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.

Thank you to my sponsors!

Thank you to everyone that made my 13.1 mile journey amazing through your support, encouragement, running tips, and companionship. I especially would like to thank those that went above and beyond through their sponsorship to help Team Challenge New England become the #1 fundraising region this season! With your help, we raised over $150,000 to fund improved treatments and a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

At the starting line at Cuvaison Estate
in Napa, CA.

Of course, with the help of my own donors, I raised over $5,041 for a cure! I would like to specifically acknowledge the following individuals and companies:

$1,000+
Rich Collins

$500+
Mike Jeurgens
Action Collection Agency, Middleboro

$250+
Liberty Bay Credit Union
Elaine Harrington

$100+
Kerry McStravick, Alarm Central, Quincy
Lynn Margherio
Kylee North
Cynthia Riley
Andrea Tarbet

$50+
Kristin's Breakfast, Braintree

I <3 Team Challenge!

Mary Burns
Leo MacNeil
Ed Morgan & Family
Sara Riley
Ashley Medlar
Hena Rizvi

$30+
Liz Farley
Sarah MacPherson
Donna Bulla
Susan Feld
Wendy Schottland
Suzanne Hinton 

Pasta with a side of Inspiration!

You all know the tradition of "carbo-loading" before a big race? Well, if you're thinking of this, then that's not quite it:




I won't go into a big rant about what carbo-loading actually is (for that, you can read this great article from Runners World), but I will share with you about my incredible evening of inspiration and carbohydrates at the Team Challenge Pasta Party on Saturday night before the big day!



The Team Pasta Party is a tradition for Team Challenge where all participants and guests get together the night before each race to, well, eat pasta! This year at the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon there were over 1000 guests at the Team Challenge pasta party - the scene was insane!

Alicia, some of our TCNE mentors, and Coach Dave were part of the greeting crew!

It was so inspiring to see how many people stood when they asked how many people were running (over 600!), how many people had run multiple years, and how many people in the crowd were IBD patients. I was proud to be able to stand as a runner, and to have Nick stand beside me when they asked about patients.

One of the evening's speakers was Saskia Madison, wife of former Miami Dolphin Sam Madison, who suffers from both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (you can see a video of her talking about Team Challenge on NBC 6). After 11 years of dealing with IBD on her own and with her family, Saskia heard about Team Challenge and the CCFA and decided to step out of her shell, join Team Challenge, and publicly share her story of living with IBD.



Her talk was moving, truthful, and really hit home for everyone in the crowd. I think I found myself almost in tears several times. She talked about the pain and embarrassment related to having Crohn's and colitis, as well as the struggles she had having children and taking care of her family with severe symptoms.

Thank you, Saskia, for sharing your story and helping to inspire us to continue to move forward, and to continue our work raising money and awareness for the cause!

The other speaker for the evening was Michael Ginsberg of Team Challenge Austin. Michael shared his sometimes hilarious, sometimes graphic, and altogether inspiring story of overcoming Hodgkin's lymphoma only to find he also was suffering from Crohn's disease. Below is the video of his speech that made me feel so proud to be able to run with Team Challenge in Nick's honor:



We also found out at the pasta party that Team New England (Boston Strong!) was the region to raise the most money out of all state/regional teams - over $400,000! Altogether, Team Challenge raised $2.4 million to help fund research for improved treatment and a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. That means that each mile we run this weekend will be worth over $180,00 for a cure!

Team New England had the top fundraiser in the country!

And, of course, at the Pasta Party - we ate! I didn't take any pictures of the food as I am usually wont to do, but I can tell you it was delicious! For us vegans, there was quinoa pasta with marinara sauce, an amazing and loaded salad bar, some delicious rolls, and sweet tea. I also stocked up on bananas for post-race :)

After all the eating, laughing, crying, and stands of solidarity, it was time to return to our buses to bring us back to the hotel.

Exhausted and armed with more food for thought, we returned for our team meeting where we received our bib numbers and our Boston Strong ribbons for race day :)

Bib #3516

I've never been so prouder to be part of a team, although tomorrow I think will be even better :) I'm off to bed now as we have an early start tomorrow (breakfast at 4:30am!). But I can't even tell you how excited, energized, and inspired I feel right now!

Running Boston strong,
ashley

I MET MY FUNDRAISING GOAL!!!

Today marks the day that I complete my official fundraising for Team Challenge! I reached my 75% mark today ($3,390.30), thanks to some generous birthday donations from my sister, Andrea Tarbet,
and a former co-worker, Ashley Medlar. I then received my matching gift from Rich Collins to bring me to a total of $4546.30.

Thanks to Rich Collins and others,
I reached my fundraising goal today!

I am so excited that this has happened, especially ahead of schedule. I seriously never thought I'd be able to make it, but now I've surpassed my goal!

I'm not going to stop here, either. I'm going to continue fundraising until the cut-off date, which I think is August 1st. The more money I raise, the closer we get to a cure!

Please consider donating today, or spreading the word to your friends and family to help us fund a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis!

Happy birthday to me!
ashley

Rolling in the Dough!

I guess I spoke too soon!

I've been worrying about my fundraising for several weeks (read: the last 2 months) because I thought I would never be able to reach my goal. While my friends and family have been beyond generous, it's a lot harder than I thought to raise $4500.

But, just when I thought things were looking down, I received a matching donation pledge for $1100. Now, with less than 50% of my $4500 to raise, I have been rolling in the checks from local businesses that would like to support my cause. In the last week alone, I have received checks from:

Kristin's Breakfast
Liberty Bay Credit Union
Alarm Central
Kendall's Kloset
Action Collection Agency

All of their donations will be matched by The Collins Farm in Davis, CA.

So, it looks like I might meet my fundraising goal after all. And I'm learning so much about fundraising, making a pitch, and really selling my cause. Thank you for everything, Team Challenge - you keep surprising me!

Running strong,
ashley

Local Businesses Rock!

I received a check today from my local credit union where I have been banking for over 4 years. I have to say that I was completely surprised and utterly thankful when I opened the envelope to find a check for $250!!

When I brought them my fundraising letter I thought it was a long shot because they have their "select" charities that they support and because I haven't really been banking with them for very long. But I brought the letter anyway, in-person, just before the holiday weekend.

Sure enough, their community service rep saw the letter and sent me a sponsorship check. Thank you
so much to Liberty Bay Credit Union of Braintree for your sponsorship, which will also be doubled by my match from the Collins Farm!

Just another reason why local businesses rock, and why you shouldn't hesitate to ask anyone and everyone, especially if you are asking in-person :)

Run on,
ashley

Fundraising Match Announced!

At this time yesterday I thought I would never reach my fundraising goal. In fact, I'm still not so quite sure that I'll be able to make it. But, thanks to the generosity of friends things are definitely looking up!

I emailed all my work friends today to remind them about my upcoming run and to ask them to donate to my Run for a Cure. I received a few more generous donations from my co-workers (a.k.a. my second family!). But one message in particular caught my eye.

My friend Melanie grew up in Davis, CA, a couple hours outside of Napa where my cousin currently lives, and where I will be staying during race weekend. Her family owns a farm there - The Collins Farm - and they will be having a blackberry festival during the weekend of the race that they invited us to. Unfortunately, it's the same evening as our inspirational pasta party, so I let them know that we are unable to attend.

Donate today at bit.ly/ashleytarbet!

However, once they read my fundraising page and blog, they offered something even greater! This morning I was just shy of the 50% fundraising mark, and Rich Collins offered to match each dollar I raise from here until I reach my goal!

With this encouragement, I am one giant step closer to reaching my fundraising goal and getting us to
Napa for the Wine Country Half Marathon! Please consider donating today to help me reach 75% so the Collins Farm match will get me to my goal!

I have to say that I am continually surprised my the generosity of human beings, and feel extremely grateful to have such loving and supporting friends, family, and co-workers. Thank you to all of you for your continued support - 13.1 or bust!

Run strong,
ashley

Invincible Superwoman!

I was having a conversation a few weeks ago with a customer service rep at Best Buy about running. I don't know how the conversation started, but we found out we both love running and started chatting about it. I told him that I was currently training to run my first half marathon with Team Challenge and that the training was definitely challenging and we have really only just started out. He mentioned to me that once you pass the 5 mile mark though, anything feels possible.

Since I was only up to 3 miles or so in my current training I had to recall the training I did last fall for the Tufts 10K for Women.  I do remember getting to the 5 mile point and feeling invincible. Wind at my back, I felt like I could run forever when I was out for my daily runs. Of course, I would always wear myself to a good level of exhaustion, but throughout the day I had this feeling of strength and fitness over my whole body. And on race day I beat my goal of finishing in under an hour - although I did feel exhausted to point of collapse afterwards.

But that good feeling - that invincibility - is what I felt a couple weeks ago after our first group long run past 5 miles - 5.4 miles to be exact. I ran alongside my mentor for most of the route until she gave me the go ahead to keep running ahead while she slowed down. I kept up a great pace and finished in about a 10:00/mile pace. I felt amazing afterwards - better than I ever feel after my weekly morning runs. And even better, I felt I could keep running forever! (well, at least another couple miles...)

But lately, I have not felt like Superwoman during my training. Things have been getting really tough. On top of everything going on at work and in my personal life, and my plateau in my fundraising, I've definitely felt a strain on my body from my training: shin pain, lower back pain, general muscle soreness, and a bruise on my pride from worse-than-desired times on my so-called "hard workouts". The last couple weeks or so have just made me feel - physically and mentally - that I just can't do this.

Enter training week 6.

I woke up this morning feeling well-rested and excited about training, but very nervous - would I hurt myself or otherwise be unable to finish? But I got dressed, put on my sunblock, and drove the 29 miles to today's route: Battle Road in Lexington. My team was already warming up when I pulled in to what looked like the middle of nowhere, and minutes later we were off on the dirt/gravel route through Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln.

And WHOA, was it awesome!

I ran the first 2.5 miles or so with Coach Dave, who gave me some great advice and training tips on the way. Before I knew it, I was at the halfway point where Alicia was set up with cups of water and electrolyte drinks. I was cruisin' through the beautiful park scenery, with no ipod or other technology to distract me from the beautiful weather and the fact that I had virtually no leg pain running on the off-road trail. I felt, in a word, invincible.

We will ignore the fact that I was so in the zone that I ran right past our starting point, went a mile off-course, and started having a panic attack when I realized that I was totally and utterly lost, without any form of map or way to call anyone on my team. Fortunately, everyone on that trail is super polite and the first person I came across let me use his phone to figure out where I was and how to get back (despite the fact that my hands were sweaty and trembling). I turned around, and about a half-mile later came across one of our teammates, Ben, wearing his memorable bright orange jacket. We made it back to the parking lot in no time with no problem at all, while Ben shared with me his own fundraising tips and tricks :)

But at mile 7, mere moments before I realized I was in totally the wrong spot, I felt like I could have kept going for miles. I had just conquered a rutted, never-ending hill (that I didn't remember from the beginning of our journey) and still felt great - high energy, pain-free shins, and just the right amount of Vitamin D from the partly-shady, partly-sunny trail. I was so proud to share with my team what I had accomplished, and received compliments on my time when I returned.

Above all, this week's run helped me believe in myself again. Armed with quite a few suggestions of local trail runs to try out during the week, and personal realizations of how I need to adapt my training to prevent injury, I know that I will be able to finish my training. Armed with countless ideas and a renewed vigor for fundraising, I know that I will be able to reach my goal of raising $4500 for a cure. And armed with the confidence that both of these weapons give me, I know I will be able to run Napa on July 21st for Team Challenge with Nick at my side cheering me on.

I am once again the invincible superwoman that I always knew I could be.

Thank you, Team Challenge!


Running strong,
ashley

Team Challenge with our honored hero, Timmy (back row, center), at Battle Road
for today's long run and re-commitment picnic!

1st Group Training Run with the Napa Team

Updating our team fundraising progress.

Today I met the rest of the Napa team, got some tips on footwear and nutrition, and ran about 3 miles or so in the chilly wind. Collectively, our team has raised over $180K for a cure! I'm about a third of the way to my personal fundraising goal, but couldn't be prouder of our team :)

I'm pretty confident right now in my speed and endurance. I was near the head of the pack for most of the run this morning, but also got to chat with Marisa, Leslie, Kristen, and a few others. 

We also received 20% off at Greater Boston Running Co, where they did a footwear clinic for us. I picked up a water bottle belt to use while I train. Previously I really only brought a water bottle with me on longer summer runs, but never really went beyond 4 or 5 miles until my 10K training in the fall. But if I'm going to be out on the road for 2 hours at a time in July I wanted to get used to wearing the belt now. Especially because I've always been told not to try anything new for race day. I want to get in the habit and have my body adjust to wearing it before then.

Anyway, I had a great morning in Lexington with the crew. I won't be joining the group run next weekend as I'll be in Maine volunteering at Camp Sunshine, and the week after I'm working. But I'll be joining the group on the 27th at DW Fields Park in Brockton - back to my roots!

Still waiting for spring...
ashley

The Team before the run warming up inside at GBRC.

First "fundraiser" was a success!

I spent 4 hours today freezing my butt off standing outside the Stop & Shop store in Braintree to spread the word about the CCFA and Team Challenge . I was not dressed warmly enough, but I wanted to wear my Team Challenge t-shirt and it was really just my toes that were cold anyway.

Either way, I got to witness first hand today the generosity of the community I live in. Working for a nonprofit organization, I see good deeds being done for good causes every day - but this just blew me away! Altogether, I raised over $200 between change, singles, and even much larger bills. Many people who stopped at my table shared with me about a loved one in their life living with Crohn's or colitis, made a donation, and thanked me and the Team for our hard work running for a cure. A lot of people also stopped to make a donation not knowing about the cause, but asking questions and then wishing me luck.

One woman who stopped at my table revealed to me that she was 86 and had undergone surgery many years ago to remove 14" of her colon. She said they didn't have things like running half marathons for good causes when she was young, but if they did she would have gotten involved too. It gave me hope to see her at a "ripe age" looking healthy and living happily. Maybe by helping to fund research for a cure, and support services for families affected by Crohn's and colitis, we will be able to see many more living to such an old and contented age.

I also met someone today who is friends with one of our coaches, Rocco. He knew all about Team Challenge and wished me luck. He told me he is training for the Boston Marathon right now with Team in Training, but still stopped to encourage me and make a donation.

I even met the husband of another Team Challenge runner today!

When I was done with my "reserved" time slot, I packed up my table (see picture below!) and headed towards my car. As I was putting my blue and orange decorations into the back seat, I noticed the guy behind me stop and reach for his wallet. I smiled and said, "hello" (which I had been doing a lot all day) and then remembered that I was also still wearing my Team Challenge t-shirt. He handed me some ones and said, "I said I would catch you on my way out. I'm glad I saw you before you left. Good luck with your training!" I said "thank you" in a very shocked - and what I hope was grateful - tone and put the donations into my collection jar. I think that was actually the biggest highlight of my day. If I am able to inspire others to action - even an action as simple as tracking me down for a couple of dollars - then I have done my job as a Team Challenge runner, and as an advocate for the CCFA.

While I ended the afternoon with frozen toes, a runny nose, and very sore legs/back (because I also forgot to bring a chair with me so I had to stand for four hours straight) I would say all in all it was a very successful day. I walked away from my first "fundraiser" the happiest I've been all week! I seriously had a smile on my face today that would not go away! Thank you to everyone in the Braintree community that stopped at my table to support this important cause. And thanks especially to Nick's friends and family members that stopped by and I'm sure spread the word inside. With your support and generosity I am sure we will find the cure!

Happy spring!
ashley
<3

Tabling outside of Stop & Shop in Braintree. Thanks to my community for their generosity!

AmeriCorps Week Special: I'm Running to Serve

It's AmeriCorps week! #ACWeek is a time for AmeriCorps volunteers and alums to reflect on our service and share why #AmeriCorpsWorks for us. So, in honor of this national week of service and reflection, I would like to share the story of how my AmeriCorps service inspired me to run this summer for Team Challenge, and continues to help me along my journey:

After graduating college in 2009, I embarked on a year of national service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer. I did a year of service as Volunteer Outreach Coordinator at a Boston-based organization called Cradles to Crayons, where I helped to provide everyday essential items to children in Massachusetts living in low-income or homeless situations.

If there is one thing that my year of service taught me, it's that in order to be a leader, you must serve others. Lao Tzo, known as the father of Taoism, once said, "To lead the people, walk behind them." I spent my year of service dedicating almost every waking minute working to ensure I did my best and the absolute most I could do to enable the organization to serve more children. In the end, I found that I was a role model and leader for others in the organization, and those volunteers that serve with us, to do the same. That is exactly what I hope to do as a runner on the Team Challenge New England team. I am already working hard on training and fundraising, spending every free minute I have to ensure I reach my goals and do everything in my power to support the CCFA in its search for a cure. I hope that my efforts in turn inspire those around me to give what they can to support this cause that is so close to my heart - whether it is words of support, a share of my fundraising link, or sponsorship of my run.

Passion is another value that I have taken away from my time in AmeriCorps. One can just care about a cause, and they will contribute to its success. But when a person has passion for a cause is when they can truly make a difference. I have been touched personally by this cause - someone that I love very much has been battling ulcerative colitis for almost five years - and he gave me the spark that ignited my passion for the CCFA. Over 1.5 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn's or colitis. These chronic, painful, and often debilitating digestive disorders most often affect adolescents and young adults ages 15-35. They are caused by both genetics and environmental triggers, and can cost over $8,000 per year in direct medical expenses for one individual. But together we can make a difference! The CCFA has played a role in almost every major research breakthrough since its founding in 1967. Together, we can support the CCFA in better understanding the causes of IBD, finding a cure, and supporting the individuals and families affected by these disorders. Please support me as I train to run 13.1 miles for a cure!

One last thing that I have been able to take away from my year of service, is that everyone can use their own strengths and interests to make a difference. I love to run. I'm pretty decent at it too! When I heard about the Team Challenge program to train to run a half marathon while raising money for CCFA I couldn't say no. I can continue to do something I love, while working hard to spread the word (talking is something I love and am good at too!) to raise money for a worthwhile cause. I have only identified as being a runner for a couple years. I started in order to get fit, and it has turned into a rewarding habit and hobby. This will be my first half marathon ever, and as I train each week I will set records for the longest distance I've ever run. I am sure that I will run more half and full marathons, but I am proud to be running my first alongside my Team Challenge teammates for the CCFA.

In short, my service in AmeriCorps has inspired me, and instilled in me the character I need, to continue to make a difference. Running and fundraising for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America is one way I am choosing to continue my service through proven and effective methods. I hope you will join my journey to support the CCFA in finding a cure for Crohn's and colitis. You can support my run by visiting my fundraising page at: http://www.active.com/donate/napaNE13/ashleyt or by taking the time to spread the word to your networks, family, and friends - you never know who is affected and would love an opportunity to support the cause!

Thank you, AmeriCorps, for the opportunity to serve. And thank you for continuing to "work for me" as an alumni!

Yours in Service,
ashley

All facts regarding the CCFA, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, were taken directly from published literature provided by the CCFA.

The Journey Begins

I started training this week for the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon that will take place on July 21st. More importantly, I began my training for this 13.1 mile race with Team Challenge - an endurance and fundraising program to benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) in supporting affected families and finding a cure.

This will be my first half marathon ever, and every week of my training will set a precedent for the longest distance I've run to date (which is currently 7 miles).

It has been a few weeks since I've been out running (the blizzard set me back a bit), but I laced up again this week and started my training. This week I took it a bit easy to help myself get back into the swing of things - I did 3 runs just under 3 miles for about 30 mins each. You can see my progress on my twitter feed in the right sidebar, or you can view my RunKeeper profile by clicking my weekly mileage total in the top right corner of my sidebar.

This morning I was supposed to join the rest of the team for our first group run, but it was a bit too far for me to travel, so I ran on my own for 30 mins.

I have set a goal of raising $4,500 to support the CCFA and would like to reach $3,000 before April 15th - please support me to reach this goal! You can make a secure online donation on my Team Challenge fundraising page, or you can send cash/checks directly to me. Please message/comment for offline donation information. Also, please ask about whether your company provides matching gifts.

I plan to use this blog to track my training, share about what a vegan eats while training for a half marathon, and to share my experiences about this physically and emotionally challenging experience. I hope you will continue to read my posts and follow me through this journey to Run for a Cure!

Thank you for your support in this incredible challenge!

xoxo
ashley

Crossing the finish line at the Tufts 10K for Women 2012 - my longest race yet!