Rock for a Cure 2!

I hope everyone joins us for our 2nd benefit concert of the year to raise funds for a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It's an all-ages show at the Midway in JP on Sunday, June 8th. Doors are at 4pm and tickets are $10.

Please join our Facebook event and share with your friends!

We're still looking for a fourth band/artist to join the lineup, so if you're interested please let me know.

I hope to see everyone there!

Waiting for Spring!

So it's April. And it's 30 degrees outside. And it's April.

So where's Spring?

Who knows! What I do know, is this crazy weather that can't make up its mind is driving me into hibernation with one cold after another. It's finally at the point where my doctor has put me on a bunch of meds and ordered me to rest for the ENTIRE WEEKEND.

I guess this is a good thing. More rest means a happier, healthier me, means better runs and training, means better half marathon this summer.

But it's spring.

I'm supposed to be out running 7 miles on heartbreak hill tomorrow celebrating the beautiful weather and the sunshine, getting to know my teammates, and gearing up for "Marathon Monday" here in Boston. But instead I'll be hibernating at home, "resting", and waiting for whatever this sickness is that I have to go away.

I guess it could be worse, a lot worse, and I shouldn't be complaining. I'm just so excited to be part of Team Challenge this year, and finally feeling motivated to do my regular runs, and really just want to be out there running. But, running last weekend and all this week when I was still sick is probably what stopped me from getting better already.

So, I'll give this another few days, let my body recuperate, and next week I'll be out pounding the pavement once again for a cure. I want to wish all my teammates good luck at training tomorrow. I'll be with them there in spirit while they climb heartbreak hill.

In the meantime, I'll work on my fundraising and see if I can't get closer to my goal. I'm 44% there already! Help me hit the $2k mark this week and win the prize for most number of donations by making your own donation at bit.ly/ashleyruns.

Let's kick IBD in the butt!
ashley

Let's Kick IBD's Ass!

Last week I hosted my first Punk Rock CCFA Benefit fundraising concert at O'Brien's Pub in Allston. We had a huge crowd to see some great musicians perform. My friend Patrick Simas opened with some earth-shattering acoustic punk, followed by personal favorites The Digs, smoothed by the crooning melodies of The Hideout, and headlined by local legends Zip-Tie Handcuffs.

Folks donated $5-10 at the door, and had the opportunity to be entered into a door prize raffle for an AmEx gift card for every $10 they donated to the cause.

What took me by surprise was that not only did the bands playing just want to play a show, but they were enthusiastically supportive of the cause. All participating musicians donated merch, with which we were able to entice concert-goers for additional cash donations. They all also spotlighted our donations table during their sets to encourage their own fans to give to the cause.

Altogether, we had a kick-ass night, raising over $300 for the cause, spreading the word about IBD and the CCFA to 40+ enthusiastic Bostonians, and, of course, losing our voices from screaming lyrics and cheering on a great cause.

This concert was actually only the first of a series that I'll be hosting all over the greater Boston area this year to raise money and awareness for the CCFA. I only hope that the next show is equally successful!

Thanks to everyone that came out to kick IBD's ass!

Boston strong,
ashley

Event banner for the Punk Rock CCFA Benefit concert.

New Year, New Challenge

Today I embark on my second season with Team Challenge! This summer, I will run my second half marathon to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

My goal is to raise $2,500 for a cure, and to train even harder in order to PR in under 2:15. I'm starting both my fundraising and training now so that I can reach both of these goals, and maybe more!

I will be running the Jamestown Half Marathon in Jamestown, RI. Unlike last year when I ran the Napa to Sonoma race, I anticipate there being a lot of heat, direct sunlight, and humidity on race day - but I'm up for the challenge! This summer's race will also happen on the ocean, which means a salty breeze and sunburn hazard.

This year, to help with my fundraising, I will be hosting a virtual raffle to assist my fundraising, and will host a live event this spring with all proceeds going towards my goal.

Please follow my blog, where I will write about my progress towards both my goals, have opportunities for more entries into the raffle, share information and resources for patients and loved ones affected by Crohn's and colitis, post inspiring words, and share about my experiences running once again with Team Challenge.

Thank you to those that supported my 2013 Run for a Cure, and I hope you will consider sponsoring me once again!

Run strong,
ashley

Starting line of the 2013 Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon