Several years ago (2014-ish) I stumbled upon something called ultra running, or ultra marathons. Basically, any run over 26.2 miles. After seeing the movie The Barkley Marathons: The Race that Eats its Young (watch it!), I knew doing an ultra was the ultimate mental fitness test and what better way to start the second half of my life than by being ultra fit, mentally and physically?
So, for my 40th birthday I planned a big destination birthday to run a 40 mile ultra. Then came 2020 and life changed. No longer could I ask folks to fly halfway around the world (or country). No longer did I feel comfortable doing it myself. Well, my mother, knowing my skillset, suggested I just plan my own and use it as a fundraiser for Dr. Wong. Follow my YouTube channel to see how I'm doing.
Who is Dr. Wong, you say? In 2018 I attended a lecture by Dr. Tak-Sing Wong (the inventor of SLIPS and SpotLESS Materials) on his work creating a self-healing membrane. I was enraptured. By the end of the week I had set-up a personal fund for his research and was sending my tiny dollars to him each month. Since then I have asked my friends and family to donate to that fund, instead of giving me birthday or Christmas gifts. He is solving urgent, global problems. The last thing I need is another tchotchke when that money could go to helping him create more life-changing technology.
So, for my 40th birthday please join me, physically and financially, to support his research!
Mandy's Ultra Science-y Run will start, rain or shine or sleet or heat at 9:00 am on 17 April 2021 in Lincoln Park, Jersey City, NJ. The route covers a flat 5.7-ish mile grassy loop through native wetlands and under a lush canopy of towering American Sycamore. I will complete the loop 7 times with a 1.3 mile victory lap around the park, just for fun. In the event of massive snow or rain, a paved 3.5-ish mile loop will be used and I will cry the whole time.
Check out the YouTube channel to see how I'm doing.
Attendees sound bring binoculars to enjoy bird watching for woodpeckers, piping plovers, northern pintail ducks, herons, egrets, and more. Recreational activities available include fishing, basketball, tennis, and handball courts, as well as two playgrounds.
Everyone is highly encouraged to bring their own cups and hydration containers. I will have lots of snacks and drinks, but am trying to keep refuse to a minimum.
Donate directly to the fund without attending the run by clicking the button below.
Instructions:
Select "This gift is in honor of someone" on the first page and in the Comments on the second page, type "Mandy's fund for Dr. Wong".
Click above to watch the the first lecture I saw from Dr. Wong and be inspired to help make a difference! Then, click on the Participant Registration button to the left and donate!
JAYNE & MICHAEL RAUENZHAN
TOM DECKER
SUSAN O'DELL
Want to see your name on this fancy, fancy website?
Want to receive a love letter from me written with my very own hand?
Use the Participant Registration button to the left!
I intend to host this event while ensuring our safety by implementing the normal protective measures required due to Covid-19. Some of these measures include having runners join me at different miles, thus limiting the number of people at the aid station, sanitation of surfaces, social distancing, and requesting the use of masks when feasible.
I will to be fully transparent and email any changes leading up to the run. There are no refunds as this is a fundraiser for Dr. Wong. He gets our money pandemic or not!