Run, Steph, Run!

Fundraising update and IT band-aid

FUNDRAISING UPDATE!

We exceeded my initial goal by raising $635! A reminder that there’s just over a month left for me to raise money for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation in honor of my second-cousin and goddaughter, Melaina. Let’s see if we can double that and then some by October 2nd to raise $1500!  Groundbreaking research has already found that some of the symptoms can be reversed in mice (woohoo, science!), so the funds are critical to keep the research going. Funds also go directly to the care of the people affected by Rett, so every penny goes towards a good cause :)

p.s. I had to set up a new donation page b/c the first one expired it’s accepting of donations. 

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TRAINING UPDATE!

This past week, I ran a lot more than I have been in the previous weeks…which was basically following the training plan (I survived a 16-mile long run! My longest to date!) But since I haven’t been consistent that means I overdid it. Apparently, my tried and true method of procrastination, followed by intense, binge-like activity does not translate well to running. Doh! 

I noticed on my last two runs this week that I was feeling stiffness and pain in the IT band area.

The good ol’ Internet pointed me towards many resources on Iltiotibial (IT) Band Syndrome. This website from a podiatrist that writes for Runner’s World magazine was comprehensive and easy to understand. It seems that one of the major contributors to this problem are weak hip abductor muscles (aka gluteus medius).

When weak, the IT band basically overcompensates to provide hip stability. The two times I’ve tried physical therapy, I’ve been told that I had weak hips. So, I guess I really do have to do those exercises, huh? Here’s a link to the Livestrong website with instructions for some easy exercises like the clamshell, which is my personal favorite because while I’m doing it, I like to imagine that I’m Olivia Newton-John in the Physical music video. (Warning: this video isn’t exactly NSFW, but it’ll probably be really awkward if someone catches you watching it).

Donate your support to the International Rett Syndrome Foundation!

I finally got a fundraising page set up through FirstGiving.com! Like I mentioned in my first post, I’m running the Twin Cities Marathon on October 2nd and am asking friends and family for their support by pledging a financial contribution that will benefit the IRSF. You can pledge $1 per mile of the marathon (26.3) or any amount that you can comfortably manage - every dollar counts! Right now, my goal is to raise $500 by October - just less than 20 people / $26 pledge. 

Your support - financial and moral - is much appreciated! Keep watching the blog for more updates on the marathon training and fundraising.

Help the International Rett Syndrome Foundation win $250,000!

Here’s a small way that you can support the International Rett Syndrome Foundation. Vivnt.com is holding a competition for charities where the charity that earns the most overall votes will win $250,000. Additionally, the charities that earn the most from each region will each receive a $100,000 donation.

Click on the link above or here.

You can vote daily from until August 27th! Voting requires logging into Facebook.