So I’m turning 30 on February 18.  To prove to myself that I’m not getting old, I’ve created a personal challenge.  From February 23 – March 1, I plan to run 50 miles in eight states in eight days and spend less than $80 in transportation costs.  The journey will take me from Des Moines to Washington DC (with stops in Chicago, Indy, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, NYC and Baltimore) via Megabus, and I hope to raise $800 ($100 for each day) for the Iron Phi program. I also plan to run, stay and reconnect with many friends along the way.  It’s going to be one hell of a time.  My knees will have a different opinion.

Fifty percent of the dollars raised will be donated to The ALS Association to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS research).  ALS is an awful disease and one that we Phi Delts want to help erradicate. The other 50% of the dollars raised will support the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, an organization that has provided me with great experiences, opportunties, core values, and friends.

To celebrate the generosity of those who donate, I’ve created somewhat of a scavenger hunt in each city.  Below is a list of all eight cities and the landmarks I will be passing on my routes.  You can purchase any amount of the route stops below. In return, you’ll get a picture of me with a personalized thank you sign that recognizes you in front of that landmark.  Runner’s choice ($10) stops are yet to be determined, but I plan to have a lot of fun with these.  Make sure to include which landmark(s) you want to purchase when you make your donation. I will then update this page.

You can make a donation on this page by clicking on the “Make a Gift” link below the thermometer. You can also send a check made out to Iron Phi to me at 4019 Stone Brooke Rd.  Ames, IA 50010 if you’d rather donate that way.

Thursday, February 23
Des Moines – Good Park to the State Capitol – 6.4 Miles

1. Good Park – Matt & Jessi Good
2. With a Crazy Sculpture at Des Moines Sculpture Park – Don & Anne Davidson
3. Drinking High Life at the Miller High Life Lounge –  Riley Smith
4. Iowa State Capitol – Tom & Colleen Good
5. Runner’s Choice – Jason Wise
6. Runner’s Choice – Andy & Kelsey Tu

Running with Brent Rauch

Megabus to Chicago

Friday, February 24
Chicago – The Bean to Wrigley Field – 6.7 Miles

1. Millenium Park Bean – Andy & Kelsey Tu
2. Navy Pier – Jon Rogowski
3. Lincoln Park Zoo – Don & Anne Davidson
4. Wrigley Field – Moe Stephens
5. Runner’s Choice – Scott Mietchen
6. Runner’s Choice – Jeremy Sale

Running with Andy Tomka

Saturday, February 25

Megabus to Indianapolis

Indianapolis – The Post-Super Bowl Loop – 6.0 Miles

1. State Capitol – Michael Hyatt
2. Lucas Oil Field – Sparky Reardon
3. Monument Circle – Mores Family
4. President Benjamin Harrison Site – Dallas Short
5. Runner’s Choice – Jon Collier
6. Runner’s Choice – Jeremy Sale

Running with Lisa Fedler Swiontek

Megabus to Cincinnati

Sunday, February 26
Cincinnati – A Return to the Queen City – 6.0 Miles

1. Music Hall – Andrew Cole
2. Fountain Square – Andrew Cole
3. Eating a Skyline Chili Coney While Running – Chris Hill
4. With a Flying Pig – Bill & Lindy Good
5. Runner’s Choice – The Running Turtles
6. Runner’s Choice – Tom & Colleen Good

Running with A.J. Arand

Monday, February 27

Megabus to Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh – Up and Down the Steel City – 6.0 Miles

1. Tebowing @ Heinz Field – Alex Stefanic
2. Three Rivers Point – Point State Park – Michael Hyatt
3. At the Top of the Monongahela Incline – Tom & Colleen Good
4. Cathedral of Learning (Pitt) – Nathaniel Muzika
5. Runner’s Choice – Kevin Bazner
6. Runner’s Choice – Lynn Chapman

Running with John Talcott

Tuesday, February 28

Megabus to New York City

New York City – Central Park to Lady Liberty – 6.2 Miles

1. Central Park – Keith Lopez
2. Ed Sullivan Theatre – Jason Brannon
3. Times Square – Matt & Jessi Good
4. Madison Square Garden – Jeremy Sale
5. Chinatown – Ernie Chan
6. World Trade Center Site – Jason Brannon
7. Wall Street Bull Statue – David Stollman
8. Statue of Liberty – Jeremy Sale

Running with

Wednesday, February 29

Megabus to Baltimore

Baltimore – From the Birthplace of the Babe to the Birthplace of Our National Anthem – 6.7 Miles

1. Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum – Matt & Jessi Good, Tom & Colleen Good
   
2. Camden Yards – Ernie Chan
3. With a Crab – Andy & Kelsey Tu
4. Fort McHenry (The Birthplace of the U.S. National Anthem) – Bill & Lindy Good
5. Runner’s Choice – Geoff Wood
6. Runner’s Choice – Don & Anne Davidson

Running with Ben Kaufman

Thursday, March 1

Megabus to DC

Washington DC – The White House and around the National Mall – 6.0 Miles

1. White House – Scott Mietchen
2. Lincoln Memorial –  Tom & Colleen Good
3. Washington Monument – Matt Brillhart
4. U.S. Capitol – Mores Family
5. Runner’s Choice – Brendan Cunningham
6. Runner’s Choice – Michael Hyatt

Running with Ed Whipple

I hope that you’ll share this incredible adventure by supporting me in my journey to feeling young.  Your donations will be put to great use, helping to find a cure for ALS and helping college-aged men become the greatest version of themselves.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,
Steve