The story behind Thirst’s first initiative.
Five years ago, I literally did nothing physically. Through a personal training course with my business partner, I agreed to commit to accomplishing a physical goal that would clearly be impossible without building a habit of commitment and training toward a single goal. My challenge was to run the Leadville Trail Race Series “short” event: A heavy half marathon of 15.5 miles starting at 10,200 feet in the mountains of Leadville, Colorado. What began as a reluctant attempt to complete a difficult physical challenge turned into something life-changing—and life-giving. Unexpected events in my life shook me to the core. Running and training became the only space where I could process and work through my mental and emotional struggles. It wasn’t just about physical endurance anymore—running became essential to my mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
And it was hard. Really hard. I doubt I had intentionally run a total of 30 miles in the previous 30 years. But as difficult as the running was, I realized there were things in life that were even harder. If I couldn’t show up and push through the challenge of a hard run, how could I expect myself to face those deeper, heavier struggles?
That first year, I ran the Leadville 15.5-mile course alone. It was during COVID, and the race had been canceled—but I had committed to that date, and I felt strongly about honoring my word. The next year, I ran the official Leadville 15.5-mile race. After that, I completed the full Leadville Trail Marathon two years in a row.
Somewhere along that journey, a question took root in my mind: Could I actually attempt the iconic Leadville 100-mile race? It sounded outrageous but the idea stuck. After my second marathon, I finally said it out loud to my wife, Suzanne, and then to my good friend and running coach, Quent. Could I commit to something this big, two years out? Could I do it at 60 years old?
If I could attempt something that felt impossible, could I do it in a way that made a meaningful difference? Could I run to bring visibility, support, and HOPE to those living with mental illness—people who are running their own race every single day?
The goal became not just to run the Leadville 100, but to raise $100,000 in the process—to show the world that even what feels impossible can be done, especially when it's fueled by purpose.
In 2024, I completed both the Leadville Marathon and the 50-mile race just one week apart, all in preparation for the 100-mile race in 2025. These past two years have pushed me further—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—than I ever imagined. It’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most life-giving.
One thing I’ve learned: we cannot do truly hard things alone. I could never attempt this without the faithful, sacrificial support of those around me—my wife, my family, friends, coach, the Antioch Wealth Management team, clients, and so many others who’ve shared their stories and cheered me on. Big things never happen alone. Never.
To carry this mission forward, we’ve established The Thirst Charity, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) dedicated to bringing awareness, support, and hope to those battling mental illness in West Texas. Governed by a local board, Thirst exists to ensure accountability and direction—but the 100-mile run is just the beginning. The hope is that others will be inspired to do their thing to raise awareness and support as well.
How can you join this story?
Give: We currently have ~$50K in matching funds waiting to be unlocked. You can donate here.
Promote: Help us create a social media wave to spread awareness and help us hit the $100K goal. Share this story, or other pieces of our website on your own social media.
Do Something: Take action in your own way. Let us know how you want to be part of this movement by applying here.
