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!!!

Run 26 Clinic

Shelby Schneck owner of Run 26 gave us a wonderful shoe clinic and explained the differences of the three main types of running shoes. A "stability" shoe is for people who need to have more stability in their foot motion. A "motion control" shoe is for feet that pronate in and are flat footed. And the "neutral" shoe is for a balanced foot that just needs overall basic support. Shelby shared how the wrong shoe or worn out shoe can make hip, back, knees, and feet feel injured. He feels many injuries can be avoided with the correct shoe. Shelby was not only informative, yet relaxed, sprinkling in humorous running and client stories.

Starting in May, Run 26 will be offering "Adventure Runs". An Adventure run is like a three mile scavenger hunt. It has you run to different "check points" to pick up raffle tickets. At the end of the run a beer garden awaits and they draw the raffle tickets for prizes! We all thought it would be marvelous group event through the summer.

Thanks to Hope Soley, Jeannie McLam, and Rod MacLean for showing up for the shoe clinic and practice. Practice was COLD, yet once again we didn't get rained on! We are truly a lucky group!

And I will leave you with a pic of my new running shoes! Its the first "cute" pair of motion control shoes I've ever had. Shelby offers all of us a generous 15% discount. So, if you need running shoes make sure and mention that you are a BEADS runner!