Thursday, July 31, 2008

So much to blog about...

So little time.

Stayed tuned for:

  • belated 'Why I Run'
  • NYC Half details and pics
  • why I'd like to shun New York Road Runners
  • lots more...well eventually, there will be lots more.

Here's another Simon's Cat video while you wait. Once again, he hit the nail on the head. We've seen the tricks Sister pulls at morning feeding time, here's what happens at about 5 pm everyday in our house:

Monday, July 28, 2008

My Very Own Corporate Sponsor!

aka EMVOCS - aka Luis!

Yes, the Dr. had the amazing, thoughtful, and unexpected idea to be my corporate sponsor for a day - my birthday - last Wednesday! Luis promised to match any and all donations to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation that came in before midnight on the 23rd up to $1000. Well, ya'll took advantage, and with your donations and Luis's big ole matching donation we raised $1400 in one day!!! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! It was an amazing week of birthday fun and surprises for both me and my dad! And that Luis...he's a keeper...

But wait! There's more! B.A.C.Zone has also become EMVOCS! They made an extremely generous donation yesterday in honor of my father! B.A.C.Zone is a company that Luis and his colleague, Dr. Karen Forbes started in 2000 to help individuals reduce the risks associated with alcohol consumption. B.A.C = blood alcohol concentration, and the company produces B.A.C. Cards that provide personalized, easy-to-use information about blood alcohol concentration and its effects. See?Their tag line is "Stay in Your Green Zone!" Your Green Zone is when your BAC is below 0.06 and you're feeling the positive effects of alcohol - mild relaxation, euphoria, decreased inhibitions, etc., without the depressive effects -fatigue, slowing down and lack of coordination. Your Green Zone depends on number of drinks over number of hours and your weight and gender. BAC Cards help you have fun when you drink - isn't that the point anyway?!

But, as you drink more, and your BAC gets higher, you enter the blue, then the red zones. Basically, you become a real party-pooper. And you're more likely to do something not-smart. BAC cards help you avoid this.

"Reduce your risk. Use the card." Get it here! Scroll down for a single card unless you really want a box of 400.

A huge THANK YOU to BACZone for the service you provide and for your generosity in supporting my fundraising efforts!

P.S. It's NEVER safe to drink and drive, so don't even think about it!

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Have I mentioned...

My Facebook group: Dawn's Racing to Cure Paralysis? It's very exciting. 45 members strong, fun officer positions such as "Group Cheerleader" and "Snack Committee Chair," and the best part - I can send ALL the members messages at the same time!

So if you're on Facebook, join my group (it's open, no permission needed). If you're not on Facebook, sign up, and then join my group! You can even name your own officer position!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Why I Run Wednesday

This pretty much sums it up.



Let's keep Christopher Reeve's amazing legacy alive: http://teamreevenyc08.kintera.org/dawnhering

THANK YOU so much for all your support. I was just talking with my dad today, and of course he joked about how at this rate, he'll be walking before the marathon, but on a more serious note, we talked about how much the Reeve Foundation and this funding we're gathering up really will make a difference down the road. My dad said, "It might not impact me. I probably won't be walking in my lifetime. It's for the next generation. So they don't have to go through what I'm going through. It will make a difference- there's no doubt."

Monday, July 21, 2008

From the Doctor:

Manzo, that is. Luis. Dr. Luis Manzo.

We don't usually throw around the "Dr." title, but when he does something smart, we like to remind ourselves, "He is a doctor, ya know."

Anyway, he just passed along a fascinating article about caffeine and muscle recovery from the National Sleep Foundation. Listen to this:

"Co-ingestion of large amounts of caffeine with carbohydrates after an exhausting workout rapidly replenishes glycogen, the muscle's primary fuel source."

So interesting!!

The only problem with this new information is how it would interfere with the all-important post-run nap. I wonder how sleep affects muscle recovery...Dr. Manzo?

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Adios/Gracias!

I'm gone for the weekend, but I wanted to say a big THANK YOU!!! This has been a very special birthday for my dad. Thanks for making it happen!!!

P.S. It's never too late to make a donation! http://teamreevenyc08.kintera.org/dawnhering

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Why I Run Thursday: Happy Birthday Dad!!!

I run for myself, for my health, for peace of mind, for wonderful charities, but more than that I’ve always run for MY DAD!!! I run to make him proud. I run to let him know that I see the bigger picture – that life is precious and can change in an instant – so part of the way I live it to the fullest is through running. My dad inspires me, and I know that my running has inspired my dad. By joining together and working toward a higher goal, by looking beyond our immediate situation, by supporting the Foundation we love, together, we’ve lifted each other up.

And today is my dad's birthday!!! So today, dad, on your birthday, I'm going for a run, even though it's really, really hot. Don't worry that's not your present!

One more thing. Here's a little something to remind you of all the fun we've had together, including the many hours spent curled up on the couch watching Little House on the Prairie. You're the best Pa a girl could ask for!



Oh, and seeing this video also reminds me how thankful I am that you got my teeth fixed! I love you Dad! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Don't Worry

I still have some awesome running inspiration for ya. Check out this video made by BK's own Erin Sholl. Erin is training for the Nike Women's Marathon (yes, full marathon!) in San Francisco with Team in Training. That's her singing, and she even wrote the song! Awesome.

FYI

Why I Run Wednesday is being postponed for a special Why I Run Thursday. You'll have to read to find out! pic from my other favorite: I Can Has Cheezburger

Monday, July 14, 2008

A Unique Massage Technique

We've just started hill training. Long runs are getting, well long. I must say, I've been having a few aches and pains lately. It might be time for a massage... I wonder how much this guy charges:



from my favorite: Cute Overload

This is awesome.



THANK YOU LISA!!!

Love it. I like the "e" before the "mvorb" - more phonetic. Otherwise we could have people saying "mmm-vorb" like "mmm-bop." Not cool. EMVORB it is!

I just have to figure out how to drop the "blogspot" so its "myveryownrunningblog.com." Anybody know how to do that? And I'm going to see if I can get it to fit in the title banner.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

MVORB

After running into Coach Lisa and Clark (!!), and discussing a few blog-related items, I've decided that I want to coin the blog's nickname "M-VORB" (pronounced em-vorb) and really get it into heavier circulation. So now, if you see me and you want to say something about the blog, please refer to it as MVORB. My goal is to eventually get the term MVORB added to the Oxford English Dictionary. I think we can do it.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Follow-Up: The Never-Ending Search

According to my mom, all the shoes I posted are ugly. I can't say I disagree. I just thought they were maybe a little less ugly than some other really orthopedic, clunker sandals. I have a new prospect:

'Air Bria Stretch Thong' by Cole Haan, $149. A little pricey, but I thought these had such potential that I actually ordered them. From Zappos - free returns. They have 3/4" heel and Nike Air Technology for "ultimate cushioning." They come in pretty colors too! If the black works out, I may go back for the vintage silver.



I also took a closer look at these:



The 'Jody' slide also by Cole Haan, $129. I though the other ones looked more supportive. These have an "anatomically designed footbed," but no Nike Air Tech.



How do we feel about these:

Timberland Kelby Thong, $79. These feature "Comforia™ contoured, multi-density footbed for all-day comfort and support."





The only reader suggestions I got were Birkenstocks and Crocs. Thanks Jim, but nay to both, I think. Any other suggestions are more than welcome!

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Why I Run Wednesday: From Impossible to Inevitable



"At first things seem impossible; then they seem improbable. Then, if we summon the will and give them funding, they become inevitable. " --Christopher Reeve

http://teamreevenyc08.kintera.org/dawnhering

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Road Kill and Kicking 30 in the Face

So violent!

But they're great blogs by really nice people, I swear!

Road Kill is my long lost, very first New York friend's new running blog. Harvey is the first person I ever knew who had run a marathon, and I thought he was freakin' crazy. He took a break from running for a while, but is making a comeback at this year's New York City Marathon. And let me tell you, the blog is aptly titled because he's killin it. He ran his last 10K in 42:33 (that's a 6:50 pace). More importantly, Harvey is running for Fred's Team to support pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Go Harvey! But let's try to remember the band-aids next time.

Jessica, one of the TNT participants I am "mentoring," is Kicking 30 in the Face! What better way is there to show 30 who's boss than to run a marathon?! Jess is awesome, and so is her blog.





P.S. Wanna know which one is Jess? Read and find out! Ok, it doesn't really say, but look at the profile pic and compare. You'll figure it out.

Monday, July 7, 2008

This can't be good for you:





"Shoe requirements and restrictions are as follows: minimum heel height of 3 inches; maximum heel circumference of 3 inches; no wedges; no shoes that slip on (for example a mule or a clog or something similar) - shoes must either have a solid back or a strap or something similar; no taping or otherwise adhering shoes to your feet; shoe can not be modified or altered from its original and intended design in any way; no boots; no part of the shoe can extend above the ankle. Shoes will be checked by race officials at the time of registration on the morning of the event and are subject to rejection at the officials' sole discretion. In order to successfully complete the race, participants must cross the finish line with at least one heel intact. Good for the March of Dimes, but ouch for your feet (and ankles, and knees, and hips, etc.)." From the Official High Heel-a-Thon website

Great for the March of Dimes, but ouch for those poor souls' feet (and ankles, and knees, and hips...).

Here's an article from the Washington Post that explains the evils of heels (there's also a really cool graphic that was too big for me to post).

Basically, lots of women are having lots of problems from wearing heels too much.

Then there's that rogue Dr. who insists that wearing heels strengthens women's pelvic muscles and umm...enhances...umm...certain things.

I don't buy it. And I'm not really up for this:

















But, just in case you are, here's a comprehensive how-to from wikihow.

And that's all I have to say on that.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Acclimating to the heat???

Could it be possible? Well, it wasn't all that hot today, but it was darn humid. And I had a good 9.4 mile run. Phew. I was long overdue for a decent long run.


It was the talk of the team today: the NY Times article, Beat the Heat, Learn to Sweat it Out. Thanks to Amanda for sending it along to me!

First, I loved this article because it had quotes from elite athletes talking about how sluggish they feel in the heat. It's just good to know I'm not the only one. And it's not because I'm not fit enough.

And it pointed out how finish times tend to be higher in races that are run in hotter conditions. I have definitely fallen into the trap of expecting too much from my body on days when the conditions just aren't right for it, then getting disappointed when my times are off. Again, I like hearing I'm not alone in this.

The article goes on to explain the acclimation process the body goes through and which is preferable: higher temp with lower humidity or lower temp with higher humidity.

Unfortunately, there are no magic tricks. The article ends with "So perhaps the best strategy is to just accept discomfort and slowness."

Or just do what Sister does when it's hot:






Thursday, July 3, 2008

Shun update

I SHUN Last Comic Standing (for this season at least). I cannot believe Pete Lee didn't make it past the semi-finals. It's just not right.



Yes, this has a little to do with running: Pete is an NYC Team In Training participant. And he's REALLY, FREAKIN' FUNNY, way funnier than most of the people they put through.



















I SHUN you Last Comic Standing!

Allergy Puzzle: Solved




And...



Grass, trees, dust mites, and ... cats :-(

Don't worry, she's not going anywhere. Drugs, drugs, and more drugs (the allergy medicine type) is how we are dealing with this.

The Ultimate Time-Suck

Wordle.

Here's a wordle created from this blog's URL:

It's SO addictive.

MVORB Hits the Big Time!

It was a little exciting and a little scary when I clicked on the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation's main homepage and found a link to this here blog!


Good thing I "bleep" the curse words.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Why I Run Wednesday: Chase Ford



What can I say? Simply amazing.

Have you donated yet? http://teamreevenyc08.kintera.org/dawnhering

Please read more about Chase Ford here. Some highlights:

[After the injury] Chase was not himself. "We would take him outside," remembers Renee[Chase's mom]. "He loved airplanes and motorcycles, and he could really care less about seeing them. He would not see you, or he would not acknowledge your existence at the beginning."

The doctor told her Chase was depressed.

"What do you do for a child who's two and depressed?" Renee asks. The NRN [NeuroRecovery Network] changed Chase's outlook. As he progressed in his therapy, and became more mobile, his attitude and his personality changed.

Now, Renee says, "Chase is becoming the old Chase. Chase before the injury was daredevilish. That mischievous smile, that's the old Chase. He was the one that 'No' was not really in his vocabulary. And he was funny. He would just do things that would make you laugh."

Three years after his injury Chase walks over one hundred yards independently -- no walker, no one helping. "If we get him to concentrate," says Smith, "We can get him to where he is stepping foot flat, so instead of being on his toes you go to foot flat and then you go to heal strike like you and I walk."

"All he's asking me now is," says [Lee Smith, Chase's physical therapist], "How can I get to run?"
...
"Seriously, some of the funding we've gotten from you guys (the Reeve Foundation) has meant the difference between sending people home in a chair and sending people home with no assistive devices," says Smith.

"You've given us the ability on a number of occasions to not have to think about the money for therapy, and to be able to just solely focus on the recovery of the person in front of us."

"We're finding out about what we are capable of doing,' says Smith. "There are a lot of other people out there that we could be able to help if we just had the funding."

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

My Never-Ending Search

For a sandals that are comfortable, relatively cushioned and supportive and cute. Relation to running? Well, before I started running, I'd walk anywhere in any shoe. Walking miles in 3 inch heeled boots, flip-flops, or ill-fitting shoes was probably a big contributor to my serious bouts with IT-band syndrome while training for my first 2 marathons. Since I gave up heels (I'm working on flip-flops), no IT problems.


Here are the criteria for the elusive comfortable and cute sandal:

  • Can't be just a flip-flop. Podiatrist says flip-flops are one of the worst things for your feet.
  • Must have some sort of ankle strap or extra strap across the foot to keep shoe in place.
  • More than 1/8 inch between my foot and the street. Must have some sort of cushioning.
  • Preferably some degree of arch support.
  • Not orthopedic grandma shoes.

Here's what I've come up with:


Sundance Aurelia Sandals, $58. They're promising: ankle strap, arch support, comfy cork sole. But are they cute enough. I can picture them working with certain outfits, but not sure about dresses.







Clarks Thunder Perf, $74. Arch support and cushioning are good. No ankle strap, but that extra strap across the top looks like it would help keep the shoe in place. Cute? Meh.







Mephisto Affia, $184. Similar to above, only more expensive. Maybe slightly cuter because of buckle detail? Too expensive anyway





Teva Conchita Thong, $69. I have the sister sandal of this, a regular flip-flop. These have that extra strap across the top that looks like it would add some support.




Comments? Suggestions? What do you guys wear on your feet during the summer?

The Perils of Running


"..cues like body temperature, carbon dioxide in the breath and certain skin chemicals like lactic acid all help mosquitoes orient and find their next meal. Exercise boosts the levels of all three signals, making people more vulnerable to mosquito bites during or after exercise."


Boo!