Desert Dash 2011 - rain

I was planning on running the Desert Dash 5K in Parker, AZ. We drove out to Parker to meet up with some friends, but on Saturday morning we woke up to pouring rain. So I opted out of running. The run is in the desert in dirt and all uphill, there was no way I was going to be able to run that. I am just not that hard core. I am bummed because I was looking forward to it, but I was not willing to run in pouring rain. A little drizzle and running on asphalt or cement, no problem but I was not looking to do a mud run.

A Walk for MS

One of my oldest and dearest friends, John Juniper, was recently diagnose with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an unpredictable neurological disease that could prevent him from walking someday. He has chosen to start an Interferon therapy that should slow the disease progression, but to date there is no cure for MS.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to moving us closer toward a world free of MS, but they can't do it without our help. I will be participating in Walk MS 2011 in Rancho Cucamonga on April 9, 2011. I am joining The J Crew for John and will walk with them to support this important cause.

Please help by making a donation to support my fundraising efforts. Money raised will support education, advocacy, research, and local programs that enhance the quality of life for people with MS and their families. Click here to visit my personal web page to make a secure, online donation. If you prefer, you can mail a check to the National MS Society, Walk MS, 2440 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 115, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Please be sure to put my name and our team name, The J Crew, in the memo portion of the check so it will be credited to my fundraising efforts.

Join me at the walk! Walk MS is our rallying point, a time and a place for our communities to come together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to moving us toward a world free of MS. They fund research into effective MS therapies and also help people with MS to live powerful, meaningful lives. I believe in the work they do.

Any amount, great or small, helps to make a difference in the lives of people with MS. We appreciate your support and look forward to keeping you updated as the event draws nearer.

Ran fo the Red!

I completed my 10K yesterday. My legs are a little sore today. I ran the 10K in 1:12 and I feel really good about that time. My goal was to do it in under 1:20 and I was hoping for 1:15, so I made it well within my goal. It is the first 10K I have done since Baby Bear was born and the last one I did was 4 days after finding out I was pregnant and I did that in 1:11. So I didn't do too bad.

It was a great run through the Claremont Colleges. Fortunately, I know the terrain well. No crazy hills, just a nice scenic run through the colleges. It was the first annual Run for the Red and for the first time putting on the event, it was organized very nicely and had a nice turn out. I think I will do this one again. It is close to home and it is at work. I run this area every week, so no real surprises. Just a fun run.

A few friends ran as well and did really well. For my friend, Aileen, it was her first 10K and she did a wonderful job. We had been training on the weekends and she does better and better every week as we add distance. I am very proud of her! What an accomplishment.

Despite being a little sore (I didn't really stretch after the run, which was a mistake), I feel great. It was nice to have Baby Bear and Papa Bear at the finish line cheering me on. I am ready for the next one!