I got an email yesterday from a guy that is trying to break the AT speed record. He was soliciting donations to help with his run. He said he is an ultra marathon runner, and he would need 20 pairs of shoes, tons of socks, a GPS watch and an MP3 player (among other things). He went on in his email to say he volunteers with some Cancer Society organization, ( but was not asking for the donations to go to that fund).

This sort of stuff really pisses me off. I wrote back that it seemed like he was trying for personal fame and glory and as such should pay for it himself. If he wanted a donation to go to the Cancer Society to please send a direct link and I would donate to them, but I would NOT donated to support him. Why if he is such a runner does he not already have a GPS watch and why does he need it for the AT? Why should we pay for his personal MP3 player - last I knew this was not a requirement for either running or the AT.

He said he was going to start some time in May.