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I've got two interesting things to share with you today.

The first doesn't involve running but it does involve walking!




Last year I mentioned a 7 mile walk up to Snowbowl ski resort that my mother-in-law was doing. I wasn't able to join her last year but this year I am!

My mother-in-law does this walk to raise money for the American Cancer Society since she knows personally what it's like to battle cancer. Because I want to support her and her cause I'll be walking the 7 miles uphill at altitude instead of running that weekend. I'm not huge into fundraising, though, but I figured I'd stick the link to my donation page here anyway.

Donate if you want!

My husband is also joining us. We'll be quite a team.



Although we probably won't be wearing our fancy clothes for the climb.

The other interesting bit of news is that running blogger and author Melinda Hinson Neely is writing a book about first time marathoners. She put out the call a few weeks ago for first timers and their stories. I threw my hat into the ring and although I wasn't selected to be an in-depth feature, I am on the list as contributor in some way. Haven't found out exactly what that way will be yet, but it's still pretty cool.

And with that, I'm off for another day in hot, humid Chicago. What's going on in your neck of the woods?

Runners' Lounge Open Mic Friday

It looks like it's Erin week over at Runners' Lounge. Yesterday I hosted Take it and Run Thursday and today their Open Mic Interview is of me!

Definitely check it out here if you're not a regular Runners' Lounge reader.

If you surfed on over from Runners' Lounge, welcome! I hope you like what you read and maybe stick around.

According to my little race countdown widget I have less than one day until my 5K. This will be two races in a row that I've run with someone. I'm going to get spoiled!

Today my plans are to rest (well, after work), finish washing all my running clothes, and eat a lot of pizza for dinner, and lay out my stuff for tomorrow. Kim was nice enough to pick up my race packet for me and bring it to me yesterday. I haven't had a chance to fully look through it, but I already like that the t-shirt is 99% cotton and 1% polyester. Makes it feel soft!

By the way, if you're new here or if you missed it, I'd really appreciate it you took at look at this post. I only run one race per year for which I try to raise money and that one is it. Plus, the post has cute pictures of dogs!

A Brief History of Dogs

As you know, I occasionally take my dog, Trinka Deu, out running with me. But I don't think I've ever really told you anything about her. She's a German Shepherd mix. Possibly part Husky. Maybe Malamute. Maybe something else entirely. We adopted her from the Champaign County Humane Society in May 2006. She was allegedly 6 years old, an owner surrender, and 30 pounds underweight due to undiagnosed parasites. Now she's allegedly 9 years old, 80 pounds, and sweet as can be. Rather over-enthusiastic when people come to visit, but that's just because she can't wait to play!

But before her we had other dogs. Our first dog was Spot.



We met Spot when I was still in college and volunteering at a no-kill animal shelter outside Oxford, Ohio. Spot was a mutt (possibly a border collie-whippet mix) around 9 or 10 years old who had spent his life first in a basement and then at the shelter. We brought him home in June 2002. It took Spot awhile to break out of his shell, but in the end he was the sweetest, calmest, most loving dog. When he passed away from lymphoma in November 2005 we were heartbroken. In fact, as a tribute to him, I got his name tattooed on my foot.



But Spot wasn't our only dog. Shortly after adopting him we also adopted an alleged 7 year old Golden Retriever/Aussie Shepherd mix named Ashley. We also got Ashley from the Champaign County Humane Society.



We always joked that Ashley was like the grumpy old lady who would yell at kids to get off her lawn. She loved people and was a sweetheart to anyone who would pet her, but was very picky about her affection to other dogs. Ashley passed away in December 2008.

So, as you can see, we're strong supporters of adopting dogs from shelters. Which is why last year when I heard about the PAWS Chicago Run for Their Lives 8K race I knew I had to do it. You can read all about my experience here.

I'm doing this race again this year on September 27th. I feel like this race is the perfect melding of two of my favorite things: dogs and running. My registration fee counts as my donation to the cause, but I'd love it if you would also consider donating a few dollars.



Click on the picture above to go to my personal donation page

Or, if you're in the Chicago area, consider doing the 8K run or the 4K walk. Or just coming out to cheer! Whatever you choose, Trinka, I, and all my future shelter adoptees thank you!