Marathon: My personal journey: charity miles

Charity Miles +Jeff's inspiration!

My Dad taught me compassion for those in need, in particular people who were homeless. He talked to me about how circumstances happen, but they deserve a break and respect. With love and compassion, it can help them through.

My wife and I have a good friend, Jeff Lenhart. He inspires me to be better. I love the fact that he is an advocate for the homeless. He is an amazing person and the world is a better place because of him:) I love his new ride, kindness 2!

For a long time, I have run for charity. It makes me feel good, while investing in my own health. During training, I always use the charity miles app. For June and July, I am dedicating my running time to Back on My Feet. They help the homeless be empowered to get back on their feet. I first learned of this great organization through Runner's World.

So far my miles have paid Back on My Feet $30 for June (120 miles). All I have to do is run, the sponsors pay the charities. I will post a thank you next week to them.

For now, thanks Jeff! You rock!

Saturday, March 14, 2015

charity miles marathon smile

The #200!

James Connely at 8:03 AM No comments:

Oh my goodness! This is my 200th blog post on "marathon my personal journey"! I am so excited, thrilled and honored that you read my blog. I get so much energy and motivation from each of you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I can't say it enough. I have been trying to decide on this year's mission/marathon. I have been soul searching a ton lately and still haven't decided yet. This morning on my blog, this group advertised. I clicked the link and found myself watching this video.

The video is funny, touching and motivating. They have my full attention on this one. I love helping other people, especially those who are disabled or are poor. We are so lucky to have everything that we do. If you do me two favors (one for each 100 blog posts)....

1. Give thanks for what you have, tell the people you love and respect "thank you". It will make you feel good and they will know how you feel about them. Two big pluses.

2. Watch this video and have fun with it.
Our Lady of the Angels

This morning I was thinking about running a smaller race closer to home. I was going to sit out a year for charity running. However, I may have to re-consider it for awhile. I have time to think about the big decision. For now, let's all smile.

Image source:
http://accrareport.com/feature/the-lux-of-a-simple-smile/

Sunday, December 21, 2014

charity miles give thanks Great Day runchat

A moment of thanks

James Connely at 2:26 PM No comments:

Today, my family attended a wonderful event at Hills and Dales. If you are not familiar, Hills & Dales, a not-for-profit human services organization. They provide services to children and young adults with severe and profound mental and physical disabilities throughout Eastern Iowa.

I would like to personally thank my wife Teri Connely, Vicki Leonard and all of the folks who work in law enforcement, public safety and the fire department. Law enforcement, public safety and the fire department protect and serve us. You are a group of people who deserve so much and sometimes get so little. Today, I watched you at your best- thank you.

Teri and Vicki run the local chili cook-off every year in Dubuque. It's hard work and it takes a lot out of you. On a day like today, it means so much. People may not know what you do or how you do it. As you watch the children and families smile, know that you gave them something amazing. The chili cook-off has raised so much money to help organizations like the Maria House and recently Hills and Dales.

The money raised is significant. It has translated into buying a van for transportation and a new playground. We can't thank you enough.

To the families and children at Hills & Dales, thank you for opening your hearts to show us what true love really is. I admire what you do and how you do it.

To the staff at Hills and Dales, you amaze us. I love watching you work. It's not work because you love it and it shows. I wish that I could repay you for the awesomeness you display. Maybe someday I can better:)

This Christmas season there is so much to be thankful for. Check out the pictures from today (at the bottom I have four tips for getting into the spirit):

The awesome Joe Berger and the rest of Santa's bagpipers!

This little guy was SOOOO excited to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus!

He had to tell everyone about how awesome it was to see them!

The BEST escort!

Christmas at Hills and Dales is AMAZING! The LOVE is pure! Thanks Vicki and Teri!

Here are four ways you can get in spirit:

1. If you run,

Try connecting with Who I run for (https://www.facebook.com/groups/irunformichael)
Download charity miles on iTunes or Android. It's a great way to raise money by running. There are fantastic charities featured there like the Wounded Warrior Project (@wwpinc), Michael J Fox Foundation (@MichaelJFoxOrg), Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics), Autism Speaks (@austismspeaks), (@TeamRWB), etc.

2. Donate some presents to Toys for Tots, adopt a family at a local church, etc.
3. Write a Christmas card to a lonely person at a elderly center or even a friend you haven't connected with in awhile. It's amazing how a small thing like this can be HUGE.
4. Gather yourself, friends or little ones and go out Christmas caroling. Spread the cheer the old fashioned way.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

beast mode black black bear boom charity miles morning run nike plus phone possum shalane flanagan song woo hoo

Did I take BEAST MODE too far on National Running Day?

James Connely at 1:45 PM 3 comments:

So today I got an early start and was all smiles out the door, as it is national running day! I had a five mile run ahead....I was running in FULL BEAST MODE, listening to some good tunes and my trusty Nike plus app.

On top of it, I used the Charity Miles app to generate some funding and goodwill for autism today. It makes me feel good to share the gift of running and giving back to charities. Last night, my wife and I were talking about recent reports of a black bear sighted in our county and last year we had a mountain lion too. This always puts a little "extra" edge on an early morning run.

It's all good for me though, as it's national running day, I am having a great workout....and I can't stop smiling since being mentioned by Shalane Flanagan (+ShalaneFlanagan). As a double bonus, through the Nike Plus Shalane told me I was close to my goal and you know that made me run even faster- WOO HOO!

I get to a point where I want to switch songs for better speed and confidence. My go to song is "Black" by Sevendust (https://www.facebook.com/sevendustofficial). This song straight up rocks and is just the prescription for me to really zoom. I am looking down at my phone, and this is a familiar spot for me on my route.

While there is a brief moment of silence, BOOM! I am greeted by a possum that ran out of this grassy area! Talk about BEAST MODE!!! This scared the ever living daylights out of me. My phone dropped, headphones flew out, my heart was racing out of my chest and I was a mess. Seriously, I thought I was going to lose bodily function at this point. I had this startled look.

Honestly, I don't know what would have been worse, a black bear, a mountain lion or the fierce possum. This isn't the possum, but it looks pretty close. Even the possum was getting into the national running day- who knew? This little guy was super fast!

As my run finished, I was greeted one last time by Shalane (+ShalaneFlanagan) on the Nike Plus app. She told me that I have a three day streak, keep it up and BOOM! The BOOM part is probably my #1 used phrase (I say BOOM SHAKKA LAKKA), so you know I loved that!

In any event, happy national running day. When running in full BEAST MODE, be careful. Even the wild beasts can get in the mix. Don't fret...they just like getting in the action too. I hope your running adventures keep you smiling!
:)

Cori from Olive to Run has a cool "linkup" for bloggers on this awesome day. Check out the site:
http://olivetorun.com/

Image Source:

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_bear.htm

http://www.dailytech.com/Typing+Secret+Word+Will+Kill+Almost+Any+App+in+Apples+OS+X+Mountain+Lion/article29819.htm

http://kevinrunningfree.blogspot.com/2010/06/run-possum-run.html

Thursday, May 22, 2014

charity miles hydration itunes perspective water

Water!

James Connely at 8:16 PM No comments:

I run miles for the "charity miles app" and they donate money to the charity of my choice. Recently, I have been supporting the Michael J Fox charity. The charity miles app is available on iTunes. This app rocks. Occasionally, I learn about other really cool things. For example, You are What you Drink supports the Michael J. Fox organization. This water charity has a ton of cool stats and campaigns. They have a #spreadthewater campaign. It talks about how water made history. The perspective is amazing! Visit their site:
http://www.youarewhatyoudrink.org/spreadthewater/