Running for Good

Since February, I've been running for a purpose bigger than myself. That purpose is to honor my late father by helping to fight cancer.

As you read here, I'm running the Chicago Marathon for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and raising money to fund critical cancer research. This research will not only bring treatment to multiple myeloma patients; it has the potential to aid and prolong the lives of other cancer patients as well.

Starting tomorrow, I will use running for another social good. I have decided to run as a volunteer with Back on My Feet, an organization born out of one woman's desire to help homeless people.


"BOMF is a nonprofit organization that promotes the self-sufficiency of homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem." -- Back on My Feet website

I believe running has the power to transform individuals, so I couldn't be happier about the mission of this organization.

Back on My Feet's chapters are predominantly located on the East Coast. But, the organization is expanding. The Chicago chapter launched this week. And a chapter is scheduled to launch in Minneapolis sometime in 2011. For more information about this excellent organization and to see if a chapter is coming to a city near you, click here.

In somewhat related news, I started auditing a class at the Kellogg School of Management this week. The class is about leading the mission-driven enterprise. My hope is that the skills and knowledge I will take away from this class will make me a more effective volunteer and employee.

September Update: Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Brady, Mom (Becky) and Brooke after the Twin Cities 10-mile (2007)

Tick tock. With the Chicago Marathon only 23 days away, Brooke and I have reached the final countdown to 10.10.10.

As we anticipate running the marathon in memory of our dad, we know that once we cross the finish line, this experience comes to an end. Despite the ups (getting to share our story) and downs (getting injured) of the past few months, this has been one heck of a ride. We’ll be sad when it’s over.

Fund-raising
After our last update, donations to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation poured in. Friends, family and several people we’ve never met stepped up to donate! Thank you for believing in us and the cause!

We’re pleased to share that in late August, we reached our goal of $4,000. Cori Ann and Nate Dahlager generously capped off our total so we could hit the $4,000-mark. To date, we have raised about $4,300. This includes $150 in proceeds from “Kicking Cancer’s Butt” T-shirt sales. Over Labor Day weekend, our cousin, Drew Hebig, sold approximately 30 T-shirts to friends and community members attending our annual hometown celebration, Box Car Days!
 

Though we reached our goal, we will gladly accept contributions through Oct. 24 – the final date to submit donations. Every dollar matters, and no amount is too small. Ninety-three percent of each contribution helps accelerate the cure because it goes toward the development of new multiple myeloma treatments.
 

Training

At the Twin Cities 10-mile, Brooke nears the finish line (2007)

Getting excited to run the race is still a struggle for Brooke. Simply, she doesn’t enjoy running. Her husband Tony has been a huge supporter and always encourages her to run. He continues to run two to three miles with her and then hops on his bike for the rest of the run. They also bring their dog Cyrus, a 35-pound puggle, with them for their first few miles...but he can only run two :)  Although Brooke isn’t looking forward to running for five hours, she said, she can’t wait to see all of our friends and family along the race course and at the finish line supporting us. 

Brady is just steps away from the state Capitol at the Twin Cities 10-mile (2007)

My husband Ben and I recently spent 12 days in the Pacific Northwest, where I was adamant about continuing to train. The running highlights included a 20-mile training run along Lake Washington in Seattle, the Oregon Wine Country Half-Marathon and the Bear Water Run in White Bear Lake, MN, where I had the opportunity to run with my former Pioneer Press colleague, Maria Reeve.

This weekend, I will participate in the Chicago Area Runners Association Ready-to-Run 20-miler before slowing down for the final three weeks leading up to the marathon. My tired legs welcome the break. Training, however, doesn't end for me after the Chicago Marathon. I will run the Philadelphia Marathon on Nov. 21.

Race Day

If any of you are interested in cheering for us in person or tracking us from afar, look for an e-update from us the week of the marathon. We will provide pace, race attire and bib information, as well as links to a map and a tracking tool.

We have already counted approximately 17 friends and family who are planning to travel from Minnesota to Chicago for the race! We can’t wait to see you! 

Best,

Brady and Brooke

Under Pressure

I believe we should pray more for others, less for ourselves. Yet, every night before a long run, I find myself praying for yours truly. Rather, I pray for my foot. I chat with God and ask that he helps see me through the Chicago Marathon on 10.10.10 free of injuries. It's a selfish request, but, I'm afraid it's come down to that. I blame the stress fracture.

When I got the OK in late April from my doctor to resume running, I was pretty confident about returning to the sport. I felt I had become a stronger runner after months on the stationary bike. But, as I run more, my confidence lessens. I recall spending what seemed like an hour the night before an 18-mile training run last month praying I wouldn't get hurt.

If I were running the Chicago Marathon only for myself, I could swallow re-injury. But this race isn't just about me.  It's about my dad, who died at 46 because of multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. It's about my sister, Brooke, who will be running her first -- and maybe only -- marathon. It's about the dozen friends and family who've decided to travel to Chicago to support us on 10.10.10. It's about the friends, family and strangers who've donated their hard-earned money to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

I have quietly pledged that I will slow down -- at least a little bit -- after the Chicago and Philadelphia marathons. I still plan on registering for the Flying Pig Marathon, which will take place in Cincinnati in May. This is the race I couldn't run this year because of the stress fracture. I have a deferral certificate, and I will use it.

But, training for the Flying Pig Marathon can wait until winter. In the weeks and months following the Philadelphia Marathon, I will focus on cross-training. I will prepare for my first triathlon. I flunked out of swimming lessons at an early age, so preparing for even a sprint triathlon (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) will take some time and likely some coaching. I've read about and heard from people who participated in triathlons only to discover they became better runners -- and experienced fewer injuries.

Hopefully, at this time next year, I'll be praying for stuff far more important than my dumb foot.

Clarification: I want to explain what I mean by slow down. I'm not disappearing from endurance running. I love running marathons, and I plan to travel the world participating in them. While I hope to continue running marathons, and hopefully qualify for the Boston Marathon in the near future, I do plan to run fewer days a week after the Philadelphia Marathon. I've been known after a marathon to resume normal running after only a few days' rest. When I signed up for the Philadelphia Marathon, I promised Ben and my friend Kara that I would alter my ways. But, come late winter, I will slowly ramp up running. I want to be ready for the Flying Pig Marathon in early May.

August Update: Kicking Cancer's Butt...One Mile at a Time

Left: Brooke, Right: Brady

Hello everybody!

About six months ago, Brooke and I signed up to run the Chicago Marathon on behalf of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). I don’t think either one of us predicted how the decision would transform us.

Brooke is running again. She hates running. After running a half-marathon five years ago on a bad knee, she had practically said goodbye to the sport. She still might not love it. But she’s out there, trying to put in the miles.

My involvement with the MMRF has ignited a fire I haven’t felt in a long time. As a result, I want to play a greater role in the non-profit sector. I’m volunteering more. I’m an active member of a committee planning a half-marathon in Evanston that will promote wellness in every ward of the city and connect runners – young and old. I have also agreed to help organize training runs for members of the MMRF Chicago Marathon charity team who live in the Chicago area. And barring any unforeseen problems, I will audit a class on the mission-driven enterprise this fall at the Kellogg School of Management. My hope is that participating in this class will equip me with the knowledge to be a better, more effective volunteer or employee.

Fund-raising:
The Chicago Marathon is only 53 52 days away! So far we have raised nearly $3,500 $3,600. We are grateful for the friends, family and even strangers who have contributed! We hope to ultimately raise $4,000. If 20 people donate $25, we will achieve our goal.

If you are planning to donate, remember that every dollar matters. Whether you can contribute $5 or $50, it all helps! Ninety-three percent of your contribution goes directly toward the development of treatment for multiple myeloma. If you can’t contribute financially, you can still support us in other ways! Help us spread the word about our cause and the MMRF. Urge loved ones to get annual physicals. Send an encouraging note the week of the marathon.

Training:

From left: Brady, Gene, Becky, Brooke

During the next few weeks, Brooke and I will experience the most intense part of training. When we began preparing for the marathon in June, we were running an average 20 miles a week. Now, single runs consist of 16, 18 and 20 miles.

To assist Brooke with training, her husband Tony bought a bike so he could accompany her on long runs. He typically runs three miles with her before transitioning to the bike. His support doesn’t stop there. To entice her to follow her training plan, he pledged to give her $1 for every mile she runs between now and the marathon on 10-10-10.

This isn’t the first time I’ve trained for a marathon, but it is the first time while training for a marathon that I’ve looked forward to every run and done it—mostly—without complaint. It doesn’t hurt that I live in a city where the running culture is strong. I’m also surrounded by an amazing group of young women who run and love the sport as much as I do.

The power of purpose helps, too. On every run, I carry the memory of my dad and the knowledge that I’m running for a cause bigger than just myself. Our dad never laced up a pair of shoes to go running. But I sense, especially on the tough, long runs, that he’s taking every stride with me. Whether Brooke senses it, I know he’s taking every step with her, too.

Housekeeping:
Between now and the marathon, we will send out a monthly update in September and an update one week before the race. We also plan to share a race recap and photos after the marathon. If you are interested in receiving the next updates and race recap by e-mail, contact me at brady.jean@gmail.com.

All our best,

Brady and Brooke

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. -- Jim Rohn

Celebrating 27 with 26.2

In November, I turn 27. While every birthday should be celebrated, the number this year is somewhat unremarkable. It's two years past a quarter century, three years from the big 3-0.

Why not make this year stand out? Especially after the past few birthdays, which have been low key. When I turned 22, I was juggling a full load of classes at the University of Minnesota, spending 30 hours a week at the Minnesota Daily and interning at the Pioneer Press. I invited my friends over for a movie. They brought cake. I have a photo where I'm blowing out the candles -- in my pajamas.When I turned 24, my cousin and brother-in-law came over for waffles. On my most recent birthday, I treated myself to a roll from Bennison's Bakery, had an informational interview with someone from Chicago Public Radio in the city and met my friends for Indian. Oh, how I was craving Indian.

I've decided to celebrate my 27 years by running 26.2 miles. Call me crazy, dumb, foolish. But six weeks after I run the Chicago Marathon (10-10-10), I will toe the line of the Philadelphia Marathon (11-21-10). The race is only three days after I blow out 27 candles. How remarkable is that.

Fund-raising 101: Companies can say 'no'

When my sister Brooke and I signed up to run the Chicago Marathon for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) in our dad’s memory, our fund-raising expectations were low. Having never previously raised money for a cause, we didn’t know who of our family and friends would donate. We also believed the tough economy might prevent people from being able to contribute financially.

We were proved wrong. Friends and family stepped up to the plate, and donations flowed in, especially during the first several weeks of fund-raising. It was an exciting time, and my eyes often welled up with tears every time I received an e-mail alerting me a donation had been made. They still do.

Initially, we each planned on raising $1,000, or $2,000 combined. In June, we surpassed the $2,000 mark. As a result, we adjusted our goal to $3,000. In July, we surpassed that, too. Again we revised our goal to $4,000, not out of some competition to raise more and more money. We just want to help. Since its founding in 1998, we know the MMRF has made great strides in funding research for new multiple myeloma treatments and has been an invaluable resource for patients and their families. We wish it had been in the ring with our dad when he was fighting such an awful disease.

It’s in that spirit that Brooke and I contacted Justin Boots, our dad’s long-time employer. He worked there as a salesman until his death in 1995. I spent time on the road with him as a little girl, so I got to see firsthand his dedication to and love for the company.

In May, I mailed our first letter to the company, as directed on its website. I shared our story about why we were running the Chicago Marathon and asked for Justin Boots to donate $1,000. In return, the company’s logo would appear on our charity running and support team shirts. Additional publicity opportunities were offered, as well. I asked for a response by mid June. Weeks went by, and I heard nothing from the company. I enlisted the help of my dad’s close friends, who still had connections at Justin Boots. They e-mailed their friends and received favorable responses.

About a week and a half before the deadline, I still had not been contacted by anyone at the company. So, while I was in Minnesota, my sister and I put together an amateur photo shoot. As our mom photographed us, we ran in our dad’s cowboy boots, shorts and MMRF jerseys. I sent a photo collage and a hand-written letter requesting $500.  I also posted the photos on Twitter to get the Justin Boots’ attention. As a result, I received a message that the company would be in touch.

Then, radio silence.

A week ago, I sent a new proposal to the company. And yesterday, I contacted the Balcom Agency, a Texas-based advertising, marketing and public relations firm that, according to its website, has Justin Boots as a client. I briefly stated why Brooke and I were running the Chicago Marathon, asked for a donation/sponsorship and requested to speak with the account representative for Justin Boots. Within hours, I received this response:

Dear Brady -

As a Berkshire Hathaway owned company, Justin Brands has certain limitations and this request falls outside the defined parameters Justin Brands has in place for their corporate giving.

Sincerely -

(name removed)

My mom warned me not to be disappointed if Justin Boots chose not to make a donation. She thought too much time had passed since our dad died, and a donation might not be a priority for the company.

I wasn't surprised by the rejection. I was, however, disappointed in the manner it was conveyed.

Indeed, Brooke and I hoped for a donation. But more importantly, we wanted the company to help us honor or dad.

Running in a Small Town

As you probably have gathered from reading this blog, I'm from a small town, a very small town. The current population is around 2,500, and it's getting smaller every day.

We have two gas stations, one grocery store, a Subway, a Dairy Queen and the finest bakery in all of southwest Minnesota, if not the state. We have a Red Rooster, where my parents took my sister and me almost daily for breakfast during grade school.

My graduation class had 100 students. It was a big class. About 500 students attend the high school, grades 7 through 12.

While I haven't lived there in eight years, I go back frequently. I recently spent two weeks there, and I did a fair amount of running and thinking about small-town running.

You know you're a small-town runner when...

1.  It takes you less than 40 minutes to run around your entire town.
2. A significant chunk of your run is spent on a U.S. highway.
3. You share the road with tractors, trailers and semi-trucks.
4. You hesitate to wear only a sports bra because it's likely a teacher, your 70-year-old former neighbor or the old men who told you when you were a little girl that your finger will fall off like theirs did if you pick your nose will see you. But it's hot, so you do it anyway (wear only the sports bra, that is).
5. Your story about running a marathon for charity makes the front page of a newspaper.
6. You have a 14-miler on the schedule, and the most logical route is running to another town and back home
7. The closest thing to a running club is the high school cross-country team.

Do you live in a small town? If so, what do you think is unique to small-town running?