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Climbers and streakers

My feet will never touch Mt. Everest soil despite my fascination with the mountain.

Though I have read at least 10 books on the famous mountain, I have no interest in trying to reach its summit.

But I am fascinated by people who take risks, people who push their bodies to the absolute limit.

Climbers. Marathon runners. Cliff divers. Sailors who navigate the globe. Kayakers taking on a remote river.

In this vein, I introduce you to Jim Rhoades, a Lowell man I'm doing a story on for the Lowell Sun. The 52-year-old is a cheerful, affable man who many believe is crazy.

After all, Rhoades has run at least 3.1 miles (a 5K) every day since Thanksgiving 2007. Every day. Snow storms, ice storms, illness, downpours - it doesn't matter, Rhoades is determined to run.

He's had injuries. He's faced the worst Mother Nature can throw at us. Through it all, Rhoades laces up his sneakers and adds to his streak.

He's recently upped the ante. He runs at least a half marathon (13.1 miles) every day. As of Tuesday, he had run at least that far every day this year except for 15 days. A half marathon every day? I'm a runner and I've done my share of half marathons, but every day? That's unreal.

When he sets a goal, he tries to attain it. It's an admirable quality.

May his streak grow. May risk takers continue to push the envelope. I'll be cheering ... from the sideline.




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