Running Volcanos - Every Week until a $100k is raised!

Mt. Vesuvius - standing at about 4200 ft tall, is the largest active volcano in Europe. 

The Skinny:  Beginning Tuesday, 13 June 2017, I am going to hike/run to the top every week until I raise $100k for dementia. 

Trial Run video on YOUTUBE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7aOqT38UzA&t=6s

As some of you know, I moved to Naples, Italy in March 2017 for a new job opportunity.  It's already been an amazing experience with new work challenges, learning a new language (or at least attempting) and traveling to new places/experiencing new cultures.  I no doubt feel extremely lucky to have this opportunity.

But I also believe you truly live in the present and life is best when it's not about yourself.

Everything since I've been here has been about me.

I was reflecting on this the other night and how I've been living silently in what my sister calls "The Eye of the Storm." 

The time after the passing of my grandmother and mother but before my generation (and maybe even myself) begins to show FTD (frontotemporal dementia) symptoms and it all begins again.  For our family, without a cure, it's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when.

I then began reflecting on a promise I've made to not forget or give up.  Planning a benefit has proved to be challenging with my constant relocation of work.  What else could be done?

I run anyways...and I've been meaning to pick up my hill runs for an upcoming race....

And so I went to bed with the crazy idea of running Mt. Vesuvius once a week to raise money - maybe $10k?

I woke yesterday morning and decided $10k was not good enough.  It was time to really up the ante. 

$100k

If that takes me a year.  It takes me a year. 

I did a trial run last night to see how realistic it was. 

On the trial run....
I learned that I should wear bug spray when running up a forest road in the hot summer.
I learned I should also wear a reflective belt when climbing a windy volcano road that often has heavy cloud cover at the top.

I learned I'll be walking/running for a bit...

I learned it's gonna be tough and tiring but I'm going to do it; I will not give up.


I'll use video / social media to log the runs, and keep everyone updated.  I'll educate and hopefully amuse you all along the way.  (There may be costumes involved in the future...).  I hope to tell others stories, touch your hearts and souls.  Every one of us knows someone suffering from dementia.  Some of you may even be caregivers -- the unspoken, unnoticed hero.  Keeping it together even when their heart is breaking.

Finally, I hope this encourages others to run mountains to reach their own goals.  (Hills are ok too).

There is more to come....this is just the beginning.

One climb at a time, one week at a time, til $100k is raised. 

---Betsy Hall - See ya at the Top!!

#PennyForTheirThoughts  via  #RunningForTheirThoughts

Check out Video 1 of the Trial run on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7aOqT38UzA&t=6s