Running for a Mom I Don't Know Half Way Across the World

In a little while, somewhere in Ethiopia, a mother, just like me, will receive a gift. She's a hard worker, she's ambitious, she's got an idea, she's going for it. She's starting a business so that she can provide for her family. It will be simple to start with, but it will be a beginning. She will have a little bit of support from an agency in her community, but the key to turning her idea into a paycheck will be in recieving a small business loan from a bunch of Canadians who are cheering her on from the other side of the world.

Check out this awesome organization... I think it's such a great idea on so many fronts! Today my friends Patti, Stephanie & I were part of a 100km relay run from Westbank to Enderby, raising money for this awesome cause. It's the third year for this event and I believe that last year they raised $35,000. The first year, there were only two runners, one of whom was Stephanie, and they both ran the WHOLE 100km in one day!! Patti & I took on 5KM, got to ride in the RV for a leg before ours, and met some really great people along the way. Next year we will definately do this again! And I will be asking for your money:-) 100% of it goes to the women.

Take a minute to follow the link on the right and check out the PARTNERS IN THE HORN OF AFRICA website. Imagine what it would mean for a woman/mom, just like you, in a situation very unlike yours, to be given the opportunity to provide for her family and start her own business, with the help of some enthusiastic strangers across the globe!

What One Should Not Do: Part 1

re: running 10K races.

When one is preparing herself for a 10K race, One should not neglect such a fact the day before said race.

The day before said race, one should not indulge in 2 cinnamon buns, 1 piece of banana bread and a brownie, plus several chai teas and pink m&m's.

Most importantly, one should not drink zero water in preparation.

The consequences of such thoughtlessness and neglect are endless, and most tragically will include slowing down her entire running team with her cramping and dizziness.

real life example:
There once was a girl who went to an all day scrapbooking event the day before her 3rd 10K race. She sat there eating the most amazing cinnamon buns, banana bread and brownies all day and did not drink a drop of water.
The next day that girl got up at 6am, met her 4 running partners, and started running. At the half way mark, that girl had to take a walking break. And then about 4 more. Her very gracious and accomodating running partners were very encouraging. They are the heros of this story. For the final hundred meters the team joined hands to run across the finish line together. To the onlookers, it may have looked like a gesture of team unity and solidarity, but infact, this joining of hands was necessary as the ill-prepared girl required physical dragging across the finish line.

To Cathy, Patti, & Bobbi--- love you girls! thanks for keeping me going.

Our time 1:02:17.
Not too shabby, all baked goods considered.