Where do you sleep at night during a desert run?

Usually 8-10 smelly racers pack into a single tent. This is no doubt the best part of the race. With no TV, phone or any electronics you actually spend a lot of time meeting and getting to know other runners from around the world. While you only spend 6 days with them, you go through an experience that bonds you together. Here is my tent mates during the Atacama run. It was awesome!

Dont forget artwork needs to be in before Feb 17. Go to: www.runforgrasp.org for more details

Wondering About Desert Runs...

Runners usually cover 20-25 miles per day except for the long day which is 50+ miles. We have to carry all of our supplies, clothing, food and gear for the entire 150 mile week. Runner backpacks usually weight anywhere from 18-35 pounds. For safety reasons, every 6-8 miles you will pass a check point or simply "CP". I attached a picture what one looks like. Sometimes you see them in the far distance and spend hours closing in on them, other times they are hidden on the back side of a hill and pop out on you. Either way they are staffed with the most helpful and incredible volunteers and medical staff that cheer you on all day, and night!!

Atacama Desert Flashback-

Stage 4 was a little longer than a marathon through the infamous "salt flats" in northern Chile. This is a place where you are running on 4-5 inches of crystalized salt and it was so hot the air felt like you were breathing in front of an oven door. Many of the runners got weird sunburn on their noses and chins from the strong reflection off the ground. The only way to get through the day is to think of the positive things in your life like family and friends. For me, I thought of my son Ryan and his daily struggles. He never gives up, so how could I... step by step I finished the day.

Don't forget to submit your artwork or encourage someone you know with AS to submit. 

Run for GRASP Flag- "Call for Artists"

Do you know (or are you) a boy or girl with Autism that loves to draw? How about a teenager with AS that loves Photoshop? Or an adult on the spectrum in the graphic arts profession?

We are seeking a race logo for “Run For Grasp” that will be printed in the center of a 12”x18” lightweight flag that I will carry the entire length of the Gobi Desert.

What is Run For GRASP you ask?

Well, I am running across the harshest and unforgiving deserts around the world to raise money and awareness for the Global Regional Asperger’s Syndrome Partnership or simply, GRASP.

What is your next run?

My next run is the Gobi March,  a 250-kilometer (155-mile) staged foot race that takes place in the Gobi Desert in northwestern China. Competitors are unsupported, meaning they have to carry everything they need while they run across a wide variety of terrains including dirt tracks, sand dunes, dry river beds, hills, villages and more. 

Why?

My son Ryan was clinically diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) when he was 4 years old. While there are many charities for finding a cure there was a serious need to help teens and adults who have AS. Many diagnosed with AS have difficulty in social situations and fitting in. This problem can be magnified in middle and high school when teens can bully and target peers with AS. GRASP has been there for my family, now its time to give back! All funds raised go directly to GRASP.

Back to the Flag…

Artwork can really be anything the artist wants, any number of colors, just needs to say “Run for GRASP” and be a maximum of 3 inches by 6 inches and submitted in electronic format.

Please share this around the Autism community.  If you know someone, please encourage them to submit their artwork to: runforgrasp@icloud.com

Deadline to submit artwork is February 17th.  After that we will also request submissions for 150 boys, girls, teens or adults with AS that really demonstrates the ability to never give up when facing their daily struggles.   These names will also be selected and printed on the flag to symbolize their courage and tenacity.  I will draw on their strength when I face my own struggle.  

Thanks for your support.