Chairman
paul@taji100.com

As a fourth generation US Army veteran I have deep ties to the military and a profound respect for all who have served their country. My great grandfather served in WWI, both grandfathers in WWII, father in Vietnam, and I was in Iraq.

Even as a veteran, I know that there are thousands upon thousands of honorable men and women who have given far more to this country than I can ever imagine. As an American, I feel it is my duty, at a minimum, to support them and show that their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed.

I was a competitor in the first Taji 100 back in 2010. Now that I returned to the civilian world, I want to continue that athletic motivation and camaraderie that I have grown so found of. Once home, I picked up the Taji 100 torch and ran with it. The first stateside Taji 100 in 2011 was a mere 12 people and miles were tracked with pen and paper. Since then, Taji 100 has grown to levels far beyond my dreams and continues to show even greater potential. In 2012, we had well over 100 runners/walkers complete thousands of miles! This year I am blessed to have some exceptional skilled and motivated team members working with me on this adventure. Together we have created the best Taji 100 by far.

We are very proud to be teamed up with Wounded Warrior Project! Together we can show our appreciation for their sacrifices and say, “Thank you, for giving so much for every one of us.”

I am a San Jose and Sunnyvale, CA native. Ever since high school, I have worked in professions that helped others. I started out as a life guard/ swim instructor, and migrated through positions such as an EMT, a combat medic in the military and I am now very proud to serve the public as a San Jose Police Officer.

Running is a relatively new love in my life, but it is a passion that will stay with me forever (knees willing). I have completed numerous 5Ks, 8Ks, 10Ks, and a hand full of Half Marathons. There was a time in my life where running a single mile would make me gasp for air and clutch my chest. Like most things in life, running is something that takes practice, patience, and motivation.

Even if you don’t join our event, I hope that you will consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project or another organization dedicated to supporting our veterans. They need our help. Every little bit helps.

Thank you in advance.

Lead from the front!
Lead by example!

Some of my favorite motivational quotes are:

“The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of those who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” - Albert Einstein.

“…A civilization is not destroyed by wicked people; it is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they be spineless.” - James Baldwin.

“No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch.” –Unknown author.

Public Relations
bertrand@taji100.com

I’ve always considered myself a fairly active person. But it wasn’t until the beginning of 2011 until I considered running. I recall the first time attempting to run a mile without stopping. I was so disappointed with my effort because I considered myself in good shape (not the case). At that point I realized a clear difference between cardio fitness vs gym resistance training health. My family history has a very high percentage of high blood pressure and diabetes. In fact my younger brother Bernardo had a kidney transplant in 2007 at the age of 35yrs old due in part to undiagnosed high blood pressure. He’s one of the core forces that keeps me motivated. The 2012 Taji 100 was an incredible experience for me. First to understand the story as told by Paul Fukuma who participated in the first event in Taji, Iraq. Just knowing all of the sacrifices our troops are making was a great source of inspiration. I appreciate all of the hard work Paul and his fiancée Wendy put organizing such a meaningful event in 2012! You can learn a lot about yourself attempting to complete 100 miles in 28 days (walk, hike, jog). It’s as much of a mental test as it is a physical test. Myself a son of a 24yr Army veteran, I took each step keeping in mind all of the sacrifices our military has made. I was fortunate to be able to log 300 miles in the 2012 Taji 100 Challenge. Having Wounded Warriors as our featured charity for the upcoming 2013 Taji 100 is fantastic we’ll raise awareness, funds and increase health/fitness levels in the process!

The first official running event I participated was the 2011 Oakland Marathon Team Relay which four people split up 26.2mi course. I recall how nervous and unsure I was that morning. All of my fellow team mates were accomplished runners and I didn’t want to let them down. I had been training for just over two months and never ran more than 3 miles. My leg of the relay race was just less than 7 miles with PLENTY of hills. It became very apparent to me that the running community is incredibly supportive and the camaraderie is off the charts! This event has great support as locals lined the streets rooting all of the race day participants on (I had never experienced that before). I fed off the energy of my fellow runners along with the wonderful crowd support which fueled my adrenaline that allowed me to complete my portion of the race at faster than I originally anticipated. At that point I know I was hooked and inspired me to push myself and involve family and friends in the process.

In 2011 I managed to participate in 31 events, completed my first half marathon and climbed Yosemite’s Half Dome with a group of good friends. In 2012 I squeezed in 38 events including Taji 100, 6 half marathons, two Tough Mudders (with group 6ppl and group of 15ppl) and completed my first marathon in July. There have been many individual satisfying moments, however, there’s nothing like completing a race/event when family and friends are participating. My brother Bernardo and I have shared some of our proudest moments as a kidney transplant recipient he completed his first 5K, 10K, half marathon and Tough Mudder (crossing the finish line together simply priceless). I get far more satisfaction by encouraging others to get more active and see them appreciate the health benefits by doing so (weight loss, reduced stress, more energy, meeting cool people in the process)!

I love the bay area and work in San Francisco as the General Manager of the King George Hotel a boutique property in Union Square. At the age of 43yrs old I feel healthy, confident and will continue to encourage others to embrace a healthier active lifestyle.

Favorite running quotes: 
   • "Talk about it or be about it."
   • "Take control of your health before your health takes control of you."

Strategy & Logistics
becky@taji100.com

Hello! My name is Becky Hernandez or better known as the "t-shirt lady" from last year's event. I'm back for more! I had a fantastic experience last year chasing those 100 miles and more importantly, meeting amazing people along the way. I was inspired by Paul Fukuma, our fearless leader, who organized this event on his own, with no expectations from participants except to complete their miles. I had a strong desire then and now to help make the Taji 100 challenge better than ever. This challenge will push you physically and mentally. Rest assured, we together are Taji 100. No one gets left behind. We are here to support and inspire each other, and to celebrate our successes! This year's event will also be about supporting The Wounded Warrior Project, enabling us to help thousands of injured warriors returning from the battlefield and help provide assistance to their families.

I'm a San Jose native - 408 all the way! Besides being the Taji 100 t-shirt lady, I'm an IT project manager by day and a group exercise instructor by night. My inspiration for healthy living and incorporating physical fitness in my life is personal. I've struggled with weight as a child and young adult but through walking, running, and group exercise, I've maintained a 60 lb weight loss for over 15 years. Just remember - Si se puede!

Favorite running quote because sometimes motivation comes from the most unexpected source: "I run for cheeseburgers."