There’s running to stay in shape, and then there’s the kind of running that 42-year-old Bal Joshi is about to attempt. “Seven full marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days,” Joshi said. “That’s what I’m training for.” It’s called the World Marathon Challenge. J oshi will start in Antarctica, then fly to Cape Town, South Africa, onto Perth, Australia, then over to Asia to run Dubai, followed by Madrid, Spain in Europe, Brazil for South America, and North America to run the last leg in Miami. If you’re wondering why, Joshi has the answer. “Why not,” Joshi asked. “We all are bound by our perceived limitation, and I wanted to see what my limitations are, what my body is capable of, what my mind is willing to take on.” Joshi says he’s also running to raise money and awareness for 7 charitable causes, one for each continent. He’s added a personal challenge to pay homage to his Nepalese heritage. “I’m gonna wear Nepali traditional attire,” Joshi said. “Which is the most uncomfortable thing you can do while you’re running!” Keep in mind the temperature in Antarctica is expected to be -20 degrees! “Everyone always asks me this question, do you run? Do you do the same thing as he does,” Joshi’s wife Sunaina Joshi said. “I always say there can only be one crazy person in one household!” “This is not an extraordinary thing, or insane thing that I’m doing. It is not,” Joshi said. “The way I see it is, it’s a gift.” Joshi didn’t even start running until four years ago, just to stay in shape and relieve stress. “But then it became a teacher for me. The running became a prayer for me,” Joshi said. “So mantra is, my race my pace, and that’s the message that I’m trying to share with the rest of the world is focus on your own pace while you’re doing your race, whether it is actual running, or running your life.” The World Marathon Challenge starts January 31st in Antarctica and ends February 6th in Miami. “Yes, you are going to get tired, you’re going to suffer,” Joshi said. “But trust me, the end is beautiful!” ...read more read less