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This is how it works-
I love to run but there are times when I would rather not. This is when the voices start. Chants, name calling, guilt and reverse psychology is how they get me up and out the door. I don't really mind the voices and have actually started looking forward to their daily calls. Together we have formed a running club that supports, encourages and competes with each other. I love these peeps. They are much more experienced, talented and tougher than I am. Pushing me out the door, through the hard miles and up the monster hills when I am feeling lazy or want to give up. Some people have "real" training partners, coaches and support crews. My team is ALWAYS with me and helps me to keep my eye on the prize and not veer off the track. Sounds crazy- Yeah, probably is.........

Friday, October 8, 2010

Turn The Trail Pink

Focus. I really need to focus. This thought has been on my mind for a while. FOCUS. On what though?? Ahh.... that WAS the question. I have been debating with the Crew about scrapping all other races/events and chasing down a marathon PR. The time is right. New PR's in the 5k and 10k, completing a 50 miler (PR by default) and a few breakthrough 20 mile long runs have me feeling like THIS was my time, my big shot, the Golden Opportunity. Oh yeah, it's MY time. All I have to do is FOCUS.

So, I was doing all this focusing (on ME) while watching football last Sunday and I noticed all the PINK on the field. I thought it was a really cool thing for the NFL to do for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Well it didn't take long.....KABLAAAAMMMM!!!!!! The VOICES started talking, chanting and calling me out and as usual they were right. Self-centered......

It became crystal clear then and I wonder HOW it could have ever been so cloudy in my little brain. It was not that I needed to focus but rather RE-FOCUS. Refocus on something that is truly important to ALL of us, not just ME,ME, ME. Nothing like an "ah-ha" moment coming during a football game.

Here is what the VOICES came up with- Because it is NBCAM, and I do happen to own some pink clothing, and there is a great 50k Trail Race coming up...... do you see what's coming? Yep. It's Pink Tutu time.

On October 31, we will attempt to Turn The Trail Pink at the Dogwood Canyon 50k. Creek crossings and muddy trails in a pink tutu, should blend right in...... Trust me, I have zero desire to become known as "the pink tutu guy" but sometimes we do what is necessary for the greater good. This time the greater good is the FIGHT. In order to raise money for the FIGHT and show support for Breast Cancer Awareness, I am asking for donations in the amount of $10. For each $10 donation a ribbon will be attached to the tutu. The ribbons will be personalized with the name of someone you know that has been touched by breast cancer.

That is the ideal scenario but, as always, a donation is not required and any name received will be honored. Of course I have to ask because it is important but I do understand that money can be tight at times and it is fine if you can't donate. You can still participate.

If you wish to support this big/dumb stunt please click on the Relay for Life button on the right or the tab on my FB profile page. You can also send a check or cash to;

David Murphy
HC 72 Box 324-8
Wasola, MO
65773

Make checks payable to the American Cancer Society. Contact me by email at runlikeamug@yahoo.com for questions or to send names.

OF COURSE you can absolutely donate more (or less) if you want. I am happy to count pennies. Share this with others that may want to help, ask your employer about matching contributions and pass the hat at happy hour.

6 comments:

Ann Brennan said...

David I love this idea. I will send a check this afternoon. Breast Cancer Awareness month saved my mother's life. She had noticed a dimple in her breast but because she was a single mom with no money hadn't gone to a doctor. During NBCAM the local clinic offered free exams and mammograms. They found her tumor and started the process of saving her life. This is a cause near and dear to my heart.

David- said...

Thank you so much for your kind words and support. Your mom and others like her is why this is SO IMPORTANT. Thank you again.

Erica Sara said...

Wonderful idea David! My donation will be in the mail Monday. I've never personally known anyone with breast cancer but my brother in law passed away from kidney cancer a few months ago, just 2 days after his 40th birthday. So although I wouldnt expect you to put his name on your tutu, I am sending a check for $18 (means "life" in Judaism) in his memory.

David- said...

Thank you Erica. I don't have any real personal connection to breast cancer either but I know how this MONSTER (of any variety) destroys lives. Both of my parents were diagnosed with different forms within just a few months of each other this past year. I will do ANYTHING to fight this beast. Thanks for your support and I think it would be fine to include your brothers name (if you want to).... I know the dude that makes the rules. Thanks again

Patty Ernst said...

David, thanks for "fighting like a girl". Pink boxer gloves go to you along with the tutu! My sister and I have both fought cancer and so far have won! Thankfully the treatments developed through bc research has benefited many other types of cancer patients as well. I sincerely appreciate your efforts and will be signing up on line for myself and my sister.

David- said...

Thank you, Patty. I am honored to "fight like a girl." I am so thankful and happy that you and your sister are winning the FIGHT. Your donation and words of support are very much appreciated. I will wear the pink boxing gloves with great pride. (love that idea... need to find some) Thanks again-
David