Long distance runner Alex Bellini has set out on one heck of a run. A month ago, the Italian set out from Los Angeles on a road run that will take him more than 4900km (3045 miles) to New York. He hopes to run 70 stages, each 70km (43.5 miles) in length, to complete the run in just 70 days.
Alex is currently 32 days into the run and is making his way across Oklahoma. If you're at all aware of the current weather conditions here in the U.S., you know that at the moment that region is getting hit with a nasty heat wave that is causing temperatures to soar well over 100ºF/38ºC. As a result, it has been some very long, and hot, days out on the road. Read more about his progress on his official blog, which can be found by clicking here.
The entire project is sponsored by Jeep, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The company has been practically synonymous with adventure for much of that time, and they are backing Bellini as a sign of their continued support for adventurous lifestyles. The 70th anniversary is also what inspired Alex to run the 70 stages/70km/70 days itinerary.
I can't even imagine running these kinds of distances in the current heat we're experiencing. I live further South from where Alex is running, and I've been averaging about 4-5 miles per day recently and the heat has been taking it out of me in a very bad way. Putting in these kinds of miles, then doing it again the next day, and the next... Just brutal! Hopefully he stays on pace and hits his target on schedule. For now though, he's going to suffer.