A 30-year-old native of New Milford is set to embark on a life-changing journey, aiming to run 860 miles across Alaska, starting on August 3.
After years of living what he describes as a comfortable but stagnant life, the inspiration struck him during a pivotal road trip to Alaska, where he encountered a South Korean cyclist who was on an adventurous trip from Dead Horse, Alaska, to the southern tip of Argentina.
This chance meeting ignited a passion in McLaughlin, compelling him to take action and push beyond his self-imposed limitations.
As he prepares for his grueling run, he plans to average 49 miles a day in honor of Alaska, the 49th state, with the ambitious goal of reaching Anchorage by August 20.
McLaughlin is determined to show others who feel ‘stuck in neutral’ that there’s a path to greatness, drawing from his own life experiences.
“I know because that was me,” he stated.
With the goal of inspiring others, McLaughlin said, “I want people to see how they can do great things. I started at zero, but I showed up every day.”
Currently employed by Tucker and Sons, a US Marine contractor, McLaughlin has saved diligently, picked up overtime, and even taken on a second job to finance his journey.
He has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to alleviate some financial pressure with a target of $18,000, but emphasizes that his run will happen regardless of whether he reaches that goal.
“This is happening no matter what,” he asserted with conviction.
McLaughlin’s adventure begins with a drive to Alaska on June 20, where he will meet his girlfriend Mae Yenter in Montana for the final leg of the journey to the northernmost point in the United States.
The preparation for the run has been no small feat, with McLaughlin enlisting the help of a friend named Tommy, who will drive ahead to ensure that provisions are set up for McLaughlin at different stops along the way.
To sustain his energy for the nearly two marathons he plans to run daily, he will require about 13,000 calories each day, and he anticipates that some toenails may succumb to the rigorous demands of his feet during the trek.
Despite his extensive preparation and endurance for long-distance running, McLaughlin has a surprising confession: he hates running, describing it as the “most uncomfortable thing” he could do.
However, he acknowledged that running provides him with a sense of ease in facing life’s other challenges.
His running journey began two years ago when he realized he was unhappy with his lifestyle, which included unhealthy eating habits and frequent nights out with friends.
He humorously recalled his first attempts at running, saying, “I made it maybe a quarter of a mile before I was done. If that, honestly.”
But even that brief distance allowed him to confront his problems, and since then, he has been on a transformative path.
Inspiration for this extraordinary expedition also comes from his girlfriend, Yenter, who recently scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, and she will be waiting for him at the finish line in Anchorage.
As he embarks on this ambitious journey, McLaughlin aspires to inspire others, declaring, “If I can do this, you can do anything. The potential is in you.”
For additional details regarding his GoFundMe campaign, individuals can visit the link provided.
image source from：https://dailyvoice.com/ct/new-milford/new-milford-man-who-hates-running-sets-out-to-conquer-alaska-on-foot-i-wont-back-down/
