"Could you carry a 50# log for 50k in a day at Stone Mountain Park?" Around. Up. Down. All Over. Repeat. I know, it's wild and crazy. But that's the challenge I set for myself, a year defining goal that was exciting and if we're being honest, a little scary. I didn't start out knowing what was or wasn't possible. On October 31, we'll find out!

While training, there have been lots of stares and two main questions: Why? A: Why not. And, How much? A: Enough. Those answers were focused on myself. But here's what happened, as my training progressed, two things changed.

First, 50k was no longer the finish line. Not that 50k wasn't challenging enough, but deep down I knew more was possible. If I was going the distance, I wanted to see how far I could go from gates open at 5am to closing time at Midnight. I didn't want to stop before I was truly finished.

Second, I was challenged to make this about more than myself. Thinking about how support from friends, family, and strangers could also benefit people in need. Refuge Coffee Co. came to mind. While I don't drink coffee, I love their mission of "worldwide welcome." Their support of refugees and immigrants in Clarkston and Atlanta is changing lives. From job training at coffee shops and catering, people go further working together than on their own. If my wild challenge could help tell new stories and serve the community, I'm all in.

Your donation is about more than success/failure but dedication/effort. It's also about more than coffee. I don't know how far I will go. But I can promise you I'll do my best. Just like my goal has grown this year, you're helping pay it forward so Refuge Coffee Co.'s goals can grow too. We're in this together. Thank you for being a part of the team.

Log Live Refuge Coffee Co.

BRENT BRANNEN

"The things that make me different are the things that make me, me."

A. A. Milne