Let the Running Begin

When I was in 7th grade, I played basketball. Well, I was on a team that played basketball. I didn't get much playing time, but I showed up to practices and did what I could. Our coach was a bit eccentric, and developed an offense he called K.I.S.S. Yep, Keep It Simple Stupid.

I've heard the acronym used several other times since then in business and in life, but I've never chosen to really follow it. Until right now.

My new plan is to just keep this as simple as possible. I learned that hard way during my last streak that blogging everyday was just not my thing, but I still tried to do it. And tried. And tried. And tried. It just didn't work for me.

So my solution? DON'T DO IT EVERYDAY. I'll simplify things and update at least once a week. In terms of running, late night runs have caused problems for me. The KISS solution? DON'T RUN AT NIGHT, especially not outside for every run like the last streak.

Here are my 3 guidelines:

1. Run in the morning whenever possible. I start tomorrow at 6 AM!

2. Running on a treadmill is ok!

3. Blog about the running and causes at least once a week, but not every day.

And have fun.

Thanks for reading.

A New Year and New Goals

In 2008, I grew to understand the benefits of adversity and, in many ways, what some might consider to be outright failure. From May 2007 to September 2008, I ran everyday, at least one mile per day. To me, that was a successful streak. However, it ended and I felt the need to start a new streak. That is what started this blog.

Unfortunately, it hasn't worked for me yet. I spent about a month from when I started in November trying to find the motivation, energy, and causes to run for. The result was a lot of running, a lag in blogging, and a realization that I need to construct a better plan behind it, much more creativity, and benchmarks. I decided to take the day off from running on December 26th and set new goals today on a new streak. The plan is to begin January 5th. I know I can do at least one year, but I'm still set on 1,000 consecutive days.

I wish everyone best of luck with their goals for 2009 and beyond. I hope everyone sees the silver lining in any adversity that may be faced as well.

I look at the "failure" of this start as a key ingredient in what will be my success.

The Challenge of My Goal

I have good news and bad news with this post.

Let's start with the good news. My running streak for causes is alive and well at 24 days. Only 974 to go.

The bad news? My blog needs to be updated!

That has always been a challenge for me as I find it's easier to run every day than it is blog.

So I appreciate those still following this blog and I have a new challenge with my overall goal: keep this blog updated as often as I can.

In my defense, I was pretty sick last week and out of town this past weekend so I am at least proud to have kept up the running but I know the blogging is behind.

Hope every one is doing great.

Updates coming soon.

Run well,

CA

Run # 15 - Austin Browncoats

The Cause: Austin Browncoats, founded in 2007, is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt non-profit located in Austin, TX. Austin Browncoats work to end violence and discrimination in all sectors of society. We place special focus on working alongside young women and children because, given the opportunity and proper education, young women and children can help create a better world for all beings. Much like our passion for the amazing works of Joss Whedon, such as "Firefly", we are passionate about our causes and raising funds for our charities, including Equality Now, SafePlace, Heart House and Emancipet.

- from austinbrowncoats.com

Donate here.

The Run: I wanted to try something new tonight and I did that by adding free weights to this run. Using just 5 lbs. dumbbells in each hand, I ran just over a mile to see how it would feel. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be but I adjusted quickly and noted my increased heart rate and exertion level. Hopefully my continued use of weights will help me more than hinder me. However, I am still researching the pros and cons as I've read the benefits many believe in as well as the detriments.

Up Next: Avenue Z Food Drive

Run # 14 - Simpson Housing Services

The Cause:The mission of Simpson Housing is to house, support and advocate for people experiencing homelessness.

We know that with close, individual advocacy and support, men, women and families experiencing homelessness achieve housing stability. We are committed to Housing First: house people quickly, then provide services as needed.

- from simpsonhousing.org

Donate here.

The Run: This was by far my best run of the new streak. I still ran late but I prepared much better than before. I also didn't take a watch with me so I wasn't concerned about time and distance (expect for hitting the minimum one mile mark). I hit day # 14 with this run and it feels great to be moving along on a streak again. Quietdrive's "Starbright" was the best song I listened to during this one.

Up Next: Austin Browncoats

Run # 13 - Kids' Pages Cares

The Cause: Kids' Pages Cares gives families a loving "hand-up" not a "hand out." The families that receive assistance from Kids' Pages Cares have encountered difficult circumstances, the loss of a job, an illness or injury, a disabled child, a disaster such as a fire, parental abandonment (grandparents and other family members taking custody of children). By receiving referrals directly from school administrators, we insure that the assistance is going to children and families that really need it and will make good use of the help.

Last year, Kids' Pages Cares provided $308,000 worth of necessities and gifts to 3000 local needy children and their families. Help us reach that goal again this year!

- from kidspages.org

Donate here.

The Run: After a long day in which I didn't eat hardly anything, this run was just plain tough to do. I'm happy to be back on a streak and maybe the unlucky number 13 had something to do with the pain. My body was in no mood to move, but after a 2 hour nap from around 9 to 11, I rose to hit the streets. Once again music was critical to me completing this one. I still am hoping I get some feedback on great running songs if anyone is reading this. What do you listen to?

Up Next: Simpson Housing Services

Run # 12 - Grameen Foundation

The Cause:Grameen Foundation's mission is to enable the poor, especially the poorest, to create a world without poverty. With tiny loans, financial services and technology, we help the poor, mostly women, start self-sustaining businesses to escape poverty. Founded in 1997 by a group of friends who were inspired by the work of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, our global network of 55 microfinance institution (MFI) partners, including our Growth Guarantee partners, has touched more than 34 million people in 24 countries. Our partners reach 6.8 million clients, and in addition, we introduced and now sustain technology initiatives (Mifos and Village Phone) in Cameroon, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, bringing our total country outreach to 28. - from grameenfoundation.org

Donate here.

The Run: My penchant for night running continues and it's probably something I have to change. I started this run at 11:30 pm and was up until after 2. I didn't listen to music on this run and it reminded me how in awe I am of people who never do. It just doesn't work for me and this one was shorter than usually. I'm definitely bringing back music on the next run.

Up Next: Kids' Pages Cares