide up there.
You want me to run this marathon, because I have already seen myself in this state. As you will read from the rest of this application, you will note that I have already undergone the hardest of physical and mental trials, and in each case, I've either come out on top, or survived a better person. One thing's certain: I've never quit.
But I can also write. So not only will you get someone who will run the marathon and run it well, but also you will get a decent chronicle of the experience. Your website will gain traction from a gripping account made by a passionate, articulate, relatively-fast person; all of my daily blog readers (200 give or take 50) will migrate to it. Your sponsors will be happy; yourrunning.com will thrive.
If you consider me, I promise to endure and come back with what Shackleton originally offered to his crew were his expedition a success: "honor and recognition."
"Even though the famous explorer, Ernest Shackleton went to the South Pole instead of the North, had I lived when he did, I'm quite confident that I'm the kind of person he'd want with him aboard his ship, Endurance." |
Offer some evidence that you can complete a marathon in harsh, sub-zero conditions at the North Pole:
In late fall and winter of 1995, I was sent to the U.S. Army's Ranger School. I lost thirty pounds of weight, patrolling across the deserts of Texas, the mountains of Georgia, and the swamps of Florida; I slept about three and a half hours a night on average for three months; I nearly failed the course in its final stage, but persevered and got my coveted Ranger tab.
I didn't quit. I don't quit.
In 1999, I weighed 230 pounds. I was a puffed piece of lard--a sad specimen, a pathetic example of fast-food feasting, of sedentary sloth. One day I looked at myself in the mirror and decided to change. I decided to run marathons. Since then, I took my marathon times from 3:45 down to 2:32. I've never dropped out of a race.
I'm dedicated.
In 2003, I went through a painful divorce and custody battle--eventually temporarily losing custody of my daughter. I quit my job and relocated near my daughter. I started a new career. Running was my therapy; it helped me rise from the ashes. I've since made peace with my ex-wife and share custody with my daughter.
I've walked through the hellish parts of human existence and have come out a better man. I've seen myself at my rawest.
These are my qualities; these are what you want from your applicants.
Tell us about your cold-weather race experience:
I lived, run, and raced in Northern Vermont for five years. In training, I've run twenty miles in minus 40 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. I've also completed a XC ski marathon in sub-zero temperatures. I've undergone cold weather/arctic training in the Army.
Tell us about your marathon experience, including times, results, etc.:
My marathon personal best is 2:32. I ran nine marathons in 2005 (six of which were sub 2:40 including my PR). I've run 8 sub-2:40 marathons in two years. In 2006,I won the Mohawk-Hudson Marathon and was the runner-up at the Napa Valley Marathon. I've represented my company, Lockheed Martin in the National Corporate Marathon championships, helping them win it.
See results/links:
www.duncanlarkin.com/PR_progression.html
www.duncanlarkin.com/victories.html
What do you expect your North Pole Marathon time to be?:
5:00
Can you write well? Explain:
Yes.
My daily blog receives approximately 200 unique visitors a day. Were I to run at the top of the world, I'd blog about the experience as I blog any experience--candidly and articulately. I don't hold back my emotions; I write as I feel. I would do the same if I won this contest.
Besides writing about the experience as a narrative, I'd focus my efforts on teaching and sharing cold-weather running lessons with the readers. I'd explain my training and racing methodology that would help them, were they to run in a cold environment.
I'd also make them laugh when I was laughing, and, perhaps make them sad when I was sad--definitely making them cold when I was cold! I'd put them right there with me. I'd write from the gut.
Tell us about your media experience:
I've interviewed athletes for the websites mensracing.com, fast-women.com, and eliterunning.com. I'm going to be published in the June/July 2007 edition of Marathon and Beyond. I've been commissioned for Marathon and Beyond to run and then report on the 2007 Mount Everest Challenge. Running Times is going to publish my story about running with Ethiopians. I was a finalist in ChasingKimbia.com's Kenyan Trip writing contest.
Websites:
www.duncanlarkin.com/roads/
Race write ups
Animals
Ranger school stories
A warm afternoon
yentas-a-plenta
Inteviews
Roads 3
|
The YourRunning.com North Pole Marathon Entry Giveaway Contest is sponsored in part by:
|
Back to the list of applicants
| 
.thumbnail.JPG "Kissing the Hardrock")
Ron Krisak says:
Remember Frodo's burden from Lord of the Rings carrying the RING to the fires of Mordor? This symbolizes Duncan's life more than anything. He has fought through all sorts of hardships, but he always finds the intestinal fortitude to make it up that mountain and toss in the ring. Duncan would symbolize what this race represents.
Tina Krisak says:
Good luck Duncan. God bless you and help you to reach your goal.
Owen says:
Duncan is a really nice person & a good runner. Hope he doesn't freeze to death.
Wendi says:
Duncan is a very special and unique person. I have seen him transform many hardships in his life into conquering success stories. As far as running, he pushes himself harder and stronger than anyone I know. He strives to be the best and sets the bar higher and higher every day. I know, as well as all that know him, that he never gives up and would run his heart and soul out in this race. You can't help but to smile when you are with him and root for him as well - he is an inspiration.
Joe Roque says:
When one mentions Duncan Larkin, his name brings a great deal of substance to the event. He competes against himself ignoring the natural laws of pain. He methodically prepares and trains to ensure top form for any given challenge. There is nothing between him and achieving his goals, he is truly without limits. His performance speaks for itself, he molded his body and mind, resulting in an one hour improvement from his first Marathon to His best. This is not a mere man, his veins are filled with desire and compassion for life. He has taught us a great lesson as a leader; it is great to pursue individual goals, but it is just as important to recognize others in their pursuit as well. He is always positive, always encouraging, always engaging, and always confident. His life path has earned him the right to compete. Bundle up..
Mom & Dad says:
We can attest to everything Duncan has written. When a six month old will only wear what he wants you know you are dealing with someone with a strong will. Duncan has been through many adversities and ALWAYS stays with it until the end. We hope that you will agree with us that choosing Duncan will be the best choice you can make!!!
Erin and Family says:
Go, Duncan! You deserve this, and I know you would write compellingly about your experience. Best of luck!
Justin Snider says:
I've known Duncan for about twenty years. In fact, we ran high school track together. Even back then, he was a talented runner. I can still remember the day he broke the 2 mile record. The thing about Duncan is, that no matter what high achievements he attains, he still remains humble. He never boasts and he never makes himself out to be better than anyone else. He has always been talented in many areas, but you would never know of the amazing things he as done unless one forces him to divulge his accolades. He is the type of person who deserves a chance to run the North Pole Marathon. Not only will he complete the marathon with an outstanding time, he will use the experience to enrich and inspire others as opposed to exploiting it for personal gain. Give Duncan a shot, you won't be disappointed.
Barbara Fischer says:
Good luck to Duncan! I will look forward to the accounts of this Marathon! Way to go!
The Vermeires says:
Choosing Duncan is the wisest choice one could make. If you are looking for a man with determination,endurance,stamina and the will to succeed as well as the experience of having been "through the fire", Duncan is your man. Duncan is also able to relate his experiences in a way that gets those of us on the sidelines to cheer him on and join him in his endeavors. His style of writing will enable all of us to share his success as though it were our own--how great is that?!! You have a winner in Duncan, seize the opportunity.
Post new comment