Support Chad's Hellbender 100 attempt to help provide thousands of hours of counseling to those struggling with mental health.

I think it's fitting that my first 100-mile race attempt is called the Hellbender One Hundred. Many mornings, upon awakening, I felt doomed to walk a hundred miles through Hell alone. Until I found hope.

I certainly didn't ask for help at first and, frankly, I didn't I want it. I was resigned to living a lonely life miserably because, deep down, I thought I deserved it...until I had a community of friends and loved ones lift me up and inspire me to walk a different path.

I realized I didn't HAVE to have a solution to every little thing life threw at me. I could raise my hand, ask for help, admit I was powerless and find empowerment unloading that burden. Today, I am not even close to perfect, and that's OK. I have had slips and falls, both publicly and privately, but every day I get back up and try again.

As some of you may know, on May 10-12, I will be toeing the line at the Hellbender 100, a grueling 100-mile race through the scenic Black Mountains of Western North Carolina. I will ascend and descend around 48k feet of elevation gain/loss, beginning and ending at Camp Grier in Old Fort, NC. It is likely one of the most difficult trail races east of the Mississippi, which makes it all the more rewarding to cross the finish line under the 48-hour cutoff. Sure, much of the motivation to train each day and sacrifice free time (and sleep) leading up to this effort has been a selfish pursuit to push myself further than I thought I could and test my physical limits. But this time, I hope this race will be about more than just running; it’s about making a small difference in the lives of others. Running has played a vital role in my recovery, both physically and spiritually. I find my serenity in communion with my higher power when I am in the mountains, moving my body and enjoying creation. I'm not sure where or who I'd be without it.

For the 2024 racing season, I am a proud member of the Speedlander Racing Team and an ambassador for Bigger Than the Trail, a remarkable organization that advocates for mental health awareness and provides educational support and treatment options. Mental health struggles affect countless individuals, including myself and Bigger Than the Trail aims to shed light on these challenges and offer much-needed support.

Here's why Bigger Than the Trail matters:

• Trail Running as a Platform: Bigger Than the Trail uses trail running as a powerful platform to raise awareness about mental health. It’s not just about the miles we cover; it’s about the impact we can make.
• Educational Support: The organization provides valuable educational resources to help people understand mental health better.
• Treatment Options: Bigger Than the Trail connects individuals with treatment options, ensuring those in need receive the care they deserve.

How You Can Help:

1. Donate: Consider making a donation to support my Hellbender 100 race attempt. Every dollar counts and goes directly toward mental health counseling.
2. Spread the Word: Share this message with your network. Awareness matters and your voice can make a difference.
3. Cheer Me On: I will provide a live tracking link via Adventure Enablers in case you'd like to follow along. You'll be able to send individual messages that my crew can relay to me throughout the race. If you’re in the area, come out to the race and cheer me on!Your encouragement means the world to me.

I am so incredibly fortunate to have the support of friends, loved ones and colleagues because I know not everyone does. Every day, I encounter individuals like myself who have also struggled with mental health and who do not have the same access or level of resources. Their daily triumphs are far more inspiring than mine ever could be, and that is who I am running for. I hope we can play a small role in making lasting changes in the lives of folks who deserve it and don't even know it yet.

Thank you for considering; your support is deeply appreciated!