James Cochran, a senior at UNA, has completed 953 of the 1,000 miles he plans to run in order to raise money to benefit students of the UNA Honors Program.

1,000 Miles Away is the project Cochran started to fund special scholarships for students entering the program, although the project’s goals and purposes have evolved, he said.

“I originally had a very humble goal of $1,200,” he said. “So far, the projections for final donations are topping just over $3,100. This includes flat donations and also individuals who have pledged a fixed amount per every mile I have run.”

He said the funds raised will be given to meet needs that have arisen within the Honors Program and will be overseen by Vince Brewton, director of the Honors Program. The process of raising funds has also changed, Cochran said.

“I originally had a fundraising campaign focusing on formal means of communication: newsletters, email campaigns, etc.,” he said. “Then I realized that a grassroots city such as Florence would be much more receptive to a college student willing to shake some hands and physically interact with the community. That’s how we have topped the $3,000 mark.”

In addition to the physical struggle of high-volume, long-distance running, keeping up with support efforts was also a challenge, he said.

“I began a blog to detail some of the lessons I have learned through the grit and grind of long-distance running, and I have also sent out email updates to donors and people who have offered prayer support,” he said. “The running hasn’t been too harsh on my body. I’ve lost some muscle mass in my upper body, as to be expected when not properly balancing cardio with weight training, but my quads are pretty jacked now.”

Cochran cites Adam Goodman, an admissions counselor and adviser of LaGrange Society at UNA, as being his biggest mentor on the project.

“1,000 Miles Away is definitely one of the most impressive projects I have known an undergraduate student to undertake,” Goodman said. “I have a great interest in the project and have tried to encourage James as much as possible. Running 1,000 miles in seven months is an impressive feat in and of itself, but the way James has used it to simultaneously raise funds for a UNA scholarship and conduct relevant research is incredible.”

Goodman said he has participated in projects similar to 1,000 Miles Away in the past and finds them fulfilling

“At the same time, they require a great deal of sacrifice; there are many tough days of simply putting in the miles in the face of business and fatigue,” Goodman said. “Staying on task requires a relentless internal drive and a clear vision of the reason why it is worth it all. In the midst of a busy senior year, James has displayed incredible dedication to the project and has not wavered in his consistency.”

Cochran said remaining consistent has been a serious struggle for him during his senior year.

“As a graduating senior, I found myself despairing at missing soon-to-end opportunities with friends and family when a workout was scheduled instead,” he said. “There were also times when I questioned if I was really making a difference. Fortunately, my faith, friends and family were by my side and helped me out in those dark times.”

He said knowing that the purpose of the project is to support others and not himself has been the biggest motivator.

“The trial, hardship and inconvenience it imposed on me forced me to hate it at times, but every step of the way taught me a lesson,” he said. “I learned that, similar to long-distance running, lifelong service is something you must first build a foundation for. I realize now that’s the ultimate goal of service: to better the life of your fellow man, even if that means submitting yourself to tremendous sacrifice and hardship.”