Help move The RunningBrooke Fund up the leader-board!

Hi Friends-

Right now, today, 5/6 and tomorrow, 5/7, The RunningBrooke Fund is 'racing' to see how many unique (new) donors it can get. If the fund make it to the top spots of the leader board, there are significant cash prizes awarded.

Help these kids...

Your donation can be as small as $10-...
Your donation will go directly to struggling kids in Alexandria/Arlington...

Prizes for randomly selected donors too!

Click here to donate today!!

Follow the leader board by clicking here.

Thanks very much!! Brooke

London -- 5th and final major -- a category closer!

Dear Friends, Family and Neighbors,



The London Marathon was a RunningBrooke category-closer! I've now run all of the world marathon majors: London ( 4/17/11), Berlin (9/08), Boston (4/09, 4/08, 4/07, 4/06), New York (11/08) and Chicago (10/06). Berlin, by far, was my favorite; the yellow Linden trees framed by crystal-clear blue skies, the crisp, fall air, the chaotic frenzy of race-start and the male spectator swatting me on my behind -- with a rolled-up program -- shouting 'Run! Run! in Italian.' Felt fast and free as I sliced through the wind.

The Statistics:

Total Marathons Done: 34
Continents Completed: 5 of 7, with Antarctica (3/12) and Africa left
States: 23 finished
Marathon Majors: done!
To date, $64,500+ has been raised. Every penny goes to 5 vital Alexandria-based charities supporting struggling kids and families -- Child and Family Network Centers,Community Lodgings,The Reading Connection, Girls on the Run, NoVA, ACTion Alexandria).


The Recent:

Big Sur Marathon. May 1st. One of the most scenic marathons in the world but Yikes, it's tomorrow! I'm finishing this update from my hotel room in Monterrey.

Asthma Awareness Day. May 4th. Join the conversation with me and members of congress on Capitol Hill. I'm super-excited to be on the panel of speakers and then be the featured athlete in the Health Fair. Come learn how Asthma doesn't have to slow you down! $400 worth of FREE testing.

The Right Now!!!

Spring2ACTion. May 5th-7th. A fantastic 3-day online fund-raising event where it's the number of new, unique donors NOT the donation amount that moves a charity up the leader board and eligible to win significant cash prizes. Save the dates to make your donation/s. It can be as small as $10.00 (2 Starbucks coffees). All money raised will go directly to at-risk Alexandrians.



And so, without further ado, the London Marathon recap:

Brooke and Shirley
Favorite-mom and me on our way


London was just beginning to gear-up for the Royal Wedding Royal Wedding when Favorite Mom -- joining me to celebrate her birthday milestone -- and I were there. The city was spruced-up and spit-polished but not too busy. We were able to enjoy the city without fighting the crowds. Warm, sunny and beautiful, it was the height of Spring and perfect for walking -- and we did... Big Ben, Westminster Hall/Parliament, Victoria Embankment, St. James Park, Wellingon Arch, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Portobello Road, Embassy Road, Kensington Palace, Albert Memorial, Buckingham Palace.

In retrospect, it was extremely powerful to have walked through centuries of history and to have been in the very same spots, where the wedding and royal procession took place yesterday! I kept shouting at the TV, I was just there... I saw that too! We heard the same organ pipes in Westminster Abbey, saw the sun streaming through the same stained-glass windows, came down the same center aisle. London was full of breathtaking beauty and grandeur. We walked the royal procession route -- from Westminster Abbey, though Wellington Arch to Buckingham Palace -- along Constitution Hill. I saw the kisses. I thought I wouldn't care/be moved by the Royal Wedding, but I was.

daily procession through Wellington Arch

*Factoid. All Royal Processions, ie: Coronations, Weddings and Funerals have used the identical route from Westminster Abbey, and down Constitution Hill to Buckingham Palace, for centuries.



The Good

Spending time with favorite-mom; we had a blast. No arguments and no one got run over!

*Factoid. We were due to make this trip in 4/10 but had to reschedule because of the Icelandic volcano eruptions and subsequent travel issues.

Reuniting with Nick -- a Brit -- and Floyd -- from the mid-west. Originally meeting Santiago, Chile, the three of us ran the Easter Island marathon together. Tons of fun seeing them again.

*Factoid. Nick -- a Brit -- holds the Guinness Book of World Records for having the fastest cumulative marathon time for all 7 continents Go Nick!

The Marathon. It was a category-closer. What could be better than that?!


The Bad

The Marathon. Suffice it to say that it just wasn't my day. Tired, with heavy legs. But hey, I'd run three marathons in March -- a double just two weeks prior to London. I guess I'm not invincible after all.

The Ugly

The Marathon. Here you go people. The only good thing I can say about the experience is that every step was one step closer to the finish line. Hot, tired, crowded, uninspired. Yuck.


Congratulations, you made it to the end! I'll be back in touch soon with loads of exciting updates. May is going to be a great month for the RunningBrooke Fund and Alexandria.

I saw this quote earlier today on FB: "You have a choice. You can throw in the towel...or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face!" Cheers, now go out there and do something great!

-Brooke

* Factoid. Wellington Arch was built 1828 to celebrate the defeat -- led by the Duke of Wellington -- of Napoleon at Waterloo.

London -- 5th and final major -- at category closer!

Hi Fans-

Here's the link to the London recap. Having trouble uploading the pictures, but it's a good one with loads of fun info :)

Cheers -- running Big Sur tomorrow!

-Brooke

RunningBrooke is USA9's Super NOVA

Nation and Ocean Drive Marathons -- another double -- plus Cherry Blossom!

National and Ocean Drive Marathons, another double!      Dear Friends, Family and Neighbors, On March 26th and 27th, I ran the National and Ocean Drive Marathons, respectively -- another double -- to cross off State #23 (NJ) and Marathon #33 on my quest to run a marathon in every state (almost half-way there), on every continent (5 of 7 DONE) and the 5 world marathon majors (5th and final in London, 11 days away!) to raise awareness and raise money for 5 vital Alexandria-based charities (see sidebar) serving the at-risk in Alexandria/Arlington.  To date, $64,500+ has been raised.  Thanks Supporters and my RunningBrooke Racers -- they alone have collected over $12,000+.  Wow.  Even better, every penny goes to struggling kids and families. Also exciting is that I was named USA9's Super NOVA.  Thanks Ellen Scott and USA9 for the honor!  See sidebar for YouTube video to check it out.  Super-pleased. Finally, the Alexandria Gazette (pg. 25) featured my Check Presentation to The Reading Connection (TRC).  A great evening that coincided with a kick-off for a new TRC reading program.  And so, without further ado: RunningBrooke booth at the National Expo

a lululemon athletica and Pacers Ambassador  Running marathons on all  7 Continents, in each of the 50 States, and the 5 World Marathon Majors, a marathon a month  (and DC too, just 'cause...) Distressed for my struggling neighbors, I decided to 'step up to the plate,' make a stand and do something.  And so I did...  As a long-time  marathoner who was tired of running solely for time, I 'laced up my shoes' and committed to running the world on their behalf.  To raise awareness and funds for 5 key charities that serve them: Child and Family Network Centers  Community Lodgings The Reading Connection Girls on the Run, NoVA ACTion Alexandria  RunningBrooke Sponsors Supporting the Community (Donating 1K a year for the next 5 years to The RunningBrooke Fund.) ASAP Printing Bonitt Builders MacNair Travel Mark G Anderson Consultants  McGinn Investments McLaughlin/Ryder Investments  Pacers Events/A Division of Pacers Running Stores  Sean McEnearney - McEnearney and Associates  TJ Fannon and Sons Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon Make a difference, become a Sponsor! RunningBrooke is USA9's Super NOVA      To donate or to learn how you can get involved, please visit: runningbrooke.com  or email me at  brooke.sydnor.curran@gmail.com  "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much, nor suffer much, for they live in the grey twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."    - Theodore Roosevelt Phil Wharton talks to The RunningBrooke Racers Learn about injury prevention and the importance of Active Stretching.

Part 1 -- National Expo (Friday, 3/25), National Marathon (Saturday, 3/26) The RunningBrooke Fund was an official Charity Partner in the National marathon and half-marathon on Saturday, here in DC.  Holy cow, I had no concept of the behind-the-scenes pre-planning that was involved.  HUGE.  But once the groundwork was laid, fantastic!  Inspired runners signed on to be RunningBrooke Racers, and raised money for the cause.  Weekly training runs and tips turned into friendships.  Sorry to see it end.  Thanks, guys, for your help, I feel honored to have guided you to strong finishes and new PR's.  RunningBrooke Racers at National Marathon Thanks too to lululemon athletica and Pacers Running Stores for their ongoing support. *Factoid, The National Marathon, starting and ending at RFK Stadium, is the only marathon run solely in the District of Columbia, going through 6 of 8 wards.  The Good  Running with my Racers and being part of their success.  Watching the early morning sun sparkle off the Capitol Dome.  Beautiful.  Running where history is made; by the Capitol and the White House, monuments and museums, blooming Cherry Trees and along the Potomac River. High-fiving Back on My Feet runners.  Back on My Feet is a non-profit that engages the homeless in running, promoting confidence, strength and self-sufficiency.  The Bad I was exhausted before the race even began and never felt good.  With that said, another Boston Qualifyer.  I'll take it.  On the Beach at Cape May, NJ Part 2 -- Ocean Drive Marathon (Sunday, 3/27) After post-race congratulatory hugs and hi-fives with my National Racers, I Metro-ed back home to eat, hydrate, stretch, do my ice bath and get in the car for the 4+ hour drive to NJ.  Didn't stop and didn't get lost :)  Victory. Cape May, NJ is a top destination spot with rich history, award-winning beaches and many Victorian homes.  Named for the Dutch Captain Mey who explored the area in the 1620's, Cape May began hosting vacationers from Philadelphia in the mid 18th century.  By the 19th century, it was considered one of America's finest resorts.  Today, it's recognized as the country's oldest seaside resort. * Factoid #1:   By providing support for the US Navy, Cape May played a significant role in WWII.  In Cape May and surrounds, facilities were set up to protect the US and the mouth of the Delaware River from enemy ships and submarines. *Factoid #2:  In 1876, a massive fire destroyed most of the town center.  Replacement homes were mostly in the Victorian Style popular in that era. Cape May Victorian home   The Good  The Marathon.  This was a great race that started steps for my hotel room.  Staring at 9 AM -- I appreciated that -- we ran North along boardwalks, through 5 beach towns, and over 4 drawbridges from Cape May to Sea Isle City.  Unexpectedly, I felt great!  Ran almost 10 minutes faster than I had at National Marathon.   The Marathon.  Met up with 'MusicBelt Ken,' and his friend Troy + 'favorite son' Leong -- friend from the Easter Island Marathon -- and his crew.   No Bad, No Ugly (sorry) Part 3 - Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (Sunday, 4/3)  RunningBrooke Racers race morning   The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler is a beautiful and fast course -- around the monuments and under the blooming Cherry Trees -- that draws both Washingtonians and elite runners from around the world.  It's a rite of passage and ushers in Spring. I'm super-proud of all of my runners.  Two of whom had never run a race of this distance and one of whom had never run a race!  Everyone did great. The Upcoming London.  I leave for London next Thursday to run the marathon on Sunday.  Can't wait.  Antarctica.  I just made my second-to-last payment and the countdown is on.  I'm both exhilarated and petrified.  11 months to go.  Yikes!  Exciting Plans are in the works.  Stay tuned...  That's it -- except for more pictures below.  And... if you haven't looked at the Super NOVA YouTube video yet, what are you waiting for?  It's that good...  Cheers and I look forward to seeing everyone here in Alexandria/Arlington or around the Globe. -Brooke  with running great Bill Rogers at National Expo -- yup, he signed my poster Troy, Ken and me in front of Congress Hall Hotel Getting ready to run... starting line Miller High Life's... with 'favorite son' Leong and his crew at Cherry Blossom.

The Little Rock, AR Marathon - a must run!

Little Rock, AR Marathon Report!      Dear Friends, Family and Neighbors, On March 6th I ran the Little Rock, AR marathon and crossed off State #22 and Marathon #31 on my quest to run a marathon in every state and on every continent in order to bring attention to and raise money for 5 vital Alexandria-based charities serving the at-risk in our community.  Spring had begun in Little Rock; the Redbuds had begun to bloom and the daffodils were up.  the starting line

a lululemon athletica and Pacers Ambassador  Running marathons in all  7 Continents, each of the 50 States, and the 5 World Marathon Majors  (a marathon a month) Distressed  for my struggling neighbors, I decided to do something.  And so I did...  As a long-time  marathoner who was tired of running solely for time, I 'laced up my shoes' and committed to running the world on their behalf.  To raise awareness and funds for 5 key charities that serve them: Child and Family Network Centers  Community Lodgings The Reading Connection Girls on the Run, NoVA ACTion Alexandria  RunningBrooke Sponsors Supporting the Community (Donating 1K a year for the next 5 years to The RunningBrooke Fund.) ASAP Printing Bonitt Builders MacNair Travel Mark G Anderson Consultants  McGinn Investments McLaughlin/Ryder Investments  Pacers Event/A Division of Pacers Running Stores  Sean McEnearney - McEnearney and Associates  TJ Fannon and Sons Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon Make a difference, become a Sponsor! RunningBrooke and Bart Yasso at Little Rock expo Join the Running Fun! National 1/2 or National Marathon Saturday, March 26th Special Discount Codes: 11rbhalf (1/2 marathon)  11rbfull (marathon) Click HERE for detalis   hurry, Charity Registration ends soon       Cherry Blossom   10 Miler Sunday, April 3rd only ONE entry left! EMAIL me to learn more about this fantastic April race under the Cherry Blossoms and by the Monuments! Want to help but don't want to run...? Time and Donations are happily accepted!   Always 100% tax deductible and always, 100% of your donation goes to those who need it. (I pay my own travel costs and associated fees.)

Arkansas, Native American for "south wind," and nicknamed The Natural State, has over 600,000 acres of lakes, 9,700 miles of streams and rivers and over 2.6 million acres of national forests. Factoid.  Our nation's oldest national park (Hot Springs) is in Arkansas.    It is a place with stories; tales of Native Americans, Pioneers, Civil War battles, oil and diamonds, Blues and Mountain music.  The home state of former President Bill Clinton but also the land of historic Civil Rights struggles: The Trail of Tears -- forced relocation of south-eastern Native Americans made to walk from their homeland westward (across the entire state of Arkansas) on their way to "Indian Territory" in Oklahoma.  The Internment Camps -- involuntary relocation of Japanese-Americans from across the US during WWII. Two sites, now memorials, are in Arkansas .  The Little Rock Nine -- escorted by the military, nine African-Americans enroll at Little Rock Central High School in 1957.  And so without further ado:  the Capital  The Good  The Marathon.  1,814 marathoners (plus 1/2 marathons and 1st-leg re-layers) lined up for the 8AM race start.  It was a perfect day.  Overcast with a starting temperature in the mid-thirties.  'Music Belt' Ken (remember him from Jackson and New Orleans?) and I stayed warm in the Peabody lobby (yup, mallards in that fountain too) until 7:45; walked to the race start, corralled up and went.  The course took us past the Clinton Library, through the city and by the capital,  before leading us out into the suburbs.  This is where the race got even better.  We ran past Little Rock Central High School (combo of Art Deco and Gothic and massive in size), past the Governor's Mansion (Governor and staff out front waving to us!) and finished the last 6 miles along the Arkansas River.  Double-thumbs-up to the Race Director for a great tour! The Marathon.  This isn't a typo.  I felt so obnoxiously good during the race that I probably bothered other runners.  Came in 8 minutes faster than New Orleans (easier course) and BQ'd (Boston Qualified) under the new, faster time limits.   What did I do differently between these two races that I hadn't done before?  I worked on my flexibility.  Check out this video (painfully unedited, sorry).   Phil Wharton talks to The RunningBrooke Racers  The Marathon's Finisher's Medal.  It's the reason I decided to run this race (should I admit this?) 5'' x 8'' with complete with spinning globe   The Clinton Presidential Library.  Located along the Arkansas River in the heart of the River Market District, this library is a must see. It's packed with the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts in U.S. history, and houses authentic replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room.  I took Bill's narrated tour chronicling American history during his presidency.   Bill's Limo  The Historic Arkansas Museum.  Two hundred years of Arkansan paintings, furniture, silver, textiles and firearms.  The Bad   No Direct Flights.  There is no way to get from National to Little Rock without changing planes.  I had to fly by way of Chicago out, and Atlanta back. The Tragedy lululemon athletica. The lululemon community (I am an ambassador) is suffering greatly.  At the Bethesda store last Friday night, two educators (employees) were violently assaulted during a robbery attempt.  One lost her life.  Please keep them in your thoughts.  The Upcoming *New to the marathon schedule, another double! National Marathon (Washington, DC) on Saturday, March 26th.  The RunningBrooke Racers, team #1, have been training and raising money for The RunningBrooke Fund.  Super-excited to be a helping them reach their running goal and having their help in making a difference.  *I'll have a booth at the National Expo (Armory, Fri. 3/25).  Stop by and say hello!  The Ocean Drive Marathon (over 4 bridges finishing in Cape May) on Sunday, March 27th.  Knocking off another state and seeing some friends too. Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (Washington DC) on Sunday, April 3rd.  RunningBrooke Racers, team #2, will challenge themselves in this fun and fast course by the monuments and under the cherry blossoms.  Keep up the good work and thanks for your help! Big Bash planned for June.  Stay tuned...  Spring is here and it's an exciting time for runners.  One of my Sponsors, Pacer Events, puts on some great local races.  Fresh, Exciting, Innovative.  Take a  LOOK, see what fits into your schedule and get out there! That's it. Cheers-  Brooke

$30,000 in Grants Made to 5 Vital Charities

$30,000 given to Vital  

Alexandria-based Charities!

The last few weeks have been especially rewarding as I've granted, in total, $30,000.00 to five vital Alexandria-based charities that serve our at-risk neighbors.

Drumroll please:

• $7,500.00 to Child and Family Network Centers; sending impoverished kids to preschool and providing associated services for families.

 

• $10,000.00 to Community Lodgings; reopening the Teen Center, providing guidance towards a successful future with High School Graduation and financial management planning.

• $2,500.00 to The Reading Connection, fostering the love of books by supporting The Book Club, sending free, new books by mail to families on a monthly basis. 

• $5,000.00 to Girls on the Run, NoVA, giving 33 Alexandria girls scholarships to Learn, Dream, Live and Run towards a healthier future.  Photos to come... 

• $5,000.00 to ACTion Alexandria
  (ACT for Alexandria), matching 10 (up to $500.00) on-line 'calls of action' for specific community needs like healthful after-school snacks and milk for kids in shelters.  Photos to come...

2010 was a great, action-packed year and 2011 looks to be even better.  The RunningBrooke Fund and its initiatives are expanding...

I'm off to run the Little Rock, AR marathon this weekend.  Stay tuned, exciting things are going to happen!

-Brooke