Ten Questions with Addy - PJ Stone Challenge 3

The Port Jervis Stone Challenge 3 is coming. We threw 10 questions at BTSCF Coach and PJ Stone Challenge Co-Founder, Sean Addy.

Q: Elevator pitch me…what is the Stone Challenge?

A: The Stone Challenge is a test of strength and endurance in which you'll come to the mountain with a stone of your choice. Starting at the top of Point Peter, overlooking Port Jervis, you'll run down the mountain to retrieve your stone. Once acquired, you'll begin the difficult journey back to the top. The Stone Challenge isn’t meant to be easy. It’s meant to be conquered. 

THE CHALLENGE is 2.4 miles starting at the top of Point Peter. At the start, you'll have a 1.2 mile run down the mountain to your stone, then a 1.2 mile march back up the mountain while carrying your stone with nothing but your bare hands and the determination to be victorious.

Want a tougher challenge?  Then THE PROVOCATION is for you. This race is 4.5 miles through tougher trails, designed to test your true determination and grit. 

You can approach the race in whatever way you choose. It can be a challenge to friends and family and a race against all others. A personal challenge overcoming a task you never have done before or a fun event to enjoy the trails of Port Jervis.

Q: Two Stone Challenges are in the books, what’s been your favorite take away?

A: With two races down it’s hard to pic just one moment. Obviously watching people come together to challenge themselves but if I were to pick I would say it was seeing someone that has a physical limitation, fighting an illness or coming out of a weight loss journey use the race to throw up a middle finger to whatever they are dealing with and finishing the race as a new version of themselves.

Q: What are you most looking forward to the third time around?

A: For our third race our hopes are that it grows because one of the major reasons we do the race other than turning people in to badasses is that all the proceeds from the race go towards maintaining and growing our beautiful trail system. 

Q: What are three “weird” reasons someone should do the Stone Challenge?

A: It’s a good way to make your friends and family think you are even stranger than they already assume you are. Next, You get a new family member. You’ll find you will talk to your stone like it’s a child as you find it, dress it up excited to take it out for the first time but then realize it just wants to be carried everywhere when you are at your most tired . Good thing is you can throw this one! Finally, you’re not the only dummy doing this but you are part of a rare few that are! You should feel proud to say that!

Q: OK, how about three “normal” reasons to do the Stone Challenge?

A: Normal reasons? This isn’t normal. Just be a savage and get it done!

Q: What is the best and worst color to paint your stone?

A: The best is the brightest, shiniest, craziest color and design you can make it. It will be easy to find and you can win prizes for best stone! Worst color, camouflage. Come on…you’re in the woods. That’s self explanatory.

Q: If you drop your stone in the woods, does it make a sound?

A: The most immediate philosophical topic that the riddle introduces involves the existence of the Stone (and the sound it produces) outside of human perception. If no one is around to see, hear, touch or smell the stone, how could it be said to exist? What is it to say that it exists when such an existence is unknown? However, good news since you are the one that dropped it and it fits into all the parameters of existence then yes it does make a sound.

Q: Any tips for a first timer?

A: If it’s your first time doing the Stone Challenge test the waters and practice before the race. As with any race or feat of strength you need to be prepared. But it’s also good to do it with friends so you can all experience it together and motivate your group.

Q: When is the deadline to sign up?

A: The deadline to sign up for the race is November 13, 2021. You can register at the PJ Stone Challenge website and get all the info you need. You can also hit our link through Facebook and Instagram. All proceeds from the race go towards helping maintain the watershed trails of Port Jervis NY. (Author’s Note: HEY READER! Yes, You! Just click right here to sign up! Then come back here to keep reading.)

Q: Is there anything else people should know?

A: A few more things. There are three ways to win a medal at the Stone Challenge. During the race itself you can run it as fast as you can regardless of the weight of your stone and win our lightning medal. Then there’s the anvil medal for heaviest stone. You must finish the race! But if it’s listed as the heaviest stone you deserve the medal! And finally our overall winner. Weight x Speed. These are for the crazy few that have a point to prove. New this year we have a few tests of strength at our base camp so be sure to do those before or after the race to try and win some more. Don’t forget to decorate your stone to win best in show. And one final thing!!! All stones must be naturally shaped and real stone. No pro cut stone or concrete if you want to medal. A perfect shaped piece of granite or marble isn’t allowed this year. Have fun, challenge yourself and those around you to do great things. See you November 14th!

Burn the Ships CrossFit is a proud sponsor of The Port Jervis Stone Challenge. The Port Jervis Stone Challenge 3 will take place on November 14th. On race day, checkin will begin at 7:15am and end promptly at 8:30am. The race will begin at 9:00am.