Two Years of We Are Girls Who Love to Run

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, We Are Girls Who Love to Run!

While we had the actual book in hand in January 2008, We Are Girls Who Love to Run's actual release date was April 2, 2008. That's two years ago today! Here's the birthday girl:

This week I've been processing what this "birthday" means, in much the same way that I contemplate my children's development and milestones around their birthdays. I often joke that this book is my third child, and in all seriousness it could be. Writing and publishing a book takes blood, sweat, tears and money, just like kids do. And as children's successes are your successes, so it is with the book. When people connect with your book, they connect with you.

I'm honored to have the following women celebrate this "third child" of mine since she came along. Our little business, Balanced Steps, has sold over 1,000 copies of the book, thanks to the support of runners/women like those I've highlighted below:

Early in the book's life I connected with fellow running author Carol Goodrow. At the time she came to know and support We Are Girls Who Love to Run through her work as editor of KidsRunning.com. While she isn't editor anymore, I'm honored to have her continued support through her author site CarolGoodrow.com and in the work she's doing bringing children to fitness through a series she's writing for Newspapers in Education. I hope to be using her books, Happy Feet, Healthy Food, and Kids Running with groups of students in a running club next year.

The life of We Are Girls Who Love to Run has crossed my e-mail path with some amazing women runners: Kathrine Switzer, Kristin Armstrong, Deena Kastor and lesser-known, but equally as driven local leaders in the running world. Glowing reviews from educators, moms, dads, non-parental runners and parental non-runners alike continue to spread the word about the book and the importance of celebrating girls and their strengths.

Being the author of a running book has kept me steady on my running path. I firmly believe in living my passion and that in doing so I am doing a service to my readers. This year I'm even kicking my running up a notch by diving more into long distances (closer to 20 miles/week and more 10K races on the calendar than 5K). I'm also keeping things playful (as the book encourages) by heading off to hula hoop teacher training next month. A strong core and a happy heart can only help my running (and parenting).

Last year I connected with local running enthusiast Maria Milsap from Banana Blossom Press. I've mentioned her before, too. She's been great about getting the book into the hands of runners she meets at big Expos that our little company just can't afford to be at. And I'm enjoying spreading the word about her athletic greeting cards and witty shirts. (That's my daughter proudly displaying her "running. it's a family thing" shirt.)

My mom (my business partner!) and I were honored that a local runner approached us about using the book to help her with her fundraising for Team in Training. She sold enough books that we were able to donate over $150 in her name (and a few of her teammates sold a few copies, too). She was thrilled that she could use the book to spread her passion for running while raising money for a good cause. We're happy to work with others who are raising funds for non-profits.

Marketing and selling a book is not always fun and games. But persistence pays off. I'm honored that a fellow-mom entrepreneur feels so strongly about We Are Girls Who Love to Run that she has figured out how to offer it to her customers through her on-line clothing store, A Closet of Her Own. In addition to selling it through her website along side her "Run" shirt for young girls, she'll be taking the book with her to expos and trade shows. If you know a little girl who loves to run or loves dinos or firetrucks, you simply MUST visit this store.

In February I had the honor of getting to know Sarah Bowen Shea, co-author of the newly-released and fabulous Run Like a Mother. Through our quick emails, the Run Like a Mother: The Book blog, and her book, I feel like I've known Sarah for years. Truth be told, I'll meet her for the first time next month when we meet up to sign our books together at Title9 in Bellevue when she's in my 'hood. I'm already counting down the days . . . just 9 to go! And if I can swing it (ie, have someone watch the kids) I'll head out to do a run with Sarah on Friday, April 9th at Super Jock n' Jill in Seattle. If not, well, I'll just have to do a treadmill run in my new Vibrams. That's for another post, though.

And YOU, kind reader, thank YOU for continuing to visit this little blog. If you haven't yet read We Are Girls Who Love to Run, I hope you find a copy of it soon to share with your favorite running girl - whether she be two, twelve, twenty-two, or even one hundred and two! You can order signed copies by mail using the order form on the Balanced Steps website, at the Title9 event next week in Bellevue, WA, at Dragonfly Secrets in O'Fallon, IL, at an assortment of specialty running stores across the country, soon at A Closet of Her Own, and of course through Amazon.com. Asking for the book at your local or school library is another great way to read it!

Happy running & happy reading!

Starting with a Thankful Heart in 2010

Welcome 2010.

I kicked off the year on January 1st with 3.5 miles on my trusty ol' treadmill. After two weeks of not running, it was fabulous. Delicious even, if a treadmill could be considered such. I went the next step and even recorded my mileage! That's right, this year I'm going to track it. I suppose that could be considered one of my New Year's resolutions - write down the good things!

Remember the running calendar I told you about in December, Carol Goodrow's What a Day for Running!? Well, I bought one when they came out and a running pal of mine gave me a copy for Christmas. We're using one to keep track of family stuff and I'm using the other to track my mileage. I think I'll hang the second one by the treadmill for ease of recording since I use the treadmill year-round (I DO get outside for runs, too, don't worry).

Though the year is still quite new, it has been full. A local friend of mine welcomed her second son into the world at noon on the 1st and my college roommate said goodbye to her mom for the last time the night of the 3rd. These two life-changing experiences prompted me to return to my Starting with a Thankful Heart posts. Life is too precious and too short not to take notice of the little things that make life full and rich and worth sharing.

So, on this first Monday of 2010, I give you a short list of things that make my heart happy.

1. I am thankful for my daughter's question as I tucked her into bed tonight: "Can I hold yours hand?" While her nearly-three year-old self can sure push me over the edge sometimes, she does know what to say to melt her mama's heart.

2. I am thankful that I cranked out 2.5 miles this morning before getting back into the groove of post-holiday reality. One day at a time I'm getting back to my workout routine and it feels GREAT!

3. I am thankful that others reach out to share their passion with the world. A high school friend of mine is kicking-off her 2010 in grand running style. Please take a minute to visit my Beth on her Sweaty Quest for Enlightenment blog. She's a strong, smart, sassy go-getter of a redhead who is using running to get her life back after several years of serious illness and time taking care of everyone but herself. Please join me in supporting her on her quest and enjoying her new found passion for running! And I do have to toot my own horn here, too, in mentioning that she's a big supporter of my book, for which I am forever grateful.

4. I am thankful that after the stressful holidays we managed to squeeze in a day trip to Camano Island yesterday before my husband's vacation was over. We practically had the beach to ourselves and even brought along dear ol' Albus Dumblepup. There were many treasures to be found, as you can tell from my son's bursting arms.

How about YOU? Is there something big or small that makes you thankful today?

Books (and more!) for the Holidays

Though I passed on the Black Friday shopping (and even the Cyber Monday fun), I've really enjoyed the Christmas present planning/creating this year. Last year I made reusable bags for family members, this year I'm back to pillowcases (14 are done so far, so I'm about half-way done!). But when considering the non-homemade gifts to put on our shopping list we took some other things into consideration:

1. Is it a book? As an author, mother, former teacher and avid reader books are always at the top of my personal wish list and gift-giving lists. Always. This year each of my children's teachers will get a novel to enjoy over the break (wrapped with a festive pillow-case, of course!). Shhhh, don't tell them! And when we look for books, I'm not just shopping from the bestseller list (though there are great ones there, and I did get a few of those) - we're discovering some great ones that are produced by independent publishers, too (like PJ Hoover's middle grade fantasy books). Check out the Moonbeam Children's Book Award listings for some recent titles for kids.

2. Is it local? A favorite gift for our extended relatives (aunts & uncles that shouldn't be forgotten, but don't require a big chunk of the budget) is something grown in the Pacific NW. The fruit grown out here is AMAZING, so we alternate between Chukar Cherries and Canter-Berry blueberry syrup. Our little Valley is also well-known for visual arts, so prints & notecards by local artists are list favorites. It is great to support our local economy and the creative energy that spreads here!

3. Does it inspire? If it is something that can be used once, we're generally not interested - unless it is an experience (tickets to a museum or play, for instance). Clearly that means Kleenex is out. Some people on my list are budding runners, so Carol Goodrow's 2010 What a Day for Running! calendar or a pair of running socks are perfect choices for those folks. Notecards from Banana Blossom Press are another choice for my running friends. And a new pair of running shoes is on MY wish list - to keep me going! My son loves to build and draw, so we're looking for open-ended, creativity-feeding toys like Dado Squares for him.

4. Does my purchase help others? We have a gift store in our little town that sells nature-related books, Folkmanis puppets and games, all in support of protecting and restoring wild fish throughout the Northwest. The toy store in town is offering a special shopping day on Saturday in support of my daughter's cooperative preschool - 10% of the sales that day will be donated to the school. Proceeds from the sales of the fly fishing-themed children's books about Olive the Woollybugger by my friend Kirk Werner support the program Hooked on a Cure. Our company Balanced Steps, LLC donated a case of We Are Girls Who Love to Run to our local YMCA in support of their Invest in Youth campaign - folks who purchase one of those copies at the Y are not only inspiring their friend/family member with the message in the book, but 100% of the purchase price goes to the YMCA. Not too shabby.

5. Does it respect the environment? While this answer isn't "Yes!" in every case, we do try to take it into consideration, especially when it comes to packaging/wrapping. Amazon.com is making strides to cut down on packaging by offering "Frustration Free Packaging". We've combined things to ship once, re-use gift bags, use the kids' artwork as wrapping and wrap small gifts in the pillowcases I'm making. All of the gifts we have for our children will be wrapped in their fun pillowcases I've made over the years. The kids and I are also hitting our local used bookstore where they'll pick out some books to give their dad for Christmas. Who says a book has to be new to hold value?

6. Does it fit the budget? I'm a bargain shopper. I'm all about the free shipping offers (if it is for something I want - I don't shop BECAUSE of free shipping) and last year's selection of Christmas fabric (which enabled me to make pillow cases at half the price by buying off the clearance rack!). I'm also make good use of coupons. These savings enable us to splurge on a few full-priced items. Everybody wins!

Happy December and happy shopping, everyone!

Lost in the Pages: Review of 2010 Calendar What a Day for Running!

2010 Calendars. They're everywhere these days - shopping malls, bookstores, drug stores and grocery stores. Cute bunny noses catch the attention of my daughter while superheroes mid-flight beckon my son to take a look. Every year the calendar selection seems to be the same: animals, comic strip characters, international destinations, and special calendars for "Moms on the Go". I don't know about you, but I don't need a reminder that I'm a "mom on the go" (my life tells me that daily) and puppy calendars just remind me that my sweet pup is getting old.

I've tried on-line calendars, but I really rely on the good, "Old School" wall calendar. I write down EVERYTHING in it. When I talk on the phone to schedule doctor's appointments I carry it from room to room to multi-task and minimize sibling rivalry. I can even toss it in my car to take to my kids' schools to set up play dates. I lose pocket calendars and day planners are bulkier than I like. So for me, a yearly wall calendar is a must - even though you'll never find mine on the wall.

A month or so ago I saw that my author friend Carol Goodrow created a wall calendar for 2010, I ordered one on the spot. Instead of wishing I could be back in Venice, Italy (as I did with my calendar 3 years ago) when looking at my schedule for April, I'll have the pleasure of thinking about the great springtime running sounds as depicted in the illustration of a boy "jammin' with the rain" as he runs through mud puddles ("spat-ta-pa, spat-ta-pa, splatter, SPLASH!"). While it doesn't look like I'll make it to Italy again soon, you can count on me making my own running music on a regular basis here in the drippy Pacific NW. I knew there was good reason for me to ignore the pleas from my children asking for Hello Kitty and motorcycle calendars!

In May I'll be treated to a reminder of the sights of running and how numbers play a role in this favorite sport of mine. Carol's illustration shows a young girl out for a run "Counting Petals" and everything else as she runs: miles, time, footsteps, geese, horses, trucks, heartbeats . . . This reminds me of my marathon way back in November 2003 when I was counting orange cones to make it through my "wall" around mile 24. Some days running takes focus and it is the numbers that push you to your goal . . . other days the numbers are simple celebrations of what running shows you that you otherwise may have missed. This page shows what I already knew - Carol GETS it!

And without giving away TOO much more of the treasures in Carol's What a Day for Running! calendar, I'll let you know that moms who are runners will appreciate the illustration for November in which a daughter joins her mom for the final mile of a marathon. As a mom whose children are starting to discover the joy of running and a woman who organizes Saturday morning trail runs in my community, I can appreciate the caption: " . . .Cool weather can make a very long run doable. Throw in the bond of family and friends then VOILA! Even a cloudy November day shines."

If you are looking for something inspirational and heart-warming for a 2010 wall calendar, head on over to PE Central to get your copy(ies) of What a Day for Running! or order them directly through Carol. I promise the calendar will make you smile and provide your family with encouragement throughout the year better than any ol' farm animals can (though I can appreciate their beauty and cuteness, I just need a break from them!).

Up and running

I like a full plate. This sometimes makes my husband cringe, and sometimes causes me to breakout like a 15 year old . . . but, I like to be involved in things. I like to connect with people and I like to help others. It's in my nature, like my love for hot chocolate on cool autumn night.

I'm currently working on several exciting ventures:

1. Writing proposals for using We Are Girls Who Love to Run in corporate campaigns
2. Creating running clubs for Spring 2010 modeled after Carol Goodrow's Happy Feet, Healthy Food club at local elementary schools
3. Reading great books and resources, a mix of old & new, to review here SOON!
4. Increasing my own running milage back up to 15-20 miles/week
5. Keeping up with housework more consistently so I can focus better during times when my children are sleeping/away and I have time to work.

The first three items have my greatest focus.

The fourth is being supported by the increase in participation for the Saturday morning trail runs I'm orchestrating in my community. I ran a fabulous 5 miles with a fellow-mom last Saturday. It was such a great run, I practically floated through the rest of the day. Some runs are like that - and I hope to enjoy plenty more!

That fifth item is a constant struggle. Housework has never been at the top of my list, but the better I do with it, the more I'm willing to keep up with it . . . and the more willing I am to actually let people past the front door! If my book ever makes millions, you can bet I'll hire a cleaning crew so that cleaning isn't ever on my list.

Tuesday Trials & Achievements: Support Your Favorite Authors

First a big HOORAY to celebrate the achievement of a fellow author:

Congratulations to author PJ Hoover - today is the official release date of her book The Emerald Tablet! Be sure to read my review of her book here and then stop by her blog to wish her a wonderful day, because for authors Book Release Day is much like a child's birthday. A big deal. A really big deal. But if you've read my blog before, you already know that!

And now onto a discussion of a related on-going trial:

PJ sent out a great announcement email this morning. And it struck me, now that I'm 6 months into this published book world myself, that a significant chunk of the success of an author really does lie in the hands of READERS!

Think about your own reading cycle:

1. You pick out a book (either because it LOOKS interesting or because ANOTHER reader tells you it is).
2. You read the book.
3. You tell others about the book (either that they SHOULD read it, or that they should AVOID it - and why).
4. The cycle repeats with the next book. And if you recommended the book, the cycle repeats for the book with another reader (or thousands!).

In her announcement email, PJ Hoover included a great list of things readers can do to help celebrate and spread the word about their favorite books (which is especially helpful for first-time authors and small presses who don't have the big house man/woman power behind them). I think it is such a great list that I'm including it here. While PJ created the list to help publicize her book, The Emerald Tablet, but I think it is applicable to any book/author that you enjoy (maybe even a yellow-hatted girl who loves to run - I think you know who SHE is, right? - and her book, or her author friend Carol Goodrow):

- Buy THE BOOK!
- Tell everyone you meet to buy THE BOOK.
- Review THE BOOK and post the review on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Good reviews are even better. Brianna's note: It is even better if you've taken the time to review at least one other book - it adds credibility to your review and helps YOU with your writing skills!
- Suggest THE BOOK as the kid's book pick for Al Roker on The Today Show or for Oprah Winfrey's kid's book list.
- Give THE BOOK as a gift to every kid you know.
- Make THE BOOK your standard holiday gift this season. Remember it come birthday party time, also!
- If you order it at the bookstore, suggest they order a few more copies to keep in stock!
- Recommend THE BOOK to your school or public library and ask that they order it for their shelves.
- Blog about THE BOOK or THE AUTHOR or both.
- Suggest THE AUTHOR to your school librarian for an author visit. Brianna's added tip: Coordinate visits with neighboring schools/clubs to share travel costs and make a visit affordable for everyone!
- Have your kid recommend THE BOOK as a read-aloud book in their classroom.
- Interview THE AUTHOR, write an article about THE AUTHOR, or even just mention THE AUTHOR in passing to an old acquaintance.
- Use THE BOOK in your book club.
- Form a book club for your kids if needed just for this purpose.

Other ideas I have:
- Use THE BOOK (or related products) as a fundraiser to support a cause (check with the publisher for how you can do this!).
- Donate a copy of THE BOOK to a local Boys & Girls Club or community center.
- Write a letter to THE AUTHOR or THE PUBLISHER about why you like THE BOOK (they may include it on their website!).
- Take advantage of special offers THE AUTHOR or THE PUBLISHER provide for buying THE BOOK and share the offer with other readers.
- Visit THE AUTHOR's blog and leave a comment.

How about YOU? What suggestions do you have for supporting your favorite author?

Lost in the Pages: Book Review: The Treasure of Health & Happiness

Carol Goodrow, the author of The Treasure of Health & Happiness, reports that of her three books this is her FAVORITE! Though it isn't her best selling (that honor is held for her 2004 title Happy Feet, Healthy Food: Your Child's First Journal of Exercise and Healthy Eating), is is also the favorite of children she shares it with.

Treasure follows the journey of a young, inactive girl, Hannah, as she struggles to discover her confidence and her "inner athlete" (my term, not hers). I immediately related to Hannah - she felt strongest and most loveable when she was around her best friend. When her best friend moved, Hannah's sense of security vanished and she had to work extra hard to re-establish her sense of self. As an Air Force brat I was often on the moving end of friendships, but could identify with Hannah's predicament. With today's mobile society, I'm sure many youngsters will find a kinship with this kind-hearted and timid girl.

Hannah also felt that her school's annual Chipmunk Chase fun run was out of her reach, something she surely couldn't even attempt, let alone complete. Running scared me throughout my youth, too. I'm sure I would have taken Hannah's initial position and avoided the event. I'm thrilled that she finds the strength and excitement to give it a shot (involving her parents in the training, no less!) - and secretly wish that I had been as strong and tenacious as young Hannah (it took me 23 years to build up the courage to run!)!

If readers can relate with her in the beginning, then I'm sure they'll cheer as I did as Hannah faces her fears and discovers the excitement in trying new things: she gets a dog and faces the trials and pleasures of training him, finds satisfaction in tending a garden and eating its fruits, puts aside her fears and rides a two-wheel bicycle, and (this is my favorite because it is SO like my own running story) ultimately unlocks discovers the joy of running!

As an educator, I found my brain making dozens of connections for how teachers can use Treasure in their classrooms. Not only is it a great motivational book to share some simple and fun lessons in making healthy food choices (without being preachy) and making exercise fun and approachable for people at all fitness levels, but it makes great cross-curricular connections, perfect for use in a health unit in the lower elementary years. As Hannah gleans a treasure of health and happiness in her dream world (a great read-aloud!), classes can track their own progress and interests in eating and fitness with tables/graphs/charts. Heck, they could use Happy Feet, Healthy Food as personal journals throughout the unit . . . and on into the school year and beyond - is Carol smart, or what?!!

Parents/Educators who are looking for uplifting and encouraging chapter book reading experiences for their kindergarten-third grade students will find The Treasure of Health & Happiness to be a great read for adults and kids share together. It not only serves as a positive example of making life-style choices and the importance of making choices as a family or classroom, but it is certain to fuel conversations about WHY and HOW to make healthier choices (without being obsessive!).

I'd also like to direct your attention to Carol's KidsRunning.com site (a micro site of Runner's World). KidsRunning is hosting a fun contest for new running games. Be sure to check it out, test out some new twists on old running game favorites with your friends/kids/students, and then send in the game. If your game is chosen to highlight on KidsRunning, you'll get a Runner's World t-shirt!

Now get out there and get those creative juices flowing - there's nothing like a good read or a good run to kick-start that ol' imagination!

Next book on my list is an old favorite from my high school days (but a great inspirational read for any age): Hope for the Flowers by Trina Paulus. Never heard of it? Perfect! Stay tuned, and you'll be ready to get your hands on a copy.

*Yes, go to Amazon.com and you can "Look inside!"

Oh, and keep sending ME your ideas for book reviews. I have two brand spankin' new titles headed my way for review, but I'm still looking for more!

Wednesday - Lost in the Pages: Book Review of Carol Goodrow's Kids Running

This is a guest post by Sheila Schencke, the other half of Balanced Steps (she also happens to be my mom!).

Sheila is an award-winning administrator, educator (K - graduate) and business woman. After years of classroom experience, she started the STARBASE Robins program at Robins AFB in Georgia and then put her experience to good use to start the STARBASE Louisiana program at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana. These two programs were her "babies" - until Brianna's two kids came along. After Brianna's son turned one, she knew she couldn't stay away, so she and her husband, Marty (retired US Air Force Officer) relocated to Duvall, WA where they are within walking distance of those treasured grandchildren (oh, and Brianna and her husband, too).

Carol Goodrow’s Kids Running book has the perfect subtitle: Have Fun, Get Faster & Go Farther. Note the first premise, Have Fun! She keeps that emphasis throughout the book and that’s why it is a winner in my eyes, and in my heart. The illustrations are colorful and cheerful, with childlike simplicity that pulls you into the book. This book is chock-full of information and ideas. Carol is a teacher, a late-blooming runner and the founding editor of http://www.kidsrunning.com/, a Runner’s World site.

Carol speaks to the “everykid”, with lots of enthusiasm and encouragement to get running in a healthy lifestyle. Many of us are enjoying the Olympics, but from the couch. Do the athletes make sports look impossible to you? To me, learning to run can be like trying to eat an elephant, way too much to even consider. However, Carol breaks the huge mental, physical and emotional tasks into small bites. She takes the intimidation out of learning how to run. Kids Running incorporates all you need to know about running: getting started, cardio, ways to have fun running, healthy snacks, cross-training, goal-setting, journaling and more good books. Carol sets us up for success. She starts with choosing the right sneakers for the job, and adds little hints, like “Double tie your laces so you don’t fall on your faces.” Carol coaches with humor and passion that jumps off the page, and finds ways to eliminate all your excuses not to join in the run.

Often, the children in the book share the information in a dialog, which keeps the learning upbeat and counters any “know-it-all” jock attitudes. I love that they model great group dynamics, noting different ways to achieve their fitness goals. Everyone can be a winner without going the fastest. Carol explains terms like cardio fitness and why it is important to healthy living. She also has the children talk about their progress during the book, like, “Remember when I used to gasp for breath?” “Your heart and lungs weren’t strong enough to run far.” “Now I can.” “I can even run a mile IF I pace myself.” We all learn right along with the kids in the book, celebrating different kinds of success. It’s easy, and taking it one step at a time it is not intimidating.

I know about being intimidated about sports, as I’m not an athlete like my siblings, two of whom are PE teachers. I was a skinny little kid, usually one of the last chosen for teams. I played outside a lot as a kid, but never set goals for sport. I did race on a swim team, more as something to do with my older sister than something to achieve. I was even a cheerleader, and a life guard, more as someone to be, to take the edge off my nerdiness. (That was before Title 9, and the only sport for girls at our school besides bowling. Our high school didn’t even have PE classes!)

As a teacher, I love that Carol puts learning into action with this book. Healthy bodies build strong minds. She integrates important learning into fun activities. It’s so much more fun to practice counting by 2s, 4s or 10s while you’re running. It also keeps spelling practice from becoming boring. And your brain remembers it more easily, too because you have more senses involved in the experience. A plain journaling assignment becomes inspiring when it centers around your own personal running experience. And powers of analysis come alive when you compare how far you’ve come with where you started. This book has more power, a list of children’s running books and websites. You can even read her reviews of other running books there (including Brianna’s We Are Girls Who Love to Run).

Love to run? I never even considered running, as a child or an adult. I never imagined I’d try it as a grandmother! Yet, I did this year when I trained and participated in my first 5K in our hometown’s Duvall Days in June. OK, it was part run, part walk, but I did it! My race goal was to finish, and in the cold pouring rain, that was a big accomplishment. To my amazement, I even won a ribbon for 3rd fastest in my age category.

My new goal is in Carol’s subtitle, Go Farther. I just joined a group to do the Seattle half-marathon at the end of November. Notice I joined a group, like the kids, so I can have fun. We are going to train together beginning in September. Dr. Scott Lynch has the whole training planned out for our group. He is leading us through the process one step at a time. We will practice on the Snoqualmie Trail between Duvall and Carnation.

Take the step to move Kids Running to the top of your reading list and share it with the kids you love! It was written just for kids, but speaks to the kid in all of us.

Next book review (by Brianna): Carol's lesser-known, but "treasure" of a book: The Treasure of Health and Happiness

Author Visit Details!

As promised . . . with a fair night's sleep, I now bring you a run-down (no pun intended!) of yesterday's visit:

I visited with 2 groups of 4th & 5th graders yesterday at Lewis & Clark Elementary School in Wenatchee, WA. I was amazed to see that the school was established in the 1800s. No worries, it has had PLENTY of updates and is a lovely place for kids to spend their days learning. Another impressive aspect of the school is that it is bilingual. The kids are truly immersed in both English and Spanish, with days designated as "English Learning" or "Spanish Learning". I was there on a Spanish day and YES, as I passed through the halls, I did hear that the students were being instructed in Spanish. It was fantastic! I am not a fluent Spanish speaker, so I was thankful that the students' library time (during which I was the guest) yesterday was an English speaking time. Whew!

As a former educator, I know how important it is for students' experiences to be as interactive as possible. I spent just 30 minutes with each class, but filled it with what I hope are memorable events. First I talked about why I wrote the book and how running became something I embrace instead of how I intitially shied away from it. Then I read the book (you could have heard a pin drop in there - SERIOUSLY, these kids were very attentive!) and shared some "insider secrets" behind the illustrations. After a few amazing questions from the students (for example: "When you share your writing with others and they tell you that they don't like a part of it, what do you do? How does it make you feel?" - This out of the mouth of a 4th grader!!!) I took them outside for a run with me.

I hope you've had a chance to visit the KidsRunning.com site that Carol Goodrow maintains. It is a great resource for parents/teachers/mentors who are introducting youth to our favorite sport. I'm really impressed by the selection of running games she has for people to use and have found myself sharing it with people who ask ME how they might engage their children in running in a fun, playful way.

For my visit yesterday, I combined 2 of the running games on KidsRunning.com to create one that I thought would be better received by "older" kids. I love the element of choice that the Butterfly Training provides kids and the variety of speeds the kids try out with the Triangle Training, so I combined them to create the Mountain Training (appropriate out here with our numerous mountains!). I was my intention for the Mountain option to help the older kids learn that they can run different speeds and identify how the various paces make them feel - and how recovery time is helpful, too! And guess what? That's JUST what happened.

Here's how the mountains look:

I drew something similar to Carol's butterfly, but instead of wings, I drew two non-symmetrical triangles to represent mountains (the lack of symmetry also helps kids avoid comparing how fast the kids on the "other mountain" are going). At the "peak" at each mountain, I have the kids do 10 jumping jacks (my time with the kids is limited, so I won't have a chance to do a song or anything more complicated like is suggested with the Triangle Training - but that's a super option for an after-school or summer running club to incorporate!). For the left-hand mountain, the kids "hike" (walk) to the peak and then jog down the other side. The right-hand mountain offers the kids the chance to run to the top and jog down. The space between the mountains is the Valley Sprint for the kids to run ALL OUT!

The first class I spoke and ran with was a group of 5th graders. When they first arrived to meet me in the library, I swear they were all half asleep. It WAS just 8:30, afterall! They perked up a bit as I read and were thrilled for the opportunity to go outside (even though it was super windy). I provided them all with a "map" that showed the kids which "mountain" was the hiking moutain and the running mountain and where they'd be doing their jumping jacks. I had an adult posted at each jumping jack cone to serve as cheerleaders (my mom was along for the trip, afterall, she IS my business partner, and she joined the kids for jumping jacks at one of the cones - GO MOM!). One of the adults was the woman who made my visit possible. She paid for the experience with her husband's memorial fund, which was dedicated to helping youth lead active lives. AND, though her grand-daughter is a second grade student at the school, she was able to have her join the first class to meet me and do the run (she loved it, too!).

After about 10 minutes of the Mountain Training course (during which their librarian joined in the run - how great is THAT?!), we gathered for some debreifing and conversation. We talked about what they like to read, what things they write about, and how the run made them feel. At this point they were all wide awake, they had smiles on their faces, and even though some of the students were still catching their breath, they all agreed that the run felt GREAT. They also shared that having the opportunity to take a walk break made the run more fun and helped them feel successful.

"Can we do it AGAIN?" one boy asked.

I was happy that we had a few minutes, so they all sprinted on down the Valley to run 3 more "laps of their choice" before heading back into the school. What FUN! These kids CHOSE to run more and did it with exuberance and laughter. That was not MY elementary school running experience - and for that I'm grateful. That was my goal!

The visit with the 4th grade class was similar. The kids were tired when they arrived, but full of smiles and energy by the time they had to return to their class. They were really proud of themselves for taking part in the run and there wasn't a single person who asked if they could sit out and watch. It was really very impowering.

I could probably go on and on and on . . . but I'll stop here. Just know that it was a powerful day and it had such a great reaction from the newspaper folks that were there (I'm still having a hard time wrapping my brain around the fact that I'm a "celebrity" of sorts) and the kids/teachers/etc. that there's a strong possibility that they'll be bringing me back to the school for a FULL day so I can visit with all of their classes next year. WOW!

You can read more about the other presentations I've developed for author visits on our Balanced Steps website. We're also in the process of finalizing the descriptions of the hands-on teacher workshops we offer . . . there is NEVER a dull moment in this business. And it is quite rewarding.

**Edit: You can read the article (and see photos of the kids and me in ACTION!) in the Wenatchee World here. I'm pretty excited to have made the Wenatchee World Home Page for the day!

Celebrity Day (and a few other guests!)

I'm so glad you dropped by to enjoy the final installment of this fun little Virtual Book Launch! Thanks for your patience with me as I took care of "real life" experiences last week and spent time with my family for Mother's Day yesterday (we went on our first ever family bike ride - what a thrill!).

As I worked on We Are Girls Who Love to Run over the past 3 years, I've worked hard to reach out to the "everyday runner" - you know - girls just like your sister, daughter, neighbor, teacher, mother, grandmother . . . or even YOU! In my research and through my work to spread the word about the book, healthy self-esteem and running, I've come to meet and get to know some AMAZING women who may have started their experiences as everyday runners, but they now hold special places in the world of running and fitness as LEADERS!

The first woman I'd like you to meet is Carol Goodrow. If you are new to my blog or haven't had a chance to follow the link to her Runner's World affiliated site KidsRunning.com, do not pass go . . . do not collect your race medal . . . go directly there - PRONTO! Carol's site offers a WEALTH of resources, lesson ideas, running games, book reviews, and ways for runners to share their passion with our next generation of runners and world leaders. Want to know something even more amazing about this woman - she does all of this in her SPARE TIME!!! She's a full time educator, her second job is as author/illustrator of books for children about running, she runs religiously and then keeps this site updated. When I grow up, I want to be like Carol Goodrow!

Here's what Carol has to share:

"Here is a photo of me (front left) with Kenny Moore, author of Bowerman.
I am also with Nancy Eldert and Mary Pearch, college friends, whom I hadn't seen since 1974.
I was in Eugene, Oregon at the Eugene Marathon Expo last weekend.
My books are: The Treasure of Health and Happiness (most loved by kids), Happy Feet, Healthy Food (my best seller), and Kids Running (my newest book).
I ran the half marathon as a finish and I worked hard the last 3 miles, but I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face and then went out for pancakes!"

Not only does Carol work to get out the word about her own books, she's been one of my biggest cheerleaders . . . as you can see here:

If you are a runner, please support Brianna and other authors of children's running books. We do this work for you! Oh, why I love to run? There are a million reasons." - Carol

Thanks so much for coming by the party, Carol! It is an honor to have you!

Another leader in the running world this job has brought me to meet is Kathrine Switzer. Now, I guess I should admit here that I haven't yet shaken the hands of these women, but thanks to the world of email, we've gotten to know and support one another over the past few months and years. Like Carol, Kathrine is one BUSY, BUSY lady. I was kicking myself for not going across the state of Washington to Spokane for a second race weekend when I found out that Ms. Switzer was the keynote speaker and signing copies of her own book, MARATHON WOMAN at the Bloomsday Expo. But when I shared my disappointment with her, she assured me that our schedules are bound to cross our paths sometime soon. I love her optimistic attitude - surely she wears a yellow hat, right?! Her love of the sport simply radiates.

Though she has been an elite runner (she qualified for the Olympics the year the US boycotted them . . . can you imagine how THAT felt?), she still takes joy and pride in every race (and she runs PLENTY, even now that she's in her sixties) and took time to report to me, "Hey, I finished 2nd in my age group in the Bloomsday run!! yea!" And I'm sure that was no easy feat, as she was running with 60,000 others who love to run. Zowie! Congrats on a fabulous run, Kathrine!

Some of you may recognize our next party guest, MizFit, a fellow blogger and lover of fitness. Like me, she discovered her inner athlete later in life . . . and there is just NO stopping this woman now!

Here's what she has to share (part recipe, part inspirational story!):
food glorious food.

By MizFit

Once upon a time your MizFit was a new weight trainer.She joined a women-only fitness facility & started lifting with a passion. She loved it. The process of it. The way she FELT stronger. Empowered. How she looked? Well, that was another story. MizFit didnt look one bit different than she did prior to her newfound fitness endeavor. Why–you ask? Because she wasn't consuming enough protein to BUILD the muscles she was hoisting the weights to create (and, if you look here, the muscles which would also JUMP START her metabolism). Now, MizFit was just crazy enough that she—bitten by the ironbug—immediately turned to grilled chicken breasts and canned tuna. You? Perhaps you’re just crazy enough to try this MizFit-twist on an old American fave. Sure it’s a dessert-y treat but with all the good fats from the peanut butter AND the new found extra protein (and eliminated powdered sugar) you can still feel pretty dang virtuous about eating them!oh.feeling feisty? a bit MizFit-y as it were? TOSS IN SOME FLAX SEEDS. I dare you.

Buckeyes.
1 1/2 sticks butter softened (Brianna's comment: you might try a vegan alternative if you have dairy allergies at your house like I do!)
1 cup chocolate protein powder *
1 tablespoon vanilla
12 oz peanut butter (or if you’re allergic another nut butter should work - or, Brianna adds, soynut butter??)
12 oz chocolate chips

mix together ingredients (preferrably with hands whilst phone rings off hook & Toddler Tornado winds herself around legs).
roll into balls and refrigerate.

(I like to use this method for melting the chocolate chips both because it’s less messy and you have more control over how much you put on each buckeye.)
Topping:
bring a saucepan of water to almostboiling.
shove a bunch of the chocolate chips into a zip-lock baggie.
dunk into the almostboiling until the chocolate is prettymuch melted.
Snip off corner and drizzle on top of chilled buckeyes.
Repeat until all buckeyes are covered or—as the Renaissance Man likes to call it— hatted.

*since we arent going low-carb here it doesnt matter AT ALL what kind of protein powder you use. name brand. store brand. ON SALE. Anything."

Thanks for those treats, MizFit! I bet a few of my readers are jotting down their grocery lists now and making sure to pick up some flax seeds to add to your buckeyes! With all of the recipes of the week, we should all be SET with some great new things to try with our families - and with motivation to keep running/walking/practicing yoga/swimming/hiking . . . MOVING those bods!
And now, a quick return, as promised, to a couple more of the folks who keep me inspired and keep me running.


First, I'd like to introduce you to my dad, Marty. A former US Air Force Officer, Rochester, NY city-wide tennis champ (pre-Air Force days) and self-proclaimed non-runner, my dad has recently come to know and love his inner athlete. This man got my mom to ride bikes with him by getting a tandem ("tam tam" my son calls it!). And my mom, in turn, got him to try yoga. The two of them now go to yoga at least twice/week and I have to say that my dad's "down dog" could kick my own "down dog's" tush any day of the week. He also enjoys snowshoeing, as you can see from the photo (he's leading the pack!). And, since I don't include too many photos of myself here, I'm adding a photo of me in snowshoes, too - we do enjoy these outings as a family!

This was 2 years ago . . . last year I had a newborn and this past year wasn't as safe, so we opted to not go. I'm hoping we can all return next Winter!

My mother-in-law is a tough-as-nails mother of four (2 boys, 2 girls) who's life mission was to get all of her children through college. She did it - and both girls are even in grad school now (though they're covering ALL of their own tuition expenses this time around - whew!). Pat isn't a runner, but you can find her just about any evening of the year out for a walk (snow and rain don't make her shy!). Here's what Pat has to share:

"Go outside! The best thing you can do for yourself is to go outside-take a walk-it is awesome.
It is always hard to get started as the dishes are calling you back or the laundry or the kiddos or the phone or the bills or you are just feeling sorry for yourself because it was a long hard day.
Just start walking-smile if you see anyone, say hello but don’t stop walking.
Stand up straight and swing your arms a bit and smile.
Look up at the sky and down at the ground.
Take some deep breaths and let them out slowly.
Walk for at least 15minutes somewhere away from all you have to do then walk a different way back.
Go back home and when everyone say WHERE WERE YOU? Just say,taking a walk and smile.

Ps Don’t take a cell phone or beeper –just be free."

I think I might post her message near my computer as a reminder to myself. It really is good advice! Thanks for taking time to share your wisdom with us, Pat. I'm so lucky to have such a supportive mother-in-law. I wish the same for everyone!

And finally, a recipe from my mom's big sister, Susan. She squeezed in her entry just in time! I'm happy to welcome her. Though she's not a runner, she knows all about living an active lifestyle - she's the mother of 4 boys, grandmother of 2 (with a third on the way!), award-winning PE teacher, and wife. Before heading out for the day to teach, she emailed this quickie note about the recipe (simply follow the link to get the ingredients & directions - no need to repost it here, right?!):

Spaghetti Squash Supreme

"It's tons of food for 2 and very tasty"

See, I told you it was quick! Thanks, Aunt Sue!


Well, there you have it, folks. Thanks for coming to the party! Winners of the drawing for the signed copies of We Are Girls Who Love to Run will be announced tomorrow!!!!

Thanks for spreading the word and inspiring those around you to discover their inner strength and keep their bodies moving!