2012 HOPE Relay Results

Do you need a runner or two to complete your team?

Are you an individual runner in search of a team?

No problem!  We can help.  Just contact me at 864.907.8449 or email me at markmartin@projecthopesc.org and I will match you up.

Don’t miss out on the fun!

Mark Martin

I love the Olympics

Am I the only one that was affected?  Watching the Olympics just made me want to………watch the Olympics. So, in honor of the Olympics I took a 16 day break from training.

I know, I am in trouble.  The Olympics were supposed to give me motivation and the inspiration I needed to get out and run; being a natural talent has always made training difficult for me. With roughly eight weeks until the Hope Relay I am kicking it into gear.

The Plan

7 weeks of training consisting of the following:

4 runs a week (7 mile@easy) (6 mile@med) (5 mile@hard) (8 mile@med)

3 swims a week (500m – lets be reasonable)

I would put diet restrictions on here but there are people that read this that see me every day and to avoid any disputes over my lunch choices I’m just going to say – Healthier!

The Motivation

I am honored to work every day with the children of Project Hope foundation.  The motivation for my training is built into my workplace and I spend a lot of time their immersed in learning, development, and success of our children with Autism and their families.  Knowing that this race allows the foundation I work for to help these children and families more gives me all the motivation I need.  If you are low in motivation or just getting over the Olympics, leave a comment to find out about possible visits to meet some of the children you will benefit by running in the 2012 Hope Relay.

The Goal

Run strong, Run long, Find HOPE!

Check back to see how weeks 1-3 go!  Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions, questions, and/or want to brag about your training schedule.

AND, does anyone know of a way to deal with Olympic withdrawal?

Alaric Gwynn

I have been a runner for over 20 years and have “raced” in events from a 1 mile fun run to a very competitive 50 miler and every distance in between. Until last year’s HOPE relay, I had never participated in an ultra distance relay. While I was excited about the prospect of spending the day with my running buddies traversing beautiful northern Greenville County and Western North Carolina, I did not realize that the nature of a long relay, and this event in particular, would make for a uniquely special experience. From the early morning start (where all teams were gathered) to the late afternoon finish (where we joined our last runner to cross the line together), we had an unforgettable adventure. Riding up and down the road in our van while our assigned “6th man” was running his leg of the race up the Greenville Watershed, through the Cliffs community, or down the Swamp Rabbit Trail brought great entertainment and stories to share. Everything about the experience exceeded my expectations of the day. The relay stations were well provisioned, the volunteers extraordinary, the post-race bash so much fun and most importantly, the cause for which we ran was (and is) so noble and meaningful. Project HOPE offers so much to so many throughout the upstate. Families who might think that they are alone find a community of people ready to help in so many different ways.

As we finished the relay last year, I was struck by the people that participated; not just the number of folks committing a day for this cause, but the variations in age, skill and most curiously, attire…all signing up to participate for their own reasons, but all understanding as we finished under a setting sun that we contributed to something very worthwhile. HOPE Relay 2011 was a beautiful day (in so many different ways) and I expect that HOPE Relay 2012 will be every bit it’s equal, if not better.

Phil Feisal

Many call us crazy for signing up to run for miles up and down the hills, errr mountains, of Upstate SC. I’m not an ultra-endurance athlete; in fact I only just ran my first half marathon in the last two months. The truth is it doesn’t take an ultra-endurance athlete or a crazy running fanatic to participate in the HOPE Relay! Many races in our area support great causes, non-profit organizations and the like. Few of those races touch my heart like the HOPE Relay does.
My motivation to participate in the HOPE Relay ultimately comes from a place of compassion and a desire to help those in need. The HOPE Foundation needs our help, and they have created a way for us to participate in a journey that aligns with a family’s journey through the diagnosis of autism. Many at the HOPE Foundation describe the HOPE Relay as a perfect analogy to the road of autism. The HOPE Relay represents a longer challenge that requires team work to conquer the trials and celebrations of such a journey.
The HOPE Relay brings together teams of up to 5 people for a day to tackle 46 or 23 miles of running or walking through the Upstate Mountains. As you may guess, it is possible for an endurance athlete to come out and tackle 46 miles on their own, but to do this without a team would only be handing disservice to yourself and those we have come out to support. Much of the challenge of the HOPE Relay is having the faith that your teammates will pull through doing their best to accomplish your team’s goal whether that is to finish this race or to beat the clock; the HOPE Relay requires trust, camaraderie and a good spirit!
I feel strongly that not only will the HOPE Relay make you stronger and a more passionate individual; but you can help The HOPE Foundation to continue to make a difference supporting those with autism in our community. With 1 in 88 children affected by autism, our support is needed more than ever. In the words of Lisa Lane, “We can’t run away from these frightening numbers. So, instead, we run toward a way to serve these children!” So please join us! Your participation in the HOPE Relay will support many programs that provide hope to families who struggle with autism.

Come Run With Us!

I am looking forward to October 2012- cooler air, football games, fall carnivals, apple picking, pumpkin pie, and the HOPE relay!  I love this Relay event. 5 friends riding around in a van (that can get pretty stinky, by the way) navigating the route on foot and by vehicle.   It’s an adrenaline rush! It’s a time to leave your normal stressors of life at home, and join in an adventure.

I have to be honest – today was stressful!  My daughter, Lilly, is autistic.  And today was not a good day.  She has not been compliant with her therapists, she’s tried to run away, she has been frustrated because she couldn’t find the words she wanted to say, she has kicked and screamed for 40 minutes straight for no apparent reason.  This is the #1 reason, I am so glad I have my “team”!  My Hope Reach team comes together to strategize what will work best for Lilly.

I have another team that helps me to relieve my stress- my girlfriends who I run with- Kristi and Sandy.  We just ran together yesterday for an hour, and we chatted and laughed together as we ran.  It’s a great start to my day!  They are the ones that I can go to, when I need some encouragement or prayer for my Lilly (and for me).

I invite you to run with HOPE in October for many reasons: 1. Great exercise- you’ll burn over 1000 calories running over and down hills 2. Great scenery- you will be amazed at the scenery the Upstate offers that you may not have seen before 3. camaraderie- you’ll get to know your teammates in a new way 4. Post- race party- massages, great food, and great music- what more could you ask for!

My training- this summer I have been on the track doing some speed work.  It’s so hot, so shorter runs with rest in between have been good.  It’s been a change in my routine- taking my body to a new level, instead of doing the same 5 miles all the time.  Now it’s time to gear up for the fall, and run some distances.  Swamp Rabbit trail, here I come!  The Tiger Lillies (my team name for the HOPE Relay) will be ready to conquer the hills of the Upstate come October.  A couple of my teammates are running the Spinx Marathon at the end of October, so they will be using the HOPE relay as a tempo run in preparation for the race.  It’s always good to throw a couple of races into your training to see where you’re at.

Well, that’s all the thought’s I have for today.  Don’t forget to go ahead and register today for the HOPE Relay while the prices are still low!

Greetings, HOPE Relay participants! We have a few course updates to report.

Adjustments as of 7/09/12:

Leg 4 has been adjusted to a Hard rating as the mileage has been confirmed at 3.8 miles (not 3.1 miles).

Leg 7 mileage has been adjusted to 3.8 miles.

Leg 9 has been adjusted to a Very Hard rating as the length of the incline has been re-evaluated which made it necessary to increase the rating.

Thank you so much for your attention to these updates.

The HOPE Relay Planning Team

I have to admit my motivation forrunning the HOPE Relay was purely selfish. I had run previous relays and was veryexcited to see Greenville introduce a relay in 2010. I didn’t know anythingabout Project HOPE or what it does for the children of autism in the upstate. When I ran the race last year I knew it had a special feel. Most ofthe volunteers were non-runners and parents or friends of autistic children. During the exchange points I observed a lot of interaction betweenvolunteers and runners and felt a special bond. I love children and wantto empower them to become healthy happy beings. It was during the relay thatI offered my desire to get on board for the 2012 planning committee.

I love the thought of teamwork andhave a passion for running. Now, that I am on the committee, my love has grownfor these children. By getting to know the ins and outs of Project HOPE,I know there is still so much these children need that many times cannot be affordedby their parents alone. There is much therapy involved in achieving amainstream environment for autistic children. The proceeds for HOPE allgo to help these children succeed in life.

My hope is runners of all abilitiessign up for a day of fun filled exercise and camaraderie with their team. Once you take the relay plunge, it’s hard to say no to the next year, andthe best part is helping children who need us.

Kerrie Sijon

Hiatus

I grew up on a farm with lots of animals, and I don’t like animals; I have been running since I can remember.  Running consistently from the age of 3 to 18 took a toll on me, so upon graduation I decided it was time for a break.   It was not until the 2010 HOPE Relay that I felt compelled to run again; after a 5 year hiatus, the HOPE Relay gave me the jumpstart I needed. 

2010 Thoughts

Beginning of 1^st leg- “I still got it”

Middle of 1^st leg- “Ok, he(guy passing me) really has it”

End of 1^st  leg – “Ok…….”

Beginning of 2^nd leg- “I can catch him!”

Middle of 2^nd leg- “Does the Swamp Rabbit ever end?”

End of 2^nd leg- “Give me a Cheerwine.”

2011 Thoughts

Beginning of 1^st leg- “Did I eat breakfast?”

Middle of 1^st leg- “Where am I?”

End of 1^st  leg – “Really?!!…Seriously?!!….HILL”

Beginning of 2^nd leg- “I can catch her!”

Middle of 2^nd leg- “Is this going to last forever?”

End of 2^nd leg- “I can’t wait for 2012.” 

2012

Here we are 4 months away. 4 months!  I have a collection of racing bibs, 2 triathlons, a mud run, and 2 HOPE Relays under my belt.

I am ready.  Am I ready?

Since 2010, when my running got its second wind, I have been searching for experiences in running that equal the HOPE Relay.  There’s something about the combination of the running, the teamwork, and the cause that make this unequalled in my opinion.   Believe it or not (believe it-I am an honest person) contemplating autism and the purpose for which I was running throughout my past two HOPE Relays gave me the endurance I needed when the Swamp Rabbit seemed to never end.

I hope you make the choice to join me at the 2012 HOPE Relay.

Alaric Gwynn

Struggling to find a team-building event for your company that is both affordable and meaningful? I have a suggestion! Project HOPE Foundation’s 3rd annual HOPE Relay on October 13, 2012, giving you 5 months to prepare for this great philanthropic, team-building event!  Still not sure it’s right for your company? Project HOPE Foundation believes this event works for all: “A unique event for runners to enjoy the spirit and team-building energy of completing a fun and challenging adventure with your friends and co-workers, while supporting the programs of Project HOPE Foundation.”

I believe it, too, as I not only participated in the 52-mile HOPE Relay in 2011 but also the 208-mile Blue Ridge Relay. Both served as great team-building opportunities, but the HOPE Relay has so many more advantages for you! The HOPE Relay provides a very similar experience of working together with your team to complete a challenging running event, but so much more. As local Greenville residents, we are supporting an organization that gives back to our loved ones in this community and supports all individuals fighting the battle of autism, no matter the age or degree. What a feeling to come together with friends and co-workers to support a great local organization! Meanwhile, supporting our own Upstate community running 48 miles through the Upstate countryside is quite a feeling of accomplishment … not to mention having families sitting outside their homes cheering you on is indescribable!

Now all that said, thankfully the HOPE Relay is only a one day event but a great day to spend with your co-workers (learning maybe slightly more than you wanted to know, sometimes)! Some of this is due to the sharing of discomfort as you set out on your second leg of the day, asking each other why you signed up for this slight insanity, but MOST of it is due to the time together in a van. Possibly you’ll be singing, telling stories you probably wouldn’t have so eagerly shared in the workplace, or well… what else are you going to do? Hopefully, not just put headphones on and ignore all the others in the van. (I don’t suggest trying this as they might just kick you out and leave you on the side of the road for being a party pooper!) Nonetheless, the HOPE Relay provides an incomparable experience getting to know your co-workers, and newfound friends (please just trust me on this) as you experience an event unlike many others in our area.

Rosenfeld Einstein has teamed up with Project HOPE Foundation and created the Corporations for Hope Challenge. We are challenging corporations to compete in the 2012 HOPE Relay, which will encourage health and wellness in your workplace through preparation, accomplishment, and a community spirit of humanity. Ultimately, just your participation alone helps raise valuable funds to benefit the Upstate children battling with autism.

We hope you will join us in this Special Challenge – Corporations for Hope and come out on October 13th for this amazing adventure that benefits Upstate children with autism.