Oops I did it again...

Today was long run day.  It's Florida and it's hot - 75 at 5:30 am to be exact.  I've got my camelback filled with water, fuel, and my trusty head lamp.  16 miles to do and hopefully do them as quickly as possible to beat the heat.  Ha!!  No such thing.  It's hot.  I keep telling myself, "It's okay.  Train in the heat, race in the cold."   Remind me I said that in August.  In any event, my next two marathons will be cold - Montreal and then New York in November.

Speaking of New York.  I'm running the New York Marathon under the fundraising umbrella of Team World Vision.  I have a goal of $5000.00 to raise.  This money will be going towards child protection in Africa and thus far I have raised $810.00.  

Fundraising isn't my thing.  So, why did I sign up for it?

I signed up to fundraise for these beautiful faces.  Read their stories here.   See the woman in the bottom picture?  She's gathering drinking water for her children (photo credit Scott Stauffacher).  Where did you get your water today?

So the oops.  I ran pretty slow and was drenched with sweat, including my socks.  I swung up my left foot to the countertop to check my toenails when I felt a sharp pain in my left 2nd toe as it clenched.  You remember I broke that toe over a year ago. Orthopedist told me it could take a year or more to completely heal.  Great... That hurt so bad!!  Praying it doesn't hinder my running.  If I'm in pain next run, Monday, I will remember these faces and remind myself that I have such a blessed life.  A little broken toe is nothing compared to the living conditions and the dangers these precious children, God's children, face every day.

Next time you are hot, sweaty, in a little pain (or a lot), remember these children.  Make a difference in their life by donating.  As little as $50 can provide water for one child for their lifetime.

Thank you for your support.

http://goo.gl/oB6jyL

DO WHAT YOU CAN, NOT WHAT YOU CAN'T

None of you should be looking out for your own interests, but for the interests of others.
(1 Corinthians 10:24)

The road to NY, hit a pothole

Question:  How do you jump back into marathon training after a week of the flu?
Answer:  You don't.

I don't care how healthy you are, how tough you are, how physically fit you are, the flu knocks your body to the ground and does a double body slam.  Then it crushes your lungs and takes your physical abilities way, way back to the day you first started the quest for that elusive thing called "The Marathon".  

I've had the flu twice now. The first time I was in my early 20's.  Wasn't a runner then, wasn't even very physically active except of the occasional trip to the gym.  After all, I was in my 20s.  Had the flu for a week, took two weeks to feel "back to normal."  

This go round, the flu itself wasn't that bad.  It couldn't be.  I didn't have time to be sick because my poor husband REALLY had the flu and I needed to be well to take care of him.  My last good run was on a Friday, 14 miles.  Started running a fever on Saturday.  Today, it's Friday and I've only managed a few miles on the treadmill in a week's time.  My lungs are shot, still coughing.  My congestion is gone and my energy level is returning, however, I'm not 'bouncing' back.  

It's going to take time and I don't like that!!  I've done everything right - nutrition, hydration, sleep. Obviously, I should have been able to run at least ten miles today, right?  Right?

WRONG.   

Yes, it's frustrating, however, I know..I KNOW... it's going to take at least another week for my lungs to be back to 'normal'.  I won't give up, it's not in my vocabulary.  Therefore, the answer is, you do not jump back into marathon training, it's simply one day at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time.  

After all...  I AM A MARATHONER!!!  

And.  I have goals!  
1) Climb Machu Pichu
2) RocknRoll marathon Montreal
3) TCS New York Marathon
4) breathe normally
5) Celebrate Easter  -  This list is actually backwards somewhat but that's okay.  

Support World Vision

Building a better world for children

Help me reach the goal

Fundraisers the Fun Way

I don't know about you, but I love to give stuff away.  I've given so much "stuff" away, I'd probably be rich if I had sold it all.  Alas, I don't really care about being rich.  Giving makes me happy.  Giving breathes life into my veins.  Giving is a gift that God has given me and I intend to use that gift to the fullest!!   

Every Friday, I post a code for a book or two on Smashwords that anyone can get for free.

I give away my time and talents (what little I posses) to my church, Matthew's Hope, and anywhere that will take me.

I'm not bragging, I'm imploring you to use me, take what I give and use it for good.  

Early this year, I joined Origami Owl.  Not to make a ton of money or become a business mogle in the direct sales industry.  I joined to meet people and to give back via fundraisers.  Several charities and friends in need have benefitted from these fundraisers and I would love to continue in this endeavor.

Do you have a charity that needs money?   Do you have a child in school?  Do you have a favorite cause you would like to raise money for?   

Are you tired of the boring fundraisers - candles, cookies, discount cards, calendars - stuff you really never need or use?    

Origami Owl is an amazing company, started by a 14-year-old girl who wanted to earn money to buy a car.   Their mission statement is:

"Our mission is to be a force for good; to love, inspire, and motivate people of all ages to reach their dreams and empower them to make a difference in the lives of others."

I like that.

How can I help you?

marathonmom.origamiowl.com

Feel free to download this poster from here, my Facebook site, or my Pinterest page.  

Matthew's Hope Fundraiser

UPDATE (2/26)

The Matthew's Hope fundraiser is winding down.   Only THREE days left to shop forward. You don't want to miss out on this opportunity.

Starting Saturday March 1st the Accept Pregnancy Center will be the beneficiary of Origami Owl sales.  Stay tuned for links to shop. This will be an online fundraiser, however, I am more than happy to have an in-home event as well so you can see the new spring line, which comes out March 8th.

If you haven't visited Matthew's Hope in person, or their web site, I strongly encourage you to do so.  Scott Billue and his team of dedicated volunteers are making a tremendous impact in the lives of the homeless, the poor, those struggling to meet the basic necessities of life -food, water, shelter, love.

Shower Trailer

Farmer's market

Guest-run garden

Transitional housing

Showers for the homeless, a garden to grow their own food, transitional housing.  These are but a few of the services provided.  Everything,  and I mean EVERYTHING is done with donations from the community - cash, supplies, physical labor, food, clothing, technical and office support.

I have been blessed to be a part, a very small part, of Matthew's Hope from the beginning a little over three years ago.   Read all about it on their web site and their 'Moving Forward' magazine.  I know all the work they do first hand, I know how much money it takes to do the services, and I know it is used properly.

It is my heart's desire to help as much as I can by working directly with Matthew's Hope in any way I can and by spreading the word.  Homelessness isn't what it used to be.  It isn't always what is preconceived.  My heart breaks when I see a young mother with her children come through the doors, homeless because her husband abandoned her and she lost her job because she cannot afford child care or the man who asks for help because his house burned down and he has nowhere to go, the veteran who has been lost to the system.  The stories are as endless as they are diverse.  (you can read some of them in this blog:  the homeless interviews)

I would give every penny if I could.  However, if I did then I would be homeless.

God has given me an amazing opportunity to give back.  Origami Owl custom jewelry.  It is a new business for me and I plan on using it as a platform for giving.

Now through the month of February I will be donating the proceeds of my MH online party to Matthew's Hope.   Shopping for a cause.  Tell your story through your locket while giving money to buy a new pair of shoes, a blanket, or a meal for someone in need.

Caring for the Homeless Men,
Women and Children of
West Orange County

Matthew 25:35-40 NIV

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Read about Matthew's Hope, pray about where you can be a force for good.  Then, click here and shop away, knowing that  with every purchase you are helping a man, woman, child, family in need.  In March, I will post the amount donated and a picture of me handing over the check so you can see for yourself what YOU have contributed to.  

"Matthew’s Hope fosters the physical,
emotional, and spiritual well-being
of the homeless men, women, and children
of our West Orange community by meeting
basic needs, developing skills,
and restoring dignity and independence."

Living lockets

dangles

love locket with crystals

believe