A Real-life Amazing Race

How have you spent the past 50 days?

Take a moment to think about where you were on December 5th of last year. How did you spend the weeks leading up to the holidays? Where were you for Christmas? What did you do for New Years? How have the first few weeks of 2012 treated you?

While you and I have been going about our daily routines, one of my coworkers, Alex Mackenzie, has spent every day of the last seven weeks rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in a small boat.

Yes, you read that right. The Atlantic Ocean.

Alex and his team knew they would have to endure unpredictable weather conditions, cold nights, and 24-hour operations—long hours of rowing (punctuated by brief two-hour rest spells). Since leaving the coast of Africa, however, they’ve also had to contend with malfunctioning navigation equipment, broken water desalinators, and a shattered rudder.

Oh, and did I mention that most of the team members don’t have all their limbs?

That’s where the story gets interesting—and inspiring. The Row2Recovery team is made up of two able-bodied and four injured British servicemembers. Their goal isn’t just to reach Barbados, they’re leading by example to inspire injured soldiers and their families to achieve the extraordinary. They’re also out to raise £1 million for injured service personnel and their families.

Tune into their progress here or follow them on twitter. They’re just hours away from the shores of Barbados and the end of their epic journey. You can learn more about the campaign or contribute to the cause at their website: www.row2recovery.com

Your turn.

Row2Recovery was born in the mind of Alex and two of his Army buddies, one of whom lost his leg to an improvised bomb in Afghanistan. What vision is gnawing at your soul, trying to get out?

What’s your dream? Sign up for the Leap Challenge and make 2012 the year you turn your ambition into action.