Jeremy Alsop to Conquer "The Beast" for Cancer Research

DARTer Jeremy Alsop is ramping up for this year's Beast Series, which is a collection of ultramarathons taking place near Lynchburg, VA.  He will be doing it not only for his health and sense of accomplishment but also to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.  Below is an excerpt from Jeremy's blog.


Conquering the Beast for Cancer


Dear Family and Friends,
      
       What started out as a hobby for me has evolved into a passion and has transformed into a desire to help others.  I started running in college, as a means of stress relief and exercise. Once I completed my first ultra-marathon (an ultra-marathon is a running race that's longer than the standard marathon's 26.2-miles), I was hooked.  I am always asked why I would ever want to run those kinds of distances.  My favorite statement that I hear is, “You run that far?!  I don’t even like to drive that distance!” My answer is always the same. Ultra-marathons allow me to experience God’s amazing creation from a different point of view than the average person, while giving me a sense of accomplishment from pushing my body to the limit. One of my favorite quotes on running is, “Trying to explain a runner’s high to someone who doesn’t run is like trying to explain color to a blind person

       My dad lost a long battle with colon cancer in 2005.  Soon after, I vowed to live a healthier lifestyle and inspire others to do the same.  I began personal training with the hopes of equipping my clients with the tools needed to live healthier, more active lifestyles.   My goal is to change people’s mindsets from, “Tomorrow I may” to “Today I will”.  According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States.  However, it is also one of the most preventable and curable forms of cancer.  A few simple steps that can greatly reduce your risk of this deadly disease include: early detection, maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a balanced diet, and remaining active.          
        
        I am striving to complete a very challenging series of ultra-marathons over the course of 2011 known as “The Beast Series.”  I will be running in memory of my dad, Irvin Alsop, to raise support for the American Cancer Society.  The series consists of six races in Virginia which include:  Holiday Lake 50k++ (31.1miles) on Feburary 12th,  Terrapin Mountain 50k on March 26th,  Promise Land 50k on April 23rd, Grindstone 100 mile on October 7th,  Mountain Masochist 50-mile on November 5th and Hellgate 100k on December 10th.  A few ways you could support the cause would be to donate a one-time gift, or to make a commitment to give after each race completed.  A small portion of the proceeds will go towards covering my race entry fees.  All remaining money will be donated to the American Cancer Society for Colon Cancer research to help find a cure for this disease.
  
        The Beast Series is one of the most challenging series of races on the east coast.  Because of the degree of difficulty, I will be running a number of other races throughout the year to prepare for the harder races in the fall and winter.  I have started a blog so you will be able to follow my training and races as I work towards this very challenging goal. The blog can be found at www.trackmyprogress.blogspot.com. I will update the blog as often as possible with training and race recaps. I want to thank you in advance for all the support as we work towards furthering the efforts of the American Cancer Society.  As I embark on this journey through 2011, I want to encourage you to continue being active or make strides to become active.  Simple activities like playing tennis or going on evening walks are great activities to help your mind, body and soul.

Thank you for your support.  I wish you all a happy and healthy 2011.
Jeremy Alsop

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; 
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:31

Please send donations to:
Conquering the Beast for Cancer
Jeremy Alsop
131 Peterborough Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115