Sole Runners Thunder and Lightning Run

Amidst lightning, occasional thunder, and rain sprinkles, the Green Girl ran with the Sole Runners this morning.

Coach Steve started off the morning as usual with updates and advice. He reminded us all that the Sole Runners Long Beach Marathon Carbo Loading Dinner and Winter Season Kick Off will be on Thursday, October 14th at 6:30 PM at Buono's Pizza downtown.

He encouraged us to invite our family and friends to join us and possibly become Sole Runners for the Winter season.

As we started running, I was grateful for the cooler temperature but the air was muggy and I started sweating right away.

The morning clouds cast shadows on the Marine Stadium water.

I intentionally left my patellar strap at home because I wanted to focus on straightening my left leg. The inside of my knee started to hurt a couple of miles in but I concentrated really hard and tried to invoke my muscle memory. Luckily, I was able to make the pain go away in less than a minute.

After the Sole Runners First Annual Charity Meet-n-Greet, the Real Medicine Foundation sponsored an aid station along the course today.

I was so excited to see watermelon slices that I accidentally inhaled a seed. It got stuck in my throat and caused me to violently cough involuntarily. In the process, I managed to spit on three other Sole Runners. They all looked at me in shock and I had to apologize for expectorating on them.

Despite the awkward watermelon seed incident, I had a really good run today. My body felt good and my foot didn't bother me at all.

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