January 12th, Book It!

After a long winters nap, I decided that I had to have a meeting with myself. We were camping in our favorite space, in our favorite spot, so what better atmosphere to set up. The comute wasn't very long, so these wheels were perfect for the job.

The first order of buisness was the San Luis Obispo half/full marathon coming to town on Earth Day in 2012--April 22nd.

We have been involved with the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society for about 10-11 years now and they have a group Team in Training that will take you from the couch to the finish line for 1/2, full and century rides. They are a group of people in different areas that are just like us--everyday people, everyday lives doing not everyday things, but amazing things.

You see, in exchange for the coaching, life changing events that they help us prepare for, we commit to raising funds for the cause.

Ask anyone who has been involved with this organization or one like it, it is a challenge and an attainable one if you have two working legs and feet. Everyone has a different reason for joining, maybe it is on your bucket list, maybe you want lose weight, or maybe your friends are all joining. For some of us...itt is much more personal.

We invite you to come to a meeting that we are hosting on January 12th, 5:30ish at The Rose. There will be people there to answer your questions, help relieve any anxiety and help you to get started.

There is a book that I will be quoting from that is written by John "the Penguin" Bingham.

More on him later--I always seem to revisit this book right before and during these running commitments--because he is me, and you.

If this isn't the time for you, the time commitment just won't work, you have a little one on the way, or maybe bad feet...there is another job that can keep you part of this event--a supporter, there are water stops along the course and we need supporters like you for that. The requirements are minimal. Think about it. We hope to see you there!

Team in Training and The Rose

While you are out yard sale-ing (or whatever you do!) early Saturday mornings, you may have noticed a group of people carrying water bottles, wearing purple singlets with the Team in Training logo. These people are ages 16 and up--some walking, some running, some a bit of both. They are all like us, in that they are all motivated by 'something'--to train for a half or full marathon to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Most have never attempted an event like this let alone a 5k. The team and its coaches, mentors, and an amazing campaign manager, will literally take you from couch to the finish line. All the participants commit to a half or full marathon and raise funds towards a cure--and these funds will help families while fighting these blood cancers.

Why are we talking about this??

For a few reasons, one is that we are going to have a team here at Ruby Rose. We are signing on to fundraise and do the miles! There are going to be fun events at the store that will enable you (our support team) to get something while giving. If one or more of the events interest you, then you can join in! If you are involved in another charity and give all you can to it, or simply, not interested, that is great too. Simply honk and cheer if you see one of us runnin' on by!

Another reason is that next year is the San Luis Obispo full and half marathon. We will be able to put in the miles and fundraising and will be able to run in our home town and be supported by all of our friends and family.

(us before the Nike marathon, SF)

What we have learned since being involved in this charity these past years is that everyone wants the same thing. We all want a cure, we all want to help, but sometimes we simply dont know what will make a difference. We intend to make it easy for you.