Well not literally while he's running but we were able to catch up with Dave before he started his run across New Hampshire to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Dave is a fellow runner for the Gate City Striders(he's been on the team for 20+ years!) and I recently found out about his challenging fundraiser he's doing this week. He plans to leave this Thursday June 20th to run across NH from Vermont to the Atlantic Ocean for a total of 116 miles in four days.
Danny: Thanks Dave for taking the time to tell us about Run Across NH. First thing, can you give us a little background about your running history?
Dave: My history is I used to be a smoker and quit and put on a ton of weight. Luckily, I was roommates with a runner who got me started. I have since done 81 marathons from Dublin, Ireland to Anchorage, Alaska. including 18 Boston's. Last year I did 2 Half Ironman Tri's and hundreds and hundreds of 5 and 10 K's and half marathons.
Danny: Wow, sounds like you have been busy. If you could pick one event what has been your favorite running memory?
Dave: I got to carry the Olympic torch in NH for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Although my proudest running moments have been as a husband and a coach like when my wife completed a marathon in Alaska as a walker. As a coach was when each and every kid and adult crosses the finish line with a smile on their face no matter what the time on the clock reads.
Danny: How did you get involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society?
Dave: A friend of mine was a TNT [Team in Training] runner and he mentioned to them that I would make a great coach. They called me and we talked and I joined. This will be my fourth fund raiser for them. I was a member of High Hopes here in Amherst for 13 years raising money for seriously ill NH children. High Hopes is NH's version of Made a Wish.
Danny:What made you want to run across the state ?
Dave: I had been a marathon coach for 6 years with the Leukemia society when I met Barry Costa. Barry's daughter passed away because of blood cancer and he and I just connected and have been friends for 10+ years or so. I am doing this in memory of his daughter, Kim, as well as in honor of two friends whose daughters HAD it and are better now. I do this because no one should have to bury a child.
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| Barry Costa and Dave |
Danny: Is this the first time you've done something like this?
Dave: No. I ran the length of the state of NH two years ago from the Canadian Border to the Mass Border for a total of 221 miles and raised $10,000.
Danny: So this will be a breeze then. What's your game plan anyway? Take it out like four back-to-back-to-back to-back marathons or more like an ultra?
Dave: I plan on running slow and steady. Breaking each day into three segments from 8 to 12 miles.
Danny: That seems reasonable. What can people do if they want to get involved?
Dave: I have a website www.runacrossnh.com with more info on Kim and the run. It has maps and mileage and on the sponsor page there are a ton of raffle prizes I am giving away to folks who donate.
Danny: I typically ask the athletes I interview what superhero they'd most likely want to be, but I suspect you are already a superhero in many people's eyes so I'll rephrase the question to: if you could be an animal, what type of an animal would you be and why?
Dave: I think I would be an Eagle as I could soar to the tops of mountains and fly to the woods and flat lands and know I would be safe from the hunters as I am a protected species.
Danny: Steve Miller would be proud. [silence] Well, I will definitely check out your website and good luck with your run!
Dave: Thank you and everyone for donating and helping out with this cause.
Check out more on Dave at his website or follow his progress on Facebook as he makes his journey across New Hampshire!
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