“The wings of transformation are born of patience and struggle.”
-Janet S. Dickens
The Monarch Ultra: Synchronize the Butterflies.
UltraRunners across North America bringing awareness to the plight of the Monarch Butterfly.
Are you an UltraRunner with big dreams? Have you wanted to participate in an opportunity of a lifetime, but you haven’t exactly known what that could be? Are you yearning to make a difference, Has your running life meant something more?
Well, we have an opportunity to do just that. And it’s called The Monarch Ultra. A 4300K route (2,670 miles), expected to take ~47 days to run from Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, through the United States and into Michoacan, Central Mexico, with ultra runners traveling the route of migration of the monarch butterfly. All to raise awareness of the plight, the flight, of the butterfly, and an increased need to help them survive.
This is about Heart. Compassion. Awareness. Pollination of the butterflies. The strength and resiliency of both butterflies and humans and the planet as a whole.
I have been in contact with both Clay Williams, the director, who also has mapped the entire path through North America, as well as Carlotta James, who initiated the plan and found a way to put it into action. Also, leading the pack is Rodney Fuentes, who will document the entire adventure.
Running long distances since junior high, I have found running to be a time of retreat from the world, a way to sort out problems, receive higher-level solutions to those problems, and access a deeper well of inner strength and fortitude to endure many life’s curveballs and breakdowns. Simply put, a way to survive. A way to synchronize the butterflies. A way to transform.
Additionally, as I run, I gain access to a cavern of love in the deepest recesses of my heart where that still, small voice speaks to me. Over time I began to hear “Micah, save the butterflies”. Not knowing what this meant, I held onto that truth and continued to ask for guidance and clarity. And then the butterflies began to come, to my home, inside my car, surrounding me as I ran through the forest, the trails. Most recently they ran with me during a 50K adventure in Norfolk, Arkansas, and the Ozark Highlands Trail.
A few years ago, living in San Francisco, a Sufi man approached me. We spoke for a while and enjoyed lunch of beautiful Indian food in the Marina District. He said to me, “I see you on a stage, dressed in beautiful colors. You will save the butterflies!”. Again, not knowing what this meant or how it would pan out, I kept asking God to reveal more to me and lead me.
And just a few days ago, I was given a gift, wrapped in orange and black. After reading about The Monarch Ultra in Arkansas Ultra Runners Association (AURA) newsletter, I was compelled to write to the race director, Clay, and share my story, never imagining I would be able to run to help the butterflies!
In November, I will be running an 80K path in Central Mexico, doing my small part to bring awareness to the Monarch Butterfly through UltraRunning. And I am over the moon! If you have questions about this project, feel free to contact me or your local ultra-running organization. Also, check out The Monarch Ultra on social media.
https://www.facebook.com/MonarchUltra/
https://www.instagram.com/the_monarch_ultra/
https://twitter.com/monarch_ultra
Even if you’re not an ultrarunner, I’m sure all cheerleaders and volunteers will be so appreciated. And if you live near the route, come check it out! I have to ask: Were you alive on Sunday, May 25, 1986? The day all of America held hands to fight homelessness and hunger during Hands Across America? I feel this is a modern-day version of that! But this time, the Monarch Butterfly is at center stage.
And the way I see it, we humans also have wings. Maybe the monarch will remind us of this and help us all remember how to fly. Whatever you dream of becoming, go for it today! And if you’re ready to transform radically, check out The Ultimate Transformation under the Programs above. I’m here to serve and lead you to reach your highest human potential!
#LetsGoTogether #the_monarch_ultra #YouGotThis #the_bohemian_athlete
So much love and gratitude,
Micah
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