Sole Runners June Monthly Social

McKenna's On The Bay

Last night was the Sole Runners at McKenna's On The Bay.

A warm day had cooled to the perfect evening for a dinner and drinks overlooking an Alamitos Bay sunset.

Coach Steve was already seated on the patio when I arrived.

Mentor Barb in her sexy shoes and the Green Girl

We placed our orders and chatted as other sole Runners trickled in.

Coach Steve congratulated me on my first 30 mile ride and group experience.

It was announced that our next destination race would be the Honolulu Marathon in December.

I politely declined and explained the Tour DaVita in September was already a significant financial investment for me.

Sole Runners June Monthly Social

I congratulated some first time marathoners on completing the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon a few weeks ago.

I enjoy talking to new runners because their excitement is contagious and it's so refreshing to see that sense of accomplishment in their eyes.

One thing I really love about my running group is how friendly everyone is.

The Green Girl and Mentor Bill

It's only natural that some friendships have been formed in the group but I never get the sense that there are 'exclusive' cliques.

After indulging in some tasty appetizers and satisfying conversation, I headed out for a short run.

Sole Runners First Annual Charity Meet-n-Greet

The Sole Runners held their First Annual Charity Meet-n-Greet at McKenna's On The Bay last night.

Non-profit organizations were invited to set up a table and speak about their cause to our running group.

Representatives from Arts Council For Long Beach, National Marfan Foundation, and Real Medicine Foundation attended the event.

I represented the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.

I explained the Angelman Syndrome Foundation is a charity that is close to my heart because my niece was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome.

I described the genetic disorder and the characteristics including developmental delay, happy demeanor, speech impairment, arm flapping, and drooling. I shared how she is non-verbal but can communicate using augmentative communication devices and some American Sign Language (ASL).

I mentioned how I'm running the Athens Classic Marathon to raise money for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. All the money that is donated will be used for research. I love my niece but I hope scientists can find a cure so there wouldn't be any more children born with this disorder.

I discovered that the Arts Council For Long Beach created a We Love LB Arts! campaign to recruit Long Beach Marathon participants to choose the Arts Council For Long Beach as their charity recipient. The money raised would be distributed to both community-based and school-based arts programs.

We Love LB Arts! volunteers will be at the marathon showing their support and showcasing local art.

I learned that Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and typically attacks the heart. The syndrome is not easily diagnosed and often goes undetected. Diagnosis is usually made by a medical geneticist or a cardiologist because this disease often attacks the heart.

I was really impressed by the Real Medicine Foundation. The organization operates in 15 countries in four continents by establishing mobile and stationary health clinics. The fact that they employ regional staff really resonated with me.

As a bleeding heart Green Girl, I've taken courses on the sustainability of support and aid to Third World countries and I am aware of the obstacles encountered when trying to implement lasting improvements.

I really enjoyed the First Annual Charity Meet-n-Greet. I was truly inspired by the philanthropy of the organizations and the volunteers.

Be the change you want to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi

Footprints On Our Hearts

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom...

Last night was the Sole Runners Going Away Party for Coach Gary at McKenna's on the Bay.

Coach Gary is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. His odyssey is going to begin with volunteering an orphanage in Nepal's Kathmandu.

From there, his peregrination will include conquering Mt. Everest, looking for a guru in India, teaching ChiRunning in Cambodia, and giving English lessons in Korea. He plans to chronicle his experiences both online and in a paper journal.

Coach Steve started off the evening with a heartfelt tribute. Some Sole Runners shared Coach Gary anecdotes that evoked laughter. Others attested to the positive impact Coach Gary has had on their lives.

I loved the dichotomy of a Boston qualifier thanking Gary for pushing him to run faster than he ever thought he could followed by a back of the packer thanking Gary for giving her 'permission' to slow down when she was going too fast.

The spiritual aspect of running was an ongoing theme throughout the night. More than one Sole Runner thanked Gary for reminding them to appreciate the beauty that surrounded them.

A group of us pooled together money for Gary to donate to the orphanage in Nepal. We also let him know we'd be more than willing to contribute additional funds in the future.

I wish Coach Gary all the best on his quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. Flavia Weedn