HomeJoe Dan Beavers
Kentucky Eta - Western Kentucky University
My Iron Phi Story
Joe Dan Beavers - Iron Phi Challenge
I am going to do something really crazy, but for a good cause. Take a few minutes to read this post to see what I’m planning, what it’s for and how you can help!
I am not a runner. I do not run. I haven’t participated in a race of any distance since my last ‘field day’ in grade school. All of that is about to change. Over the next twelve months, I plan to run in one race each month. I plan to start small, but work up towards some larger distances. The races will include at least one 5K, one 10K, one half marathon . . . and one full marathon.
On the surface, I know this looks like some sort of mid-life crisis/running stage I’m suffering through. It likely is. There is however, a worthwhile purpose behind all of this. I do have a larger goal in mind. I plan to use this to help the fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
While I was in college, I had the good fortune to be a member of the KY Eta Chapter of Phi Delta Theta - Western Kentucky University. Lou Gehrig – the “Iron Horse” – was a Hall of Fame baseball player and member of Phi Delta Theta while in college at Columbia University. Phi Delta Theta Fraternity established the Iron Phi program to honor Lou Gehrig and to raise funds and awareness for the fight against ALS. The net proceeds for the Iron Phi program will help support disease research, screening, treatment & education.
The Iron Phi program has two components: an athletic endurance event and a specific fundraising event. Most of the guys that try for the Iron Phi designation are active chapter members enrolled in college. Guys literally 20 years younger than me. As an ‘old guy’ . . . well let’s just say there aren’t as many of us trying this.
My athletic endurance event will be the 12 races in 12 months. Again, important note – I have not run in a real race. Ever. Ever, ever. My goals for each of these races are to finish each one and not to die. Probably not in that order, though.
My first fund raising goal is $1,505. $1,000 is the suggested starting point for the Iron Phi program and 505 is my Bond Number. I am also going to personally match all contributions up to $1,505. That means if you all help me get to $1,505 - the Iron Phi program will receive a total of $3,010.
So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation? Any amount will help - $1/$10/$100! Again - I will match all of them up to the first $1,505 in contributions made. Donations are tax-deductible for you, I will be running my tail off and it's all for a great cause. It's a win-win-win.
How can you help? Plenty of ways . . .
1. Help me spread the word about this by Liking & Sharing this post.
2. Donate to the cause here by clicking on the "Make a Donation" button.
3. Send me encouragement along the way. Goodness knows I’m going to need it!
4. Share with me your story if ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease has impacted you, your family, friends, etc.
5. Come out to a race & cheer us on!
6. Read more about the Iron Phi program
7. Follow along here. I’ll be using social media to post updates and hold myself accountable.
Thank you in advance for your help, generosity and for reading through this rant. You can help me spread the word and you can play a part in the fight against ALS!
#RunJDB
Proud to be a Phi
Joe Dan Beavers
WKU - Kentucky Eta, 505
My Personal Web Log
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Two Down, Ten To Go
2nd Race is in the books! Low Hollow Trail Run 5K here in Bowling Green was a challenging course. We ran on a mountain bike trail. It was a beautiful course, but man it was hot & muggy this morning. Most importantly, you guys helped raise an additional $325 for the fight against ALS! I promised I would personally match the amount raised this week (race week) x2. That means I'll add an additional $650 ($325 x 2), bringing the total fundraising for Race No. 2 up to $975! Awesome job! Next race is coming up quickly . . . wish me luck!
by Joe Dan Beavers on Sat, Jun 25, 2016 @ 9:59 PM
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Next Race: Low Hollow Trail 5K
Next race is June 25 here in Bowling Green. Low Hollow Trail 5K. July's race will be the first 10K - Bluegrass 10,000 in Lexington over the 4th of July weekend. The overall training & race schedule is coming together nicely. Barring injuries (fingers crossed), we've got some big things planned. Stay tuned!
by Joe Dan Beavers on Sat, Jun 18, 2016 @ 8:59 AM
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One Down, Eleven To Go
First race is in the books. Jack Rabbit Jog 5K on Memorial Day weekend was a great race. It was my first race of any kind and the inaugural race for that event as well. You guys gave $200 on the race weekend, so I matched $200 to that race's cause (Polycystic Kidney Disease - PKD Foundation). Next race is scheduled for June 25. Low Hollow Trail - 5K in Bowling Green. Again - I'll match all contributions made. Thanks for all your support. Let's get this done!
by Joe Dan Beavers on Sat, Jun 18, 2016 @ 8:42 AM
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First Race Coming Up
Okay - registered for my first race in the 12 races/12 months challenge. I'll be running in the Jack Rabbit Jog 5K on May 30 at Kerieakas Park in Bowling Green. Again . . . never ran a race in my life. Training is coming along. Bigger races on the horizon.
https://www.facebook.com/jackrabbitjog5k/
by Joe Dan Beavers on Wed, May 18, 2016 @ 8:54 PM
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Kick Started
To get this party started right, I'm adding the first $50 to the matching pool. My first race is going to be a 5K in Bowling Green. I'll post the specifics as soon as I'm officially registered.
by Joe Dan Beavers on Sun, May 01, 2016 @ 4:00 PM
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How Does My Donation Make a Difference?
Your donation towards an Iron Phi athlete equally supports two very important things: Supporting ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) through research and support of ALS families and leadership development for undergraduate members of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
At the end of each year calendar year, the LiveLikeLou Foundation grants dollars raised through Iron Phi to fund its initiatives that support ALS research, scholarships to support the higher education goals of ALS dependents, and summer camp experiences for children who have a parent or grandparent with ALS.
Dollars used for undergraduate leadership development have and continue to help Phi Delta Theta educate more of its undergraduate members as they work to “Become the Greatest Version of Themselves.”
