Thursday, March 31, 2011
24.21 miles to go. $5,526 raised
I went back to wearing to steel belted huaraches. As it turns out, the newer ones were from a tire that was worn more in its' middle that at the sides, by about 1/8 inch. That means that the outsides of my feet wore not going down as low as the center. Over time and miles this may have cause the pain in my metatarsals and left knee. I ran today without problem. Miles yet to conquer are 24.21. I am very pleased that donations are still coming in and there are still promises to be kept. Thanks, everyone. LEE
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Under 30 miles
There are now only 29.61 miles left to conquer. I'm going to try to get it under 25 miles tomorrow. Donations are at $5,386 and I know of three more that will be coming in soon. Now, the program can go back to feeding the kids four weeks a month instead of the three that they had to cut back to recently.
I took a week off of running because of a sore left ankle and a little soreness behind my left knee. It must be my weak side. Now, I am back on the trails. It is still hard to believe that the donations came in so fast. My original thought was that I would receive the first $1,000 easily and then have to run forever to get the rest. Now, I am trying to catch up with the donors. Thanks, everyone for your moral and financial support. Where hungry kids are concerned, there should be no consideration of race, religion or nationality.
I took a week off of running because of a sore left ankle and a little soreness behind my left knee. It must be my weak side. Now, I am back on the trails. It is still hard to believe that the donations came in so fast. My original thought was that I would receive the first $1,000 easily and then have to run forever to get the rest. Now, I am trying to catch up with the donors. Thanks, everyone for your moral and financial support. Where hungry kids are concerned, there should be no consideration of race, religion or nationality.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Minimum goal met
Donations now are over $5,000. That was my goal, but if you had planned to give, please still do so. $5,000 was my mininum goal. I still have 32 miles to run. Don't stop donating. I've had a sore ankle and am giving myself a break until the weather is a little warmer. Each dollar provides 5 meals. I noticed that the paper says that the local Comminity Kitchen, ( a VERY good organization) needs $500, 000 expand... I only need $5,000 to keep 85 kids fed for a year. As soon as the weather gets warmer I'll hit the trail. Please dig deep. Remember, ALL of your donation is tax deductible and, ALL of the money goes directly to the program. ALL expenses have been covered by volunteers. No other NGO that I can think of can say that.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
miles down 67.19,,,, to go 32.81
Donations total $4,705. We are really close. Donations are coming in slower lately. Maybe everyone is waiting to see if I actually finish the 100 miles. That is my intention!! Get your checks ready, and thanks for your support.
I had a rough 5.75 miles today. There was a quadricep cramp for the first mile and a half. I ran slowly, but after the one half way point I was actually able to run faster than ever before. I can't figure that out.
I had a rough 5.75 miles today. There was a quadricep cramp for the first mile and a half. I ran slowly, but after the one half way point I was actually able to run faster than ever before. I can't figure that out.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
latest
Miles down....61.44....miles to go 38.56
Fund total $4,550.
The Posoltega news letter was mailed out on Friday. Maybe that will bring in more much need money. Nothing it brings in will be counted towards the $5,000 that I am trying to raise by running in huaraches, but it will help fund the lunch program. Who would like to take the donation total over the top? LEE
Fund total $4,550.
The Posoltega news letter was mailed out on Friday. Maybe that will bring in more much need money. Nothing it brings in will be counted towards the $5,000 that I am trying to raise by running in huaraches, but it will help fund the lunch program. Who would like to take the donation total over the top? LEE
Saturday, March 19, 2011
donation address
For those of you who want to donate to this cause, send your check to:
Posoltega Committee
PO BOX 1461
Bloomington, 47402
Posoltega Committee
PO BOX 1461
Bloomington, 47402
Friday, March 18, 2011
55.90 miles down
$4,457 is the new total of funds raised. The Sister City, Posoltega website has been off line for a long time and our brave leader, Barbara Seitz is doggedly trying to figure out what happened. A newsletter is going out this weekend and Isaac Salazar, who is from Posoltega and lives here in Bloomington, is planning to do a music event as a fundraiser. Hopefully the committee will soon be back on its feet. Between the downturn in the economy and the higher price of food ( and everything else), we have been brought to our knees.
Barbara and I returned to Posoltega within a week after the mudslide that killed about 5,000 residents in Posoltega in 1998. I remember being amazed at the power of water and mud. That mudslide was nothing compared to what we are seeing in the videos of the tsunami in Japan. There is an old saying that "nature has a way of taking thing away from you".
I remember that there was a guy there who had a 'cadaver dog' and he took it all over the worst part of the mudslide area. After a couple of days he said that the dog had found all of the bodies and that we need not go looking in the areas he had searched. We went anyway, and found 11 more bodies. Apparently, the smell of death was so prevalent that the dog just gave up and the handler thought the dog just couldn't smell more death. In fact, there was so much smell of death that the dog didn't know which way to go. It will be the same in Japan after a while. The Nicaragua mudslide area was turned into a national forest and the people were told that they shouldn't live there again. They probably are living there anyway. Do you think that the people of Japan, or New Orleans, for that matter will do much different? Hopefully. I don't know what I would do if I were in their shoes (huaraches).
Barbara and I returned to Posoltega within a week after the mudslide that killed about 5,000 residents in Posoltega in 1998. I remember being amazed at the power of water and mud. That mudslide was nothing compared to what we are seeing in the videos of the tsunami in Japan. There is an old saying that "nature has a way of taking thing away from you".
I remember that there was a guy there who had a 'cadaver dog' and he took it all over the worst part of the mudslide area. After a couple of days he said that the dog had found all of the bodies and that we need not go looking in the areas he had searched. We went anyway, and found 11 more bodies. Apparently, the smell of death was so prevalent that the dog just gave up and the handler thought the dog just couldn't smell more death. In fact, there was so much smell of death that the dog didn't know which way to go. It will be the same in Japan after a while. The Nicaragua mudslide area was turned into a national forest and the people were told that they shouldn't live there again. They probably are living there anyway. Do you think that the people of Japan, or New Orleans, for that matter will do much different? Hopefully. I don't know what I would do if I were in their shoes (huaraches).
Thursday, March 17, 2011
New (maybe 50 years old) Huaraches. YES!!
$4,356.15.....Would someone donate 85 cents so I can round this off? Guess I could do that myself.
I was checking out the old train depot on Grimes lane with Michael Lindeau, Ted Hall, and others whose names I can't recall. Hopefully they will put a bicycle project work center in the building.
While in the area I notice an old tire that had what looked like nylon hanging out from a cut....The light went on in my head...This tire was not steel belted. Granted, it had almost no tread and was extremely old, maybe 50 years, but it was a good candidate for a new set of huaraches that wouldn't stab me from time to time. So,,,,I snatched it. It was easy to cut and now I can run without the fear of those steel belt wires. Maybe Michael will put an huarache repair center along with the bike project !!
Just did a 12 mile bike ride today with my lovely wife, Libby. That doesn't count towards the run total. Rats!
I was checking out the old train depot on Grimes lane with Michael Lindeau, Ted Hall, and others whose names I can't recall. Hopefully they will put a bicycle project work center in the building.
While in the area I notice an old tire that had what looked like nylon hanging out from a cut....The light went on in my head...This tire was not steel belted. Granted, it had almost no tread and was extremely old, maybe 50 years, but it was a good candidate for a new set of huaraches that wouldn't stab me from time to time. So,,,,I snatched it. It was easy to cut and now I can run without the fear of those steel belt wires. Maybe Michael will put an huarache repair center along with the bike project !!
Just did a 12 mile bike ride today with my lovely wife, Libby. That doesn't count towards the run total. Rats!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
passed 50 miles
Miles ran now total 50.47. I ran 7.5 today. I really feel motivated with the weather cooperating like it is.
For those new to this blog, please go to the original post and see what it is all about.
There is something to be said for 70,000 mile tires as huaraches. I've run about 80 miles in them and they show no signs of wear.....except.....they are steel belted. I found out the hard way what that means. The tire is embedded with hundreds of very fine, very sharp, wires. Since I had to cut the tire to make the huarache, I naturally had to cut the wires. Now, they have a habit of sticking out from time to time and STABBING me in the foot. After each run I take the huarache to the bench grinder and try to eliminate the offending wires. Fortunately, the wires are only exposed at the edge of the huarache. Today, a few wire ends dug into my leather laces and they actually weakened it until it broke. I had to stop along the trail and tie several knots to get back to running. In the future I will take an extra lace and some electrical tape with me. The tape can cover exposed wires.
I still need $1000. Please reconsider if you haven't already donated, and also tell your friends about my run. Thanks. LEE
For those new to this blog, please go to the original post and see what it is all about.
There is something to be said for 70,000 mile tires as huaraches. I've run about 80 miles in them and they show no signs of wear.....except.....they are steel belted. I found out the hard way what that means. The tire is embedded with hundreds of very fine, very sharp, wires. Since I had to cut the tire to make the huarache, I naturally had to cut the wires. Now, they have a habit of sticking out from time to time and STABBING me in the foot. After each run I take the huarache to the bench grinder and try to eliminate the offending wires. Fortunately, the wires are only exposed at the edge of the huarache. Today, a few wire ends dug into my leather laces and they actually weakened it until it broke. I had to stop along the trail and tie several knots to get back to running. In the future I will take an extra lace and some electrical tape with me. The tape can cover exposed wires.
I still need $1000. Please reconsider if you haven't already donated, and also tell your friends about my run. Thanks. LEE
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A little about Posoltega.
This is a nice little video and it brings back a lot of memories. Two things that it doesn't show are the heat and the poverty.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uCPc0A5ybY&feature=player_embedded
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uCPc0A5ybY&feature=player_embedded
home stretch for donations
Thanks to my coffee friends at the Bakehouse, donations are now totaling $4,031.15. I swear that tomorrow I will do a run that takes me over the 50 mile mark.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
miles to go--miles ran
This weekend I had the pleasure of running a few miles with my daughter, Katie. She had to slow down to keep from getting too far ahead of me. She should have given me a quarter mile "age" handicap because I am almost 40 years her senior, but nnoooooooo.
I have completed 42.97 miles. That means just 57.03 to go.
I have completed 42.97 miles. That means just 57.03 to go.
Japan
The new total of money raised is $3,786.15. Getting there.
I won't blame anyone for holding off on a Posoltega donation if they are instead going to make a donation to those suffering in Japan. The videos are stunning....I wish them a speedy recovery, but it looks like it is going to take a looooonnngg time.
I won't blame anyone for holding off on a Posoltega donation if they are instead going to make a donation to those suffering in Japan. The videos are stunning....I wish them a speedy recovery, but it looks like it is going to take a looooonnngg time.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Last minute update
Just received another $226. Getting close to the goal. New total is $3,681. Good thing that we now have good running weather.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Running in huaraches update
So far I've run a total of 35.43 miles. Just 64.57 to go. Donations total about $3,455.
A while back I went into one of our local good shoe stores and asked if they had some slippers that were without arches, heels or padding inside. I wanted to use them as my everyday shoes. The young lady working there said, "We don't have anything like that. We are all about comfort." I did not make a "smart remark" to her in response to her comment, but thought as I went out the door, "After working all day in the shoe store, do you go home and leave your shoes on or take them off to be comfortable?"
The latest thing in running shoes is 'minimalist shoes'. Nothing more minimal than a huarache. The 'five finger ' shoes are also supposed to mimic being barefooted. Why not just wear a car tire sandal? Watch the shoe market. You are going to see more and more people wearing and running in huarache style footware. If you have time, read the book, 'Born to run'.
A while back I went into one of our local good shoe stores and asked if they had some slippers that were without arches, heels or padding inside. I wanted to use them as my everyday shoes. The young lady working there said, "We don't have anything like that. We are all about comfort." I did not make a "smart remark" to her in response to her comment, but thought as I went out the door, "After working all day in the shoe store, do you go home and leave your shoes on or take them off to be comfortable?"
The latest thing in running shoes is 'minimalist shoes'. Nothing more minimal than a huarache. The 'five finger ' shoes are also supposed to mimic being barefooted. Why not just wear a car tire sandal? Watch the shoe market. You are going to see more and more people wearing and running in huarache style footware. If you have time, read the book, 'Born to run'.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
lunch program update
I just got word that the lunch program has been cut to only three weeks per month due to lack of funds. Even small donations add up. Here is the address where you can donate. Remember, it is only 20 cents per meal. You do the giving, I'll do the running. I've got almost 30 miles in so far and we have raised over $2000. My goal is $5000. That should keep the kids fed for over a year. . LEE
Bloomington Posoltega Committee
PO box 14 61
Bloomington, Indiana 47402
Bloomington Posoltega Committee
PO box 14 61
Bloomington, Indiana 47402
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
More about Posoltega
Another $775 came in the mail today, and the wonderful, First Presbyterian Church is going to send money for the lunch program. I suspected that the first 1/2 of the money would be the easiest to raise. Now, for the rest. I would hate to have to pull out the "poor me" card by publishing the picture of the guy in the salt mine and saying it was me. Actually, I think I will post that on Facebook soon, just for fun.
Posoltega is about five miles from the nearest large city, Chinandega. Posoltega is about five blocks square. That is just about 1/4 mile square. One summer day we saw a guy pushing an ice cream cart up and down the streets trying to sell ice cream. We, of course, bought some. Later that day, five miles away in the city, we again saw the same guy. I asked him how he got from Posoltega to the Chinandega. "I walked". As I figure it, he walked 10 miles for the round trip as well as up and down the streets of Posoltega on a hot, summer day. No, the people in Nicaragua are not lazy.
During my first trip to Posoltega it was summer and HOT. I was with a group from the First Presbyterian church. Day after day we toiled on various projects. Nights were sweltering.. Then, on one of our last days in town......we discovered........"La CASONA"
They sold COLD beer. I returned to Posoltega 8 more times over the years. Not being one to hit a bar every night, I made an exception whenever I was there. Their fried chicken was "to die for".
Posoltega is about five miles from the nearest large city, Chinandega. Posoltega is about five blocks square. That is just about 1/4 mile square. One summer day we saw a guy pushing an ice cream cart up and down the streets trying to sell ice cream. We, of course, bought some. Later that day, five miles away in the city, we again saw the same guy. I asked him how he got from Posoltega to the Chinandega. "I walked". As I figure it, he walked 10 miles for the round trip as well as up and down the streets of Posoltega on a hot, summer day. No, the people in Nicaragua are not lazy.
During my first trip to Posoltega it was summer and HOT. I was with a group from the First Presbyterian church. Day after day we toiled on various projects. Nights were sweltering.. Then, on one of our last days in town......we discovered........"La CASONA"
They sold COLD beer. I returned to Posoltega 8 more times over the years. Not being one to hit a bar every night, I made an exception whenever I was there. Their fried chicken was "to die for".
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A little about Posoltega
We just sent off a deposit of $1,216. That is a good start. I know that there will be more in the mail tomorrow because we were out of town and stopped the mail delivery so we may have missed receiving some donations.
Someone suggested that we feed the kids here in the United States before we worry about kids in another country. Here is how I see it:
United States Posoltega
We have a WIC program for infants No WIC program
unemployment Out of work, out of luck
community kitchen for free meals go hungry
County commissioners for help you are on your own
Mother Hubbord's cupboard for free food no free food
School lunch Program Just our committee
Welfare program no work, no pay
food stamps nothing
social security social INSECURITY
I am reminded of the time that we have toys to some of the children. A few days later we found out that their parents sold the toys.................to buy food. How do you think those parents felt?
People in Posoltega are not lazy. Opportunities just aren't around for work.
In town, the residents raise flowers. I asked why they don't raise vegetables. The answer is "The neighbors steal it before we can get a harvest." Hunger abounds.
I ran another 4.5 miles today. Just 69.81 to go. I hope I can raise the full $5,000. Running will get a lot harder when the weather warms up. Please keep those donations coming, even if they are small.
Someone suggested that we feed the kids here in the United States before we worry about kids in another country. Here is how I see it:
United States Posoltega
We have a WIC program for infants No WIC program
unemployment Out of work, out of luck
community kitchen for free meals go hungry
County commissioners for help you are on your own
Mother Hubbord's cupboard for free food no free food
School lunch Program Just our committee
Welfare program no work, no pay
food stamps nothing
social security social INSECURITY
I am reminded of the time that we have toys to some of the children. A few days later we found out that their parents sold the toys.................to buy food. How do you think those parents felt?
People in Posoltega are not lazy. Opportunities just aren't around for work.
In town, the residents raise flowers. I asked why they don't raise vegetables. The answer is "The neighbors steal it before we can get a harvest." Hunger abounds.
I ran another 4.5 miles today. Just 69.81 to go. I hope I can raise the full $5,000. Running will get a lot harder when the weather warms up. Please keep those donations coming, even if they are small.
Monday, March 7, 2011
True/False film festival
Lib and I attended the True/false film festival this weekend in Columbia, Mo. .....Cold, Cold, Damp. I did manage to get a run of 3.7 miles around beautiful Stevens Park. That makes on 74.31 miles to go.
Several more persons committed to give $50 or $100 dollars. I know that some of you are "strapped" for cash these days. Could you spare $5????? $10???? It all really does add up. I remember that after Hurricane Mitch devastated Posoltega several years ago, we were able to raise about $30,000 in a short time. The average donation was just about $25. It really is about the number of donors more than the amount of the donation.
The reason that I am daring to ask for a healthy amount is because I've seen Habit for Humanity ask for a commitment of '$5,000 a year for five years', AND THEY GET IT.
My next post will give an up to date donation total and more information about Posoltega. Hopefully, once you know more about the lunch program, you will be as excited about it as I am.
PS.....Check out the True/False festival on the web. It is an amazing event. You don't have to go to the Cannes or Sundance to see good, new films.
Several more persons committed to give $50 or $100 dollars. I know that some of you are "strapped" for cash these days. Could you spare $5????? $10???? It all really does add up. I remember that after Hurricane Mitch devastated Posoltega several years ago, we were able to raise about $30,000 in a short time. The average donation was just about $25. It really is about the number of donors more than the amount of the donation.
The reason that I am daring to ask for a healthy amount is because I've seen Habit for Humanity ask for a commitment of '$5,000 a year for five years', AND THEY GET IT.
My next post will give an up to date donation total and more information about Posoltega. Hopefully, once you know more about the lunch program, you will be as excited about it as I am.
PS.....Check out the True/False festival on the web. It is an amazing event. You don't have to go to the Cannes or Sundance to see good, new films.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Herald Times
There was a nice article about the Posoltega in todays paper. That should help. Dan Denny did a nice job. That should spark some interest. Keep sending out the blog information.
Friday, March 4, 2011
humor
Don't be fooled by my attempts at humor. I am dead serious about why I am running. I'll be telling a lot more about Posoltega soon. Keep sending my blog info to your friends and ask them to get the word out also. It is all about awareness. When you get a chance, also read "Born to run". Very good. LEE
Thursday, March 3, 2011
newspaper article
I was just interviewed by a newspaper reporter. Hopefully, the article will run in the next couple of days. Fund raising is all about publicity. That is why I decided to go with facebook and email instead of the post office. Postal fees and permits are prohibitive. THis is where YOU come in. Let your friends know about this and.........say that you know me personally (if you do). Personal endorsements are powerful.
PS As I was running 8 miles today I saw a buzzard when I looked up. Not a good sigh. Then, when I looked down, I found 40 cents. Good for two more meals. I'll keep looking down from now.
PS As I was running 8 miles today I saw a buzzard when I looked up. Not a good sigh. Then, when I looked down, I found 40 cents. Good for two more meals. I'll keep looking down from now.
Ran two miles yesterday and a BIG 8.37 today. Just 78.01 to go. I can now give a new definition to the term "hot, cross, buns". I found that I was running right past places where I used to stop to rest. The clippity-cloppity sound of my huaraches hitting pavement sounded like (another horse analogy) a Amish horse pulling a buggy down the road. I didn't have a buggy to pull, but Rosie Pope did pull an Amish made cart when she ran around the world.
I found a hub cap along the trail. Help me get my mind around this. Is there another person wearing car-tire huaraches AND using hubcaps? That takes it to a new level. Maybe I should get some.
I found a hub cap along the trail. Help me get my mind around this. Is there another person wearing car-tire huaraches AND using hubcaps? That takes it to a new level. Maybe I should get some.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
next run
I have discovered that I am like an over ridden trail horse. I go slow when walking away from the barn, but speed up when headed back to it. I did 6.41 miles today. That make 11.62 down and 88.38 to go. I'll give a donation total in a couple of days. Thanks everyone for your support. Your interest is a big part of my motivation to keep this up.
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