About

Do more than exist – live.
Do more than touch – feel.
Do more than look – observe.
Do more than read – absorb.
Do more than hear – listen.
Do more than listen – understand.
Do more than think – ponder.
Do more than talk – say something.

John Rhoades

Monumental Effort serves as a forum where people from all walks of life can share their inspiring stories of determination and perseverance.

The tagline is borrowed from the John Rhoades poem which invites people to « Do more than exist – live ». Monumental Effort challenges you to « Do more than live ». Go above and beyond. Challenge your limits. Push farther than you have ever pushed before.

Who are you guys?

Monumental Effort is a cooperative effort of Vince Charbonneau and Bill Traynor, two old friends who happen to share a wonder for the amazing strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Vince:
Having successfully completed a handful of ½ marathons, a friend introduced me to the world of ultra-marathons in 2000.  I was inspired and motivated by the feats (and feet!!) of these runners and I was immediately hooked!  In May 2000, I entered the Sulphur Springs 50K race in Dundas, Ontario and completed my first ever race beyond the 30K mark.  Less than a decade later, and countless miles on the trails and roads, I have since completed over 50 ultras and a handful of marathons.  I am proud of the accomplishment and I am now taking aim on # 100. A member of the 50 States Marathon Club and The Burlington Runners Club I have completed races in 2 different Canadian provinces along with 15 U.S. States.

When not running, I love to read!  Whether it is a compelling novel, a revealing autobiography, a social commentary, a controversial non-fiction or even the occasional self-help manual, there are always several books cluttering my night table at any given time.  When it comes to literature – or video for that matter – on running, I am a self-proclaimed JUNKY.  Evidence of this is my subscription to FIVE different running magazines, and two run club newsletters.  So as you can imagine, over the years a good number of books about my favorite pastime have found a place on the bookshelves in my house.

In my professional life, I am a teacher, guidance counselor and assistant basketball coach at a French High School in Hamilton, Ontario.

Bill:

For years I’ve watched Vince run 1/2 marathons, marathons and ultramarathons and listened to his stories about hallucinating at mile 90 at 5:00 in the morning in the middle of a strange forest somewhere and I’ve been in awe. I’ve always been fascinated by stories of everyday people accomplishing amazing feats, overcoming staggering odds, physical limitations or simply personal limits, to persevere and complete, survive or create that which seemed impossible. And I’ve always wondered if I had it in me. Well, with Vince’s encouragement and inspiration I decided to put one foot in front of the other and start running again.

As I write this bio (November 2009) I’ve been a born again runner for approximately 5 months. In that time I’ve completed a 10K and a 25K trail run. I’ve registered for a 30K road race in March and a Marathon in April. In order to continue, I need this site. I need to know that regular people can row across the Atlantic Ocean, can pull their handicapped children through marathons and Ironmans, and that faced with certain death can cut their own arm off to gain freedom. I need your stories!

In my professional life I’m a programmer and technical writer.

Gotta run,

Vince & Bill