ARE YOU INSPIRED?

 As I started my run around the country club today, a group of cyclists passed me going the opposite direction.  This in and of itself is not an unusual site.  There are a lot of bike clubs in this area that use San Vicente and the West side as their playground.

But as I continue I see more and more cyclists.  Like Hundreds.  I go about halfway around the country club when I see a sign.  The Aids/LifeCycle San Francisco to Los Angeles Bike-a-thon.  It is a 7 day, 575 mile bike ride to raise money to help (hopefully) end Aids.

There were cyclists who were wearing mohawks on their helmets in every shade.  Rainbow 'hawks and neon 'hawks.  There were some that had stuffed animals or feathers or bright red afros attached to their helmets.  Others had squeaky toys that they squeezed throughout the ride.  Some had what I'm guessing were heavy duty pipe cleaners sticking out...kinda making 'em look like lighting bolts coming from their heads, and my favorite...a PLANT!

Some were dressed in crazy outfits.  I saw a lion and a tiger and a bear (oh my).  I saw a man with so much cra....stuff on him that he looked like a pinata.  I saw a man in a riding outfit made to look like a tuxedo.  It was fun to watch as they passed me by.

When I was running the marathon last year, it surprised me how much some stranger saying "great job" helped keep me going.  So I thought it only fair to pay it forward.  I would only see them on part of my route, but every time I was on San Vicente, I would clap and shout "good job" and "way to go" while giving a thumbs up.

Since I was running and chewing gum, I was taking a great risk trying to shout and clap and thumb at the same time!  I only stumbled once...providing comic relief to those tired riders.

Not only was it amazing to see literally hundreds and hundreds of cyclists riding for a great cause, but it was amazing that I got a couple of cat calls, whistles and a, "Daaaamn, baby!!"  even though I wasn't at my most attractive.  My boyfriend doesn't have to worry though, they were all from women!

It was an inspiring run for me.  It made me think how great it would be to some day have hundreds of people running to help our goldens.  I just checked their website and they raised over 11 million bucks!  Can you imagine?

So I'm hoping that you all are inspired to get out there and train for any of the Long Beach events, or inspired to get signed up and become our number one fundraiser!  The marathon is 18 weeks from tomorrow (YIKES!).  We can do this!  And although we might not get close to 11 million $28,000 is a completely obtainable goal!  (the leading fundraiser for AIDS/LifeCycle has raised over $52,000!  If any of you raise that much, you can have as big a portrait as you want!!!!)

Get Inspired, Be well and Peace out!