Taper and Mental Preparation...

Hello World!

The JFK 50 countdown: 2 days! I'm still excited about the new adventure and the soda at the aid stations. I know that this sounds bizarre because one, I don't drink soda and two, soda seems like a non-nutritious, non-stomach-settling idea. But that is the beauty of it for me... Instead of -- as I do in marathons -- slowing down slightly during the stations, hoping to grab a cup of water/gatorade from a volunteer (it is harder than it seems), pouring half the liquid out, squeezing the cup to create a funnel, and hoping that most of it makes it in my mouth without running down my chin and creating an annoying, sticky mess, I'm going to WALK and maybe even STOP at the aid station. Perhaps chat a bit. Beautiful. And I'm going to take my camera too...

I'm reading the national best seller Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. Amazing read even if you're not a runner! I'm going to quote below word for word -- and I hope this disclaimer saves me from any legal problems :) -- two paragraphs that explain better than I ever could, the joys of running and breaking through. It could translate into any sport, really. It is my hope that everyone can feel this way...


From page 69

But yeah, Ann insisted, running was romantic; and no, of course her friends didn't get it because they'd never broken through. For them, running was a miserable two miles motivated solely by size 6 jeans: get on the scale, get depressed, get your headphones on, and get it over with. But you can't muscle through a five-hour run that way; you have to relax into it, like easing your body into a hot bath, until it no longer resists the shock and begins to enjoy it.

Relax enough, and your body becomes so familiar with the cradle-rocking rhythm that you almost forget you're moving. And once you break through to that soft, half-levitating flow, that's when the moonlight and champagne show up: "You have to be in tune with your body, and know when you can push it and when to back off;" Ann would explain. You have to listen closely to the sound of your own breathing; be aware of how much sweat is beading on your back; make sure to treat yourself to cool water and a salty snack and ask yourself, honestly and often, exactly how you feel. What could be more sensual than paying exquisite attention to your own body: Sensual counted as romantic, right?


Ok, so if I were the author I probably wouldn't have used the word sensual. That seems like a little too much but, the above paragraphs 'get it.' The author 'gets it,' Ann the runner obviously 'gets it' and it is what I'm getting closer to...

Cheers and it is a beautiful day for a run. Even though I didn't, hence the pool shot... the taper thing, you know.

RunningBrooke

No, I'm not crazy... 50 miles sounds like fun!

Hello World!

Yes, I signed myself up for this and I'm pumped to do it! I'm talking about the JFK 50 Miler that takes place one week from today. Imagine running from Boonsboro, MD to Williamsport, MD; 50 miles through the Appalachian Trail, the C & O Canal Path and rolling hills to the finish line. There will be 999 other 'sane' runners out there with me...

The prevailing thinkers estimate a finishing time by doubling a marathon time and adding two hours. So, that is roughly 8 and 1/2 hours for me... And so excited to learn that there are 14, YES 14, full aid stations along with way with everything from drinks -- traditional and COLAS -- Colas, can you imagine drinking colas during any race?! And sandwiches and savories and salted items. Everyone knows that I LOVE to eat. Figure that I'll burn roughly a 100 calories a mile. Times that by 50 and that is 5000 calories. 5000 delicious calories that I'll happily eat my way through.

I'm also glad to learn that there will be a shuttle bus -- favorite husband Chris just said more like a 'bus trip' -- back to the race start to retrieve cars. Also happy to know that there will be shower opportunities at the finish line too :) Below, I've included some JFK 50 information as a general fyi... I'll be running with the ARE Women's Team--Albany Running Exchange-- based out of Albany, NY.

Enough rambling for now. Ya'll MUST visit this new-to-me blog blog.irunfar.com It is packed with TONS of great information!

Cheers and it is a beautiful day for a run!

RunningBrooke




THE CUMBERLAND VALLEY ATHLETIC CLUB
PROUDLY PRESENTS


THE 47th ANNUAL
JOHN F. KENNEDY 50 MILE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2009

LIMITED STARTING FIELD: The 2009 JFK 50 Mile startin2 field will be strictly limited to 1,000 starters.

NEW ENTRY PROCEDURE IN 2009: From July 1-8, only entries from military personnel, military veterans and past JFK 50 Mile participants with a minimum of five-official-finishes will be accepted
—documentation of this status must accompany each entry. Any entry postmarked prior to July 9th --that does not meet the aforementioned criteria-- will be rejected. After July 8th, entries will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Race Organizers expect the field to be filled by the end of July if not sooner.

START INFORMATION: The JFK 50 Mile will start promptly at 7:00 am. from U.S. Alternate 40 adjacent to the Boonsboro Educational Complex in downtown Boonsboro, Maryland. An optional 5:00 am. start will be held for a very limited number of accepted “applying participants” who anticipate needing more than 12-hours to finish. Those starting at 5:00 am. will have a 14-hour time-limit. THOSE APPLYING FOR A 5:00 A.M. START POSITION MUST INCUDE A WRITTEN “APPEAL” WITH THEIR ENTRY STATING THEIR REASONING FOR SEEKING A 5:00 A.M. START POSITION. RACE ORGANIZERS WILL ACCEPT NO MORE THAN 250 STARTERS INTO THE 5:00 A.M. START.

DIRECTIONS TO START: From the North, take Interstate 81 South to Interstate 70
East, exit Interstate 70 on to MD Rt. 66 and proceed South towards Boonsboro. From
the South, take Interstate 8 1 North to Interstate 70 East, exit Interstate 70 on to MD Rt.
66 South towards Boonsboro. From the East, take interstate 70 West to MD Rt. 66
South towards Boonsboro. From the West, take Interstate 70 East to MD Rt. 66, Take
MD Rt. 66 South towards Boonsboro. Race morning packet pick-up and parking is at
Boonsboro High School in the Boonsboro Education Complex at the intersection of
MD Rt. 66 and U.S. Alternate Rt. 40. Special note to those using the 5:00 a.m. start:
5:00 a.m. starters must pick-up their packets on Friday, November 20, 2009 or
make other special arrangements with the race organizers. See details for the
Friday Packet Pick-up later in this information packet.
FINISH INFORMATION: The JFK 50 Mile course is a point-to-point “horse-shoe” configuration finishing at Springfield Middle School in Williamsport, Maryland. Shuttle Buses will be on hand to bring participants back to the Boonsboro Education Complex beginning at 3: 1 5 p.m. and will run regularly until 7:30 p.m. Spectators and handlers should park in the adjacent Williamsport High School parking lots.

AWARDS: All finishers within the official 12-hour time-limit (14-hour time-limit for those officially entered in the 5:00 a.m. start) will receive a beautiful uniquely designed JFK 50 mile finisher’s medallion immediately after crossing the finish line. The top 10 men and women as well as the first male and female in the following age divisions (19-and-under, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80-and-over) will be recognized at the awards ceremony, set for 4:30 p.m. in the Springfield Middle School Gymnasium.

TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: Team Championship Awards will be presented to the top scoring (based on total time) Men’s and Women’s Teams. A team can consist of up to five of the same sex, but only the first three finishers will be scored. ALL TEAM
ENTRIES MUST BE MAILED IN TOGETHER. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED. NO SUBSTITUTIONS CAN BE MADE AFTER THE INITIAL TEAM ENTRY.

MILITARY TEAM COMPETITION: The first five finishers of the same military branch (from the same Military Base or Academy) will have their combined times tallied. The low time-score will take home the “Kennedy Cup”. Teams can consist of as many as ten entrants (of either sex). ALL TEAM ENTRIES MUST BE MAILED TOGETHER. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED. NO SUBSTITUTIONS CAN BE MADE AFTER THE INITIAL TEAM ENTRY.

PRIZE MONEY: Cash awards will be presented to the top five male and female
finishers (l~~t = $600, 2tid $400, 3rd = $250, 4th =$l50, 51h =$l00) with an additional
$500 bonus for the establishment of a new men’s or women’s course record. ELITE
ATHLETES MAKE SURE TO TAKE NOTE TO THE RULES ON PACING
UNDER “PACERS AND/OR COMPANIONS” IN THIS PACKET.

“LEGENDS” INDUCTION DINNER & JFK 50 MILE SOCIAL: A pasta dinner will be held at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Hagerstown from 6: 15 to 7:45 p.m. on Friday, November 20, 2009 to induct the newest members of the JFK 50 Mile’s “500 Mile”, “1000 Mile”, “1500 Mile” and “2000 Mile” Clubs. The function is open to all JFK 50 MILE ENTRANTS AND THEIR GUESTS. The cost to attend the function is $25 per person. Checks should be made out to: “CVAC” and mailed to the same address as your entry. Reservations will not be taken after November 14, 2009. Absolutely no tickets will be sold at the door. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A “TICKET” IN THE MAIL. NAMES WILL BE RECORDED ON A GUEST LIST THAT WILL BE “CHECKED OFF” AT THE DOOR ON NOVEMBER 20, 2009. JFK 500, 1000, 1500 & 2000 MILE CLUB MEMBERS --AS WELL AS ALL PAST WINNERS AND CURRENT JFK AGE GROUP AND GEOGRAPHIC RECORD HOLDERS—ARE ADMITTED FREE OF CHARGE, BUT MUST RSVP BY NOVEMBER 14, 2009.
JFK 50 MILE OFFICIAL HOST HOTELS: The following Hagerstown area hotels are official host hotels for the 47tI~ Annual JFK 50 Mile. Make mention of’~JFK 50 Mile” when making your reservations.
Clarion Hotel & Convention Center (Packet Pick-up site on 11/20/09)













PACKET PICK-UP INFORMATION: Race numbers and packets can be picked up at the
CLARION HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTER on U.S. Rt. 40 (on East side of Hagerstown)
from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday. November 20, 2009 or at the Boonsboro High School
Gymnasium on race morning between 5:20 am. — 6:20 am. SPECIAL NOTE: THOSE
PARTICIPANTS ACCEPTED INTO THE 5:00 A.M. START, MUST PICK-UP THEIR
RACE NUMBERS AND PACKETS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009, UNLESS OTHER
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE RACE ORGANIZERS.
NOTE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS: NO NUMBERS WILLBE DISTRIBUTED AFTER
6:20 A.M. ON RACE MORNING. MAKE SURE TO ALLOW ENOUGH TIME IF YOU
PLAN TO PICK-UP YOUR NUMBER ON RACE MORN1NG!

PRE-RACE BRIEFING MEETING: Mandatory pre-race participant briefing meetings will be held on race morning in the Boonsboro High School Gymnasium. 5:00 am. starters will meet at 4:20 a.ni. The briefing for the 7:00 am. starters will be held at 6:20 am.

BAG TRANSPORT: Participant bags will be transported from the start staging area (outside the
Boonsboro High School Gymnasium) to the finish line area (the south inside wall of the
Springfield Middle School Gymnasium). Make sure identification (include name, mailing
address and telephone number) is attached to the bag. DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN
TIlE BAGS.

PERSONAL LISTENING DEVICES: Personal listening devices arc illegal in sanctioned USATF and RRCA events. Any one caught (or photographed) using a personal listening device will be disqualified and their names/results removed from the official results.

AID STATIONS: This year’s JFK 50 Mile will have a minimum of 14 fully stocked Aid Stations on the course. Provisions at these stations will include: colas, Gatorade, water, sandwiches, salted items, sweet items, energy gels, energy bars and basic first aid supplies. Some later aid stations may have hot drinks. The tentative locations are at approximately the 4, 10, 16, 20, 22, 25, 27, 30, 34, 38, 42, 44, 46 and 48 mile points.
PERSONAL HANDLERS: Personal Handlers are still “tolerated” at points designated by race organizers on the course. These locations are: Gathland Gap (9.3 miles), W’everton Cliffs exit (15.0 miles), Antietam Aqueduct (27.1 miles), Taylor’s Landing (38.0 miles) and Downsvihle (46.0 miles). Due to heavy congestion problems along the course —causing major concerns from the local police and National Park Service—the race organizers ask, that if at all possible, please leave the “course support” up to the race officials and volunteers (more that 350) out on the course. If you do decide to use personal handlers, make sure they only meet you at the aforementioned race designated points and that they are instructed to yield “right-of-way” at all times to Park Service Personnel, officials, volunteers, participants, vehicles and pedestrians on the course. SPECIAL NOTE TO HANDLERS: Vehicle traffic on the JFK 50 Mile’s final 8.4 mile road section will be limited to only race organizers, law enforcement vehicles, and local traffic between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on November 21, 2009. Handlers in automobiles or on bicycles will not be allowed access to the final 8.4 mile section of the JFK 50 Mile course. Violators of this request will subject their participants to disqualification.

PACERS AND/OR COMPANIONS: Pacers and/or companions are greatly discouraged, but will be allowed for the “general field”. However, any male runner hoping for a top-ten finish, or female hoping for a top-ten female finish, should compete unaccompanied by a pacer/companion on foot or by bicycle at all times during the event. Those “contenders” failing to abide by this rule could subject themselves to disqualification and exclusion from overall awards, age-group awards and prize moneys.

5:00 A.M. START: Anyone requesting a position in the 5:00 a.m. starting field must submit a written refluest, explaining their rational for the request, along with their entry. NOTE: Most well-prepared 4:00 marathoners finish the JFK 50 Mile in the 10-hour range most well-prepared 4:30 marathoners finish the JFK 50 Mile in the 11-hour range. A very limited number of participants (250 starters) will be admitted to the 5:00 a.m. start. A POSITION IN THE 5:00 A.M. START MUST BE APPROVED BY THE RACE ORGANIZERS. Participants approved —and using—the 5:00 a.m. start cannot gain access to the C&O Canal section of the course --15.5 miles—prior to 8:30 a.m. Race Organizers highly suggest that 5:00 a.m. starters bring a flash light or “head-lamp” that can be dropped off at one of the early aid stations. Entries of those requesting 5:00 a.m. start positions, that aren’t accepted, will be returned by mail.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The first 5.5 miles (starting on road surface and joining the Appalachian Trail at 2.5 miles) gains 1,172 feet in elevation. The course from 2.5 to 15.5 miles is on the Appalachian Trail (except for two miles of paved road between 3.5 and 5.5 miles). This section of the AT is very rocky in sections as it rolls across the mountain ridge. At approximately 14.5 miles the course drops over 1,000 feet in a series of steep “switchbacks” that then crosses under Rt. 340 and connects with the C&O Canal towpath. The “Canal” section of the JFK 50 Mile is 26.3 miles (from 15.5-41.8 miles) of almost totally flat unpaved dirt/gravel surface that is free of all automotive traffic. The JFK 50 Mile route leaves the C&O Canal towpath at Dam #4 and proceeds to follow gently rolling paved country roads the last 8.4 miles to the finish. The Boonsboro start is at an elevation of 570 feet. The Williamsport finish is at 452 feet above sea level.

TIME CUT-OFFS FOR 5:00 A.M. STARTERS:
9.3 Miles (Gathland Gap) 3 hours and 30 minutes (8:30 a.m.)
15.5 Miles (Weverton Aid Station) 5 hours and 30 minutes (10:30 a.m.)
27.1 Miles (Antietam Aid Station) 8 hours and 00 minutes (1:00 p.m.)
34.4 Miles (Snyder’s Landing) 9 hours and 45 minutes (2:45 pro.)
38.4 Miles (Taylor’s Landing) II hours and 00 minutes (4:00 p.m.)
41.8 Miles (Dam #4) 12 hours and 00 minutes (5:00 p.m.)
46.0 Miles (Downsville) 13 hours and 00 minutes (6:00 p.m.)
50.2 Miles (Finish Line) 14 hours and 00 minutes (7:00 p.m.)

TIME CUT-OFFS FOR 7:00 A.M. STARTERS:
9.3 Miles (Gathland Gap) 2 hours and 30 minutes (9:3 0 a.m.)
15.5 Miles (Weverton Aid Station) 4 hours and 30 minutes(l1:30 am.)
27. I Miles (Antietam Aid Station) 6 hours and 45 minutes (1:45 p.m.)
34.4 Miles (Snyder’s Landing) 8 hours and 00 minutes (3:00 p.m.)
38.4 Miles (Taylor’s Landing) 9 hours and 00 minutes (4:00 p.m.)
41.8 Miles (Dam #4) 10 hours and 00 minutes (5:00 p.m.)
46.0 Miles (Downsville) 11 hours and 00 minutes (6:00 p.m.)
50.2 Miles (Finish Line) 12 hours and 00 minutes (7:00 p.m.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to insurance regulations, no participants can be allowed access to any part of the course after 7:00 p.m. --the time cut-off for both the 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. starters. Any participants still on the course after 7:00 p.m. will be picked up by official sweeper vehicles and transported to Springfield Middle School. No times will be recorded —or medals awarded—after the official 7:00 p.m. finish line time cut-off. Participants missing any time cut-offs along the course must withdraw. Any participant not abiding by this request will be denied entry to future JFK 50 Mile events.
JFK 50 MILE RECORDS
Overall Course Record 5:46:22 Eric Clifton 1994
Women’s Overall Record 6:29:42 Anne Lundblad 2005
19-Under Record (Men) 6:16:25 Karsten Schulz 1977
19-Under Record (Women) 8:56:09 Liz Wood 1996
Over-40 Record (Men) 5:51:28 Howard Nippert (40) 2005
Over-40 Record (Women) 6:42:50 Anne Lundblad (41) 2007
Over-SO Record (Men) 6:29:30 Tim Hewitt (50) 2004
Over-SO Record (Women) 8:00:3 1 Barry Salisbury (50) 2006
Over-60 Record (Men) 7:53:10 Zeke Zucker (60) 2004
Over-60 Record (Women) 9:36:36 Helga Brandenburg (60) 2004
Over-70 Record (Men) 9:09:00 Tony Cerminaro (70) 2006
Over-70 Record (Women) 12:37:29 Barbara MacKow (73) 2007
Over-80 Record (Men) 12:55:48 Leo Lightner (80) 2008
Military Team (Five Times) 36:06:07 U.S. Naval Academy 2006
(Millerô:56:42, Vandall 7:00:17, Davis 7:14:23, Urhashich 7:27:08, Beaudwin 7:27:37)
Men’s Team (Three Times) 18:3 1:28 Oh Frabjous Days 1999
(Mitchell Craib 6:09:13, Ian Torrence 6:09:27, Thomas Greene 6:12:48)
Women’s Team (Three Times) 25:11.16 Runner’s Mark 2002
(Connie Gardner 7: 11:47, Kim Martin 8:34:20, Sara-Jane Lyons 9:29:09)
Most Official Finishes 40 Kimball Byron
Most Female Official Finishes 25 Carolyn Showalter

One Weekend, One Medal and Two Pieces of Press

Hello World!

Just back from a fabulous trip to North Carolina! Kid #3 had a soccer tournament and they made it into the finals. Great soccer and great weather. Saturday night we met my brother and his family at the Top of the Hill Restaurant -- fuuunnnn -- in Chapel Hill and then walked around UNC. We saw, and drank, from the 'Old Well' which should be called the 'Old Water Fountain!' :) HaHaHa. Sorry any UNC grads... Your campus is beautiful and your city is a lot of fun.

In between two of the soccer games, I got a phone call from a Steve Nearman, a Washington Times reporter! I had a sidelines phone interview with him, and was featured in yesterday's Sports section. The story was then picked up by Runner's World. Check out my press box for links!

Below is the story for those who want to read it right away :)

Cheers and it was a beautiful day for a run... 70 degrees, crystal blue skies, a mind and body connection with the world!

RunningBrooke



By Steve Nearman

Brooke Sydnor Curran insists she was merely looking for a way out of the house.

"I am a 41-year-old, stay-at-home mother of three girls - ages 16, 15 and 12," she said. "I took up running at the age of 30 to get out of the house and simply to spend time alone. Running a marathon was on my life list of things to do. ... Once I had run one marathon [2002 Marine Corps], I had to run another, faster. Then it was qualifying for Boston and then, when that was no longer a big deal, I came up with the RunningBrooke idea. It's incredibly satisfying to me putting meaning into my running."

The Alexandrian went on to explain the RunningBrooke idea.

(Readers are advised to stay seated when they read the following for fear of exhaustion.)

"I have committed to running a marathon on every continent, in each of the 50 states, and in all five marathon majors [London, Boston, Berlin, Chicago and New York City] - one marathon a month until I'm done," she said. "I pay for all travel expenses and associated fees; every dollar I raise goes directly back into the community. I've raised over $17,000 so far" for Alexandria charities that benefit women and children.

Curran is well on her way to her goals. In June, she ran her third continent - South America - with the Easter Island Marathon after running Berlin in 2008. She's run New York and Chicago, which leaves just London in April to complete the Marathon Majors.

She just completed her fifth state, Pennsylvania, with a personal best 3:09 at last month's Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, which demonstrates that Curran is no jogger.

Next up is the JFK 50-miler in Hagerstown, Md., on Nov. 21, then a bevy of other races around the world in the coming months.

"It is costly," she said. "We are paying for all of my travel. At the end of the year, with tax benefits, we'll be able write off some of the costs. I'm trying to keep expenses down. I stay with friends when I can, use my frequent flier miles. We are taking a little bit of a financial hit. But my husband supports me wholeheartedly. He is so right there supporting me. He works hard."

Most of the trips she takes alone, but Curran has taken each of her girls separately on an international trip, which she said makes for a great bonding and educational experience.

Check out her blog and Web site at runningbrooke.blogspot.com and runningbrooke.com.

A marathon a month for Curran - Washington Times

A marathon a month for Curran - Washington Times

and this is who has donated (so far...)

Hello World!

Today's post recognizes everyone who has donated to the RunningBrooke Fund since May, 2009. A fund established by moi, to channel your donations to local Alexandria charities. We've raised over $18,000.00 together! My goal is $20,000.00 this year so if there are any of you out there who become inspired by what I'm doing, your donation would be most welcome.

Recap: I have committed to running a marathon on every continent, in each of the 50 states and the 5 world marathon majors (Chicago, NY, Boston, Berlin and London) -- one marathon a month -- until I'm done. I pay all of my own expenses and entry fees. Your donation is 100% tax deductible and you will receive a receipt for your tax purposes. Check out my website to learn more! www.runningbrooke.com

Without further adieu, the following is a list of donors in order in which it was received:

Mr. and Mrs. Attison Barnes, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Curry, Mr. Robert Fooks, Mrs. Jennifer Mattson, Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Mrs. Margaret Wohler, Mrs. Kristyn Burnett, Mrs. Yvonne Carson, Mr. Brett Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Miller, Ms. Anne Curran, Mr. and Mrs. Steven Wann, Ms. Joyce Carrier and Mr. Steven Akey, Mr. and Mrs. Chip Gately, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Blair, Mrs. Anne Church, Mrs. Tess Olson, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Dickerson, Mr. and Mrs. George Sydnor, Mrs. Ellen McGuire, Mrs. Laura Simmons, Mrs. Deborah Keefe, Mr. and Mrs. John Siegel, Mason Vixon LLC, Mr. and Mrs. James Field, Lindsay Lexus, Mr. and Mrs. James Campell, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Draper, Ms. Eugenie Ballering and Mr. Chris Wolz, Ms. Sara VanderGoot, Mr. Stephen Luparello and Ms. Laurie Drysdale, Mr. Authur Bailey and Ms. Jeanne Hoenicke, Mr. and Mrs. James Jacob, Dr. Ayne Furman, Ms. Margo Chisolm, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Koppelmann, Mr. Hans Hopp, Mr. and Mrs. Alden Atkins, Mrs. Ashley O'Connor, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Mullen, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Donohue, Mrs. Ann Lavie, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hurley, Dr. Leong Ying, Mrs. Alesia Frerichs, Mr. George Buckheit, Mr. and Mrs.Rocky Semmes, Mrs. Hilegard Kuenstler, Mrs. Elizabeth Tonner, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Page, Mrs. Kimberly Thompson, Mrs. Cheryl Young, Mrs. Margaret Teague, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilcox, Mr. and Mrs. John Curran, Mr. and Mrs. Brian Fortune, Pacers Events, Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Schwab, Mr. and Mrs. James Daley, Mr. and Mrs. Gant Redmon, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Tang, Mr. and Mrs. Terrance Ross, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lian, Mr. and Mrs. William Phellps, Mrs. Stephanie Fix, Mrs. Tracy Odell, Mr. James Banning, Mr. and Mrs. James Horan, Mr. Doug Baldridge, Ms. Marsha Goodman, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Rosello, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Anderson, Mr. Eugene Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Stansbury and last but not least Mrs. Karen White...

Thank you all very much for supporting my efforts to making Alexandria a better place for all!

JFK50, 15 days and counting...

Cheers and it is a beautiful day for a run!

RunningBrooke

and this is what I ate...

Hello World!

No, no I didn't really eat this but a table-mate of mine did in Santiago. I won't tell you how much this set him back; one because I don't exactly remember and two because I don't want to embarrass anyone. Needless to say, he was a lot more careful after that.

But this little picture sends me on my next tangent, one that I spent lots of time on. Food. When I eat, what I eat, where it came from. Where it was fed. Where it was grown. And on and on and on.

Today, I'm going to focus on what started me on this path of righteous eating -- just kidding -- the book Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser. It changed my life. And in turn it changed my husbands' life and my kids' lives. Again -- just kidding as I don't want to put words in their mouths -- but this book is a MUST READ. And this book led to others: Real Food by Nina Planck, In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver and Omnivore's Dilemma by the same Michael Pollan.

This transformation of how and what we ate happened over years. But this is what is left:

- I don't eat at fast food restaurants except for the occasional, and I mean twice a yearly occasional, Subway
- I don't eat anything that my grandmother wouldn't recognize as a food product
- I don't eat anything that has enriched anything or high-fructose something in the ingredient list, in fact if it as more than 5 ingredients, I don't buy it.

- I go to farmer's markets
- I do buy organics, always, and usually from a local farmer -- and I'll admit that one can eat only so many root vegetables and that leftovers stink-up the refrigerator.
- I do buy dairy and have it delivered from a local dairy who uses no growth hormones or antibiotics on their pastured cows

- I do buy only humanely treated and pastured animals with no growth hormones or antibiotics

- I make what I eat.

Okay, this probably does come across as righteous -- sorry about that -- but healthful eating is very important to me. I believe that when you eat well, good things come from it: energy for that run and vitality for whatever else you do that couldn't possibly be as interesting as, well, running :).

Cheers and it was a beautiful day for what else, a run!

RunningBrooke

and this is what I saw...

Hello World!

And this is what I saw. It has been raining and/or cloudy in Alexandria for three days or more. An eternity! But I thought, let's do something fun. It was only a easy pace 10 miler so I headed out in the mist with my camera gripped in my palm. Down Walnut Street, through Old Town, under the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and onto the George Washington Path to Mile Post 6. Hello Dorothy B! I hope you read this :)

This is what is so great about running. You are out of the door and seeing things when otherwise it would have been a boring day wasted inside. With the mist all over me and the camera, I stopped periodically to take these shots. It was great capturing all of these images, images that I see all of the time, because one, I'm able to share them with you, loyal reader :), and two, the images, when they are framed by the camera lens, become somehow, better...

Training report:

I'm keeping it all together but have been struggling a little this week with some uncooperative legs (hamstring tightness) and a cold. I'm feeling a lot better now though, finally! More energy in the legs and less cold symptoms... 76 miles this week and tapering down to 50 next...

JFK50: 21 days and counting...

Cheers and it was a beautiful day for a run!

RunningBrooke