Going the Distance!: December 2010

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

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...

**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

Monday, December 6, 2010

"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!