My Very Own Running Blog

THANKSGIVING

2009-11-17T17:28:00.001-08:00

After the fact

2009-11-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

It was my drink of choice this summer during all of that intense training:

Double the electrolytes, less than half the sugar. Love it. I don't prefer one brand over the other, but ONE and Vita Coco are cheaper than Zico at my grocery store.

Luis can't stand the stuff and goes with Nuun instead.

(Blech.)

(And coconut water is pretty widely available in bodegas and deli's around here. Nuun...only in specialty running/tri/biking stores)

(But he loves it. And you might too. Whatever works.)

More Team Reeve Coverage!

2009-11-03T15:04:00.001-08:00

Visit media.nycmarathon.org for more Videos

(You can skip to about 2:20 to hear Peter Wilderotter, CEO of the Reeve Foundation and Matthew Reeve.)

(Love the shout-out to Marine Corps Marathon runners at about 10:20.)

New York City Marathon's Cutest Moment

2009-11-02T09:54:00.000-08:00

sent in by Anthony!

Did I say I have no future marathon plans?

2009-10-31T12:48:00.001-07:00

Well, I just got back from the Team Reeve's NYC Marathon send-off lunch, and I just think I want to do it again :) It really is a race like no other, and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is a foundation like no other. It was a very inspiring afternoon, and I'm so glad to see the press coverage Matthew Reeve and Team Reeve are getting this year:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

5th Time's a Charm

2009-10-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, now that the Series is tied, here's the Marine Corps Marathon scoop:

My chip didn't get read at the start! Luis and I started together and there was a 4:02 difference in his chip time. So I'm taking my clock time, 3:59:58 (still under 4 hours :-D), subtracting 4:02, and going with 3:55:56.... That's my story and I'm sticking to it! I have emailed the Marines to see if they'll go with it too.

So now that that's cleared up: HOLY CRAP! So much to report, so little ability to organize my thoughts. So in random order:

3:55:56!!!!! I broke 4 hours, took 10 minutes off my previous time, and negative splitted (ran 2nd half faster than 1st half). Coach Danny really knows what he's doing!

Running faster is definitely harder. I am way much more sore than I was after NYC last year.

I fell! All the way down, rolled, popped back up, and kept going. The course was very crowded all the way through the first half of the race, and I was caught up in the 4 hour pace group. Someone came up from behind, clipped my heel, and down I went. No pictures this time.

My mom and my aunt were excellent cheerleaders. They made it to all their appointed places on time, had their sign ready, and jumped up and down and screamed like pro's. It was awesome.

The Marines were so. freaking. cool. They cheered for us; they let us know what was up ahead; they told which tables had water, which had Powerade; they rocked.

I squatted for the first time in a race situation. I was well shielded from any possible onlookers. It wasn't so bad. Paula Radcliffe did it, so why can't I?

We broke $4,000 for our fundraising, and that makes a grand total of over $20,000 over the past 3 years! THANK YOU!!!!

I passed Luis for the 3rd year in a row. But he keeps reminding me that he holds the family record at 3:54. Is he trying to stoke my competitive fire?!

Blue Powerade = nasty

I may never eat pasta again. Enough already.

The pictures are really not flattering. I was so focused, I didn't see any of the cameras, and I just look like I'm in pain in all of the pictures.

I also missed the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the Capitol...That's the trade-off for PR-ing.

I'm pretty sure I could actually run faster. The most challenging part for me was managing my anxiety. I had never run 8:50 - 9:00's so early in a marathon, and I was so worried about crashing. It never happened :)

I truly have no future marathon plans at this point...I'm sure I'll do it again though!

Right now, I'm looking forward to cheering on lots of friends who are running NYC on Sunday, including fellow Team Reeve-mates and TNT-ers, sleeping late, and continuing to eat everything in sight (except pasta).

Marathon report coming soon...

2009-10-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

But first:

It's a fun night to be a Phillies fan living in New York City :)

P.S.

2009-10-23T08:29:00.001-07:00

We're still awaiting some last minute donations, but our Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation fundraising total will most certainly top $4,000 this time around. THANK YOU, EVERYONE for your generous support! None of this - not the training, not the racing, not the fundraising- would be possible without you.

I'd also like to point out that this brings the grand total to more than $20,000 over the past 3 years. Impressive. Impressive that we have such a fabulous network of supporters who believe in us and who believe in the mission of the Reeve Foundation. As Christopher Reeve once said, “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. They are the real heroes, and so are the families and friends who have stood by them."

P.P.S. There's still time to make your donation!

Bring. It. On.

2009-10-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

Obsessed

2009-10-22T09:28:00.001-07:00

Come on COLD...You can do it...Just for Sunday...

That, and...

I think it looks worse than it actually is. Better to get the hills over with in the beginning anyway. I have heard that little incline at the very end is "like climbing a flight of stairs." The last thing you want to do after running 26 miles.

My final pre-marathon obsession:

My customizable pace band from MyMarathonPace.com We're not sure if the elevation info is exactly right, but it's close enough. A pretty neat website. Offers a free 5-day trial, or $6 for 6 months of access to the marathon info, customizable spreadsheet, and wristbands for your race of choice. I thought it was worth it.

Ok, lets get this show on the road!

In 1 week...

2009-10-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

Marine Corps Marathon 2009 will be history.

3 weeks to go!

2009-10-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

YES! We did our last 20 miler this weekend, running 7 miles to Central Park then running Grete's Great Gallop Half Marathon. I was so tired toward the end of the race and Coach Danny reminded me, "You're coming up on mile 19." Right...Disregard the sign that says "Mile 12." I was only a minute off my PR for the half, so I'm feeling pretty good.

The half honored Grete Waitz, who won the New York City Marathon 9 times and has been a pioneer and fierce advocate in the field of women's running. She was there high-fiving the crowd as we ran by, and just being all amazing and inspiring. It was a good day.

Training Update:

2009-09-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

with pictures and everything:

3 weeks ago: 18 miles on the always impeccably maintained Delaware Canal Towpath

2 weeks ago: 22 miles from Prospect Park over the Brooklyn Bridge up the Westside Highway to 125th...and back.
lots of pacing work with some hills thrown in for good measure.
last week: successfully avoided running the Queens Half Marathon :), partly because:

this week: I've been laid up for a couple days with a killer cold, and my body seems to think I'm tapering because I'm getting all these weird aches and pains in my legs.
Next up:
next week: NYRR 18 mile Marathon Tune-Up Run. As much as I want to shun NYRR, I will run this event and...
in 2 weeks: Grete's Great Gallop. That makes a total of 31 miles in Central Park over the next 2 weeks. I'm really looking forward to aquainting myself with every crack, crevice, bump, ditch, and pile of horse poo.
in 3 weeks: The Staten Island Half - a decent course that starts at a decent time, with lots of parking!
in 4 weeks - a Cape Cod wedding! Margaret and I ran our first marathon together, and now she's tying the knot. She's one of my favorite people in the world, and we couldn't be happier for her and her lucky fiance.

in 5 weeks: MARINE CORPS MARATHON 2009!

and finally, we will get our weekends back!

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

2009-08-31T09:31:00.000-07:00

Luis read it. Loved it. Talked about it incessantly. Now wants to run barefoot. The NY Times referred to it in an article this weekend. I don't have much to say about it since I've only read about 2 pages, but it does give me an excuse to post a Daily Show clip (which always makes me happy).

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Christopher McDougall

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Healthcare Protests

It's Sister's fault...

2009-08-26T19:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't been around lately. She's been hogging the computer! That and life's just busy and a little crazy lately. So...I'm not really sure what the status of EMVORB is. To be continued...

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-07-23T11:53:00.001-07:00

My birthday present to myself: a donation to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, of course! Perhaps you'll consider something similar? :)

TEAM MANZO

2009-07-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

It's official.

The Bionic Woman

2009-07-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

That's mom's new hip! Well, not actually mom's, but she now has one just like it. Mom pulled through surgery like a pro yesterday and was up and about today. It's a long road to recovery, but she'll be out there pounding the pavement with me soon enough! Go mom!

So I'm in Yardley with my parents for a week missing Luis and Sister a lot, but this morning I went for a great run. It was the best I've felt in a few weeks. Cool and drizzly, quiet and peaceful - hill repeats were actually enjoyable. It was a very, very much needed break from all the commotion.

How's this for a wedding cake?

2009-07-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

Can't see it?

It's...The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation logo!

So it wasn't actually a wedding cake. You already know the weddings happened in February and March. However, my parents threw us a beautiful backyard bash yesterday to celebrate with our extended family. I had told them that any checks Luis and I might receive would go towards our fundraising, and they surprised us with this fabulous cake. It tasted amazing too:

Thanks to all our family for celebrating with us and for welcoming Luis so warmly! We love you!

Party's over, or has it just begun?

2009-07-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Back to work this week, and it's busier than ever. How is that a teacher works more in the summer than during the school year???

Anyway, I also officially kicked off training yesterday with an easy loop around the park. 16 weeks until Marine Corp Marathon 2009. The hotel is already booked! I hope to be posting fundraising information soon too. We're making it a family affair this year - with Luis joining in the Team Reeve fun! Here's last year's video (from the NYC marathon) in case you've forgotten what all the excitement is about:
(I'm at 1:23, 1:55, 3:44)

Get this dog a jogging stroller!

2009-07-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

(via Cute Overload, of course)

This book

2009-07-02T10:49:00.001-07:00

is awesome: Spark: the Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain. Very informative and inspiring. It gave me the science behind what I've known intuitively all along: My life did a 180 when I started running, and it wasn't just a coincidence.

Park Slope CSA

2009-07-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

is da BOMB. Much less self-righteous-hippy-annoying than I thought it would be. Actually, not at all so far. Next up: joining The Co-Op? Talk about courageous.

(here we are at our weekly pick-up)

I got my shirt.

2009-07-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Have you bought yours? Well what are you waiting for? http://ladysouthpaw.spreadshirt.com

(Running Rocks -Lady Southpaw. In case you can't read in reverse)

It's settled.

2009-06-30T18:16:00.001-07:00

Rollerbladers, please stay in the BIKE lanes. (see scientifically validated poll results on the right)

Pace For Success

2009-06-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

I'm back! And I can't believe I haven't posted this already! Friend, coach, and all around super-lady, Jasmine Graham has been kicking my butt with her core/strength training class for runners on Monday nights. She even kicked Luis's butt last night!

Jazzi left a very long-standing, well-established career in the fashion industry (where she actually met Jay and B.) to follow her passion. Courageous, huh? Jaz started Pace for Success, her very own company that works toward creating F.I.N.E human beings through Fitness, Involvement, Nutrition, and Empowerment. She has partnered with non-profits, schools, and community organizations, and is doing amazing work on so many levels.

Check her out:

Check out the schedule of classes and programs on the P4S website. Think you're tough? Try 5:30 a.m. Super Bootcamp class next Monday.

Pre-race jitters

2009-05-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

+ renovation anxiety = no time for blogging

Just a hiatus. I'll be back soon!

But first, a cross-training GEM from cuteoverload.com:

Oh what I would give to have Sister do squats with me...

Matthew Reeve is running the New York City Marathon!

2009-05-12T18:52:00.000-07:00

So exciting!!! It'll be Matthew's first marathon, and I think he's up for the challenge. But, of course it's the year I decide to do Marine Corps. Oh well, at least I'll get to cheer him on, and we all know that's much more fun than running! Check out Matthew's blog, Greta Van Susteren's blog, an article from People, and the Reeve Foundation's official press release for more information.

Biggest Loser Marathon Recap

2009-05-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

It's really great that The Biggest Loser contestants have achieved amazing weight loss and fitness goals. But I'm not sure what to make of the marathon...The Biggest Loser portrayed a very glossed over, rosy picture of what it takes to run a marathon. A few weeks of training and a little determination would seem to be all it takes if you just watched last week's episode.

One woman finished under 5 hours, another under 6. The other two had to walk the distance and finished in 9 and 13 hours. What was glossed over was the training, nutrition, and pain involved in running a marathon. All that was said about training was that they had just a few weeks to do it. Obviously, they must have had a base level of running fitness because most of those 26 days they had would be spent tapering. There was no mention of Gatorade, energy gels, water, salt or any of those marathon nutrition necessities. And aside from the guy with the bad knees, these guys looked really fresh and pain-free throughout the race. This appeared to be a tough course with serious hills, AND the race finished on soft sand! What?! Who really can sail across the finish line. running on a soft, sandy beach looking as fresh as when they started?! I just don't know... Again, I applaud the contestants accomplishments. I just don't think this show painted a very realistic, responsible portrait of marathoning. That's all. But if you want to read more, lots of people have been giving their opinions here.

The marathon makes primetime

2009-05-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Tonight, the final four contestants on The Biggest Loser are running a marathon. 8 pm NBC. More to come.

MARLO STANFIELD

2009-05-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

Today, 9 am, in Prospect Park, walking south near 9th Street, wearing a white shirt, talking on the phone. I didn't see him, but Luis swears up and down he's 1000% positive, it was Marlo. He said they made. eye. contact. HOLY. CRAP.

I will probably be living in the park until I get my own sighting.

Your opinion please

2009-04-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'd greatly appreciate if you could participate in the poll on right side of the page (right below the "about me" section).

The park was packed tonight, as expected. We've already talked about the tension between bikers and pedestrians, but where do you guys think the rollerbladers fit in? I'll try to reserve my opinion until the poll closes.

Running Rocks

2009-04-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Remember Erin, AKA Lady Southpaw, who put together an amazing running song and video a couple months back? Of course you do, but just in case you forgot:

I'm very happy to report that Lady Southpaw has been hard at work on new songs, a new blog, and an updated website!

Using vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, computer beats, keyboard synthesizers, harmonica, accordion and a baglama, yes, a baglama, Erin has written 6 new songs specifically designed for running! How so? Well, they are based on research about music and the brain, flow and "the zone," and the mind-body connection. Pretty freakin' cool. You can find out more on her blog, Running Rocks.

I say Lady Southpaw rocks.

Think you want to qualify for Boston?

2009-04-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

Read this.
So painful, yet so freakin' hilarious. I *heart* J-Money.

Miss the big announcement?

2009-04-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

All of the press coverage is here: http://communities.kintera.org/Reeve/blogs/daily_dose/archive/2009/04/21/51329.aspx

And the GMA interview with Alexandra Reeve Givens is here: http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=7388727

And I'm not telling - you have to read and watch to find out :)

Special Announcement From the Reeve Foundation on Tuesday

2009-04-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

From the Reeve Foundation blog, Daily Dose:

The Foundation is holding a press conference Tuesday (April 21st) at 10:00 am ET at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. I'm still not at liberty to tell you what the news is, but it will change the way people look at paralysis and spinal cord injuries. You can go online to watch at 10:00. http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=57681 The event will last less than an hour, but we think you will be surprised and excited by the news.

You can get a preview by tuning into Good Morning America in the 8:00 am ET hour. Christopher Reeve's daughter Alexandra Reeve Givens will be interviewed.

Oooh...secret surpises - exciting!

This is fun

2009-04-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

Social Workout. It's like Apartment Therapy for fitness! New York area specific.

Running in traffic

2009-04-15T19:13:00.000-07:00

is just STUPID!!!! WTF?! I've run all over this city - and in every single neighborhood on every single block, there have been SIDEWALKS. Better yet, there are miles upon miles of bike paths and carless park roads in this city. This bullcrap (from the Real Housewives of New York City, which I fully and completely admit to being enthralled by):

is NOT NECESSARY! And that's why nobody does it. No matter what this loony toon said on the show, it's absolutely NOT one of the best things about living in New York City. It's not one of those cool things that "real New Yorkers" do. Perhaps suicidal New Yorkers do run in traffic occasionally, but even your general mentally ill New Yorker sticks to singing, religious diatribes, and other much less harmful eccentricities. It's just so ridiculous...I have no more words.

Holy Crap!

2009-04-15T05:42:00.000-07:00

From New York Road Runners:

This year's half-marathon in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 30, is going to be the best one yet. Come out to the borough that features Prospect Park, Coney Island, and the famous boardwalk, where the half-marathon course will end this year!

Rumors fly every year that they are going to reverse the course of the Brooklyn Half. This year it's happening! I think I like this idea! No trekking to Coney Island at 6 am, Prospect Park is 3 minutes away from my house, and we'll get the 3 miles of hills over with in the beginning of the race rather than saving them for the end.

So I've been training, and it's been a little rough lately - more cold, dark, windy running last night - but this news might just be the boost that I needed to get more excited about this race!

The only problem is...that whole falling at the finish line thing. The odds of it happening again have increased exponentially:

The Boardwalk at Coney Island!

Running into the Wind

2009-04-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

I looked for some articles about how to approach this difficulty, but they all sucked. Basically you just have to go slower and suck it up. I couldn't even find any good pictures.

As if I needed another reason...

2009-04-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

to drink coffee. We discussed caffeine's effects on muscle recovery. Now check out this NY Times article about the caffeine's positive effects on athletic performance. This just makes me happy.

We try to save money and the environment and what not by brewing most of our coffee at home. But sometimes coffee just tastes better in a paper cup. Prospect Perk on the corner of Sterling and Flatbush is my favorite. What's yours?

Ouch

2009-04-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

I ran 8.5 miles through steady rain this morning, and... I forgot the Body Glide. I won't go into the details of the chafing, but there is a lot of it in some strange places.

CHRISTOPHER AND DANA REEVE PARALYSIS ACT BECOMES LAW!

2009-03-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

The first comprehensive legislation addressing the needs of Americans living with paralysis. At last. Watch the video here (skip ahead to 14:45 for the good stuff).

Matthew Reeve, son of Christopher Reeve, was there for the signing and shook hands with President Obama. An historic day that means so much to so many.

Biofreeze

2009-03-30T18:12:00.001-07:00

As much as I love it, I'm a little disturbed by how huge that jug is. You've all heard the story about the girl who died from using too much Bengay? It's true!

Anyway, I've been using Biofreeze for this funky shoulder/neck tendinitis-like thing I've had most of my adult life. I do a combination of Biofreeze and Boiron arnica cream to get most icy hot numbing healing action for the least amount of stink. Highly recommended. If used as directed.

Check it out:

2009-03-21T13:09:00.000-07:00

A short and sweet EMVORB shout-out on The Reeve Foundatation website! Thanks, Rob!

Here's a wedding day shot of Luis, Dad, and me!

Just in case you missed it:

2009-03-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still running...

2009-03-14T09:49:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks off, I'm easing back into training mode. It's time to start getting ready for...The Brooklyn Half Marathon. I still have nightmares about last year's race, but the timing's right. It's good base-building before I start training for Marine Corps so I'm sucking it up and trying again. This year, I'm doing a little private training with Coach Danny of Jack Rabbit fame.

Yes, I said Marine Corps! As in the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington DC. Luis and I will be fundraising and running with Team Reeve this year, and I pretty much can't wait! The race isn't until October, so that's a lot of waiting, but the fundraising ball is already rolling! In lieu of wedding gifts, Luis and I have asked friends and family to consider making a donation to The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation! Be sure to indicate that your donation is "In Honor Dawn and Luis Manzo tying the knot" or something on those lines!

And just in case you watch The Hills and are worried about whether a Mexico marriage is legal or not, Luis and I made our union official at my parent's house in Yardley, Pa. None other than the Mayor of Yardley (and my childhood dentist!) performed the ceremony, which was simple, perfect, and most definitely legal!

Larry King Live at 9 pm on CNN

2009-03-11T14:21:00.000-07:00

Watch it tonight!

"Guest host, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, will interview Alexandra Reeve Givens and Reeve Foundation Chairman of the Board of Directors Peter Kiernan about President Obama’s executive order and its implications. Alexandra will discuss her father’s legacy and how she felt hearing the President deliver such an eloquent tribute to her father and stepmother."

Sleep running...

2009-03-09T15:21:00.001-07:00

can be dangerous

WE DID IT!

2009-03-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

(and this is about the only running we've done in the past two weeks!)

much better

2009-02-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

It seems all I had to do was log my formal complaint, and we've got 60 and sunny!

It's cold

2009-02-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

I've been a trooper about it for the most part - getting up at 6 am, piling on the layers, sucking it up and getting the run in. Christina G. has been an amazing motivator.

I'm so over it though. It's painfully cold. And dark. And gray. And I'm over it.

My convertible mitten/gloves aren't working. Neither are the new $$$ Sugoi Sub-Zero Tights $$$ I purchased (with a gift certificate). I'm just cold. All the time. Unless I'm in my bed under the covers. Sister agrees.

My other reason for running:

2009-01-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

Dessert, of course.

And now first ever TNT mentor, friend, and accomplished marathoner (I've lost count), Eliana has a new baking blog! A Chica Bakes has me drooling -and planning a 7 mile run tomorrow.

F.D.A. Approves a Stem Cell Trial

2009-01-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

WARNING: Long post with no pictures. But it's important.
Thanks to Rayne for passing it along!

By Rob Waters
Jan. 23 (Bloomberg) -- Geron Corp. won approval from U.S.regulators to begin the first human test of embryonic stem cells,treating people who have spinal cord injuries.The test will attempt to restore movement to paralyzed people by injecting neurons made from embryonic cells to the siteof injury. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today lifted a hold placed on the research last May after Geron persuaded regulators the procedure is likely to be safe, said Thomas Okarma, chief executive officer of the Menlo Park, California-based company.

While thousands of patients around the world have been treated with adult stem cells and have shown mixed results, no humans have been given cells derived from embryos in an approved trial. Geron’s test will provide the first look at whether embryonic stem cells can regenerate.

“This goes beyond pills and scalpels,” Okarma said in a telephone interview yesterday. “This is a different kind of innovation. This is a single injection of living cells that may restore function to a tissue damaged by injury.” Susan Cruzan, a spokeswoman for the FDA, confirmed in a telephone interview yesterday that the agency will let Geronconduct preliminary safety trials.

Geron rose by $1.09, or 21 percent, to $6.31 at 9:33 a.m.New York time in Nasdaq Stock Market composite trading. An earlier gain of 26 percent today was the biggest in 3 ½ years. The shares have risen 9.9 percent in the 12 months through yesterday.

Other Trials Possible
The FDA’s action may help pave the way for other companies to get permission to start their own trials, said Christopher Thomas Scott, director of Stanford University’s Stem Cells in Society program.

“Geron is a path-breaking company in getting the first stem-cell trial,” Scott said in a telephone interview yesterday.“The message is that FDA now feels comfortable with the measure of risk the first trial will contain for the first few patients.”

Two other U.S. companies, Advanced Cell Technology Inc. of Los Angeles, and closely held Novocell Inc., based in San Diego, are using embryonic stem cells to develop therapies and are working to begin clinical trials.

The chances that the cell treatment will harm patients are much smaller than the chance the technique won’t help them, said Joseph DiMasi, an economist with the Tufts University Center forthe Study of Drug Development in Boston. Less than one biotechnology drug out of three that enter clinical trials is approved, DiMasi said. That risk of failure also applies to Geron, which has spent $45 million preparing an FDA submission on the stem-cell treatment.

Stem Cells Powerful
Embryonic stem cells, derived from embryos just days after conception, are able to form any of the roughly 210 cell types in the human body. The treatment has been politically and ethically charged since its discovery 11 years ago. Because the extraction of the cells leads to the destruction of human embryos, former President George W. Bush barred federal funding for stem-cell colonies created after 2001.

President Barack Obama, like many Democrats and some Republicans in Congress, backs such research, as does his pick for science adviser, Thomas P. Holdren. Bush’s limitation led to reduced support for academic and corporate research on embryonic stem cells. Obama said during his campaign that he favored overturning the restriction.

No Academic Data
Bush’s policy discouraged research and made it harder for Geron to persuade the FDA that the stem cells were safe and had the potential to help patients, Okarma said.“Normally when the FDA gets an application for something brand new, they consult the published literature to find confirmation of the claims in the application,” Okarma said. In this case, the lack of research funding meant that academic scientists had published nothing on the particular cell types that Geron is trying.

“The only publications on these cells and spinal cord injury come from Geron,” he said. The company’s early research showed the cells have enabled rats with damaged spines to walk. Most spinal cord injuries bruise, rather than sever, thecord, damaging the long fibers of nerve cells known as axons. This damage disrupts the flow of electrical signals from thebrain to other parts of the body needed to control movement, resulting in paralysis. Geron has shown in 24 studies involving1,977 rats and mice that stem cells help reconstitute a layer of insulating material known as myelin that protects the axons,Okarma said.

Looking for Safety, Benefit
In the first phase of the research, Geron will treat eight to 10 patients with spinal cord injuries that left no function below the site of the injury. Researchers will inject the patients’ spines with a type of nerve cell that makes another known as an oligodendrocyte. Geron has learned to make oligodendrocytes in large quantities from embryonic stem cells.

While the main focus of the initial study will be to ensure that the cells don’t cause harm, the researchers will also look for signs of improvement in the patients. If the cells prove safe in the first group of patients, Geron will seek FDA clearance to increase the dose and later to treat less severely injured patients, Okarma said.

The company will now seek approval from the ethics boards of seven medical centers around the U.S. to begin conducting the study with the goal of beginning to treat patients this summer, Okarma said. While he declined to estimate how long it might take to complete all the studies and seek FDA clearance to market the therapy, he predicted that early success would speed the process.“We are treating a desperate patient population that has no hope of any recovery whatsoever,” he said. “If we see efficacyin these early studies, the excitement will be hard to overestimate.” If the treatment works, “this will be fast-tracked and I don’t think we’ll be needing thousands of patients.”

The NY Times has more about the political timing of the approval.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation responds here. Watch Peter Kiernan, Chairman of the Board on Good Morning America here.

Finally...

2009-01-21T17:34:00.000-08:00

Someone else publicly admits to NOT liking Once a Runner. You already know I found it to be unreadable.

2009-01-20T12:52:00.000-08:00

http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Follow up to "Senate Passes Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act"

2009-01-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a comment that post received:

With the new administration, many things are looking brighter for the SCI community - hopefully this will soon be a curable, or at least somewhat a Less devastating condition. - If you have the time, please have a look at me and my friends' petition.

Kind regards.

Thomas Borghus

It takes two seconds, give or take a minute or two.

Senate Passes Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act

2009-01-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

From the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation website:

"The Senate passage of the first national public health bill to directly address paralysis is a landmark in the fight to develop cures and improve the quality of life for those living with paralysis," said Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO, Reeve Foundation. "Advancements are made every day in spinal cord injury research, but the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act will speed progress and make research efforts more efficient."

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act will improve the quality of life for people living with paralysis and mobility impairments from any cause – stroke, ALS, spinal cord injuries and others. It encourages coordination of research to prevent redundancies and hasten discovery of better treatments and cures, as well as to improve the daily lives for those living with paralysis. The Act has three components that support and enhance paralysis research, rehabilitation, and quality of life programs:

Paralysis Research - Expands research on paralysis at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This will encourage collaborative research by connecting scientists conducting similar work to further enhance understanding and speed discovery of better treatments and cures.
Paralysis Rehabilitation and Care - Builds on research to enhance daily function for people with paralysis, including a Clinical Trials Network, to measure effectiveness of certain rehabilitation tactics and encouraging shared findings on paralysis to improve rehabilitation.
Improving Quality of Life for Persons with Paralysis and Other Physical Disabilities - Works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve the quality of life and long-term health status of persons with paralysis and other physical disabilities.

This has been a long time coming. A lot of people worked very hard for a very long time to get this passed in the Senate. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Who needs a treadmill? The original (aka BETTER) version

2009-01-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

Appparently, my original post on this subject was the cut up, edited and remixed version. This one, the original, is much better. You get a more complete picture of these kitties' perserverence - and of what a good workout attempting to run up a slide can be.

Obamacon me!

2009-01-14T19:29:00.000-08:00

Kind of weird looking. Sister turned out much better:

I like this one too:

It's addictive. Obamacon yourself!

Increasing blog traffic

2009-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

via brooklyn runner:

Seth Godin's top tips for increasing traffic to your blog.

# 11: Don't write about your cat, boyfriend, or your kids.

Pssht. Who needs blog traffic anyway?

My boyfriend and my cat.

And some kids I really, really love:

A couple that runs together stays together.

2009-01-03T10:47:00.000-08:00

It's official. There's a ring, a dress (I'm not telling which one), and cosmic Mayan ceremony (cleansing cenote bath optional) booked for us in Tulum. Luis and I are getting married - February 17, 2009!

The Treadmill Desk

2008-12-23T06:51:00.001-08:00

Who knew how multi-functional a treadmill could be? First were the cats on treadmills, then came the treadmobile. Now I give you the treadmill desk:

If I had a desk job, I'd totally be lobbying the boss for one of these.

Runnin' in the New Year

2008-12-23T06:15:00.001-08:00

What better way is there it ring in the new year than a 5K run in the park?! Followed by fireworks?!

This is also where Luis and I met...3 years ago. Back when we were the only 2 running nerds we knew. This year, there's a whole gaggle of us.

P90X - Part 3 - BRINGIN' IT.

2008-12-22T19:25:00.000-08:00

I'm sore. The workouts are definitely working. And I'm still feeling Tony Horton's cheesiness. BRING IT.

Yes, he was actually singing "Over the river and through the woods."

There have been some requests for before and after pics. The problem with this is that I'm not following the P90X "nutrition plan" - aka diet. I gotta eat what I want when I want it. It's a blood sugar thing. Or something. So anyway, I'm pretty sure my newly toned muscles will remain hidden under a layer of cushioning.

'Tis the season...

2008-12-22T14:16:00.001-08:00

to say THANK YOU!!!

Reeve Foundation Awesomeness

2008-12-14T19:35:00.001-08:00

Blogger suckiness...I can't get this picture any larger. So, I'll translate in case the type is as small on your computer as it is on mine:

It says "You" at the bottom and "The Subway" at the top of the Great Wall of China. Then it says, "When you understand how hard it is, giving is easy. Give today at www.ChristopherReeve.org."

Here is the whole article from the NY Times about the Reeve Foundation's new and very first ad campaign that was developed pro bono by the Omnicom Group.

I love.

NYC Marathon Pics

2008-12-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Courtesy of Brightroom:

What could possibly be better than a cat on a treadmill?

2008-12-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

Ask and ye shall receive:

Thanks again, Cute Overload.

Warmest Socks Ever.

2008-12-13T10:29:00.001-08:00

Feetures. I love them. I got mine at Slope Sports - if you happen to be in the neighborhood.

Sierra Trading Post

2008-12-13T09:27:00.001-08:00

Holy mecca of running apparel DEALS.

Brooks Podium Half-Zip Top - Long Sleeve(For Women). $24.40
I got it in pink. Must have sold out.

I also got a Hind jacket for $9.99. No joke. It must have sold out.

I don't know why I didn't buy this sports bra: Moving Comfort Sports Bra - Cameo. I go through sports bras at a surprisingly fast rate. Gotta protect the girls. $15.99 makes that a much more affordable task. Luis got the steal of the day on Craft jacket. He'd been eying a similar for $180. He found his on Sierra Trading Post for $50. Again, no joke. Unfortunately, they must have sold out. Craft is pretty much the gold standard for winter running. Somehow they manage to strike the perfect balance of very warm, breathable, and comfortable. They also tend to be insanely expensive. So although this isn't the prettiest jacket I've seen, for $62.00, I'd snatch the Craft Action Stretch Jacket (For Women) in a heartbeat if I didn't already have one.
Clearly, stuff moves quickly on STP. So shop early and often.

Agility Course

2008-12-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

I was feeling pretty bad-ass with all my P90X-ing, but I saw the following video and suddenly felt like a total wuss because I really don't think I could do what you are about to see:

Incredible. But it does make me feel a little bad about this:

Nature's a bitch.

P90X - Part 2

2008-12-03T12:33:00.001-08:00

Part 1 is here. Now onto Part 2. Luis and I were a little frightened by how quickly we went from feeling fit to feeling like slobs after the marathon. So we took the plunge and purchased P90X. The most exciting part of the program so far has been the following:

TONY HORTON of P90X______ EQUALS______MICHAEL SCOTT of The Office

It's true! Tony Horton's energy, tone and mannerisms are hysterical. Way too cool for school. He's so over the top with his enthusiasm and intensity that he totally bypasses annoying and goes straight to hilarious! It's so bad, it's good - in that Michael Scott kind of way.

I think this 4 second clip sums it up pretty well:

As for the actual workouts - HOLY HARD. Especially if you're not good at push-ups (that would be me). I did the "Core Synergy" workout yesterday, and it was exhausting. But I think I must have done something wrong because I'm not sore today.

Stay tuned for Part 3.

The Treadmobile

2008-11-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

I dont' really know what to say about this, except that it's AWESOME:

Thank you *CLARK* for sharing this!!!

How to stalk your fellow runners:

2008-11-23T17:49:00.001-08:00

Athlinks.com

See? I really did run a 4:06! (Fine. Plus 37 seconds.):

http://www.athlinks.com/myresults.aspx?rid=38548423

P.S. Thanks to Steve from the Yardley News for sending this along!

Curly or Straight?

2008-11-23T15:06:00.000-08:00

Dedicated running partner, friendly friend, and...fellow blogger???

Yes, it's true! Christina G. has her very own blog!

It's funny and insightful, just like Christina herself. What's not to love?!

How many of you are there?

2008-11-17T18:18:00.000-08:00

I'm one of 3 Dawn Hering's and Luis is one of 8 Luis Manzo's. Sister, of course, is one of a kind.

http://howmanyofme.com/

FREE SHIPPING!!!

2008-11-17T17:08:00.000-08:00

And I quote:

This season House of Buff is filled with fabulously functional gift ideas for family and friends. We will be offering free shipping once again from November 12th - December 15th, so place your order today. Wishing you all happy holidays from all of us at House of Buff.

Thank you Coach Lisa! Just in time - it's coooold out there!

MYC MARATHON!!!

2008-11-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, I give up on the official photos. I ordered the download, and I don't what's taking so long. You can view them here.

Now, let's get started. Overall, on a scale of 1 - 10, I'd give Marathon Day a 22! SO FUN! SO EXCITING! SO INSPIRING! Here is a little video documentation of it all:

Of course you'll want to watch the whole video, but in case want to skip around a little, you'll find me at 1:22, 1:55, and 3:44 (you'll also see me running my mouth in the background while someone else is being interviewed at 3:35).

Together, we raised over $8,200 for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (slightly short of my goal, but with this economy, what can ya do?)! Amazing. I knew whatever happened on race day, I'd be wearing my Team Reeve shirt with my head held high and my heart full of gratitude for all your help and encouragement.

The running part was pretty much the icing on the cake - and faster than I expected! I had been using a pace band for 4:14, but I threw it out at mile 20, turned it up, and finished in 4:06. An 8 minute PR!!! My first ever marathon PR (aside from my first ever marathon). The only downside is that the course is so fun and so filled with energy that the thought did cross my mind to slow down and make it all last longer. And I would like to point out that Brooklyn is, by far, the best borough. Lafayette Avenue in Fort Greene was so full of energy and love, it brought me to tears!

There were so many other moments and such that I want to write about, but I'm having trouble organizing it all. So here is a random list:

My mom came to see me run! She was an excellent cheerer, especially on 4th Ave. I sent her to mile 25.5 on Central Park South too, but she was kickin back on some bleachers when I ran by. Hehe.
Someone came up to me on 4th Ave, and told me he was running for his friend who is quadriplegic. We wished each other luck. I hope that guy had a good race!
Christina G., Cathy, Luis and I met up with Margaret at the start. It was really freakin cold. I was also really freakin good to see Margaret (who moved to Minneapolis recently).
Christina G. and I did a little minute loosen up run the day before the race. We also took pre-race portraits with Sister (I haven't seen them yet though!!)
Speaking of Christina G. - you should read her blog post. Much more organized and detailed!
Robert also has a good race recap!
Running over the lower level of the Verrazano isn't as scenic as the upper level, but it's ok. I had my turn for the upper level last year.
Luis had a tough race - major knee difficulty. I tried to convince him that a couple advil will not kill him!
I beat Luis by 2 minutes. Not that we keep track of such things.
I was stuck behind a guy dressed like Borat in a nasty banana thong for about 5 miles. His whole butt was showing, and it was not a good look.
Deb, Jinny, and Melka totally surprised me and jumped in and carried me through some of the toughest parts of the course. Those guys rock!
The ladies of Team Awesome make awesome cheerleaders!
I got my goody bag this year (last year I walked right past it)! The Powerbar recovery bar hit the spot.
I spilled Gatorade all over my shirt and the iron-on's ran. Not cute.

I'm not done marathoning. It's just too fun. And my legs still work and my dad's still don't. There is still work to be done. Marine Corps Marathon 2009, perhaps?

Stairs are hard

2008-11-09T19:34:00.001-08:00

after a marathon. Going downstairs is the worst. I like this guy's technique:

from cute overload

While you're waiting...

2008-11-09T12:40:00.001-08:00

Take a look at this: http://flickr.com/photos/barackobamadotcom/sets/72157608716313371/show/

And this:

Yes we did. Now stay informed. http://change.gov/

P.S. I ordered the "download" of my NYC Marathon pics. Still waiting for it to process. The suspense is killer, I know.

Patiently waiting...

2008-11-05T16:32:00.000-08:00

I know you're all just dying to know all the gory details of last Sunday's NYC Marathon, but I'm waiting for the pictures to come in! So just hold your horses.

Can I just say...

2008-10-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

The whole color-coding of the NYC Marathon start area really gets on my nerves. The race has 3 different colored routes (green, blue, orange), and each route is divided into 5 lettered corrals. Then they throw in 3 different wave starts this year and really mix us all up. As you can see:

So I and others have emailed New York Road Runners (NYRR) asking if there is any way we can change colored routes. Each time the response is, "you may move to slower wave or a slower corral." No mention of colored route. Clearly, NYRR does not care about running partners we may have trained with for the last 6 months. Hmph.

Well I do!!! So here's to you Christina G. (on the right)!! And Cathy (on the left)!!

We ran countless miles together - from those cheery first runs in May, through the stifling humidity of summer, to these final crisp fall days. Christina G. has been able to motivate me to get up for 6:30 am runs every Thursday for the past 2 months!!! You may remember it was awful in the beginning, but we stuck it out and have been going strong all this time. Even when it started staying dark in the morning.

We talked about our lives, gossiped, and even played 20 questions. We laughed and cried and almost pooped our pants (let's be real - it happens to runners all the time). Not even NYRR, with all its color-coding, alphabetizing and corralling, can break those bonds. We may not be physically together on Sunday, but we will be together in spirit, cheering each other on with every step.

Are these nerdy?

2008-10-27T18:39:00.001-07:00

They're the limited addition Asics Gel Kayano 15 commemorating the New York City Marathon. I kind of want them. But are they a little too "Look at me! I ran the marathon!" Like the horrid orange shirts they gave us last year? A little running-nerdish?

The official description from the marathon website really makes them sound dorky:

The design is truly unique, with race scene graphics on the upper, a ING New York City Marathon lacing set-up, and ASICS' exclusive Comfordry sockliner with graphics that depict a map of the course, including mile and kilometer markers! The race map sockliner will be sold at the expo as an accessory item as well. You’ll also get a commemorative shoe bag with every GEL-Kayano 15 NYC purchase.

So why do I still want them???

Nike Women's Marathon and Half Marathon in San Francisco!

2008-10-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

I ran the half, and it was fun!!! A perfect day for running - cloudy and cool, and the hills didn't seem quite as bad to me this year (but I'm telling you - those are some serious hills). The girls of Team Awesome were amazing. Gillian ran the half just 3 weeks after finishing the Berlin Marathon. The Wonder Twins, Erin and Jess, kicked some FULL MARATHON butt. It was their first and they ran the whole thing together. It was so cute, my heart almost exploded.

The Tiffany Necklace was everything I'd hoped for, although the tux-ed out firefighter who served me mine left a little to be desired (sorry, but not so cute). I just went looking for pictures of it online because I'm too lazy to take my own, and I was a little perturbed at how many "extra" necklaces have shown up on ebay and craigslist. Not very sportswomanlike. Anyway, here are the pics I found:

P.S. You should definitely read Jess and Gillian's blog posts about the race. They are much more detailed and interesting than this.

Most Awesome

2008-10-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

I had often admired Coach Lisa's scarf/hat/hanky thing, but never asked about it. Yesterday she gave us a demonstration of the Buff. Now, I must have it.

The more I run

2008-10-25T15:40:00.000-07:00

The less I want to write about running. Sorry EMVORB has taken such a long break. I'm going to TRY to get back on track. But with 7 days until the marathon, I can't make any guarantees.

Bail Out Plan

2008-10-02T10:52:00.000-07:00

Maybe Beagles know best...

from cute overload

Sorry...nothing to do with running...again.

Why I Run Wednesday: Happy Belated Birthday Christopher Reeve!

2008-10-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

I was supposed to post this last Thursday, but you saw my excuses. I'm also really bad with remembering birthdays, so it's fitting that I'm almost a week late.

Last Thursday, September 25th, Christopher Reeve would have turned 56.

I truly don't know were to start when it comes to describing this man and his impact on my family and the millions who have been affected by paralysis. So I'm going to quote directly from the website Role Models on the Web:

He once played a man who could fly. Christopher Reeve demonstrated a rare ability that exceeds the speed of flight. Christopher learned to live outside his body in a way that few people have the strength or courage to do.

All of us are, in some ways, prisoners in life -- some by limited thinking, others by physical limitation. But rarely has a man demonstrated such a wonderful ability to face limitation, to cry for all that it robbed him of, and then step beyond it into a life that knows no limitation.

Each morning, being human, Christopher shed a few tears. But then he brushed them away, stopped feeling sorry for himself, and went on to be an example to others. He created his own freedom to be truly alive. Christopher Reeve found the Superman within and we celebrate his courage to be free.

Please read Christopher Reeve's biography here and read eloquent, inspiring, and deeply moving tributes to Christopher Reeve here.

These are some of my favorite Christopher Reeve tribute videos:

I feel Christopher Reeve's spirit with every step I take. That's why I'm doing everything I can to maintain his bold and beautiful vision of hope. Happy Belated Birthday!

http://teamreevenyc08.kintera.org/dawnhering

Absolutely NOTHING to do with running.

2008-09-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Nothing to do with cats either (well, somehow I managed to work Sister in).

I just love them so:

That last one reminds me of Sister whose new favorite "toy" is a box with tissue paper in it. We call it her play-pen.

New Team Reeve shirt has arrived!

2008-09-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

It's nice! Fits pretty well - a little more loose than last year's shirt, but it should work. There's lots of room on the front for customization. Last year, I ironed on my name and a picture of my dad. I also ironed on "my dad, my hero." It was pretty cool looking, and I actually used that picture of my dad to get me through some rough spots in the race. People probably thought I had a stomach ache, but I was actually touching the picture to help me focus on my reasons for running. Right now, I'm debating - change it up or keep it the same. I think I do want to to something different, but all I've come up with so far is "Still My Dad, Still My Hero." Not very creative, but it could be seen as an extension of the title of Christopher Reeve's autobiography, Still Me. That may be a stretch. Any suggestions?

That's last year's shirt, obviously, which is hanging in my mom and dad's "back room" (aka dad's room to hang all his hunting and fishing stuff), hasn't been washed, and doesn't even smell!

Tempo

2008-09-30T19:21:00.000-07:00

We've been working on tempo pace the past few weeks...and I like it! Much better than hills, intervals and repeats. They say tempo pace should feel "comfortably hard." It's that "comfortable" part I like so much. It's pace that lets me open up my stride and pick up the speed, but that doesn't burn and that I can maintain for a while. This Runner's World article is pretty interesting, and it explains all the science behind the tempo run. Something about getting your muscles used to lactic acid so they don't fatigue as easily. It turns out that lactic acid is actually fuel for your muscles, but the muscles need to be trained to burn that fuel more efficiently. This actually newer thinking about lactic acid - once, it was thought that lactic acid was just bad and inhibited oxygen use in the muscle, as this (2006 - not so new, I guess) NY Times article explains. Anyway, here's a cool picture of a mitochondrion - muscle's energy generator. So scientific of me, I know.

Don't know you're tempo pace? This is the BEST pace calculator. Just enter a time from a recent race, and presto - all your training paces appear!

Excuses, excuses...

2008-09-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

I'm doing 18-20 mile runs on weekends, it's the beginning of the school year and that's always hectic when you are an early-childhood special ed teacher, Luis and I are making lots of big plans, and life is just busy...So...time for blogging? Not so much. Unfortunately.

I will say that training is going very well. I feel ready for this race. I ran 20 miles over the Brooklyn Bridge and up the West Side Highway last weekend and did 15 miles in Central Park yesterday. Upcoming plans are 20 miles on Saturday on the Raritan Canal towpath, and 20 next Saturday along the Delaware Canal towpath.

I'll be running the Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco on October 19th. And yes, we each get a Tiffany necklace for finishing this race! The half also marks the official start to the dreaded taper. NOVEMBER 2nd - ING NYC MARATHON!!! My parents are planning to come to NYC to see me run (as long as the weather cooperates), and this will be my dad's first time seeing me run in a marathon!

Fundraising has also been going well...I've stalled a bit at $7300 (still double the minimum!) but I'm still waiting on a few donors. Special thanks to McCaffrey's - a local grocery store near my parents - who made a generous contribution!

Wait!

2008-09-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

I'll be back tomorrow with a very special "Why I Run Thurday!"

New Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Website Revealed!

2008-09-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.christopherreeve.org

It's awesome. And don't forget, you read it right here on MVORB first!

Why I Run Thursday: Research!!!

2008-09-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

With all this craziness going on with the election, politics, and conventions, let us not forget one of the BEST speakers at a national convention ever: CHRISTOPHER REEVE! Of course! Christopher Reeve thoroughly and completely awed an enormous room of 60,000 at the 1996 Democratic National Convention, just over a year after his injury.

Reeve's speech called for increased funding for medical research, calling it a "moral and ethical responsibility." You can read a transcript of this passionate and inspiring speech here. And here is the only little clip of it I could find:

Christopher Reeve finished his speech with a much quoted and frequently re-played clip: "America does not let its needy citizens fend for themselves."

We try, right? But, unfortunately, if there's anything we've learned in the past eight years, it's that we can't rely on our government for funding and support for critically need medical research.

Now, more than ever, folks like us coming together to raise money for organizations like the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation are making a difference! By making a donation, you are keeping the tide of spinal cord research and cutting edge technology moving forward no matter what happens come November 4th. You are upholding that promise - indeed, "America does not let its needy citizens fend for themselves."

http://teamreevenyc08.kintera.org/dawnhering

And now a word from our sponsor:

2008-09-15T20:15:00.000-07:00

from cuteoverload.com

My thoughts exactly.

P90X

2008-09-13T14:15:00.000-07:00

I want it! Too many sleepless nights spent watching infomercials you ask? Not in this case. In this case, the infomercial makes NOT want to buy it. I really don't want to be "ripped" and I have no interest in the "diet" part of the whole thing.

Actually, Coach Michael has been raving about P90X for weeks. Supposedly it's amazing cross-training, very runner-friendly (or adaptable to be such), and uses limited non-house-cluttering equipment. Apparently, it's also really hard. Christina G. tried the ab workout and could barely stand up straight for a week.

But I still want it! As you may know, I do have a tendency to buy such things and...never use them. Which is why I'm trying to convince Luis it get it. Since he's a coach, it's a tax right-off. But Luis also has been known to make impulsive purchases then not use them as well (have I mentioned he bought the Perfect Pushup - and used it once?).

So what to do? Any feedback? Any reader reviews? Comments please!

P.S. I do have some self-restraint. I still haven't bought the new Garmin, even though I still reeaalllly want it.

Why I Run Wednesday: Jay Briseno, Jr.

2008-09-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

Joseph "Jay" Briseno Jr. is one of the most seriously injured soldiers to survive the Iraq war. He was shot in the back of the head at point-blank range in a Baghdad marketplace. His spinal cord was shattered, and he suffered a C3 spinal cord injury and has paralysis from the shoulders down. The bullet also caused traumatic brain injury, two cardiac arrests, and total vision loss.

Thousands of soldiers are returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan with devastating spinal cord injuries and drastically different lives than the ones they left behind. This is why the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation has partnered with the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center and the Brain Injury Association of America to launch a new Military Outreach Campaign to improve the care and recovery of veterans and active military living with paralysis.

The Reeve Foundation is helping these courageous people find clear, accurate information to help make decisions about their treatment, from choosing the right rehab center to finding local athletic leagues. They have also set up a toll-free hotline specifically to help spinal cord injured veterans and active military with information specialists who are trained to help military personnel navigate the red tape that can present obstacles to getting the best care. This is the only service of its kind!

Also, Jay Briseno's father, Joseph Briseno (pictured above with his son), became an ambassador for the Reeve Foundation's Military Outreach Campaign and Multicultural Outreach Program. As such, he has joined Reeve Foundation representatives in visits to VA hospitals to educate medical staff about everything the PRC has to offer.

Please help the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation serve the people who have sacrificed so much for us and our country. http://teamreevenyc08.kintera.org/dawnhering

The Paralympics!

2008-09-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

I was going to post this earlier, but I got sick and couldn't concentrate (I think I need to have my sinuses removed). The Paralympics started over the weekend, and there's been a lot of coverage in the Times, and the Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life VP, Joe Canose, was invited to attend the Paralympics in Bejing and will be keeping a blog. So read up!