You might know Peyton from his popular post a couple of years ago, "The 10 Rules of Running... from a 9-year old." He's only in fifth grade, but he's already thinking about how he can help make the world a better place. He has decided to run a half marathon, a full 13.1 miles, to help raise funds and awareness for wolf conservation. Peyton says, "I feel happy and free when I run. I want the wolves to feel the same way."
Wolf Conservation
The wolf population in the Northeastern United States has been in steady decline for many years. The last wolf seen in Peyton's home state of New Hampshire, was back in 1895. Wolves were largely eradicated in the 1800's to curb the loss of sheep and free range livestock. However, recent studies show that wolves plays a vital role in the health and proper functioning of ecosystems. Today, the wolf is making a successful comeback in some of its former habitat due to strong conservation efforts.
The Training Plan
Peyton's goal is to finish the half marathon with a smile on his face. Right now, he's running a few miles 4 or 5 times each week. By the time August rolls around he'll start adding some progressively longer runs each weekend to build up his endurance. He's hoping to run like a wolf tracking its prey over long distances: calm, easy, and patient until the end.
Peyton Saltmarsh, a fifth grader from New Hampshire, is running the Newburyport Half Marathon in Massachusetts, this October to raise funding and awareness for the wolves. Please pay it forward by sharing his message with others and by supporting his efforts to save the wolves.
Go, Wolfman! Visit SaltmarshRunning to follow his adventure.