Guest Post By: Sam Hendricks, Mizuno USA Intern
Yesterday, I went on a 5 mile run and called it a day. I am by no means a marathoner, so that was an accomplishment in my books. Yesterday, Aprylle Gilbert ran about 30 miles-for the 77th day in a row. And yes, you read that correctly, the 77th day.
Aprylle Gilbert is a singer/songwriter from Long Beach, California and in many ways she is your typical mother of two. However, this summer she has impressed us all by giving a new name to the term “ultra-runner.” While we love that Gilbert chose to start her run in Wave Inspire 11’s, on her own accord, we love her story even more.
Gilbert is on a mission to complete all of Historic Route 6, which stretches from Long Beach, California to Provincetown, Massachusetts. The 4000 miles and 14 states she will be covering on this cross country run is only a small part of the story.
Although Gilbert notes that it is a personal goal to run across the United States, the real reason she is making the trek is for the children in need in her community. Gilbert is raising money for her charity, Coast to Coast Kids, and the donations received will go directly to Washington United Youth Center. The youth center lies in the city of San Jose, one of California’s highest crime neighborhoods, serving as an oasis for underprivileged children in the area. Gilbert recognizes the need to support and care for the kids in this area and hopes that the money raised will support the children in many different ways: from academics to athletics. Even after this cross country run, she has future plans to start a running club at the center as well.
Gilbert started her journey on May 11th, and after many long days, she finds herself 2255 miles out in Lincoln, Nebraska. While in Lincoln, she stopped by the local shoe store to get herself some more pairs to soften the road ahead. The shoe she picked: the Mizuno Wave Inspire 11.
Gilbert began her run in a pair of Inspire 11s and has been pleasantly surprised with their durability. “Even when they were on their last leg,” said Gilbert, “they have still provided so much comfort and support.” The feedback of the comfort and support of the Wave Inspire 11s (after running 2255 miles in only two pairs) is a testament to the high quality performance that a Mizuno Running Shoe has to offer. She plans to finish her journey with the Wave Inspire 11s under her feet. This is a shoe that will support your foot and provided luxurious comfort and stability for all types of runners- whether you are a short distance runner like myself, or a “Forrest-Gump-run- across-the-country” runner like Gilbert.
Aprylle Gilbert exemplifies the fact that Every Mile Changes You, and Mizuno Running wishes her all the best with both her run and Coast to Coast Kids.
If you would like to help support Apyrlle’s cause or follow her journey, please follow the link below.
https://www.crowdrise.com/coasttocoastforkids/fundraiser/apryllegilbert
Sam Hendricks was born and raised in Johns Creek, Georgia where he swam competitively for 7 years, as well as played tennis and golf in high school. He graduated in 2013 and started school at the University of Georgia where he is majoring in marketing and public relations and marketing with a certificate in sport media. After starting a triathlon career in college, he now has a much deeper appreciation for running. When he is not studying or working out, Sam loves being outdoors and spending time with his friends and family.