It’s almost Earth Day, our favorite time of year, and we Nomadik Fanatiks are eager to pay homage to everything we love about this planet. Steve Shriver, Founder of Eco Lips, has something spectacular planned and Nomadik.com is the official sponsor for up-to-the-minute-updates.

On April 12 Steve will launch the first ever Organic Endurathon by running 10 full marathons in 10 days. What’s so special about running 260 miles? Aside from the fact that we’re supremely impressed anyone can actually do this, Steve will do it all organically. His clothing, food and general lifestyle are all organic and Steve is paving his own campaign trail to raise awareness. It’s not only possible, it’s downright easy to be good to the earth and good to your body at the same time.

And we Nomadik Fanatiks are cheering him on.

To start the countdown (only two weeks to go), I spoke with Steve about how he’s preparing, what he’s thinking and what he hopes he’ll find at the end of his journey. He’s recovering from a cold, but like a true athlete, he’s taking it all in stride. Here’s what he had to say:

Julia: Thanks for making time for me today, Steve – I know you’re insanely busy right now. Is the training as grueling as I imagine?

Steve: I’m mainly just logging a lot of miles right now – about four hours a day, and I feel like I’m getting stronger. My hope is I’ll feel better at the end than I did at the beginning. I woke up tired this morning, but there will always be days when you’re just dragging because you pushed yourself a little harder the day before.

Julia: That sounds more like mental training.

Steve: There’s a quote that says if you think you can’t, you’re probably right. I’m really getting in the mode of thinking that 260 miles isn’t that far to run, 26 miles a day isn’t that far.

Julia: During your training, have you had any injuries other than your cold?

Steve: That’s really the good news. A lot of people told me that my ankles would give out or my knees would blow out, but I haven’t had any issues. I’ve been taking in the right foods and resting every chance I get.

Julia: Will you do anything differently the week before the run?

Steve: I have this idea that I want to rest and take it easy. I envision myself just having some peace and quiet and mentally preparing, but it really depends how I feel and if I want to get in a couple of good runs. I’m treating it organically and letting it unfold how it will.

Julia: Now, the mother of all questions, how do you fit all this training with all your other responsibilities?

Steve: Well, actually I’m in the process of neglecting my business, but luckily I have some great people who run it very well for me. What’s trickier for me is that I have three young kids – 9, 7 and 3 year old.

Julia: So you just never sleep, right? What do your kids think of all this?

Steve: They think I’m a nut. They’ll be out on recess and I’ll run by their school – they love telling everyone that their dad is abnormal.

We’ll be chatting with Steve again later this week about how he hopes this endurathon will raise awareness about organic living. He’ll also share his philosophy on running marathons, running with his family and running a life that is full, robust and rewarding. Simply put, he’s our hero.

During his marathon, we’ll watch his progress, his challenges and his triumphs – sometimes up to the minute.

Julia Rosien,
Nomadik Editor