14 Miles Is a Breeze....With No Humidity

This weekend I ran 14 miles. The conditions were perfect. It was about 70 degrees, sunny, breezy and no humidity. I realized that the only good thing about running my other long runs in such humid, sticky and hot conditions is that when the weather is great for running, my long runs are enjoyable and so much easier. Its like a lot of things in life, the challenges make us strong and help us appreciate and enjoy when things are easier. I can tell that I am building endurance and all of the support I am receiving is keeping me going. Keep sending me your thoughts and love as I continue on, it makes a difference. I was staying with my parents this weekend, visiting with my niece and nephews so I ran through lower huron and willow metro park on the bike path. It was very scenic running along the river, through the woods and along the bike path. My birthday is tomorrow and the best gift you could give me would be to support this cause and continue to spread the word about AHC. Happy Sunday!!

Fun & Flying For a Great Cause!!

I will be teaching three 1.5 hour anti-gravity yoga workshops at the Grosse Pointe yoga shelter. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to the AHC foundation. In these workshops, each student will have their own silk hammock to help support them with backbending, inversions, hip openers and core strength poses. This is a perfect compliment to running or just a busy, active lifestyle. We will play, face fears, build strength, relax and get the opportunity to reflect. This is appropriate for all levels. Its a lovely yoga practice because the hammock works as an extra tool to deepen the poses. Check out yogashelter.com and click on the Upcoming Events button on the left hand side for more info and to sign up. Spaces are limited!! If you aren't in the area, show your support by donating directly to the AHC foundation.

13 Miler This Saturday!!

This Saturday I'm running 13 miles, almost half way! I've been running my long runs on Paint Creek trail in Rochester. I'm including a photo for your viewing pleasure. This trail goes from Rochester to Lake Orion. The surface is crushed limestone. Its scenic, shady and its saving my knees. I do get really jealous though of the bikers and horse riders as they leisurely cruise by. One day a biker stopped to inform me that I was running at a speed of 7 mph. (It was so humid that day:) I am really enjoying this challenge and because its supporting a bigger cause, its so worth it. Thanks for the continued support from everyone! Please send me some energy and patience on Saturday. Have a great day!

The 2nd Marathon For Del...in Chicago!

Anna did a fabulous job with this blog and with her marathon. Now, its my turn. On Sunday, October 10th I will be running in the Chicago Marathon. This will be my second marathon. After my first marathon, honestly I never thought I would run another one. I realized, however, that something was missing from the experience because I wasn't doing it for something greater than my small self. Running through the aches, pains and humidity can't just be about me. There is a very important intention behind this event and it will help make my struggles and discomforts minimal. The only way I know I will be able to make it through the training and the marathon this time is because I am doing it to raise money and awareness for a very important cause, Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood (AHC).

Briefly, AHC is a rare neurological disorder in which repeated, transient attacks of hemiplegia occur, affecting one side of the body or the other, or both sides of the body. The hemiplegia (paralysis of a portion of the body) ranges from simple numbness in an extremity to full loss of feeling and movement. The attacks may last for minutes, hours or even days and are normally relieved by sleep. The attacks of hemiplegia may alternate from one side of the body to another. This cause so desperately need our support because this is such a rare disease, the foundation has limited funds and knowledge about this disease is limited. More funds will lead to more knowledge and hopefully more peace for the families, the friends and the children affected with AHC.

One of my nearest and dearest friends Katrina and her husband Ben, have the sweetest daughter named Del. Del has AHC. Ben and Katrina are wonderful and giving people. Katrina is the most amazing friend, mother, teacher and woman that I truly look up to. I know that Del is going to grow up to be a lot like her. Support me, Del, this cause and all others impacted by AHC by donating and I will keep racking up the miles.

To donate, just use the paypal button on the right and I will make sure all of the funds go to the AHC foundation. If you would rather mail me a check I will give you my address.

Please be sure to also check out Gara's (Katrina's sister) blog, runningfordel.com. She is running 1000 miles for Del. What an inspiring family:)