Hey, SuperTeam!

I have writer's block tonight, so I'll just let you know that you can count on the weather being warm, hot or cold (with a possibility of humidity or rain, or not) on Saturday, so come prepared.  That type of prognostication comes from years of listening the wind, along with preternatural prevarication skills.  And stuff.

And speaking of stuff...

Fundraising Tip of the Week!
At your favorite office supply store, you can find business card blanks that go nicely into your home printer.  If you pick some up and print your pertinent info on it, then you can hand them out as reminder cards to the people you meet (and solicit donations from!).  Here's an example of what you might put on there:

Of course, you might have a better imagination than I've alluded to having here, so have at it.  The key here is that you will run into people and tell them what you're doing... here's your chance to put something in their pocket or wallet that will trigger their memory when it counts--at their computer.  Of course, if they give you a donation right there on the spot, then this doesn't quite apply.  Most of the time, though, you'll walk away having told someone about the amazing thing that you're doing and never get a donation .  If you give them a reminder card, then you've upped your chances tremendously.  Remember--there have been times when you wanted to do something, but the memory never popped up except when you were in your car.

Coach's Tip of the Week:
As our mileage grows, it is critical that we remember to HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE. If you have been trying to manage the shorter distances without water, you won't make it much longer!  It's a good idea to stay hydrated during the week as well. So how do you make sure you're getting enough water?

1. Drink plenty of the good stuff about an hour before your run/walk.  This will ensure that you start out hydrated.
2. Drink along your route. In addition to the water jugs the coaches post, there are water fountains along the way.  Use them!  Don't wait until you "feel thirsty"--by then, you're already on the wrong side of hydration.
3. Carry your own high-quality H2O--there are a few great designs out there for keeping water on you. When Trudi and I ran the Alaska half marathon in 2004, our fuel belt was a lifesaver.
4. PEE CLEAR.  OK, someone had to say it.  The darker your urine, the more concentrated it is.  Does that mean you have more junk your kidneys are sending out?  NO! It means you have less water to carry it out.  So there's your private little test to see how your doing.
5. Alternate a sports drink into your rotation of running beverages. It is possible to drink too much water, resulting in a complete flush of electrolytes from your system.  It's not that easy to do, but just to be on the safe side, have some gatorade or similar product occasionally on the road.  Your body will thank you.

You have a Mission:

There are so many of you with a personal connection to our cause. I want to encourage each of you to share your inspiration and reason for participating with your team mates. Your fund raising dollars are critical, and hearing the stories of success and tragedy help to keep us focused on why we are here. Not only are you training for an endurance event, but you are making a difference in the lives of others. Every dollar collected aids those in need. Thank you for your efforts. In the coming weeks I'd like to have some personal stories here in the newsletter. If you'd be willing to share, please send something to me and I will place in the newsletter to share with everyone. I'd also like folks to share at our mission moment on Saturday mornings, so if you'd rather speak than write, just let us know.

Training:
Fullers:   8 miles, one mo' 'gain.  :)
Halfers:   6 miles--look at you go!

We'll cover routes on Saturday.

Go Team!

~Coach Robert and SuperMentors Trudi & Hanako