Thoughts about the Race
So against better judgment, the advice of loved ones and friends, and any semblance or rationality, I have signed up to run 250km (155.34 miles) through the Gobi Desert over seven days this June.  You can read more about the event here (http://www.4deserts.com/gobimarch/), but basically, it is just as crazy as it sounds.  Oh, by the way, we also have to carry all the supplies and food we'll need for the week.  The only thing the organizers will provide is water and a spot in a tent.  The race is taking place from June 14th- 21st, and I'll be blogging during the race here: 
http://www.4deserts.com/blogs/comptetior_blog_new.php?pid=NDIz&blog=10

In actuality, I will likely walk or crawl as much as I run, but I am determined to finish.  The training has been too grueling to not at least come away with a finisher's medal...and that is all we will get.  In fact, my initial purpose for taking part in the Gobi March was to impress my friends, but as it turns out, most of the people I talk to about this just give me a "Do whatever you want to man..." expression, so I've decided to come up with something more philosophical.

This kind of event is truly inspiring because it pushes the human body and mind to its limit, which is so much greater than anything you would think possible!  The average present day human existence doesn't usually test the full human potential, which doesn't just mean physical ability, but also creativity, adaptability, love, and charity too! (HINT, HINT)

About the Charity
The industrial revolution, the information revolution, the future is the GREEN revolution.  When choosing a charity, I was looking for one that was established, had international reach, and had a record of success in several areas.  Earthwatch's research projects have had positive impacts in fields ranging from Ecosystem Services , Climate Change, Oceans, and Cultural Heritage.

Specifically relevant to the desert race and something that I learned during three semesters studying Environmental geology, is one particular result of climate change called DESERTIFICATION (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desertification).  So, if you don't want to be running your own personal Gobi March is about 100 years, give some $$$$ to the people that are researching to fix the problem!!

I don't think a high fund raising goal is necessary, because everyone can just give 10 dollars, it is so easy!! 

About Me
23 w/m/6'/175/hzleys/brnhr

I am an Aerospace Engineering student at the University of Tennessee, but this year, I have taken out loan to study Mandarin in China.  When I return to the States after this last grand hoorah (the Gobi), I will still have one year until graduation, making me a 6 year undergrad. :)  When I do eventually graduate, I hope to become a pilot in the US Air Force


So please sponsor me now!