Summer FUN! Happy Fourth of July!!!

Hi Team,

Can you believe tomorrow is the 4th of July?  Today it actually felt like November!  Needless to say its been seven months since we first met that dark and cool night in January.  I want to thank EVERY single one of you for trusting this enthusiastic, on the verge of crazy coach of yours to lead you to run, walk, or jog a half marathon or 10K. Every single one of you dazzled me with your dedication to the fundraising goals too!  And together we built the first room of the new all girls BEADS high school! AMAZING!!!

This week Rod and I picked up the donation check from California Pizza Kitchen.  Our social gathering raised another $200.73 for BEADS! Way to go team! CPK said they love the mission of BEADS and asked us to come for another FUNdraiser anytime!

Summer is a busy and fun time for all of us!  So busy that we had a "secret" practice, meaning no one could make it last Thursday. So I want to change it up and let summer be summer, and have us gather for friendship and fun!  Here's what I'm thinking, the third Thursday of every month this summer, Run 26 offers the Mill Creek Adventure run.  Let's plan to meet and participate!  Its fun, great exercise, prizes, and even a beer garden at the finish!  And on Thursday August 23rd, please come for a night of lake life with a BBQ, swimming, boating, and great fun with a team reunited!

Here's a recap of dates for summer . . .

Mill Creek Adventure Run - - Thursday, July 19 (5:30pm @ Run 26)

Mill Creek Adventure Run - - Thursday, August 16 (5:30pm @ Run 26)

Night of Lake Life - - Thursday, August 23rd (5:30pm @ Jen & Rod's)

Have a safe and fun Independence Day!!!  May freedom of ideas, speech, love, and choice always bless our lives and this wonderful and unique country!  Boom-Boom!


 

Adventure Run & Summer Practice!

We were a small yet spirited group that ventured out for our first summer practice!  A BIG hooray to Rod MacLean, Jeannie McLam, and Cathy Grondal for getting out to exercise and have some FUN!  And boy was it fun!  The Mill Creek Adventure Run included a scavenger hunt going to businesses to retreive tickets for prize drawings, bean bag tosses and basketball shots! And a root beer and beer garden at the end for a good carbo load!

Thursday come prepared to walk or run, and for those brave enough take a swim in the lake at the end! The water has been feeling warm!!! Let's meet at 6:30pm since its staying light out later!  I will have healthy snacks waiting!

GO BEADS!!!

See you soon! :-)

Zombie's Girls & Kick Off Summer Training! Read all about it!

Zombie Girls Go Wild!!!

The call of the ZOMBIES was too much for several of our team mates to resist! I'm sure you recognize most of those crazed faces!  A shout out to Tamy Bagan, Hope Soley, Jen MacLean, Jeannie McLam, Michelle Heinemann, and our event photographer and supporter Julee Cunningham! We are all part of a very colorful bi-monthly book club!  If you're into books and fun, let me know and I will fill you in on this lively group!

Summer Training Kick-Off!

This is the week - - the wonderful week to come back and gear up for another BFE Races, summer event!  This event is a seven week training blitz and we start this Thursday June 21st!  Our first training will begin in Mill Creek for their "Monthly Adventure Run".  Let's plan to meet at Run 26 to gather and registration.  Please let me know if you will be there so that I can watch for you! The particulars are below:



Here's How It Works:

The run is similar to an urban adventure scavenger hunt, and the rules are simple:

• 5:30 – 5:45 is registration. Plan on arriving at this time to sign in.
• At 6pm 1 large map is shown that have a dozen or so checkpoints on them. This map entails downtown Mill Creek and the Town Center.
• Participants will be given an hour to hit as many checkpoints as possible by using their notes or cell phone photo taken when the map is revealed.
• When you arrive at each checkpoint you will be given a raffle ticket good for prizes from our sponsors at the end of the race. How you get there is up to you, but the more raffle tickets you collect the more chances you have of winning prizes at the raffle drawing!
• PLUS!!! BEER GARDEN AND MUSIC AFTERWARDS. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT A LOCAL CHARITY!

Cost: FREE!

Start: Run 26, Mill Creek
Try to hit as many checkpoints as you can, but remember that the raffle drawing starts at 7:00pm whether you are there or not!
Be sure to bring a watch, good navigational skills, and great attitude

Doesn't that sound like a TON of fun???  Again please RSVP, that way we will look for you at the event!  Hope to see MANY of you!  I challenge each of you to bring a friend to join in the fun, get in shape, and meet the wonderful team!

Find Joy!!!

GO BEADS!!!!

CPK Event & Upcoming Mud Race!!!

California Pizza Kitchen Dinner!  What a BLAST!

It was so much fun seeing all of you that could make it at the CPK FUNdraiser! It was a joyful reunion connecting with all of you!  Cody the manager at CPK said she would honor the 20% donation all the way through the long weekend for BEADS!  For those of you that couldn't make it, stop in, receive great service and eat good food for a cause. Cody also threw in a 20 person table and is donating the proceeds from that table as well!  So whoever can rally and support CPK for their kindness and get a bit more of a donation for BEADS that would be AWESOME!!!

Thanks to everyone that supported the event!  Lori & Victor Navarro, Donna Vande Kieft, Bill Goodwin, Loren & Noel Jackson, Lorraine & Michael Cunningham, Erica Wolf, Rod MacLean, JR & Mary Wahl and Sam Wahl.  And Ame & Matt Parman picked up pizza's for take out!!!  In the next two or three weeks we will find out how much our donation came to!  What a simple way to raise a few dollars and have a ton of fun!

Announcing the Summer Mud Run!!! 

Mark your calendar for June 21st, truly a significant day for many reasons . . . its summer solstice, Mill Creek's Urban Adventure Run/Walk, Rod & Jen's sixteenth Anniversary AND our first practice for the upcoming mud run on August 4th.  Thought it would be FUN to launch our first practice by participating in Mill Creek Urban Adventure Run/Walk event sponsored by Run 26, and celebrating our 16th with ALL of you!!!  Below are the particulars:

How It Works:

The run is similar to an urban adventure scavenger hunt, and the rules are simple:

• 5:30 – 5:45 is registration. Plan on arriving at this time to sign in.
• At 6pm 1 large map is shown that have a dozen or so checkpoints on them. This map entails downtown Mill Creek and the Town Center.
• Participants will be given an hour to hit as many checkpoints as possible by using their notes or cell phone photo taken when the map is revealed.
• When you arrive at each checkpoint you will be given a raffle ticket good for prizes from our sponsors at the end of the race. How you get there is up to you, but the more raffle tickets you collect the more chances you have of winning prizes at the raffle drawing!
• PLUS!!! BEER GARDEN AND MUSIC AFTERWARDS. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT A LOCAL CHARITY!

Cost: Free!
Start: Run 26, Mill Creek
Try to hit as many checkpoints as you can, but remember that the raffle drawing starts at 7:00pm whether you are there or not!
Be sure to bring a watch, good navigational skills, and great attitude



We will get to exercise, see each other, AND maybe win some COOL prizes!!! 

So far we have commitments for the Mud Run from Lorraine Cunningham, Rod MacLean, Erica Wolf, Donna Vande Kieft, Bill Goodwin, Jeannie McLam, JR & Mary Wahl and Lori Navarro!  If I left someone out or added you in without a commitment, my apology!

Here is the link to the Dirty Dash on August 4th!  The great part of the event is we all start together as a team and help each other through the mud and fun!  ALL fitness levels are welcome.

http://www.thedirtydash.com/races/seattle

The Dirty Dash is giving BEADS a generous 20% off the race fees!  So the fee to participate will be $40, and the fundraising commitment to BEADS is $100. 

Invite your friends, co-workers, and family to join the team so they can get in shape, meet new people, and help a good cause!  And let me know if your in, so I can start creating the team list!  GO BEADS!!!

Thanks everyone!!!

Find Joy!!!

Jen :-)



Our Donation!!! CPK FUNdraiser! 10K Opportunity!

Hello Team,

Must say I've missed all of you!  It was the first Thursday in sixteen weeks, (that we were in town) that we didn't have practice and a BIG pot of soup!  What an amazing sixteen weeks, and honor it was to watch each of you improve and grow in your fitness!

Our California Pizza Kitchen fundraiser is coming up Wednesday May 23 & Thursday May 24th.  What a FUN way for us all to get together again.  The Northgate CPK is graciously donating 20% of all food and beverages, when anyone brings in the flier below for dine in or take out for the entire two days!  In order for this FUNdraiser to work we all need to post this on our Facebook pages, print them up and hand them out to everyone we know, invite friends and family to dine. I figured Thursday May 24th at 6pm would be a great evening for all of us to get together, share food, and have our dining go to BEADS!  Bring your spouses, kids, and friends and lets once again celebrate! I also thought we could wear our jerseys and make an impact - - if customers ask about us, CPK will donate their check to BEADS!!!

The FUNdraising has been totalled!  We have a check . . . drum roll please, for $12,300.00 being sent to BEADS!  I hope each one of you know what an impact your hard work will make.  Just in case you missed Debby Rooney's letter to all of us I've copied it here!  Our donation will actually help open the high school EARLY!!!  Love it team!!!

Jambo FUNdracers,

Jen is so right when she says you rocked!!  And I am overjoyed with your success. 

As you know we are building a high school to provide a quality education for  our girls.  Your efforts will enable BEADS to build a classroom that will be named in your honor.  AMAZING!! Your donations will allow us to open in January 2013, the beginning of the next school year. Most of our girls are the first girl in their family to complete elementary school and now they will have the opportunity to receive a quality high school education.

In the USA,  parents move to the best school district available or send their children to private schools.  This is not an option in Kenya and the government high schools are very mediocre.  The Kenyan curriculum does not include any critical thinking skills, interactive or student centered teaching, Kenyan geography, and wildlife (which is  never mentioned in the curriculum). There are no libraries like ours that feature literature. Just to mention a few issues in the Kenyan schools that our high school will remedy. 

Our school will provide a quality education and we are now working on enhancing the curriculum and teaching methods.  Some of the first girls sponsored by BEADS for Education have graduated from college as teachers and will be among the BEADS high school teaching staff!  WOW!

OUR girls will become leaders of their families, communities and hopefully the nation.

I hope that you will come to Kenya one day and see the impact your efforts have made.

 

THANK YOU AGAIN and AGAIN,

Debby

 

Yesterday I spoke with JR Wahl and he said he loved the race, and is continuing his workouts!  I'd love to continue this team thing how about you???  I'm thinking a 10K August 4th in Arlington! Thought we could start training June 28th.  There will be a twist - - our workouts will include MANY forms of cross training!  Each week we will do different forms of training. (Canoeing, swimming, hiking, strength training, etc.) Yet most of all we will have TONS of fun!  It will be FUNdracing light, as it will be a $100 commitment to BEADS and the race is only $20.  Can't wait to see who is up for a new challenge and more fun and friendship!

 



WOW -- We ROCKED it!!!

A photo recap of our race day!!!  GO BEADS!!!

JR Hitting his Stride!

Loren, Sarah, Michelle!

Ben & Daniel in their Kenyan Clothing

Beautiful sign and artwork by Lori Navarro!

Karen Samuel

Michelle & Hope run like "puffs of wind"!!!

My two mom's and Jeannie! What a beautiful trio!

Why does everyone stand at a party?

Look at all those happy faces!!!

Satisfied SMILES!  Carol, Cathy, and Lori you al did great!

We were so lucky to have Julee's photography skills, Mitzi's voice, and Tamy leading the way on the 10k!

Hopeful and Honey! Okay he has a name, Eric!

Love this darling shot of Karen!

Two Handsome Men and a Dog!  That could be a good book title!

Jim & Scott truly rocking it!!!

This is who "spawned" me! Isn't she cute holding her grand dog?

Rick on the BONGO'S!  Yeah, baby!!!

Struts Cunningham!  Rocking it!!!

Flame On sponsors Lora & Darryl Thomas and the momma!

The Thursday Night Girls - - Spoiling me rotten! Thanks Michelle, Jeannie, Hope, Pat, Donna, Lori, and Lorraine!

Pat bringing it home!

The "pink" Nike's got me in!

Before the race frivolities!

Tanya & Jen our Associated Behavioral Health sponsors!

Donna going strong at the end of the half marathon!

GO BEADS!!!

Aren't these pictures great???  What a day full of accomplishments and JOY!!!  We all finished our races, no injuries, and had a FABULOUS Victory Party!  Thanks to ALL of you for your dedication, friendship, and fundraising! 

IMPORTANT Race Day Information!

Hi Team,

Thursday is our LAST official practice before race day!  WOW - - these last four months have been an amazing adventure!  New friendships, getting in shape, and most of all raising money and awareness for a phenomenal cause BEADS for Education!

We need you at practice this week! We have LOTS to cover about race day, logistics, and our team party! Plus we have another fun surprise awaiting you all! Let's test run your jersey's this Thursday and make for a darling photo op.

On Saturday we will have your race packets available for pick up after 5pm at our house. Since we are running as a group the race organizers asked that we pick them up all at once and distribute. If we are gone, I will leave them out on our front porch, otherwise knock and we'll get them to you. Call or email me if you need other arrangements. I'd prefer to not bring them to the race, as it may be hard to hook up and get them to you.

Again, our address is:
3805 Shelby Road
Lynnwood, WA. 98087

Please, Please, Please RSVP and let me know if you will be coming to our "Victory Party" AND if you're bringing a guest. Remember, that we ask for $15 to offset your guests meal. We have SO many fun things planned I hope you will do everything possible to come celebrate all your accomplishments!

We were so fortunate today, Tammy from BROOKS Outlet donated a gift certificate for a pair of running shoes that we will put in for a raffle drawing at the "Victory Party"!   We  have several thoughtful gifts to raffle . . . original painting, jewelry, etc. 

It has been such an honor getting to know each of you and a total privilidge to be your coach.  I cannot thank you enough for sharing your time, kindness, and resources for such a good cause!

GO BEADS!!!!

Find Joy!

Jen :-)

Couldn't Be Happier!!!

What a total joy it was to see all of you that made it to practice while we were in Arizona for a family wedding! I absolutely LOVE this darling picture of some of our team!!! A BIG thank you to Jeannie McLam and Lorraine Cunningham for leading the practice - - and a shout out to Pat Hamburg, Mary Wahl, JR "Alphabet" Wahl, Donna Vande Kieft, Lori Navarro, and Erica Wolf for coming to practice and sharing your spirit! Rod and I truly missed being there with all of you, as you were sweating and running free, we were packed like sardines in an airplane.

For those of you that were unable to come to practice - - the team jerseys have arrived and the feedback has been great! Stop by on Thursday and pick up your jersey and special gift from Debby Rooney of BEADS for Education. I'd like all of you to have your jersey before race day to wear and wash, so you won't have any unwanted chaffing. No worries if you can't stay for practice, just drop in and say hello!!! If Thursday doesn't work, contact me and we will work it out so I can get it to you. For those far away I will get them in the mail to you! (Sarah & Brian) The shirt is pictured below! Great color - - super comfy!!!

Team, it is so exciting we have about $12,000.00 raised - - we are so close to our stretch goal of $15,000.00. Its so close, we can almost taste it!!! Speaking of tasting it . . . I have one last fundraiser that I think will push us toward the goal! Its actually FUN and oh so easy! The delicious restaurant "California Pizza Kitchen" has offered us a fundraising opportunity. For two nights they will donate 20% to BEADS for Education for all meal tickets that we generate. AND if other restaurant patrons want to join in they will also add those tickets to our totals! Isn't that totally generous???

This will mean all of us handing out fliers to friends, sending out emails, posting on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, etc. announcing these FUN evenings out!!! What a great way to have dinner out with friends. Rod and I plan to be there on both nights - - we'd like all of you to join us and wear your gorgeous teal jerseys and stir up some fun! The dates are yet to be determined and will most like be a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. I'm planning this for May as an "after" party for all of us to connect again!

Another BIG event our "VICTORY PARTY"!!! You will NOT want to miss this festive occasion! We will start the party at 5pm on April 29th after the race! EVERY single one of you is invited - - yes, even those of you that practiced on your own. This party is for ALL of you!!! If you'd like to bring a spouse or friend we are asking for $15 to cover their meals and spirits! There will be many surprises and lots of recognition. Please RSVP and if you are bringing a guest. You have all shared your time, talent, and funds to help others - - let's celebrate that!!!

Thanks to Lori Navarro and Julie Norman for reaching their $300 fundraising committment! Way to go you two!!!

Hope to see MANY of you tomorrow!!!

GO BEADS!!!

SURPRISES this Thursday!!! GO BEADS!

You will not want to miss practice on Thursday! We have some fun surprises in store for you, AND we are getting close to the BIG day so please try to make it! And PLEASE RSVP, so I can gather the right amount of surprises!

Last Thursday it was almost a secret practice - - yet Lorraine Cunningham saved us from it being a total secret! And Tracy Anderson and Debbie Orr came to chat with us about the importance of antioxidants. They scanned Lorraine, Rod, and myself for our antioxidants levels. As Lorraine said, "Too bad others weren't here for the scan. It's great information." Luck has it, Tracy and Debbie have graciously agreed to come back so more of you can be scanned. They will be back April 19th.

Congrats to Jeannie McLam and Jen MacLean for reaching their $300 commitment! Another BIG hooray to Jeannie for sending out fundraising letters and procuring $70. Way to go Jeannie!

The man above, Howard Price, had a tremendous influence on my life. A big part of why we are gathering for a cause is because of this very spirited and inspirational man. Howard was my high school cross country coach, he taught me the importance of excellence, and digging deep and pulling from reserves I didn't know existed. Last Thursday we lost Howard, and as there are "no accidents" in life, our very own Donna Vande Kieft was his hospice nurse. I was so thankful that Howard and his family was fortunate enough to have Donna with them. Thank you Donna for the work you do!

No soup this week - - yet come at 6pm for snacks, surprises, and socializing!

Get out, smile, love, and share your light with the world!!! Thanks for giving of yourself and being part of BEADS!!!

Photos from our first RAINY Thursday!

The weather mixed it up with our first rainy practice, so we mixed it up too! It was a night FULL of cross training - - we did two minute intervals of push-ups, plank, crunches, treadmill, and bicycle. I think we would have been just as "wet" had we run in the down pouring rain! It was a hearty workout and we all left feeling accomplished. Hooray to Lorraine Cunningham, Donna Vande Kieft, and Rod MacLean for their dedication - - everyone dazzled me that night! Aren't the black and white photos fun? It's to reflect the first gray and rainy Thursday we had since the inception of our team on January 5th!

In the next few weeks its important that you make it to the Thursday practices if you can! We will be sharing lots of information about "race day" and the "victory party" as well as throwing in some FUN surprises! And I don't mean surprises like "tempo and hills", truly fun ones that you won't want to miss! This week Tracy Anderson will be here to give free scans to find out how well your body processes antioxidants. I think you will find the information VERY interesting!

Thanks to Mary & JR Wahl, Donna Vande Kieft, Hope Soley, Karen Samuel, Lorraine Cunningham, and Rod MacLean for meeting their $300 commitment! There are a few of you left that we still need to get your final payment in. Thanks to Julee & Glen Cunningham for sponsoring Brian Rien! Get this Brian texted me his time yesterday for 13.1 miles - - he rocked it with a time of 1:47 hours and 10 seconds! He's going to give all of us a run for the money!

Speaking of money we have raised $11,000.00+ so far, that is so awesome! And just think we have gotten in shape, created new friendships and have had a ton of fun as we are changing the lives of women and girls across the world. How can that be anything more than a win-win? Our stretch goal was to get to $15,000, we are so close! Below is a copy of the procurement letter. Cut and paste and let's see if we can get a few more donations rolling in! Toss it out and see what the world says! Sarah Dahl used this form and raised $800 and Pat Hamburg raised $75.

BEADS for Education
Changing Lives One Girl at a Time!

Dear ___________,

This winter I decided to take up a cause and challenge myself by training with a team for a half marathon / 10K to benefit an organization called Beads for Education. The mission of Beads for Education, Inc., a 501(c) (3) tax exempt organization, is to improve the status of women in Kenya, Africa, through girl's education and women business development.

In Kenya if a young girl is between the ages of 10-12 and is not enrolled in school she is generally married off as a second or third wife. Kenyan families have to pay for a public education, and most families if they can scare up money for school fees, it is usually earmarked for the male children. Beads for Education gives these girls a a brighter future by keeping them in school.

The following is written by Margaret, a 12 year old BEADS sponsored girl. Margaret was 9 or 10 when the events of this story took place:

It was some years ago when we enjoyed the best moments of my life with my mum. She was such a lovely mum. She gave me everything I needed.
The worst day of my life my mum was forced to get out of the house by my father. She took all her things and we went together.
After some weeks my mum was very sick and had to see a doctor. I had to face the hard life after a few days. My mum died not knowing anyone or anything.
My grandmother was forced by the chief to stay with me. I had to stay with her. During the first days she was nice and good to me. After some days my grandmother turned to an animal on me.
She was not the grandmother I knew before. She forced me to sleep without eating. She didn't give me all my basic needs.
She made me to come out of school. I had to go outdoors to find food to eat. It took me two weeks to find food. When I got food I was happy, like a king or like Wangari Maathai after discovering she was the Nobel Prize winner.
My mum's best friend came to Isikuyo where I was busy finding for food and told me about Beads for Education. She told me to go there and she was there for me.
It took a few days and I got a person who would help me. Her name is Sue Little, my sponsor. She has been my help most of the time.
I am happy for Sue Little and God too will be there for me.

This story is a powerful illustration of how BEADS for Education is changing girl’s lives.

Our goal as a team is to raise $15,000.00 through corporate donations, and donors like yourselves to assist in building the first high school for girls.

I'd appreciate your support as I train for my half marathon / 10K in honor of the girls in Kenya.
Any donation you can make is truly appreciated!

Sincerely,
(Your name)

See you all Thursday! Soups on at 6pm!

GO BEADS!!!

Jen

Thursday Practice!!! Upcoming Events!

Hi Team!

Must say that I missed all of you while we were away! Hope you all were able to get your practices in and are keeping up your active lifestyles!

We returned to find this wonderful surprise in our garden, its a stone that says, "How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it!" Not only did the kindness of the garden stone touch me - - yet I thought what a marvelous mantra it is to share with all of you! Kindness is a Universal language that we can all appreciate and its so easy to give! So while your out and about this week, share a little kindness and watch how it infuses YOU with joy along with the other person! Thanks to our teammates Mary & JR Wahl for sharing their joy with us!

Exceptional news came in from Sarah Dahl she procured another $500 donation, she has procured a total of $800 so far by sending out the "fundraising letter"! EXCELLENT work SARAH!!!! We also had another $75 come in from procurement letters by Pat Hamburg! Way to go Pat! We are just shy of $11,000 going to BEADS!

We have been very fortunate to have so many generous people come and share information that can benefit our health. Next week on April 5th we will have another bonus, Tracy Anderson and her associate Debbie are bringing a "Biophotonic Scanner" that measures the antioxidants in our body. If you were to get this measured in the doctors office, it would be a $50 test. The scanner was featured on Dr. Oz. The test gives a basic evaluation as to how your body processes food and if you are low on health producing antioxidants. I was scanned today and very surprised with my results.

Below is a message from Debby Rooney the founder of BEADS for Education! She has just returned from Kenya and here is her message:

Jambo BEADS Runners,

Thank you all for your amazing support and especially Rod and Jen for their awesome vision for BEADS for Education and our 320 sponsored girls. I have just returned from Kenya and the girls were so pleased that you are working so hard to support their educational dreams. 27 of our girls are now in college - they are usually the first girl in their family to complete elementary school. Most of our girls started with the BEADS program in 6th grade. College majors include medicine, teaching, accounting, community development and more. I know these girls will be successful members and leaders of their community and hopefully Kenya.

This is Sanaipei who has been sponsored since 2005 when she entered high school. After her high school graduation (picture below), she worked for one year as a BEADS volunteer teacher in a remote Kenyan region. She and the other volunteers were the only teachers in their elementary school classrooms.

Now she is in college studying to become a Physicians Assistant. ATTACHED is her article called

"If It Were Not For BEADS"

It is Beads that have shaped the adult I am today. The full support and education just from somebody who has no claim on me is amazing.. But thanks and thanks.

I can`t say how my life would have been, but were it not for Beads I would not have gone far with my education. I always thank God for Beads and giving me such an opportunity in life.

Once in time, I was dreamless and with a mentality that I can`t do anything. Thank Beads for education for helping me discover my potential. The volunteer work I did as a teacher for second grade through Beads for education has helped me mingle with different people. And more so it developed a sense of well being.,

As for now life seems to be more interesting as living with others in harmony is one of the most valuable things in life. Giving back to the community for free is something I have never thought of, but thanks to Beads for helping me share the little knowledge I have and showing others the way to a successful life. It’s a step forward in my life and always reminds me that we are in need of each other.

.The graduation ceremony for completion of high school, was so amazing. There before, it was just a history to me and always passes off my ears, but that day I saw it happened to me.

The encouragements and motivations from Beads is much more than even a closer friend can give. Beads has helped me push aside all self-limiting beliefs through encouragements and more advice. I learned that in life someone can achieve anything she/he wants so long as you make up your mind and want it bad enough.

I am now in the University all because of Beads. I am studying to become a Physicians Assistant and know I will help my community. It’s something that I wasn`t able to make it alone.Have seen so many ladies of my age stopping their education due to lack of school fees, and getting married to men very old to their age. I thank Beads for education for rescuing my life.

I appreciate everything am getting through Beads for education and more thanks to my sponsors Terese and Tony for always standing with me in times of challenges and controversy. I know in life that one can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind!
THANKS ALOT TO BEADS FOR EDUCATION!
Written by Sanaipei

My apologies for the long blog! Yet last week you didn't hear from me, so I'm making up for last week's words! :-)

Appreciate every single one of YOU!

GO BEADS!!!!!

Lord Hill Saturday Practice!

Did you notice something unique about this photo? Its still "LIGHT" out! It was awesome to see all of you in natural light! What a gorgeous team we are! Yet most stunning is on one of the rainiest days I've ever seen - - the clouds parted and we once again had a "DRY" practice! Since Thursday January 5th we have not had one single rainy practice! Crossing my fingers for the coming Thursday night! A BIG shout out to Michelle Heinemann, Hope Soley, and Rod MacLean as all three ran three times around the lake and did three sections of driveway training! What a GREAT trio! We were also DELIGHTED to have Donna Vande Kieft back, her husband Bill is on the mend. And Jeannie McLam and Lori Navarro kick up their heels and had an awesome workout too!

As most of you know - - we will be in Portland for Thursday and Saturday practice! Our renter moved out so we need to get the new one in. :-( Know we will be there in spirit! Jeannie McLam has happily stepped up and will coordinate Thursday practice. It will be at our house, and once again it will be long run/walk and some hills. (Thinking Shelby/Beverly and 18 minutes of hills) Fasties keep running until most of the group gets back for driveway hill training. The joys of being young and in shape! Jeannie has the key, so the house and restroom will be available. If people think of it please take a photo or two of Thursday and Saturday practice! You know how I love to brag about you all! And PLEASE don't let Dooley the cat out!!! :-)

Saturdays practice will be at Lords Hill in Snohomish and Pat Hamburg has graciously volunteered to lead that one. You will all meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot. The directions follow below:

Driving Directions - Main Parking Lot
Take the Snohomish-Wenatchee exit off of I-5 onto US2 in Everett to second (east) Snohomish exit off US2; turn right onto 2nd Ave; turn left onto Lincoln Ave S which becomes the Old Snohomish-Monroe Hwy; turn right onto 127th Ave SE; drive south approximately 2-1/4 miles; turn left onto 150th St SE and proceed to the park entrance on the left.

It would be appreciated if you could let Pat know if you plan to come to practice, either through Facebook or the email you picked up the blog from.

The next blog after I return from Portland will have the acknowledgements of reaching the donation commitments!

Have a beautiful week!

Find Joy! GO BEADS!!!

Jen :-)

Practicing Focused Intent

Its mile 4 if doing the 10k, or mile 11 if you're doing the half - - your body is feeling weary, your mind wants to be done. At one point or another you will hit a wall. Usually it will be a "mental" wall, you've trained for months you KNOW your body can finish. This is when you start chunking your long victory into small wins by creating distractions. I call it, "Practicing Focused Intent". Here are a few of my favorites that keep me moving:

• Pick a tree or object 100 yards ahead of you and tell yourself you can slow down when you reach that point.
• Spell your name, each step is a letter. Do your entire family! Keep going until each one is spelled out. Slow down when you,re finished! Your reward period should be much shorter than your earning time.
• Have a goal of counting to a 1000, I usually never make it, however -- its a good distraction while trying.
• Start a conversation with other receptive runners! A quick chat can lift the spirits!
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Another good distraction!

We are so fortunate to be doing a fully supported race. Approximately every two miles there will be a water station with Hammer Heed Hydration electrolyte drink and Hammer Head gels. They also have port-a-potties at each station. And the end of the race they have "post race" food for everyone to enjoy. Usually its fruits, carbs, and drinks! And all you half marathoners will receive a fabulous medallion.

Look at that car load of happy faces! We had six of us for Greenlake Saturday practice. Way in the back you can see Hope Soley and Jeannie McLam. Do you see something remarkable? Were ALL smiling and thats after our practice. The next row is Erica Wolf and Lorraine Cunningham, and riding shot gun is Pat Hamburg. We then high tailed it to 74st Ale House for a yummy healthy lunch!

You have all been awesome about getting in your donations. Thanks so much! This week the last payment is due! See you Thursday for practice. Soup bar opens at 6pm.

GO BEADS!!!

A BIG moon, BIG run and BIG fun!

Oh my goodness, we couldn't of had a better night for practice if we tried! Our good BEADS luck served us well once again! The BIG surprise came as we were in the home stretch, as we crested the hill a GIGANTIC full moon hung in its glory before us. It was such a treat - - I thought to myself, "If my butt was inside I would have missed this spectacular moment!"

Yesterday I was reminded of the importance of "showing up" or being present in life. I was fortunate to receive a massage as a gift and had it yesterday. After last nights practice I should have had it today! :-) It was a pleasant experience, as you wait for your massage therapist they have tea, apples, nuts, etc. I had a cup of mint tea and an apple. Yum! I handed the empty cup and garbage to the woman cleaning up and thanked her for making it nice for everyone. As I was leaving, she came running up and thanked me for making her day and for bringing such nice energy to the room. I was totally taken back and it made me think of the importance of the small gesture and how you never know who you will touch! So when you feel like your dragging and not wanting to get to practice, just remember you never know who might need you, or who you'll touch. Show up and be present is my mantra for the week!

I want to give a HUGE shout out to Erica Wolf!!! She sent me her pedometer results for the month. Her average daily steps were 8,588 - - this girl gets around! And her total monthly steps were 210,171. Way to go Erica! You are an inspiration!!! Also, please keep Erica in your thoughts and prayers as her dad is having some difficulty!

Thanks to Karen Samuel for sending in her $300 commitment. Way to go! And today is Karen's birthday! You will meet this busy woman on race day if not before! Congrats to Erica Wolf reaching her $300 commitment. And Julie Norman to getting to $200.

And a big HOORAY to Sarah Dahl for procuring another $100 from friends and family to support BEADS!

Look at that beautiful group of people below! I must say, I love our BEADS group - - I receive so many surprising bonuses that I never imagined! Friendship, camaraderie, satisfaction, giving back, etc. All good and empowering things - - thank you ALL!!! Jeannie McLan, Pat Hamburg, Hope Soley, Michelle Heinemann, and Rod MacLean truly kicked it up a notch and earned their stripes! It was a challenging practice! Way to go team!!!

Don't forget Saturday practice at Greenlake! Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the south end of the lake at the tennis courts. If you'd like for us to watch for you, please let us know your coming. I have a few spaces left in the car if anyone else wants to car pool!

GO BEADS!!!

Cross-Training, Saturday Greenlake Practice

Can you believe this crazy March snowy weather? As a gardener its heart-breaking! As a runner its invigorating - - don your hats and gloves and enjoy every snowflake. The cushion of the snow makes it easier on your joints! And it doesn't happen very often so lets make the BEST of it! Thursday it should be a blazing 57 degrees with sun breaks, and knowing our good team luck it will probably be dry. Soup bar opens at 6pm!

As you all know I'm a big advocate of cross training. Running and jogging are not the easiest thing on most of our bodies and mixing different forms of training can give you longevity for the "long run" allowing you to be active for years to come! It also helps you avoid injuries caused by repetitive motion. And it keeps us interested. Donna Vande Kieft is cross training by adding yoga to her practice. Yoga is great for strength and flexibility! Great job Donna! :-)

Attached is a great article on cross training for distance events, its published by Runners World. As many of you know the last half marathon I did in October, ALL my training was on the bike, adaptive motion machine, swimming, and weight training. It works!

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-263-266-14192-0,00.html

We have Saturday practice this week. It will be held at fabulous Greenlake. Plan on meeting at 9:30a.m. at the the tennis courts at the south end of the lake. The tennis courts are at the same end as the soccer fields and the defunct stadium. We will have a 120 minute practice that will include strength training and some bursts of hills. Please let me know you will be coming so we can watch for you! Thanks!!! Bring your water bottles we will be out longer than usual! Afterwards, whoever would like to have lunch please join us!

Have a spectacular week!

GO BEADS!!!