14 Miles and A Countin’

It was earrrrrrrrrly Saturday mornin’ when the Greta Waitz Warriors headed out to Griffith Park for our 14-mile run. We were itchin’ to get started and after a rousing send-off started on our way, energized and inspired. I re-introduced myself to my 9 teammates who wondered where the heck I’d been. I explained how I had gone on to, presumably, cooler pastures in Santa Monica only to find no relief from the heat and thus
I had returned to G-Park with my tail between my legs.

The run was great, except for a monstrous hill. We really had to push ourselves, aching muscles and all. One of our troopers showed brute strength by completing the run AND the hill while battling asthma without his inhaler. After seeing him fight through, I had absolutely nothin’ to complain about. The best part of the run was coming DOWN the hill, as I could feel the nimble muscles of my glutus maximus gettiin’ a good workout.

After the run, we relaxed, iced and stuffed our faces with the bevy of food graciously provided by another team. All in all, a fantastic end to a challenging run. Its hard to believe that we are over half-way to 26 miles. Next week we have a 7-mile recovery run and the following weekend its 16 miles. I’ve been feeling really good at the end of the runs still. For some reason, I get a burst of energy as we near the finish line. Maybe I missed my calling – I could have given the Kenyans a run for the money!

Ciao,

Rochelle

Out of Control: AIDS In Black America

ABC aired a special on its news program, "Prime Time", last week. Here is the related article and links to video clips:

http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=2346857&page=1

Senator Barak Obama Raising Awareness in Kenya


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/26/AR2006082600138.html?sub=AR

Keepin' the Faith

Well, we're a headin' on into the deep end of the pool. This past weekend was a breezy, 6 mile recovery run. Next week its onward to the big kahuna -- 14 miles!!

My plan is to fuel up with lots of protein and carbs towards the beginning of the week and lots of water as it gets closer to Saturday. I'll have to bring out my trusty performance enhancing substances -- I mean Gu gels and water belt, for sustenance during the run. This is no task for the meek for sure! All prayers, shout-outs, and postive vibes are welcome!

REMINDER: FUNDRAISING DEADLINE IS AUGUST 25TH

Its the down to the wire for donations. My goal is in sight, but I have some distance to make up. But, I'm keepin' the faith -- I've prayed long and hard and I know I'll make it! I'd love to raise more than the $3800 target and really make a difference for AIDS Project LA. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get your donations in by Thursday. Donating ONLINE is the best way to ensure your contribution is posted by the deadline. As always, instructions are listed to the left.

Thank you for your support!

Rochelle

48 Marathons in 47 Days - Whoa!

http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/08/15/thompson.marathons/index.html

World AIDS Conference

Check out this MSNBC article for information on the conference:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14321770/

White House AIDS Intiatives

http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/hivaids/

And, here are two related conference articles, the first on the call for HIV Prevention for Women and the second on the impact of the disease on the African-American community:

http://www.boston.com/news/world/canada/articles/2006/08/14/
anti_hiv_tactics_for_women_urged/

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060815/ts_alt_afp/
healthaidsrace_060815010727

Rest for the Weary

Alas, no run this week. I decided to take advantage of the break in our run schedule and rest my weary bones, particularly my knees. I will be back in action this Saturday for the 12 mile run. Of course, I've already done 12 miles due to my snafoo on the weekend of the 29th. So, technically I'm ahead of the game...at least that's what I'm tellin' myself. ;-)

More to come this weekend!

Ciao,

Rochelle

DONATE, DONATE, DONATE!

FUNDRAISING DEADLINE: AUGUST 25TH.

Its down to the wire, time to get those donations in! My fundraising goal is $3800.00 and I'm a lil over 1/3rd of the way there. So, things are gettin' desperate.

PLEASE help me reach my goal and donate TODAY. Donation instructions are to your left, in my profile statement. You can forward this blog to any friends or family interested in helping and getting a hefty tax deduction in the process.

ALSO, you can win a $200 Coach gift certificate by participating in my Fundraising Challenge. Just corral a minimum of $500 from your friends/family by August 25th. Drop me a post if you'd like more details.

Thanks for your support!

Rochelle