Just a Reminder

https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

Happy New Year Y'all!!! I hope 2011 brings happiness in all its various forms! I'm still doin this stuff - running that is - and loving it! I am getting a sports massage for Christmas and am worried I may find myself addicted. This is a quick appeal to ask if you have any dollars or cents to spare, if you could donate a few to the YWCA of Kalamazoo, MI. Their work is meant to make the world a better place and I don't say that lightly. Thank you for your continued support! I'll write more once the holiday madness passes.

Best Wishes and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!




**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS!

https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

Social Action from the YWCA of Kalamazoo

Hey y'all! This comes from the YWCA of Kalamazoo, Michigan homepage and is a list of efforts one can take to help eliminate hate. While an enormous task and one that may seem overwhelming, remembering that consistent and persistent efforts that seek long-term change while acknowledging opportunity for short-term gains are what it's all about!! information from (http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=685943) accessed on December 14, 2010. "What can you do to fight hate and eliminate racism? Act - Do something, In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance - by the haters, the public and, worse, the victim. Decency must be exercised, too. If it isn't, hate invariably persists. Unite - Call a friend or co-worker. Organize a group of allies from churches, schools, clubs and other civic sources. Create a diverse coalition. Include children, police and the media. Gather ideas from everyone, and get everyone involved. Support the victims - Hate-crime victims are especially vulnerable, fearful and alone. Let them know you care. Surround them with people they feel comfortable with. If you're a victim, report every incident and ask for help. Do your home work - Determine if a hate group is involved, and research its symbols and agenda. Seek advice from anti-hate organizations. Accurate information can then be spread to the community. Create an alternative - Do NOT attend a hate rally. Find another outlet for anger and frustration and people's desire to do something. Hold a unity rally or parade. Find a news hook, like a "hate-free zone." Speak up - You, too, have First Amendment rights. Hate must be exposed and denounced. Buy an ad. Help news organizations achieve balance and depth. Do not debate hatemongers in conflict-driven talk shows. Lobby leaders - Persuade politicians, business and community leaders to take a stand against hate. Early action creates a positive reputation for the community, while unanswered hate will eventually be bad for business. Look long range - Create a "bias response" team. Hold annual events, such as a parade or culture fair, to celebrate your community's diversity and harmony. Build something the community needs. Create a web site. Teach tolerance - Bias is learned early, usually at home. But children from different cultures can be influenced by school programs and curricula. Sponsor an "I have a dream" contest. Target youth who may be tempted by skinheads or other hate groups. Dig Deeper - Look into issues that divide us: economic inequality, immigration, homosexuality. Work against  discimination in housing, employment, education. Look inside yourself for prejudices and stereotypes. Tolerance, the important step is to begin... (source: Ten Ways to Fight Hate, (c) 2000 The Southern Poverty Law Center)"

**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

"Look at that crazy running in the winter!"

Those are the EXACT words I used to say when passing dedicated Chicago runners in my car. When the winds here blow and the snow freezes into ice within minutes of being on the ground, every instinct in you says, "Stay inside, wrap up like a taco in a blanket and sit still to preserve the warmth". Then there's those who invest in gear that makes them look ready to rob a bank, strap on their shoe spikes, and hit the pavement.

I consider myself somewhere in the middle. Like the adults in my life always say, "Everything in moderation". While I NEED a good outdoor run like I need a square of dark chocolate every night, I also need my earlobes and nose cartiledge. So I occassionaly dress up in full outdoor gear and brave the cold. I recommend to anyone interested in running through the winters the following essential accessories in addition to the usual pants, jackets, hats and gloves: a face mask like this one

And a reflective running vest. I'm struggling to upload the picture of me wearing one, but it's on my facebook if you're truly curious. Basically, you look like a running construction worker. It works like magic however, and makes drivers look (I wouldn't assume anyone would look for runners on a 20degree day so I make myself REALLY bright!).

I'm hoping to get a few good outood runs in while I'm home in MI for the holidays. The open fields and tree-lined roads make me remember why I started running in the first place; because being outdoors, moving your body and enjoying the fresh air is basic and almost instinctual.

I hope you all are having happy winter workouts and if you're choosing to stay bundled up inside...well...I'm jealous :)

Happy Holiday Season! And thank you again to anyone and everyone who's donated thus far!

**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

For the Consumerist Runner

 I admit, I LOVE  to buy new running gear. Something about a new pair of shoes (most running stores have a donation program, so bring in your old sneaks and feel less guilty) , a new pair of shorts or for this season, tights, and one of those goofy over-the-head face protectors, that really makes you wanna get out there and hit the road. While I enjoy other clothing just as much and have fun shopping for other girly things, nothing beats new running gear. Call it justification of effort, call it a bang for my buck, but it gets me off the couch and outta my pajamas.

Here are some of my favorite sites for saving $$ and getting good gear:

Kelly's Running Warehouse

www.nationalrunningcenter.com

Check em' out and keep rockin'!!! A million thanks to all of you who have checked out my blog, are following it, and/or have made donations!


**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS! https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

Very Funny Marathon Finish

**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS!https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF

The Start of the Finish

Hello Friends and Family!

I am committing myself to training for the first ever Kalamazoo Marathon. The event takes place on Sunday, May 8th, 2011. Am I scared? Hell yes! Am I excited? Well...that too of course!

I started this blog not only in an attempt to increase my fundraising efforts (did I mention I'm doing that whole asking you for money thing? I'll get to that in a moment) but I am starting it to hopefully build a space where all of us can communicate about our efforts to stay "fit", healthy and happy. Running is largely a solitary activity, and I hope to avoid posts where the subject is me and the theme my aches, pains, and overwhelming sense of defeat and/or motivation. In an effort to stay meta-aware, I am fundraising for the local chapter of the YWCA. You can read more about them here: http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.aspc=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=420737

I volunteered here as a rape crisis advocate, staying with victims of sexual assualt and abuse while they received medical exams and offering whatever support I could. These experiences had a profound, and surprisingly positive, influence on my life goals and world view. I hate injustice and I hate violence. So, as I keep running (because no matter how bad things seem, I hope to always have my running) I figured I'd increase my motivation and spread awareness about this issue through fundraising.

The link to offer support is below. In the "notes" section, simply write "Laura's Marathon" and they will keep track of how much I've raised.

Your support, in any fashion, means the world. Whether you give me advice on running, advice on life, share information or provide monetary support, I am happy to know you and happy you visited my blog. Thank you with all my heart!

https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF


**Donate here and write "Laura's Marathon" in the "notes" section. AND THANKS!
https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=bpLJJTOvHmE&b=5282383&en=6eIFILOkH4JAITOzF8JAISMzGlKVLYNyEdKDISPzGfIIIQNxHsF