You Can Accomplish More Than You Think
Holy smoke! I thought I had big goals. Then I read a new article on the Wired Web site about a long-distance runner named Dean Karnazes. It’s called “The Perfect Human.” It’s definitely worth reading.
Here are some of the highlights:
- He ran a marathon a day in a different state for 50 consecutive days. He ran in all 50 states.
- He once ran 350 miles in three days—with no sleep.
- He’s run the Badwater Ultramarathon seven times. It starts in Death Valley, 250 feet below sea level and concludes, 135 miles later, halfway up Mt. Whitney, at 8,360 feet. He won the race in 2004 on his fifth attempt.
- He runs 100 to 170 miles a week.
- He couldn’t find time to run 4–6 hours a day, so he began sleeping less. He currently only sleeps four hours a night.
- His resting heart rate is 39 beats per minute!
My favorite quote from him is this one:
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention to arrive safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: Wow!! What a ride!
Amazingly, Dean just turned 44. Maybe I need to revisit my goals and do a little stretching! You can also read more about him on his official Web site.

In: 
MICHELE CUSHATT is a communicator and storyteller whose speaking experience includes Women of Faith, Focus on the Family, and Compassion International. As emcee and communication coach, Michele is in her sixth year on staff at
BARRY HILL, JR. is a storyteller, blogger, speaker, barista, and is in his fifteenth year of full-time ministry to teens and their families. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and their six children—“the circus.” You can usually find Barry where fresh coffee and good ideas are brewing. To join in the conversation, drop by his blog,
JOE LALONDE is a husband, explorer, challenger, and an adrenaline junkie. He has served as a youth leader for E3 Ministries for over 10 years. He is usually found wandering the woods, enjoying the company of his wife, or running the trails. Joe enjoys helping others expand their influence and leadership skills. You can connect with Joe at his
RACHEL LANCE is originally from Alaska but now lives in a Chicago suburb with her husband and daughter. She works in technology and communications for the
JIM MARTIN is the minister of Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, where he has served since 1994. He also leads a mentoring group, primarily composed of younger Christian leaders, and serves as a Mentoring Partner for
TIM PETERS is the Co-Founder of
JASON STAMBAUGH is a husband, father, former fat kid, accidental techie, and founder of
JEREMY STATTON is an orthopedic surgeon in Louisville, KY. Although he enjoys writing, reading, and running, his first love is his wife and four kids. His family is currently in the process of adopting a son from China. He is also the author of
JOHN TILLER is an inspirational speaker and writer. He travels with his family to churches, conferences, and other events sharing
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