Run With Maggie B. - About The Race

Run, Walk, Forward Roll, Crawl with us on April 25th 2009.

On April 25th, people all over the world (or at least all over the US) are going to join me for a No-k, Best I Can Do-k, 5-k, 10k, Half Marathon run/walk. VIRTUALLY.

Through Nike+, Apple’s iPod Nano, and the internet, we are going to walk and run together—while we are apart. Don’t worry—it is easy. I’ll explain more later.

What is the purpose in doing such a thing?

For kids. All the proceeds will go to World Vision and Ray of Hope Amazon.

Consider it a great way to zap the infamous 5 pound end-of-year weight gain.


ALL THE QUESTIONS

Why—wha??

Why join us? Because you are gonna like it, and because by joining myself and other like-minded anarchists, you will impact people all over God’s Green Earth. Did I mention the prizes?

1. I don’t run, I don’t walk, and I certainly don’t forward roll. . . .so how do I fit in?
I have a special race for you, and you can even take home a prize--it is the No-k event. You can do it in your Lazyboy, your jacuzzi (no photos of that please,) your hammock. . . in other words, you don’t have to move at all. Well, that isn’t exactly true. You do have to write a check or give an on-line donation at ACTinternational.org.

2. How much is this gonna cost me, Becker?
Well, how much are you spending on your best friend this year? On Latte? On Cable . . . . (ok, ok, a little below the belt) Give the kids at least that. We are looking for $50 a person, half of which goes to World Vision, specifically where it is most needed right now, and the other half will go to the Amazon River Children, in Brazil, (who need everything).

However, $50 is only the minimum. You and your proud momma can give more. All proceeds go to the kids.

3. I can’t run even a 1k-and I’m too proud for a No-k, how can I be a part?
You can make a team, and just do the part you can do. Put the iPod Nano and the sensor* on the next person in line to “move,” and finish the race that way. (*The ipod Nano, or most recent ipod Touch—along with a Nike+ sensor and any sensor shoelace pouch is required.)

In other words, you will all share in the race by taking turns walking or running the distance. It doesn’t have to be “linear.” You can pause the ipod and move to the next point, and start it again. It only registers as you walk or run.

Or, you can just go as far as you can go-all by yourself. ('The-best-I-Can-Do-k)

4. But that will make it slow going, won’t it? What about the fabulous prizes? I don’t like to lose!
My sentiments exactly. Here’s the good news about that: the prizes will be given for all the things we quirky slow people value. No speedsters rewarded here. Take a look.


AWARDS

The Most Creative Course: 1 prize for all races (except the No-k)
Hey, what’s to say that you and your friends couldn’t do the 5k (3.1 miles) around the produce department in Whole Foods, or the candle aisle at Target? Just keep moving the sensor along to the next person and make your 5k.

Or maybe you want to do a 5k course that’s themed around the best coffee in your town. Say you start at Starbucks, then drive to Bongo Java and walk around there . . .

It doesn’t have to be 'linear.' You can pause the iPod and move to the next point, and start it again. It only registers as you walk or run, and since this is not a “faster-is-better” event, you can pause all you want!

The Best Race Outfit: 1 prize for all races
This is my favorite. Let’s put it this way: think of it like a costume party where your feet keep moving. Oh my, what ever will you wear on race day?

The Best Race Companion: 1 prize for all races
Show us your dog! Show us your ferret! Show us your prized hamster in a travel bubble!

For those of you who can’t bear to leave home without your non-human friends, bring them along to the race.

Most money Raised: Across all races
Hey--this is the easiest one to win.


SO WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?

Since it is coming out of my pocket, and we are trying to give money to places that need it, and not much else, they will be cheap, meaningful and humble.

Your choice of one of the following:

Four prizes*: Each Prize is a $50 itunes gift certificates, and for those four winners who want to be; they will be entered into a salad bowl drawing with each other for:

A “request” concert from me at your house or your church etc. in 2009. I come with my guitar and your favorite songs prepared. You provide the sound if needed. I get there and put myself up at a local hotel.

(*One prize per team, or individual, based on how you do the race, excluding the concert.)


BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

I will direct you to free training sites if you are using this as a ‘get in shape’ event.

We will be posting updates and blogs, and pictures of you as you send them along, and pictures from the results of your labors too.

So what are you waiting for? Visit RunWithMaggieB.com for more information!