Running 48 Miles for Charity
On March 3-5, Katie and I completed our 4th annual 4x4x48 Challenge to raise over $32,000 for Warrior Canine Connection.
What is the 4x4x48 Challenge?
The grueling event involves running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours.
That's 48 miles, which puts it well into ultramarathon territory.
But there is a twist!
Instead of doing all the miles consecutively, the Challenge is broken into 12 four-hour chunks. This means your body doesn't recover, and sleep becomes limited.
So you may be asking...WHY are we running so much?
Retired Navy SEAL, David Goggins, started this annual event for two reasons:
#1) It is an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and push the limits of your mind and body.
#2) It is also an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for important causes.
This year we were honored to support Warrior Canine Connection.
Meet Warrior Canine Connection (WCC)
This nonprofit enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans. As a Veteran, who has seen first-hand the impact of animal-assisted interactions, I can assure you this organization has a tremendous impact.
Warrior Helping Warriors
Warrior Canine Connection utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to help Warriors recovering from the stress of combat reconnect with their families, communities, and life.
This means that one dog helps, on average more than 60 veterans!
By interacting with the dogs as they move from puppyhood to training to adult service dogs, Warrior Trainers benefit from a physiological and psychological animal-human connection. As a result of their efforts, Veterans with disabilities receive the finest in trained service dogs.
All Donations
Your contribution helps Warrior Canine Connection breed, train, and provide highly skilled assistance dogs to wounded Veterans and Military Families at no charge.
Facts about WCC
1. Each dog is named after a service member.
One of the unique ways Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) honors Veterans is through its namesake program. All future service dogs are named after Service Members and Veterans who have significantly contributed to our nation.
2. One dog impacts 60 veterans!
The PTSD problem is too great to pair one dog with one veteran at a time. Therefore, the most significant outcome of this program is that every service dog can provide service to 60-70 veterans.
Some vets are apprehensive about applying for their own service dogs because they think someone else needs the dog more, so WCC starts by asking them to help train a dog for another vet, and it's a 'no-fail mission'.
Through that training, those veterans immediately start getting better because of the dogs. When a vet receives a dog that was trained by another vet, there's trust, and the impact is substantial!
3. They have LIVE puppy cameras
Do you love puppy content? Then, you're going to want to drop everything you're doing and check out WCC's LIVE puppy cameras for an instant mood booster!
Watch this 2-Minute Video
The way we remember our service members is by telling their stories. Watch this memorable tribute reveal how service dog in-training, Forester, received his namesake.
Shoutout to our Top Donors
We wanted to extend a special thank you to those who contributed more than $500:
Chris G. (anonymous)
Fit Vine Wine
Pupford
Kimberly Kistler
Anne Charnley
Spot & Tango
Cherstin Spiridigloizzi
Julius K9
Michelle Hertzke
Ulrike Guigui
M.S.M (anonymous)
It was a challenging event, but the donations, words of encouragement, and your support gave us all the motivation we needed.
12 Leg Updates
Thank You for Cheering Us On!
In the News
We were happy to join FOX 5 Good Day DC to discuss our fundraiser for Warrior Canine Connection.
Check out our LIVE interview with Ellie here!
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