Saturday Spotlight --- Team Spina Bifida -- Make Non-Profit Racing a Part of Your 2012 Journey

It's Saturday Spotlight time.  Saturdays are the day to shine a spotlight on worthy non-profit causes or that superior mom-athlete who moves mountains to get the job done, inspires others, or is a coach/role model to her trainees. 


Today's feature is one of those worthy non-profit orgs...

 Team Spina Bifida is looking for athletes to raise money for The Spina Bifida Association while training for The Kaua'i Marathon (voted one of the best road races EVER) or other endurance sporting events. Did someone say endurance? So ... consider dedicating one of your 2012 races this season to this great non-profit.  There's always room in the 2012 Enduramoms journey for some non-profit love, right? In fact, I'd consider a non-profit inspired race as an integral part of your journey this year.  You never know where a journey might lead you....and that's half the fun.  You might just make a new friend or add a family to your circle of friends for life by doing something like this.  Sometimes when your personal motivation runs low, you get a boost by knowing that your efforts are going to help someone else in need.  Also, in the interest of transparency, I have no personal ties to this particular organization, but do know that they are a longstanding legitimitate US non-profit.  If you're a fact checker like me, feel free to browse the public record of their non-profit filings and annual reports...etc. 

Also, they've achieved a multi-year 4-star charity rating by Charity Navigator.  Bookmark that site while you're at it... and you can run any other charity names through it this year to ensure you're always fundraising for a legitimate group. 

Here's some additional info on Team Spina Bifida, from their site. 

What is Team Spina Bifida?

Team Spina Bifida is the Spina Bifida Association's new athletic program, developed for Spina Bifida supporters across the country to train for and complete a marathon, half-marathon, or other endurance event (like triathlon, cycling, mountain biking, etc.) or participate in a team sporting event designed to RAISE MONEY and AWARENESS for the Spina Bifida Association (SBA).

How does it work?
After you sign up with Team Spina Bifida, you will raise money for SBA while training for your event. SBA will cover the costs for you to participate in the event, including travel to/from event, lodging, and entry fee for event. In exchange, you agree to raise a minimum amount for SBA. SBA will provide you with fundraising tips, ideas, forms, online webpage, and constant support along the way! Your participation will make a HUGE difference for those affected with Spina Bifida.
Why join Team Spina Bifida?
If you are passionate about Spina Bifida and helping those affected, this is a great way to get into the game to help. Many with Spina Bifida can't run or even walk one mile, let alone 26.2 miles - but you can do it for them! Pledge to make a difference by pushing your own boundaries and sign up today!

There are a LOT of extremely popular late season races on their fundraising calendar this year.... Marine Corp Marathon, Miami Beach Halloween Half (oooh that sounds fun!), and the New York City Marathon .... just to name a few.  Big races like these are made for gathering a huge group of family and friends to join the cause.

You can find out more about this national non-profit and how you can help by visiting their site.

Enjoy your Saturday!





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2012 Theme -- It's About the Journey

Doing More in 24...it's how enduramoms function.  In 2012, our overall theme will focus on the journey we take in reaching our goals and dreams through the practice of triathlon training and racing.  The cherry on the proverbial sundae might be crossing the finish line and receiving a shiny medal, but I challenge your train of thought if you think that's what our sport is all about.  When you look back, you begin to realize you've had several mini finish lines to cross in order to reach the big one on your "A" race day.  Maybe your mini-finish line involved fitting into a smaller size, the day your little one said "my mommy is really fast", being able to tackle that hill that winded you in week one, or achieving a PR during a training run when you didn't even realize it until you checked your watch or runkeeper stats at the end.  The little steps and small victories made are bricks which build your personal empire.  Make them count, recognize them when you achieve them, and do a little something special for yourself or with your family to celebrate each achievement.  Without the journey, we are simply showing up. 

It's all about the journey...

I found a story online today about an athlete names Marianna.  She knows it's about the journey.

"Mariana feels "the struggle to fit everything in that needs to be done in 24 hours is challenging but well worth it in the end."

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Introducing #enduramomschat on Twitter.  Put the kids in bed by 9 eastern time and log on to twitter.  Starting this Tuesday, Jan. 17th, 2012, from 9:00 - 9:30PM EST, once weekly. "Topic of the day" will be announced each Tuesday morning via our Facebook page.  Discussion will be fun and light...juggling mommyhood with multisport, funny stories, training updates, goal races, lessons learned, questions, struggles, achievements, journey comments, and sometimes I will do my best to feature an expert to answer expert related questions for future chats.  SO... if you aren't already following @Enduramoms on twitter...get on it today.  If you are ... tell a friend.

INTRODUCING DAILY THEMES
Super Sunday Long Runs & Rides: Let's talk insights and skills gained on the long roads & trails.  I bet you picked up more than dirt and sweat. Of course, tales are welcome too!
MMMonday - Mommy Moments: discussing how mommy life enhanced your training, made you laugh, or rail-roaded your training plans for the week. It happens!
2 for Tuesday - Brick it up:  Featuring weekly ideas for brick sessions and crosstraining 
Spincycle Wednesday:  Weekly focus on the swim and all things aquatic!
Technique Thursday - Tempo Runs to cycling posture...tips to focus on our technique
Fun-Socks-Friday - Share a pic of your crazy running/cycling/everyday socks.  Post it on FB and twitter including the hashtag #FunSocksFriday to be eligible to win a prize each week!  Those sparkly skirt folks don't get to have all the fun.
Saturday Spotlight -- reserved for amazing Enduramom athletes, hardworking coaches that don't get enough praise, and/or non-profit charities inspiring us to TRI and Run.  Nominate and let me know who needs that spotlight!

WE'RE ALL ONE BIG FAMILY
If you're documenting your triathlon, multisport, or running journey through a blog, site, facebook page, pinterest, forum, google+, or wordpress...I'd really like to know.  Please give me a shout through the comments below or on the contact page.  I'll add you to the blogs being followed, provide a mention on the facebook fanpage, and maybe write a blog post about you!