I had to title a post that because nearly every time I do a training run/walk, someone smart alec kid yells it at me. Speaking of training runs, I enjoyed a fun 4 mile jog yesterday at the Forward Motion running club in Danville. We ran along a lovely route on Iron Horse Trail, and thanks to a great tip I got from a Prefontaine video I watched recently, I felt much better overall at the end. Here is that golden bit of information that I wish someone had told me earlier:
TIP: While running or walking, push your hips forward as though someone is pushing forward on the small of your back.
This was amazing for relieving pressure on my lower back, knees, and lungs. It is really incredible how one tiny adjustment can make everything so much easier.
Donor of the Day:
Today's donor is my wonderfully supportive boss, Sara Jane Todd. Even with a little baby on the way, she supported me in the walk and has even offered to join me on one in the future! Thanks a ton for everything! Your lil one is absolutely adorable! :)
To become a Donor of the Day, pledge your support online at: http://www.avonwalk.org - click on Make a Donation – then click Donate to a Participant – then click San Francisco 2008 and search for LAURA PEXTON.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
"Training Walk" at Bay to Breakers
I'm considering yesterday's Bay to Breakers 12K a training walk for the Avon Walk. However, for those of you who've done B2B or have seen the video footage of this "race," you know how ridiculous it is to consider this training for anything other than increased alcohol tolerance.
This was my first B2B experience, and it was much crazier than I expected. The best description I can offer is that it seemed to be a very long, walking, frat party. Nearly everyone was wearing costumes, which ranged from elaborate vikings complete with a moving boat to what I can only presume to have been an Adam and/or Eve costume before the apple was eaten. (Use your imagination.)
One of my favorite costumes was a group of running protesters who carried signs with sayings such as, "If you run, the terrorists win." and "Running is a gateway drug." and "What are you running from?" Very clever!
Despite the enormous amounts of alcohol consumed by the walkers, and the overall feeling of lawlessness (I did not see a single police officer throughout the whole walk), the walk seemed to carry on peacefully and enthusiastically. The one fight I did see break out was quickly settled by other walkers who stepped in to prevent any violence. That was a breath of fresh air. I recalled images of fights in high school when everyone would just gather around and morbidly wait for blood to be drawn. This crowd, however, was just hoping to participate in a peaceful celebration and were not going to tolerate a few rowdy people ruining their day.
So while the calories I may have worked off were probably simultaneously reapplied with each sip of my malibu/cranberry juice (my alcoholic beverage of choice), I did feel sore at the end of the "race," so I consider this an effective and terribly entertaining training walk!
Donor of the Day:
Today's donors are my wonderful friends and B2B walking buddies, Kelly and Jodi! Thank you both for your donations and support! I had so much fun walking with you yesterday and witnessing the craziness of Bay to Breakers first-hand. The 70s ballers costumes were great! What should we be next year?
This was my first B2B experience, and it was much crazier than I expected. The best description I can offer is that it seemed to be a very long, walking, frat party. Nearly everyone was wearing costumes, which ranged from elaborate vikings complete with a moving boat to what I can only presume to have been an Adam and/or Eve costume before the apple was eaten. (Use your imagination.)
One of my favorite costumes was a group of running protesters who carried signs with sayings such as, "If you run, the terrorists win." and "Running is a gateway drug." and "What are you running from?" Very clever!
Despite the enormous amounts of alcohol consumed by the walkers, and the overall feeling of lawlessness (I did not see a single police officer throughout the whole walk), the walk seemed to carry on peacefully and enthusiastically. The one fight I did see break out was quickly settled by other walkers who stepped in to prevent any violence. That was a breath of fresh air. I recalled images of fights in high school when everyone would just gather around and morbidly wait for blood to be drawn. This crowd, however, was just hoping to participate in a peaceful celebration and were not going to tolerate a few rowdy people ruining their day.
So while the calories I may have worked off were probably simultaneously reapplied with each sip of my malibu/cranberry juice (my alcoholic beverage of choice), I did feel sore at the end of the "race," so I consider this an effective and terribly entertaining training walk!
Donor of the Day:
Today's donors are my wonderful friends and B2B walking buddies, Kelly and Jodi! Thank you both for your donations and support! I had so much fun walking with you yesterday and witnessing the craziness of Bay to Breakers first-hand. The 70s ballers costumes were great! What should we be next year?
Friday, May 16, 2008
A great idea
With only $285 dollars left to fundraise in order to reach the requirement for the Avon Walk ($1800), I was doing some serious brainstorming to come up with new ideas to raise the money. My friend, Crystal, had a brilliant suggestion. Why not just ask everyone I know for one dollar? Then they can forward the email to everyone they know, and eventually, all those dollars will add up to $285!
I immediately began composing my email to all my friends. Just $1! Oh, and in return for your donation, I will highlight a donor a day on this new blog and will write the names of every donor on a shirt I'll wear the day of the walk. I added tons of emails and clicked Send!
No sooner had I sent the email than I received several responses that said that they were unable to donate $1. Or even $5. The Avon site kept saying "invalid." Well, that's weird. I sent an email to my walker buddy to see what the problem was. A technical glitch, perhaps? Much to my surprise, my buddy said there is, in fact, a minimum donation of $10. Super. And I just sent an email to everyone I know asking for $1! Oops! Quite the fundraising backfire. Note to self: Always make sure people are actually able to donate the amount I ask of them. Sorry everyone!
Donor of the Day:
I want to highlight my wonderful friend and ex-roommate, Crystal, for her great idea! Even if it actually wasn't technically feasible, it was a wonderful thought and I really appreciate it! Thanks so much for all your help and endless supply of brilliant ideas!
To become a Donor of the Day, pledge your support online at: http://www.avonwalk.org - click on Make a Donation – then click Donate to a Participant – then click San Francisco 2008 and search for LAURA PEXTON.
I immediately began composing my email to all my friends. Just $1! Oh, and in return for your donation, I will highlight a donor a day on this new blog and will write the names of every donor on a shirt I'll wear the day of the walk. I added tons of emails and clicked Send!
No sooner had I sent the email than I received several responses that said that they were unable to donate $1. Or even $5. The Avon site kept saying "invalid." Well, that's weird. I sent an email to my walker buddy to see what the problem was. A technical glitch, perhaps? Much to my surprise, my buddy said there is, in fact, a minimum donation of $10. Super. And I just sent an email to everyone I know asking for $1! Oops! Quite the fundraising backfire. Note to self: Always make sure people are actually able to donate the amount I ask of them. Sorry everyone!
Donor of the Day:
I want to highlight my wonderful friend and ex-roommate, Crystal, for her great idea! Even if it actually wasn't technically feasible, it was a wonderful thought and I really appreciate it! Thanks so much for all your help and endless supply of brilliant ideas!
To become a Donor of the Day, pledge your support online at: http://www.avonwalk.org - click on Make a Donation – then click Donate to a Participant – then click San Francisco 2008 and search for LAURA PEXTON.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
You're the Tops. You're the Tower of Pizza.
I can't begin to express how grateful I am to each and every person who has helped support me in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. And while I do plan to highlight and thank my donors here, I am determined to refrain from turning this blog into a glorified Oscar acceptance speech. :)
I'll share crazy training stories (like the training walk in SF when we cruised by a man simultaneously walking his dog and shaving his head with an electric razor), moments of inspiration (like when I went to the first Avon Walk expo and saw husbands and family members thanking strangers for their support), and maybe even a few tips and tricks I pick up along the way that may help another Avon walker, fundraiser, or athlete.
Donor(s) of the Day:
And the first donor high-five goes to...who else? My parents! Thanks, guys! You're the best! I am so grateful to have your support. In return for your generosity, I'll get back to playing the piano. Of course, as always, you were right. I should never have quit. Love you!
To become a Donor of the Day, pledge your support online at: http://www.avonwalk.org - click on Make a Donation – then click Donate to a Participant – then click San Francisco 2008 and search for LAURA PEXTON.
THANK YOU!!
I'll share crazy training stories (like the training walk in SF when we cruised by a man simultaneously walking his dog and shaving his head with an electric razor), moments of inspiration (like when I went to the first Avon Walk expo and saw husbands and family members thanking strangers for their support), and maybe even a few tips and tricks I pick up along the way that may help another Avon walker, fundraiser, or athlete.
Donor(s) of the Day:
And the first donor high-five goes to...who else? My parents! Thanks, guys! You're the best! I am so grateful to have your support. In return for your generosity, I'll get back to playing the piano. Of course, as always, you were right. I should never have quit. Love you!
To become a Donor of the Day, pledge your support online at: http://www.avonwalk.org - click on Make a Donation – then click Donate to a Participant – then click San Francisco 2008 and search for LAURA PEXTON.
THANK YOU!!
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