"Running a 5,000 K !!!"
by Seanan AlYasiri
April 9, 2003
The Ride The Wave intermediate training group was fortunate to enjoy the company of Dave Bronfenbrenner (age 24) and Scott Sehon (age 25) on April 9, 2003. The former cross country stars of Bucknell University (Pennsylvania) have been planning a road trip for over 4 years. Rather then jumping in the car, they decided to hoof it, Forrest Gump style. Running an estimated 3,200 miles from the frigid beaches of New Jersey's Atlantic to the balmy shores of Oregon's Pacific. They average 20-25 miles a day anywhere from 6:30 to 8:15 per mile.
The thought of this daunting journey is incomprehensible to most. However, they wanted to separate themselves from the rest of those who have attempted trans-continental runs. Their rules, no support vehicles, no money and absolutely no shaving. "We rely on the goodness of the American spirit" noted Sehon. Three months of detailed mapping and preparation equipped them with a website for friends and family to track their progress. Their research even identified fresh water streams where the geography is too desolate to expect food, water and normal civilization.
Within 20 days of their website being published, www.runtheusa.com exceeded 1 million hits. This "American spirit" quickly grew, as their site became ranked as Yahoo's most popular weekly hit. The generosity was overwhelming as host families located on their route offered dinner and lodging for the majority of the anticipated 145 stops.
Their equipment includes a set of running attire, comfortable sweats, sleeping bags, cell phones, GPS technology and a baby jogger to haul their belongings. And now, a couple of "Lake Run Club" sleeveless t's to enjoy on the way. Their favorite running store ships two new pairs of Adidas shoes every 20 days.
After an enjoyable dinner at Avanti's, host and Ride The Wave participant, Jesse Baird welcomed Scott and Dave into his house. Hot showers, internet access and XBOX seemed to be on the agenda.
Once their jaunt is complete, these patriotic dream chasers have visions of sub 2:22 marathons (5:24 pace) and qualifying for the Olympic Trials. As training partners, they logged 100 mile weeks in preparation, and both competed in the sand storm conditions of the 2003 Las Vegas Marathon. Infact, Bronfenbrenner posted the overall win, despite 40 mph dessert winds and dodging uprooted port-a-johns.
Sehon's visions of the finish line include spending time with his girlfriend, while Bronfenbrenner is motivated to start graduate school. "It's going to feel weird taking 5 months to run across the US, then flying home in 4 hours", noted the Pennsylvania natives.
It was an honor to meet these gentlemen and become further inspired by their dreams. I was fortunate enough to join them on a segment of their journey from Gridley to Secor, Illinois. During the run, I got a true feel for the conditions, confused looks by passers by and landscape of their trek.
Special thanks to Jesse Baird and Jana Kiefer for hosting them, and to the Lake Run Club and Dead Stagg Society for sponsoring dinner. And of course to Dave and Scott for their conversation and further inspiration to accomplish my goals.
"Some people say we're crazy for doing this, but I think it's crazy to NOT follow your dreams". --- Scott Sehon
