 "Photo: Sarah Chretien")
Most UNH students wouldn't know it, but one of their fellow classmates is going to be doing something a bit off of the beaten path this Sunday. This particular student will be making a trip to Vermont to run not five, not 25, but 50 miles.
Yes, you've read correctly, 50 miles in an event known as the "Vermont 50 Ultra-Run."
John "Sherpa" Lacroix is a 25-year-old freshman here at UNH. Since 2004, Lacroix has spent a countless amount of time, effort, sweat, blood and tears in becoming something that only one-tenth of ninety-nine percent of the U.S population can claim to be: an Ultra-Marathon Runner. In other words, a runner who has competed in an event that is longer than traditional marathon of 26 miles.
Described by Lacroix as, "More a competition against yourself than anyone else, it's a lot of hard work, a lot of kicking and scratching."
In training and in actual events, Lacroix has done everything from hallucinating to actually falling asleep while on his feet. Aid stations, which are stocked with plenty of medical staff and fluids for dealing with these symptoms, are usually scattered every five to 15 kilometers.
"It's all about maintaining homeostasis and balance, there is a real science to Ultra-Marathon running," said Lacroix
It's Lacroix's goal to pursue an education in exercise science as a student at UNH. He wants to further his knowledge of the breakdown and eventual rebuilding of the human body when running extended distances over a period of what is, in Lacroix's case for example, just under 24 hours in a 100-mile marathon.
Lacroix completed the Vermont Ultra-Marathon 100 in 23:19. This weekend will be Lacroix's fourth Ultra-Run of the year and 12th overall having.
"I'm finding it to be pretty hectic lately, going back and forth from class, labs, the library, getting homework done and keeping a part time job at EMS… the list goes on, and all that while trying to find the time to run during the day in preparation for this Ultra on Sunday," said Lacroix.
Through his activities, Lacroix has made efforts to raise money for the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Lacroix has raised money for the ADA is by selling copies of his hiking film "48," which is the first ever documentary film on hiking New Hampshire's 4,000 footers. A feat he pulled off himself before beginning his running career.
In addition to selling copies of "48," money Lacroix has raised money through a Hike-a-Thon, an indoor soccer tournament, and most recently running the Vermont 100. This past July $1,600 was raised and to date Lacroix has raised $17,429 for the ADA.
The Hike-a-Thon and indoor soccer tournament were organized by Team Sherpa --a team Lacroix founded in 2005 around the time of the premier of his hiking film. Team Sherpa consists mainly of family members, close friends and John's fiancée Sarah Chretien.
"My fiancée Sarah is a type-1 diabetic; she's the main inspiration for my choosing to donate all the money I earn from "48" and other endeavors to the American Diabetes Association," Lacroix said. "I prefer to help others through running. The two easiest words in the English language are I Can't, and I'm out here running these marathons to show that there is overwhelming proof that I CAN".
After hardly being able to run a mile without walking partway in the Fall of 2004, Lacroix has certainly come a long way in his journey both physically and personally. Running these Ultra-Marathons, completing a documentary film, giving the proceeds of all races and DVD sales to a worthwhile cause, all while maintaining both personal and professional relationships along the way and now attending school full-time is certainly a hectic lifestyle but, as John would tell you himself, it's more than worth it for what you get out of it.
Lacroix is far from slowing down in his quest to keep running and expanding the scope of his work experience. After finishing up in Vermont on Sunday, he'll be working as the co-race director in a snowshoe marathon in March. In April he will also be competing in the McNaughton Park 150 mile run in Perkin, IL. and, pending a successful lottery, the Western States 100 in Squaw Valley, CA in June.
Lacroix is also trying to recruit students for UNH Endurance. The organization was created in response to the complete lack of any other running organization or club at UNH and because of the overwhelming presence of what's known as the "lonely runner."
"I see all of these people running around campus, all over the place, at all sorts of different paces, most just running alone! Now that's no fun at all," said Lacroix.
For more information visit Lacroix's website: http://www.sherpajohn.blogspot.com
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