2012 RACE DAY RUNNER TIPS

Chafing

Chafing most commonly occurs in areas that rub against each other, or are sensitive and come into contact with your clothing. Here are the big ones:

Nipples: Rarely an issue for women, men will experience chafing of the nipples very often, resulting in bleeding and discomfort. It is a good idea to cover them with band-aids, “nip guards,” or an anti-chafing cream.

Thighs: Especially problematic for women, this is an area that can easily suffer from friction build-up. It is wise to using a glide product, also available at Fleet Feet or other sports stores.

Toes: Blisters are more common when the temperature rises. Rub Vaseline or GLIDE all over your feet and in between your toes before putting your socks on. This keeps everything moving freely, avoiding painful blisters

Groin area: Again, anything that rubs together is a potential problem area. We suggest that you use Desitin or other diaper cream.

Other: Sometimes the underside of your shirt sleeve or if you use an arm band to hold your ipod areas are unsuspecting areas that rub. Use glide on those areas too.

Toenails

Make sure your toenails are trimmed on race day. Otherwise, you may experience blisters, painful pressure, or even the loss of a toenail.

Hydration

It is critical to hydrate ahead of time when running or walking long distances. You can’t start soon enough. Try to drink water all day long beginning today. Avoid all soft drinks, teas, and alcoholic beverages that act as a diuretic or have sodium as an ingredient.

Toilet paper

Most Porta Johns on the course will run out of toilet paper at some point during the morning on race day. Put enough toilet paper for a couple bathroom stops in your Fuel Belt (we suggest you put this in a small ziploc bag, as your sweat will likely make your Fuel Belt moist), or other carrying device.

Sunscreen

Could be a sunny day. Make sure to wear sunscreen that is intended for heavy sweating since you don’t want it running into your eyes and you won’t be able to reapply.

Parking Plan

Review the parking lots when you pick up your race information during the EXPO. Know your plan ahead of time. Plan to walk to the meeting tent and to the start line. Allow adequate time for driving and bathroom breaks pre team meeting.

How to raise funds in an economy where everyone needs something!

Fundraising!

This term strikes joy into the hearts of some, to others a pit in their belly's. One reason I have found for the pit formation, is that inherently, we are afraid to hear "no" after we ask. I understand - I also have pushed past it.

Whenever I get the answer - NO. I don't take it personally. Timing for everyone is different and odds are, their answer is not a reflection of me or the cause to which I am asking their support for, moreover it is not a good time for them.

With that being said - I offer a couple of different examples on fundraising.

1. Write an old fashioned letter to some friends, family and a few co-workers. First of all, explain what you are doing, why you are doing it and how their support (no matter how small) will benefit Believe In Miracles.

Include in your letter a link to the site (www.believeinmiracles.org) and any personal information about your training or your connection with B.I.M.

Always include a postage paid self addressed envelope to make it easier. Let them know you will update them on your success in crossing the finish line and that their donation is tax deductible.

Always ask for them to join you too!

2. Email all of the above and then - follow up with everyone one month later. This is key when emailing any fundraising requests. (it's common for someone to have hopes to donate and then simply forget because it's not in print)

If you are emailing them your request - include the online site for donating online. (see the right site of this blog).

3. Print out the Team B.I.M.B.O. Pledge sheet, you can find this in the previous post - see below. Take your pledge sheet to school, work or keep it with you in your purse and ask your regular dentist, grocer or friends to pledge you per mile - and join you!

4. One friend, a mother of four, is saving all of the family's bottle returns. They've been saving them specifically for their family's donation.

I hope these have given you an idea or two and taken the fear out of fundraising. If you want more motivation - consider looking at Believe In Miracles site, and look at the 13 children we helped in 2011. Because of you - we can help more children with serious illnesses.

Blessings -

Tracy

2012 PLEDGE SHEET

Print this for your donation tracking.

To print, select the document. Copy and paste it into word or pages. Then print.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q How does joining Team B.I.M.B.O. benefit Believe In Miracles?
A By signing on to run or walk one of the races of the Let's Move Festival, through Team B.I.M.B.O. - a small portion of your registration fee goes directly to Believe In Miracles.

Our primary focus as a team is to raise funds so that Believe In Miracles can continue into the future helping local children. Many of you run in honor of our sweet Jenna and some of you are running in honor of another precious child or adult who is battling a life threatening illness. Being a part of this team is about so much more than just what God can do with us.


Q Can I walk the half marathon?
A YES you can! Take a peek at the right side of this blog for a variety of training schedules. You can run, run/walk or walk any of the race options. Pick a schedule that works for you - print it out and follow it. Training with a schedule is really rewarding too, it's awesome to cross off each day and before you know it, you've met your goals.

Q Is there a minimum fundraising amount that I need to consider?
A No, there is not a minimum fundraising amount that you need to raise. However, we encourage you to ask for support. Think about asking 15 people to sponsor you for each mile you are running/walking. If you have 15 sponsors giving $1 a mile, than you just raised $195 for Believe In Miracles! It all adds up!

Have a goal to ask your friends and family, tell them why you are running/walking and make it easy for them to write a check and get it to you. All donations are 100% tax deductible. Direct your family and friends to www.believeinmiracles.org to see why you are training!

Consider asking co-workers. Many company's have a matching gift program. If your company has this, include a copy of the form with your letter.

Save up your bottle return money between today and the race. Easy fundraising:)

Skip Starbucks each week and bring your coffee to work, put the coffee money in an envelop and save up.

Online donation? Simply copy and paste the link that is off to the right side of the blog and direct your donors to our Team site for online donations.

Options to fundraise abound -think out of the box. You can refer to the sample Sponsor Letter that you can find on the blog as well. Of course, change it to suit your needs.


Q When are the donations due and who is the check payable to?
A The folks that you have sponsoring you should write a check payable to Believe In Miracles. All donations will be received when you pick up your race packet at the EXPO on April 26th or 27th. Believe In Miracles will send a receipt to each person who donates. (cash donations get tricky, unless we know who they are from).

Q I have never participated in a race of any kind and have no clue what to expect? What do I expect? What should I eat? What time should I arrive? What if it rains?
A These are all great questions! As race day gets closer, those who are registered and are receiving a newsletter will receive all of the tips, guidance and suggestions that you need to ensure you have a safe and fun race.

Q How can my family members help if they are not running or walking?
A Please let us know if your spouse or older children are interested in helping and we will contact you to assist on race morning or at the EXPO. We have goodie bags to be filled, shirts to organize, and set up that we will need help with.

Q What's up with the Kids Last Mile? Do my kids run with me for the last mile?
A This is so great. NO your kids do not join you as you finish your half marathon, however they have a great chance to "finish the last mile of a full marathon" together. Kids only. Between now and race day, your child(ren) can run/walk 26.2 miles and together on race day - all children will finish the last mile of a marathon together at 2pm. You will be finished with your race goal and you will be able to cheer them on!

Q Will there be Team Jersey's?

Yes! We have dry wick jersey's that are custom made just for you. Each person participating in the Half Marathon will receive a dry wick jersey. All other participants will have the identical shirt, 100% cotton. You pick your size and you also receive a jersey from the Festival of Races too!

Believe In Miracles, Beautiful One

Get Your Kicks Ready

Mark your calendars to joinTeam BIMBO as we run and walk in the Let's Move Festival of Races on April 28th, 2012!


Details will be coming soon. Now's the time to ask a friend to join you. Get in shape and help us support Believe In Miracles!


See you soon -


Tracy

April 30th - is in the books!

GREAT JOB Team BIMBO!

Not only did God hold back the clouds and rain - His presence was felt through the entire morning. Believe In Miracles was blessed because of each of you. 250 team members ran, walked and showed that a little faith can go a long, long way!

Make sure you take the time to let your sponsors know that you crossed the finish line strong. Sign up for your next walk or run and keep a goal in front of you!

One of my favorite quotes is listed below:

"Say I won't.

Tell me that I can't do it.

Tell me that I shouldn't even try.

Tell me it's impossible.

Tell me the risk is too high, the challenge is too much

or the feat too tough. Tell me that I won't do it.

... And I will!"

Be proud, ya BIMBO! Let's see where this takes us and more importantly how God will use it through Believe In Miracles.

Our photographer will be organizing the photos for our team and when he does - I'll let you know. Mark Smith was amazing and I can't wait to see the pictures he took on Saturday.

So? How'd you do? Have a minute... tell us your coolest "God moment" and let it be a blessing to the others:)

Talk soon -

Love in Christ,

t

Carb up, Catch up and get Revved up!

WHO?  all registered team members eat free

family and friends may eat for $6/person @door

WHAT? time to carb up, catch up, and get revved up!

WHERE? TWO PLACES TO BE ON FRIDAY! 

1. fitness expo @ concorde inn, mt. clemens -

2. team bimbo dinner is 1.5 mile from expo@

Buffalo Wild wings 

48 market street., mt. clemens

WHEN? 1. EXPO runs from 2-9pm on 

2. DINNER* will be in tent from 6:30 - 8:00pm

rick and paula kast vision cast @ 7:30pm

join us after you go to the expo for your bib number and racing tag.  

You will be stopping by the team bimbo booth too while you are there. so let us feed you!   

RSVP by April 21st.

please RSVP for team member and your guest(s)

please be prepared to pay cash for your guests upon arrival :)

*dinner incl. pasta, salad, bread, pop/water.

**bww will have full serve menu and beer available

upon request on a cash basis.  

look to your right for address to the EXPO!  ALL WALKERS AND RUNNERS MUST ATTEND THE EXPO :)