Area resident plans to run almost 50 miles in four days for outreach centers
You never know what’s going to inspire you to do something significant. For Lakeview resident Brenda Moots, it was a matter of five to eight pounds.
It all stems from a decision Moots made to pursue better health back in March 2021. She joined Fearless Fitness in Indian Lake and, a year later, only had those last stubborn five to eight pounds to go.
Not one to give up, she decided to step it up by hitting the pavement. Since then, she’s pushed herself to keep running farther. Moots then used online race programs as motivation since her work schedule as owner of Indian Lake Outfitters and The Depot kept her weekends full.
“You pick the medals you like, the themes you think are fun or the causes you believe in and register online,” Moots explained. “Then you can run anywhere and whenever you want and submit your results.”
All of which led to her to sign up for her biggest and most difficult race yet — the Disney Dopey Challenge. Beginning Jan. 5 and lasting four days, this marathon weekend will require Moots to run a 5K on Thursday, a 10K on Friday, a half-marathon on Saturday, and a full marathon on Sunday, Jan. 8.
Even Moots will admit 48.6 miles in four days is a rather daunting endeavor … which is why she added an incentive.
“I’ve been on the Logan County outreach board for 13 to 14 years, so the outreach centers are dear to my heart,” she said. “To hold myself accountable, I decided to turn this into a fundraiser for the Chippewa and Russells Point centers.”
With that in mind, along with a goal of raising at least $2,800, Moots posted updates about her training on Facebook and asked people to pledge a dollar a mile. Every penny she raises —about $2,300 as of Thursday — will be given to the centers. The almost $700 she paid to register for the marathon was her own personal investment toward the fundraiser.
For even more motivation, Moots will run the full marathon on the old Lakeview elementary school track. At a half-mile long, she plans to circle the field 52 times, starting at 9 a.m. and going until 4 p.m. The community is invited to come out and cheer her on, make a donation, even join her on the track. Moots hopes to get a food truck out there for the event but hasn’t found one that can commit to it yet.
Drew Shick, director for both centers, has also promised to run a few miles with her on Sunday. In fact, they’ve dubbed the fundraiser Dollars for Drew since the money will go directly to the centers he runs. Shick and his team couldn’t be more grateful.
“This will allow us the flexibility in rewarding the kids by going on field trips throughout the year,” Shick said. “Trips like baseball games, museums, the Columbus Zoo and other adventures aren’t built into our budget, but many kids will be able to experience them due to her kindness.”
Overall, Moots feels good about completing the 48.6 miles, no matter how long it takes. “It’s a mental game,” she admitted, “and I’m excited to do it. People have been so supportive. I might not do it fast, but I want to get it done.”
Oh, and those stubborn five to eight pounds that led to this? “I still haven’t lost them,” Moots said, laughing. But in the long run — literally — that’s not what matters.
“At the end of the day we’re doing this for the outreach centers.”
To make a pledge, message Moots through her personal Facebook page or stop by one of Moots’ stores at 115 E. Lake St., Lakeview, and fill out a pledge sheet. All checks should be made payable to the Chippewa Outreach Center.
