oh, we jingled all right!

Here's the long overdue update to the Jingle Bell Run!

When I woke up the morning of the run, it wasn't just raining. It was POURING. It was the kind of stereotypical Seattle rain that non-Seattleites think happens all the time (it doesn't), where five minutes outside will leave you looking like you took a shower with your clothes on. Not to mention it was freaking cold and windy. Brrrr!

And yet, it was Jingle Bell day, and I had a team to lead.

Five of my fabulous friends joined team AS Kicker and there was no way I was going to wimp out on them because of some measly rain (and wind). No way, Jose. So I woke up at the crack of dawn, pulled on my red and green striped socks, red fleece, sequined Santa hat, and snowflake gloves. I tied jingle bells to my sneakers, and I headed out for one wet run.

I so wasn't kidding about the socks...

I gathered my team, and we headed out into the elements. There were people running in garbage bag ponchos, ski outfits, elf costumes, and every red/green combo imaginable. I even saw a group of girls dressed up with glowing snowflakes on their backs. Talk about feeling the Christmas spirit!

If you look really carefully, you can see the blue glow of snowflake girl.

Despite the rain, my wonderful friends and I all successfully completed the 5k and also managed to raise almost 500 bucks! (And then we promptly headed indoors for hot coffee and brunch.) All together, team AS Kicker raised $460 for arthritis research.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by amazing friends and family who have supported me in my efforts to combat AS. 

Thanks to all of you for reading my blog, for your kind words of encouragement, and for your support!

Happy (belated) holidays from team AS Kicker! :)

Jingle all the Way!

Two years ago I was diagnosed with AS: Ankylosing Spondylitis. It's a disease that worsens over time and left untreated can cause my spine to fuse, resulting in the appearance of a hunchback.

 I've decided that instead of feeling sorry for myself, I wanted to try and change my life and support others who are also suffering from this debilitating disease. Through this effort I have followed a strict diet that improves my symptoms, have become better at loving myself, and have started this blog. To continue in this effort, I have decided to start a team for the 2010 Seattle Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis.

The Jingle Bell Run is put on by the Northwest chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. According to the website, "funds raised support critical arthritis research, public health efforts and public policy initiatives."


I'm all about doing exercise for a cause, especially when you can dress up! People dress up in costume for the Jingle Bell Run, tying jingle bells to their sneakers and wearing red and green antlers. I'm thinking of wearing a sequined Santa hat!

The real goal of this effort though is to spread awareness of my disease and to raise funds for research. I'm more than happy to give myself shots every two weeks and continue following my diet if it is the only option to help me fight this disease, but I would loooooove to hear that a cure has been found. I'm really not all that fond of needles...

  

To join my team, submit a secure donation, or just find out more info about the event, please visit my team website: http://seattlejinglebellrun.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=419456&lis=0&kntae419456=913A2169A92C4E59A96BBE39566E3F71

Let's get into the holiday spirit and kick some AS! Thanks for your support!