Motivating Miles

[Ken and Brenda Battle Jordan]

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[Ken and Brenda Battle Jordan]

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Motivating Miles Foundation, Inc.
Continue your journey with great spirit and joy …
Uncategorized
Nov
9
2009Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet


Mission Statement

Motivating Miles Foundation, Inc. assists individuals and families facing a life-threatening illness to achieve acceptance, inner solace, and ensured legacy, through individualized journeys facilitating the fulfillment of lifelong desires.

Read more here …
Jan
6
2011Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
Chris & Johnny, and Family; MM’s Newest Journey Recipient


Motivating Miles has begun creating a Journey for brothers, Chris & Johnny, and their family, from Saco, ME. The boys have been battling Huntington’s Disease for the past twelve years, and have been living in a group home for much of that time. It is the family’s hope to bring Chris & Johnny home to be with family.

Read their story here!

Donate to Chris & Johnny’s Journey here

Comment about Chris & John’s Journey on Motivating Miles Facebook Page here
Jan
5
2011Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
Beautiful Compilation Honoring MM Inspiration, Frances Ginsberg
Follow the link for a lovely piece on Frances Ginsberg, submitted by a fan in St. Louis …
http://www.curmudgeon-alley.com/?p=2100&cpage=1#comment-4680
Dec
24
2010Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
A Tribute to MM Inspiration, Frances Ginsberg

Frances Ginsberg
1955 – 2010


One of the three individuals responsible for inspiring the creation of the Motivating Miles Foundation, Frances Ginsberg, passed away this morning, fittingly on December 24th, as the angels called home one of their own just in time for Christmas. Frances was an accomplished professional opera singer, a passionate baseball fan, a New Yorker, an Italian, a St. Louis native, and is survied by her brother, Michael; niece, Emily; nephew, Caleb; and thousands of adoring friends and fans across the world.

Aunt Frannie was a wonderful gift to the world. She brought joy and passion to her days, the likes of which are seldom seen. For those privileged to have known her, Frannie will forever bring about a smile. Her unmistakable soprano voice will resonate in our hearts and minds for all time. She was simply a breath of fresh air. Her brief stay with us generated love and warmth for so many; within seconds of meeting Frannie, you felt as though you were kindred spirits. She was inviting, welcoming, disarming; she was an emotional woman amidst a world of people losing touch with their emotions. Frannie embodied the true spirit of love and kindness, and she touched countless lives around the globe. We should all be so fortunate.

Not a day will pass that we don’t tip our [Yankee] caps to a genuine New Yorker, the kindest of souls, and a truly magical person. We love you, Aunt Frannie, and we will think of you always.

With love and the fondest of memories,
Caleb Ginsberg



More about Frances Ginsberg

Frannie’s website – (www.francesginsberg.com)

Frannie’s music - (http://www.francesginsberg.com/media.php)

Photos of Frannie – (http://www.francesginsberg.com/photos.php)

In her own words - (http://www.francesginsberg.com/documents/MyStory0908.pdf)

Frannie sings God Bless America for the Cardinals’ game! – (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8Vw1IKj7js)
Nov
27
2010Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
Happy Thanksgiving from MM
Motivating Miles would like to wish you and yours the happiest of Thanksgivings! It is truly remarkable how much we have to be thankful for. Our staff is blessed to have the opportunity to do some very humbling work, from which we are given the gift of perspective. Here at MM Headquarters, we’re working hard to ensure that a handful of families who are facing very difficult circumstances may enjoy their time together in ways that they otherwise would not be able to.

Thanks to all our wonderful donors, volunteers, and event participants for helping to make our mission a reality! Please stay tuned for upcoming MM events and initiatives; we look forward to having you on board!

Cheers,

Caleb
Sep
23
2010Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
17 Days To Go!
17 days to go, folks! Can you feel it? Are you excited, pumped, feeling the periodic release of dopamine? Or, nervous, anxious, and feeling the period release of cold sweat and tears?

Yes, it’s true, we are certainly getting close. As such, I’m confident that you all are being smart runners, and not training too hard at this point (wonderful news!). The taper is in full swing, and you should be winding down the long runs (either this past weekend, or this upcoming). Your new focus should be on staying healthy and eating right.

Nutrition will play a HUGE role in the outcome on race day; most people think they got it covered w/ some carb loading, a banana or two, and a few PowerBar gels. Wrong. You need to begin increasing your carb intake as early as TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE RACE! Now, I’m not saying eat an XL Buffalo Chicken Pizzza from Regina’s Pizzeria every night, but slowly increasing the percentage of daily carbs will help your body gradually build up the proper glycogen levels come race day. You simply will not be able to stuff enough carbs (”energy”) into your muscles the day before the race! Start early!!

Staying healthy is arguably even more important. You should be icing, heating, stretching, ibuprofen’ing, and hydrating … and please, any other self-help remedies you can think of. This is the time to NOT GET HURT! So take it easy out there these last couple weeks. No twisted ankles, pulled hammies, or hip flexor problems! We’ve come too far for that stuff now. You’ve all built the endurance at this point, you’ve put the requisite miles into those legs – those ”clydesdales” if you will – and you are strong and ready!! As USA Hockey Coach, Herb Brooks says in the movie, Miracle, “the legs feed the wolf!”This is true, no doubt, and you have all fed the wolf. Your legs are as ready now as they will be on race day. The focal point from here on should be staying loose, keeping the legs fresh, and remaining injury free!

Ok, that’s all for now folks. Enjoy your last few training runs – especially as the autumn weather creeps in! This is truly the best time of the year for running. Oh! I almost forgot … don’t forget to SLEEP! Get plenty of rest over the next two weeks. Easier said than done, I know. I’m certainly guilty of talking the talk, but not walking the walk when it comes to getting sleep. But, it’s imperative that you’re well rested on Sunday, October 10th. This may take some prioritization, perhaps a few less Monday Night Football bar nights and Thursday poker with the fellas? Leave work early, skip class, neglect friends and family if you must!! I’m kidding (sort of). Anyhow, you get the point.

To sum it all up – eat bread, get a massage every day, and stop reading this and go to bed.

Talk soon!

Cheers,

Caleb
Jul
22
2010Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
A Shot of Perspective
Chicago Marathon Training Blog 7.22.10
Naturally, running lends itself to moments of deep thought and personal reflection. Running’s repetitive and isolated nature often serves as the lone catalyst for pivotal inner monologue that leads to solutions, inspiration, and epiphany. Once in a blue moon we encounter outside influences that alter our perspective, and lend themselves to new realizations and sustained moments of newfound clarity, enhanced through the repetitive nature of our running. I recently encountered such an influence.

Since my last blog post, I stumbled upon the book, Final Gifts, written by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley, both long-time hospice nurses. Final Gifts attempts to help people who are dealing with a terminal illness to “understand the special awareness, needs, and communications of the dying.” Since Motivating Miles Foundation’s inception nearly two years ago, I have yet to encounter a perspective that so accurately portrays, and is so closely alligned with our mission.

Through years of direct contact with the terminally ill and their family members, the authors of Final Gifts offer an authentic, refreshing, and often uplifting representation of the process that terminally ill patients, and their families, go through while learning to cope with an overwhelming reality. The book speaks to the inumerable messages and communications that people make when knowingly in the final stages of their life, and instructs friends and family on how to hear those messages; messages that, sadly, are most often missed entirely.

It’s easy to get caught up in the physical challenge of training for a marathon, and the trials and tribulations that come with. I’m confident that you have experienced the small victories and bitter defeats, the inner struggles and highs that come along with physically exerting yourself beyond belief. But, I encourage you to take a brief step back, examining what the Motivating Miles Foundation is, who your efforts are truly benefiting, and explore why you have chosen such a noble pursuit. So closely aligned with our mission and objectives as an organization, Final Gifts has breathed new life into our foundation, further reaffirming the need for our work.

I encourage you to pick up a copy of Final Gifts at Barnes & Noble, or borrow one from your local library. Below are a few excerpts from the book that help to explain Motivating Miles’ work. This is what you are running for …

“Coping with terminal illness is more than hard work — it’s all-consuming and creeps into every corner of your life. There are so many people to talk to, so many questions to ask, so much to do. The hopes and triumphs of new or different treatments can change quickly into fears and failures. It’s an exhausting, emotional roller-coaster ride. It’s like having an unwated and uninvited stranger in your midst, who seems to take up more and more space.

A terminal illness doesn’t belong only to the one who is sick– it affects family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers. Not unlike a still pond disturbed by a falling stone, an impending death sends ripples through all relationships in the life of the dying. Each person involved has his or her own set of issues, fears, and questions.

Beyond coming to terms with the loss of someone we care about, we find ourselves with a jumble of conflicting emotions shaken loose by confronting human limitations and mortality: How can this be happening? I feel powerless–what can I do to help? I don’t want to face this– what’s it like to die? Is there anything after death? Why are the people around me behaving this way? I feel lost and helpless. What do I do? What do I say?

Is it possible to find anything positive in this devastating event? Can this remaining time be used to share treasured moments of living, while coping with the many losses death brings? Rather than dying on a continuum, can this person be helped to live until he or she dies? Can this be a time of personal growth for all involved?

Yes.”

… and one more quote I found to be very appropriate:

“You matter because you are. You matter until the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully but also to live until you die.” – Dr. Kubler-Ross
Jun
30
2010Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
Dispose of Your Common Sense
Chicago Marathon Training Blog 6.30.10
One might assume that marathon training is like most things: you start out at a modest level of output, ease into it, and gradually build up resistance and endurance, until you eventually become an expert (or in this case, an athletic adonis, specimen if you will). This makes perfect sense and follows traditional logic. Well the poor souls who’ve contemplated that conclusion are sorely mistaken. Less than three full weeks into the training, and I’m on tap for a 15 miler. Does that not seem a bit overzealous to anyone else?

Luckily, in my case, I surpassed the ability to feel any ”wow” sentiment in terms of marathon training, long ago. Chicago 2010 will be my 3rd marathon; I think that I learned to abandon any and all feelings of shock or surprise in week 1 of training for my inaugural marathon. I’ll never forget the catastrophic event that opened my eyes to the fact that there are no rules, no common sense, and that anything goes when training for a marathon. Let me briefly paint the picture.

It was my first long run, while training for my first ever marathon. I was due for a leisurely 10 mile stroll along Tampa FL’s Bayshore Blvd – a scenic 5 mile stretch, perfect for a breathtaking ‘out-and-back’ 10 miler. *As a brief aside, let me mention that I strongly advise against training for a marathon south of the Mason Dixon Line – full of spit and vinegar that I was, I not only decided to train in Tampa, FL, but I chose the months of June, July, August, and September to train – the hottest 18 week stretch anywhere on earth.



So I chose to undergo my training on the surface of the sun, but compensated for this general lack of sound rationale, with a fool-proof strategy. A blueprint for success. I decided to attempt each long run before sunrise, to avoid the heat, and most likely heat stroke, exhaustion, dehydration, 3rd degree burns probably, and god only knows what else. So for each long run I would depart at approximately 4AM – yeah, that’s normal. That’s what humans with common sense do.

So, it was my first 4AM adventure. I set out, hit the ground running, and I was pumped! There was a nice cool breeze, the temp was hovering right around 81-82, and the humidity level was only 143%, much more comfortable than the usual 175%. I was pretty jazzed up for this first long run – I finally got to test my newly acquired Garmin GPS-Enable wristwatch and timer, my iTunes ’marathon playlist’ was rockin, I ate carbs in abundance the night before and plently fluids the morning of, and the moon was still out and shining brilliantly off the water as I ran along the Bay - all things considered, conditions were prime for a perfect and perfectly uneventful long run. Welp, uneventful it was not.

Somehwere around mile 6 or 7 I began to notice a strange burning sensation in my chest. It didn’t feel like a muscle strain, and I wasn’t having trouble with my breathing. It felt more topical, something skin-related and in very close proximity to my nipples, of all places. Weird. Well, I didn’t give it much thought and continued on my lovely 10 mile stroll.

Well, this stinging sensation just wouldn’t go away, and now it was interfering with the steadfast focus I had going with Phil Collins blasting through my headphones. And the pain kept getting worse and worse, and I just kept rubbing it more and more in hopes that it was just some sort of throbbing or severe tingling, as a part of my body’s natural reaction and adjustment to this new running lifestyle. It was still dark out so I could not see if I had been stung by a bee, or perhaps many bees.

Around mile 9, it became unbearable. Now, it was effecting my running. I went from running straight ahead, with perfect form (yeah right), to zig zagging this way and that, swerving all over the road, just trying to shake this darn pain off of me. Good god, what was happening to me?! It felt as if someone had poured rubbing alcohol in an open wound across my chest, while rubbing hot charcoals in the same area.

I finally arrived back home, relieved to be done, but still in agony with the burning chest pain, and now shirtless for a reason I cannot recall. Ahh yes. That’s right. I had ripped my shirt off around mile 9.5, and thrown it into the bay, thinking that perhaps a herd of wild African pinching beetles had inhabitted the shirt, and were attacking me repeatedly, out of self defense. Yes, that must have been what was causing me such incredible chest pain.

Once inside my house, I made a bee-line for the closet to grab a can of Raid, just in case any of the beetles had survived my fit of rage and chest-slapping outbursts. But when I flipped the light switch on, and happened to gaze into the adjacent mirror, I noticed perhaps the most shocking sight a human has ever laid eyes upon. (If not the most shocking, definitely within the top 5).

My nipples were bleeding. Oh mannn, those awful awful pinching beetles!! They are so heartless, so gutless, so cruel. How and why would they attack my nipples?! This made no sense to me.

Now I thought I had prepared thoroughly, read all the books, and done my research, prior to training for a marathon. But, apparently, I skipped the chapter entitled “If you Run With a Shirt, Use Glide Stick or Other Anti-Chafe Mechanisms to Avoid Chafed and BLOODY Nipples.” Oh.



I learned a valuable lesson that day. Well, two lessons, really. One, only in the sport of marathon running can we casually refer to ‘bloody nipples,’ and repeat the phrase multiple times in a blog post. And the second lesson learned, expect the unexpected.

Some times this training stuff just makes no sense. You just have to accept that, and try it on for size. Our common sense tells us that our nipples should not bleed … yet, bloody nipples are just another weird piece of the fabric that makes up this ‘running culture’ that we are all now a part of. Throw your “normal” self to the wayside for the 1,2, or 3 hours that you’re running, and embrace a world with very few rules or boundaries, but more than enough African stinging beetles to go around!

Hope training is going well! Please keep us posted by blogging your experiences in the “comments” sections below.

Cheers,

Caleb
Jun
30
2010Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
Old Chicago Marathon Blog Posts
6.14.10
A Bad Case of the Runs. Literally.
I can’t say that I love running. I actually hate it most of the time. Running is one of those things that I like when I don’t have it. Running and I like to play games with one another. Occasionally, we’ll really enjoy each other and that’s the only reason we’ve stuck it out for all these years. With that said, we have been spending more time together, especially this week. Week #1 of training is done! 17 more to go! I completed a grueling 13-miler yesterday — fully decked out in the coolest running gear I could find: a water-bottle fanny pack, iphone, and Garmin computeresque GPS watch. For the first time in my life, I felt like an illegitimate runner masquerading like a professional athlete around the city of Boston. Luckily, I finished right on pace at 1:44. My performance was validating, despite my embarrassing attire. I guess I earned my right-of-passage in wearing all of the bells and whistles my little heart desires. Though, I strongly believe the best runners out there keep it simple: shorts, jogbra, sneakers. Because I am not one of the best runners out there, I’ll continue to be high-maintenance. I will be training with good tunes, a device to keep track of my route, and plenty of H2O.

My new running route has helped tremendously in orienting myself to my recent move to the North End in Boston. The scenery has been absolutely nowhere shy of beautiful. The sight of me-in-training, though, is far from beautiful. It has been so humid (much better than training for Boston in the dead of winter, I do have to say…). From my flushed red-purple face to my barbaric pit stains to the expression of agony on my face from back and stomach pains, I am more of an eye sore. Lucky for all of those passers-by, they can quickly refocus on their beautiful surroundings and immediately push that horrid image out of their minds. I completed my 13-mile run along the Boston HarborWalk, through South Boston, and along the Charles. I miscalculated my turn-around point along the Charles and ended up finishing miles out from my apartment. The walk back served as a nice cool down, which I wouldn’t have otherwise done.

I wanted to share my go-to mantra for the week in-training. ”The harder it is today, the easier it will be tomorrow.” I repeated that to myself probably every three seconds for at least the last 4 miles of my run yesterday. Training for a marathon is such an undertaking. You have to be incredibly future-oriented. We are putting in miles and miles a day for something we are hoping to achieve months from now. It is important to remember that this training will pay off. I find it comforting to know that it will get easier. We will adjust to the aches and pains. We will build up mental toughness, strength, and endurance. 2 months from now, I will look back on my 13-miler and think it was a piece of cake. But, for now, I will carry myself with pride.

I am always interested to hear what the hardest part of a run is for others. For me, it is the beginning. I found myself checking out my computer-watch often in the first couple of miles… thinking to myself, “I am screwed. I have 12, 11, 10 miles left to go!?”. I found myself with a smile when I hit mile 12. My mom’s toughest part of the run is the final mile. Whenever I run with her and we hit that same stop sign that marks the final mile of our run, I turn to her and say, “One mile to go. ANYONE can run a mile.” She always manages to pick it up a little bit, begrudgingly. That smile that found its way to my overheated face as I entered into mile 13 yesterday was for my mom– because no matter how much my legs, lungs, stomach, or back hurt… Anyone can run a mile.

To the future,

Ashley

6.8.10
ChiTown Training: Day One
Well folks … it’s here! After much anticipation, planning, mental preparation, and anxiety (for some), the Chicago Marathon training season is upon us! In case you were unable to decode the title of this blog post, today marks day one of our 18 week training program.

Personally, I prefer early morning running – an unreal way to start the day! My 6 mile jaunt this morning took me along Boston’s Harbor Walk, on an absolutely SPECTACULAR day, weather-wise. I bounced around along the harbor, weaving in and out of the North End’s countless wharfs, down to South Boston’s Seaport District and World Trade Center, and back through the outskirts of the financial district – brushing up against Boston’s waterfront hotels (of which I daydreamed staying in for one night, and then realized at my current rate of income, I’d need to stash money away for close to a year to make it happen!). Needless to say it was a beautiful run, with lots to see, and much welcomed distraction.



I am confident that your first training run was (will be) as successful as mine, and lends itself to excitement and anticipation for … day two! The trick is to find a way to incorporate your training runs into your daily routine. Maybe you get up, brush your teeth, shower, eat breakfast, get dressed, go to work/school, come home, grab a beer, throw on the tube, eat dinner, read until you fall asleep, and then get up the next day and do it all over again. Well, with marathon training now a focal point in your life, find a gap in that routine, and fill it with your run! I suggest setting your alarm a bit earlier (and adjusting your body’s natural clock as well), and starting each day with an exhilirating run. Some people just cringed while reading that – “exhilirating early morning run?!!” Caleb, are you nuts?! My answer, perhaps.

But, either way, at least give it a try! At the very least, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment first thing in the morning, BEFORE you’ve even left the house for work! Your co-workers, friends, and family will like the new you … I’m willing to be you’ll soon discover an extra bounce in your step, a new spring in your getty-up, and an overall pleasant and warm glow of confidence and savvy.

So, here’s to your training! Make a plan, create your routine, find what works best for you! Experiment with different running routes, paces, times, music, etc. Enjoy it! And please share your stories with the rest of us! We’d love to hear your joy and/or pain and anguish. Let us in on your training experience! Three cheers for a GREAT day one … only 108 more runs to go!

Cheers in training,

Caleb






5.17.10
Base Week!
Today marks day one of training base week (traditionally, base week is just ahead of the official start of a marathon training program). For those of you following the 18-week training programs, day one is next Monday, May 24!!

Was able to mix in a short 3 mile jaunt through the woods today, myself. I can’t adequately express how much I prefer trail running to road running. Tough luck for me; Chicago is paved. Oh well, I figure the grind of the trails throughout my training will serve as a pseudo cross training, of sorts, beneficial to my mental and physical wellbeing across the board..? A bit too optimstic? Or perhaps, constantly hopping over roots and boulders, and narrowly escaping wolves, bears, and vicious forest bunny rabbits, simply lends itself to unnecessary risk (but I suppose running a marathon falls under the category of “unnecessary risk” as well).

Base week … I’m not really sure what purpose it serves. But I fall in line, strictly adhering to proper ‘marathon etiquette’, and I start my 18 week training program .. a week early. Yeah, seriously … what was I thinking … 18 weeks of torture and misery is not quite enough … let’s tack another week onto this thing! Three cheers for the guy who first suggested “Base Week!” Hip hip .. hooray!

I digress. Base week has begun, official training is just around the corner, followed closely by the summer heat, fundraising events, and before you know it – we’ll be on a plane to ChiTown! We’ve got a great team this year, such an eclectic mix of runners, with a grab bag of talents, stories, passions, skills, and running experience. We have 20 runners, and most likely 20 different marathon goals! No two runners are alike, and as such, no two runners will train alike! This is YOUR training, your marathon, your experience!

On that note – check out this article about running YOUR marathon!

Enjoy base week … and feel free to submit your best guess as to its purpose!

Cheers,

Caleb



4.22.10
Ode to Epic Men
Watching a friend of mine complete a 2.4 kayak, 100 mile bike ride, and back to back marathons (within a 24 hour stretch, and with virtually no time to rest) makes me a believer! In year 2 of their “Epic Man” initiative, Seth Bradbury and Will Thomas have laid down a blueprint for how the common man can become an Epic Man.

The effort these gentlemen have put forth has certainly inspired us to do more! Now, I’m not saying we’re gonna run Chicago on October 10th, then hop into icy Lake Michigan and kayak over some serious whitecaps, ditch the kayaks and hop onto scooters to take down Michigan Avenue, grab a few horses and go bareback into the Illinois countryside, and finish it up by hangliding onto the 50 yard line at Notre Dame’s football stadium in nearby, South Bend, IN. However, that would certainly be EPIC.

I’m simply suggesting that we follow Seth and Will’s lead, and be EPIC in our own way. Collectively, as an organization and as a team of Chicago Marathoners, and individually as athletic specimens having our way with each of those 26.2 miles, we must be epic. Epic individual output will result in great and fruitful reward; perhaps in the materialization of riches, fame, and power. But more likely, soar quads, hammies, and glutes; equally as rewarding as the riches and fame.

I am confident that each of you will find your own unique way to be EPIC. If you strive to qualify for Boston 2011 … be EPIC in your training, and qualify! If your goal is to finish Chicago in one piece, then by gosh, even if you’re carried across the finish line in a wheelbarrow, you find a way! And if its glory and “rock star” status you seek, then come race day, take pride in writing your name on your marathon jersey, and strolling leisurely down Michigan Ave w/ fists-a-pumping, while you soak in the adoring cheers.

Between now and Sunday October 10th, we will honor the spirit of Epic Men and Women doing Epic things across the globe. We will ride valiantly into our training, with “Glide Anti-Chafe” sticks and Glucosamine a-blazing! We will not waiver in our commitment to this challenge, and we will emerge victorious no doubt. Remember, this is your EPIC adventure!

-Caleb


4.08.10
Out on the Trail and Staying Healthy
With just over a month to go until official ‘Chicago Training’ begins, I’ve been focusing primarily on staying healthy!! Having been bitten by the running bug a few years ago, it’s hard to go multiple days in a row without running, but it’s so critical to conserve energy and health, remaining injury free, prior to training. For me, starting a marathon training program very fresh and spry is crucial to the success of my training, and allows me to maximize the quality of training runs!

While I’ve been careful as to not over-exert myself before actual training begins, the recent weather on the East Coast has been too good to pass up. I went out a purchased a pair of sturdy off-road shoes, found some sweet new trails, and began exploring! Trail running is by far my favorite type of running. I love the constant change in surface, elevation, and scenery. Don’t get me wrong, running past 3 million screaming Chicago’ans provides quite an adrenaline rush, but there’s just something so satisfying about flying solo in the woods!

On that note, I’m heading out the door as we speak. Thinking about a quick 5 miler on this awesome new trail I discovered a few weeks ago. It’s a bit muddy, but no worries, I’ve got my ‘Muck-a-luck’s” on – that’s what I call my new trail shoes (not sure why…just seems to fit). I hope your “pre-training” is going well! Be sure to start spreading word to friends and family that you’ll begin training for a marathon in just about a month!

Stay healthy, stay motivated. Happy trails!

Caleb


3.23.10
18 Week Training Schedule Ready to Go!

With the weather still brisk in most of the lower 48, here at ‘Motivating Miles Marathon Central’ we’ve been hard at work thinking warm thoughts. On that note, we’ve set day one of our 18-week Chicago Marathon training schedule for May 31st! 8 weeks to get/stay in shape before training begins! Sample training schedules (from beginner to advanced) have been emailed to all Motivating Miles Runners, as well as suggested marathon training nutritional regiments! Lots of great marathon training and nutrition information is available at www.runnersworld.com!

In other news, Chicago Marathon principle sponsor and administrator, Bank of America, has closed its open registration period for the race. This year’s marathon has reached its targeted 45,000 runners in record time … nearly a full month ahead of last year’s schedule! It’s certainly good to see this much enthusiasm for next October’s race, in March! Check it out here.

That’s all for now! We welcome your questions, comments, concerns, and general entertaining banter! Until next time, happy training!

Cheers,

Caleb



COMMENTS

To: ALL

Post your blog entries here! Questions, comments, pictures, links, training tips, war stories, advice, inspiration, jokes, mindless banter … it’s all welcomed with open arms!

bosox says:
June 8, 2010 at 7:04 pm (Edit)
Hey Caleb, nice day #1! I’m jealous of your scenery. I got to take in the picturesque pierside view of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on my run…still prefer it to a treadmill, though.

Enjoy the Celtics/Lakers atmosphere tonight.

Adam

heather says:
June 10, 2010 at 9:26 pm (Edit)
Hi Caleb!
I too am jealous of your scenery! I can’t complain though I am discovering some beautiful routes in Hollis. I am actually planning my 8 mile route for this weekend, so I’ll discover yet more parts of Hollis that I didn’t know existed!

My real reason for writing an entry in the blog was the Hollis Fastest 5k!!! Yah, I ran it…in the rain…ALONE (thank you ASH…just kidding Ash xoxo) I was excited. I had to look up my time from 2008 when I ran it with Heidi and Ashley. Now, that year, I felt it was hard. I started too fast and paid for it until the end. I was surprised when I looked up my time to see that I ran a 9:23 pace. So I’m thinking THIS TIME I will do so much better, more confident, have been putting in well, what I consider my all, given that I have to work around 3 kids AND the weather!!
I FINISHED 2 SECONDS SLOWER THIS YEAR!! OH and did I mention that the first 300 runners to register get a free t-shirt?? I was number 329!!!! WHAT???…. I missed it by 29???!!!!

…it’s all in fun. The way I look at it, it could be a lot worse, I could have finished much much later than I did in 2008…so…things are good!
So here I come Chicago, one foot after the other!!

…oh and..
GO CELTICS!!!

heather says:
June 15, 2010 at 4:45 pm (Edit)
I can’t believe that I am writing again! It is hard enough trying to fit in training with 3 kids, BUT writing about it too…Clifford the Big Red Dog will have to help me out a bit!

Today I ran a route that I haven’t seen (at least through a runner’s eyes) in a very long time. I’ve been married, had three kids (AND back surgery thrown in just for a little fun), so my running has taken a BIG back seat. Somewhere between the chaos of life and taking care of a house and 3 kids, I got lost.

My most definite, proudest accomplishments are my 3 kids by far! My second would be my running that eventually led me to marathon running in Boston.

It is very true as they say that there is a soul mate for everyone out there. I also think there is one Running Buddy for everyone. Just like your soul mate in life, they are your soul mate in running. They know your weaknesses, strengths and when you’re about to lose your cookies on the side of the road!! They also know what to say (or what NOT to say) at those critical runs for time or just simply to finish!! They are also those people that you could run with and neither of you have to say a word, just having them there is comfort and encouragement enough to get to that much anticipated finish line!
I ran the route today remembering all of the miles of therapy that my Running Buddy and I have logged. I remember times of angst, joy, frustration, sadness and even fear, coursing through our veins as we braved the elements of this route. 5:30 a.m running so we could squeeze it in before work. Falling in a ditch. Running 101A as one of my ‘grand’ ideas for a long run while snacking on energy gel…BLAH! One of my most favorite memories of running with my Running Buddy on this particular route was on the day of my wedding.

Well, Heidi, I tackled Mack Hill, alone. I refused to let it get the best of me and lose steam just before mailbox #22 like I always have…I dug in and cleared the crest of the hill and passed mailbox #24!!

So Heidi, fix what ails you and join me on yet another running adventure, I miss my Running Buddy!!
xoxo
Mar
9
2010Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
Cause Balm Initiative Joins MM & Eco Lips







Eco Lips, the nation’s premiere organic chapstick company (based in Cedar Rapids, IA) has kicked off its latest philanthropic initiative, “Cause Balm.” The Cause Balm Program “was designed to help non-profit organizations gain awareness and funding for a brighter future!”

Motivating Miles was selected as one of Cause Balm’s five initial non-profits, meaning that Eco Lips has created a customized “Motivating Miles chapstick,” available for purchase on their website and in stores! With each $3.50 sale of a Motivating Miles’ chapstick, MM will receive $1 of the proceeds! You can find out more, and purchase Motivating Miles chapstick, on Eco Lips’ website!



Check out the details here!
Jan
25
2010Uncategorized By motivatingmiles | No comments yet
Run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon for MM!


Motivating Miles was recently named an official charitable partner of the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! We have been awarded just 25 spots in the race! Bib numbers will go fast, so if you’re interested in running for us, SIGN UP ASAP!

Click here for details and sign up!




Motivating Miles Co Founder, Caleb Ginsberg, is a 2009 Chicago finisher!
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[Ken and Brenda Battle Jordan]

[Ken and Brenda Battle Jordan]

[Ken and Brenda Battle Jordan]

Thank you for all of your hard work,Ken and Brenda Battle Jordan.

[Ken and Brenda Battle Jordan]