You're never too old to try a something new. Whether it's to travel somewhere or take on an extreme challenge, if you're mind is set to reach that goal, you can do it. Just ask 40-year-old Russell Benaroya.
"As we get older, it becomes harder and harder to have those "first-time" experiences," Benaroya says. "Ask me two years ago if I could imagine running 75 miles, and I would have said no way."
Benaroya, a Seattle-based startup founder, fitness enthusiast and CEO of EveryMove, took on a 75-mile challenge because of fear and something that seemed so far fetched.
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On August 15, with the support of friends, proper nutrition, training and tech tools, Benaroya set out to conquer a 75-mile stretch along the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington, which spans from Stevens Pass to Snoqualmie Pass and has an elevation gain of 16,000 feet.
Why did you decided to go for a 75-mile unassisted trail run?
I decided to run it because it seemed out of reach at the time, but I had others around me that had taken on these challenges and survived. Why not me? When I think about the most significant imprints in my memory they were around meaningful events in my life. I'm seeking meaning.
I started trail running about four years ago and since then have been building the strength and endurance to tackle more ambitious runs—this was the longest to-date. I use running as a chance to clear my head and de-stress from the daily pressure of running a business.
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How did you choose your run route?
We chose this route specifically, a 75-mile stretch along the Pacific Coast Trail in Washington between Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie Pass, because it's known as one of the most untouched and beautiful pieces of the trail—and this time of year is ideal since there is no snow.
What tools did you use to help you train?
- Accountability: I trained with a friend of mine who was game to get out for training runs at 5 a.m.
- Garmin: I loved my Garmin for heart rate and distance management.
- EveryMove: This allowed me to see data from different apps/devices during my training so that I could get a good perspective on how much I was really doing.
