RaceRaiser

Turkey Trots and Turkey Feasts

2011-11-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time of family, fun, friends, parades, football, and most importantly, thankfulness. But it also conjures up visions of food; feasting on turkey, ham, sweet potato pie, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Yum! Love, thanks, and food is what many of us think about when Thanksgiving comes to mind.

But for racers, from the light walker and jogger (that's me) to endurance runners, bikers, swimmers & triathletes, Thanksgiving is also time for the tradition of the infamous Turkey Trot.

Turkey Trots are becoming one of the biggest race days to scatter the nation. And there are so many differ

ent styles to choose from--beach races, trail races, races with parades, pie races, turkey giveaways--you have your pick from the litter. And most of these races are relatively short in distance, allowing us plenty of time to get back to mom's house for her special gravy and garlic mashed potato dish. Many of these events also offer kid races and walks so the entire family can be involved!

So when asking this year shall I have a feast or shall I be fit this Thanskgiving day, the answer is BOTH! Before you pack on the calories, pack on the miles--Look up a local Turkey Race, and trot your way to a guilt-free post race blowout. Enjoy the gluttony!

RaceRaiser: Caters to teams and individuals

2011-10-01T15:16:00.001-07:00

RaceRaiser Not Just for Racers

2. SCHOOL TEAMS. From softball, volleyball, tennis, to cheer and dance, schools need to raise money for their athletic programs. And they have found great success in using RaceRaiser for their team programs. Bringing a team together to do a 5K or mud run is at the top of the list, but others create their own event as well.

3. CREATING YOUR OWN EVENT. Another popular fundraiser that RaceRaiser’s use is the “Add Your Event” button. Usually people want to raise money for a cause close to their heart, but sometimes choose to do so with either other athletic events (rock climbing, hiking, golfing, etc), or in a creative arena by championing car washes, dinners, and cocktail parties.

Whatever the event, we hear applaud everyone for raising money for charities nationwide. Even in a tougher economic time, people are creating fundraising pages. And their friends and family are supporting their events by donating to wonderful causes. Congrats to everyone!

How Running and Yoga go Hand-in-Hand

2011-09-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

Cross-training and outdoor exercise can do wonders for your body and mind. "Expanding your exercise horizons beyond yoga is a good idea," says Walt Thompson, Ph.D., a professor of health and exercise science at Georgia State University. "It's good to challenge the body in new ways." Most traditional yoga styles, he notes, don't raise the heart rate high or long enough to develop true heart-saving cardio-respiratory fitness. Nor do they develop the kind of strength you can build through rock climbing, bicycling, swimming, or running up hills.

We're talking about cross-training here, adding another complementary activity while you keep right on practicing. In fact, the best part about taking your workouts outdoors, besides the sheer fun of it, might be the way they'll take your yoga to another, higher level: Improved endurance from running or hiking helps you get through tough classes with ease. The strength built from biking or swimming or rock climbing lets you hold poses longer, go deeper, and try that "too-advanced-for-me'' posture you've been avoiding.

Take the example of Nicole Nakoneshny, a 34-year-old fundraising consultant who lives in Toronto. You can often find her on the popular biking and running path that runs along Lake Ontario near her home. As her feet bounce along the pavement, her mind soars. "Because running is such a repetitive activity, I find it quite meditative," she says. "By the end of the first mile, I'm into this groove." That state often sparks flashes of insight that can have real value in her day-to-day life. "Solutions come to problems you've been struggling with," says Nakoneshny, who has been practicing yoga for 4 years. "I can recall one instance when I had been trying to come up with a way to approach a prospective donor for a charity I was consulting for. During a run, I had a moment of clarity, and a strategy emerged that resulted in a seven-figure gift for the charity."

"The breath is a remarkable tool for calming," she says. "Just doing the ujjayi breathing from your diaphragm will help you get into that semi-meditative state.'' Gently constrict the throat, creating a little resistance to the air flow and producing a soothing sound when you inhale and exhale. Some compare it to the "ocean'' sound you hear in a seashell; others call it "Darth Vader breath.'' Either way, says Nakoneshny, "just take some real deep breaths and start moving."

How yoga helps her running: "In a sense, my running is sort of an extension of the yoga class. Through the deep breathing and quieting of the mind we all learn in class, I can get into that moving meditation when I run."

How running helps her yoga: "Endurance is never an issue for me in my yoga classes, so if we have to hold some particularly difficult pose for a long time it's not a problem, and I'm certain that's due in large part to my running. From a strength point of view, running has given me strong legs, which is enormously helpful for some of the standing poses."

How to Cook Everything a Little Better

2011-09-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

by Esquire.com

Cook Corn

Instead of boiling corn on the cob, dot it with a little butter, salt, and black pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast (350 degrees) until tender. Caramelize a little honey in a sauté pan and, when the corn comes out, brush with the honey.

—Alex Guarnaschelli, Butter, New York; host of Alex's Day Off (Cooking Channel)

Bread Meat

After you've breaded a piece of meat for panfrying (dip in flour, dip in a water-and-egg-white mixture, dip in bread crumbs), spray the breaded meat with a little water from a spritz bottle. The moisture will prevent the crumbs from absorbing too much oil while still preserving that crispy crunch.

—David Burke, David Burke Kitchen, New York

Make a Sandwich

Less is more. Proportion is key, making sure each element balances the next. I like a fresh slaw tossed in a light vinegar for some crunch and some acidity. Throw in the protein of your choosing, bearing in mind the salt that comes with cured or smoked meat. And when is adding a fried egg a bad thing? Butter the outside of your bread, griddle it, and that's a sandwich.

—Michael Schwartz, Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Miami

Hold a Knife

Pinch the dull side of the blade with your pointer finger and thumb where the blade meets the handle. Wrap your other three fingers around the handle, leaving your thumb and pointer finger gripping the heel of the blade. Practice on a big bag of vegetables.

—Kelsey Nixon, host of Kelsey's Essentials (Cooking Channel)

Scramble Eggs

For two eggs, add two tablespoons of water and two tablespoons of heavy cream, season with salt and fresh-cracked black pepper, and whip the hell out of them with a whisk until frothy. Melt some butter over medium heat and cook the eggs, not touching them until they are partially set. Then start some light stirring until they're almost finished, and turn the heat off. They will finish cooking because the pan is still hot.

—Randy Zweiban, Province, Chicago

Grill Fruit

Start with ripe, juicy fruit with a high moisture content. Lightly brush on all sides with melted butter or coconut milk. Make a dessert rub by combining one cup sugar with one tablespoon cinnamon. Set up your grill for direct grilling — a preheated grate over a hot fire: Brush the grate clean with a stiff wire brush. Oil it with a paper towel folded into a tight pad, dipped in oil, and drawn across the bars of the grate. Oiling prevents sticking and gives you killer grill marks. Dip fruit in rub to coat on all sides, shaking off excess. Grill the fruit long enough to turn the sugar and fruit juices into bubbling, golden caramel.

—Steven Raichlen, author of The Barbecue Bible; host of Primal Grill (PBS)

Cook a Lobster

Use water that's as close to seawater as it can be — extremely salty or, better yet, seawater itself. And don't use much: Put three or four inches in the pot, and when the water is steaming like mad, add the lobster. A pound-and-a-quarter lobster takes about nine minutes. Afterward, don't shock it in ice water. That makes the meat tougher. Just let it cool down.

—Dave Pasternack, Esca, New York

Sear a Scallop

Make sure the scallop is totally dry — use a paper towel for this. Season it with salt. Get your (small) pan very hot and add cold oil. This way, the scallop will never stick. Once the scallop is in the pan, do not touch it. At all. It will caramelize. Flip it once and serve.

—Michael White, Ai Fiori, New York

Make a Spice Rub

Start with spices that are whole (as opposed to ground) and fresh (as opposed to sitting in your cabinet for three years). Black pepper always goes well with coriander and mustard seed. Cinnamon always goes well with clove, anise, and allspice. Cardamom is usually too strong. Toast spices in a dry pan on the stove over low heat for a couple minutes, then grind them. (You can use a clean coffee grinder.) Then rub it on whatever meat you're cooking.

—David Katz, Mémé, Philadelphia

Season Meats

Salt draws moisture out, so season just before sautéing meat or fish. If you salt too early, the surface of the flesh will become wet and will not get that nice golden crust. And if you marinate meat, remember to pat dry and season it just before you sear.

—Frank Stitt, Highlands Bar and Grill, Birmingham

Sauté Garlic

Start with a cold pan, add olive oil, then garlic, and turn burner to low heat. Through the gradual increase of temperature, you'll infuse the oil with the flavor of garlic while it turns slightly brown.

—Marco Canora, Hearth, New York; author of Salt to Taste

Photo Credit: Wesley Merritt

9 Strange But True Health Tips

2011-08-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

By Bill Phillips and the Editors of Men's Health

Live Longer by Changing Your Name
People with "positive" initials—ones that spell out things like J.O.Y. or W.O.W.—live nearly 4-1/2 years longer than people with neutral initials, according to a University of California, San Diego study. D.U.D.'s live nearly three years less. Other initials that may shorten life: I.L.L. and D.E.D.

Keep Your Mind Sharper by Being a Jerk
Research from the U.S. Administration on Aging suggests there's a marked difference between how younger and older people interpret misplacing their car keys. A young guy usually blames someone else. An old man typically blames himself. Never use your age as an excuse—you'll remain sharper longer.

Break a High Fever With Your Armpits
Anything up to 102°F is mild and can be treated by drinking plenty of fluids. But to quickly bring down a reading above that, put an ice pack under your arm or near your groin. Icing either spot will cool your body's core. It's uncomfortable, but it works fast. Then see a doctor.

Prevent Claustrophobia by Smelling This Fruit
If you get nervous in small spaces such as subways, elevators, and that closet of an office they stuck you in, visit your local fruit stand. A sniff of green apple may help relieve claustrophobic sensations, says Dr. Alan Hirsch, M.D., director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. Carry one with you. Also, if you're selling your house, placing a basket of fresh green apples on the table may make potential buyers perceive the house as larger.

7 WAYS TO BE A BETTER FATHER: Read one child's hilarious plea to the impatient father in Adam Mansbach's bestselling book, as told to the editors of Men's Health.

Disinfect a Wound with Honey
No Neosporin in the house? Dab the cut with honey before covering it with a bandage. Believe it or not, honey has powerful antibacterial properties. A study in the Archives of Surgery found that honey is capable of destroying almost all strains of the most common wound-infecting bacteria.

Stop Bleeding with This Spice
Next time you nick yourself in the kitchen, reach for the black pepper, says Roberta Lee, M.D., vice chair of the department of integrative medicine at the Beth Israel Medical Center. Run cold water over the wound to clean it, using soap if you were handling meat. Then sprinkle on the pepper and apply pressure. In no time, the bleeding will stop. Turns out, black pepper has analgesic, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. And don't worry—it won't sting.

See Your Tailor to Cure Back Pain
If you have an aching back, it may be because one of your legs is shorter than the other, says Steven McCaw, Ph.D., a researcher at Illinois State University. Even a slight imbalance can cause the spine to curve to the short side when you walk or run. Eventually, the bend puts painful pressure on disks. Most people can’t tell if their legs are different lengths, but a tailor can. Ask one for a quick measurement. If he finds an imbalance, correct the problem with a therapeutic, Dr. Scholl-type insert or see a podiatrist for a custom-made orthotic.

Massage Away Nicotine Cravings
If you’re a smoker who’s trying to quit, try this simple trick the next time a craving hits: Rub the skin between your index fingers and thumbs and the center of your palms. A study in Preventive Medicine found that men using this technique smoked 25 percent fewer cigarettes in a month than 10 quitters who used traditional distraction methods such as chewing gum. The quick self-massage evidently calms you and keeps your hands busy.

Drink This to Lower Your Cholesterol
The fiber supplement Metamucil can help lower elevated cholesterol levels. In one study, men who took one packet mixed in water before each meal for eight weeks experienced drops in LDL cholesterol averaging 7 percent. Metamucil also helps to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and the risk of heart disease, according to the National Fiber Council.

Food Cravings? Here Is What Your Body Really Wants

2011-07-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

via naturapathy works

If you crave this...	What you really need is...	And here are healthy foods that have it:
Chocolate	Magnesium	Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits
Sweets	Chromium	Broccoli, grapes, cheese, dried beans, calves liver, chicken
	Carbon	Fresh fruits
	Phosphorus	Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes, grains
	Sulfur	Cranberries, horseradish, cruciferous vegetables, kale, cabbage
	Tryptophan	Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
Bread, toast	Nitrogen	High protein foods: fish, meat, nuts, beans
Oily snacks, fatty foods	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Coffee or tea	Phosphorous	Chicken, beef, liver, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, legumes
	Sulfur	Egg yolks, red peppers, muscle protein, garlic, onion, cruciferous vegetables
	NaCl (salt)	Sea salt, apple cider vinegar (on salad)
	Iron	Meat, fish and poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
Alcohol, recreational drugs	Protein	Meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, nuts
	Avenin	Granola, oatmeal
	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
	Glutamine	Supplement glutamine powder for withdrawal, raw cabbage juice
	Potassium	Sun-dried black olives, potato peel broth, seaweed, bitter greens
Chewing ice	Iron	Meat, fish, poultry, seaweed, greens, black cherries
Burned food	Carbon	Fresh fruits
Soda and other carbonated drinks	Calcium	Mustard and turnip greens, broccoli, kale, legumes, cheese, sesame
Salty foods	Chloride	Raw goat milk, fish, unrefined sea salt
Acid foods	Magnesium	Raw nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits
Preference for liquids rather than solids	Water	Flavor water with lemon or lime. You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.
Preference for solids rather than liquids	Water	You have been so dehydrated for so long that you have lost your thirst. Flavor water with lemon or lime. You need 8 to 10 glasses per day.
Cool drinks	Manganese	Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries
Pre-menstrual cravings	Zinc	Red meats (especially organ meats), seafood, leafy vegetables, root vegetables
General overeating	Silicon	Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
	Tryptophan	Cheese, liver, lamb, raisins, sweet potato, spinach
	Tyrosine	Vitamin C supplements or orange, green, red fruits and vegetables
Lack of appetite	Vitamin B1	Nuts, seeds, beans, liver and other organ meats
	Vitamin B3	Tuna, halibut, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, seeds and legumes
	Manganese	Walnuts, almonds, pecans, pineapple, blueberries
	Chloride	Raw goat milk, unrefined sea salt
Tobacco	Silicon	Nuts, seeds; avoid refined starches
	Tyrosine	Vitamin C supplements or orange, green and red fruits and vegetables

RaceRaiser: Caters to teams and individuals

2011-03-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

RaceRaiser Not Just for Racers

Yes, it is true! RaceRaiser is not just used for and by racers. Many others are finding success in their own online fundraising adventure. So what are the most popular fundraisers?

1. It should be no surprise—SPORTING EVENTS. Being that this is the niche market, the most popular fundraising pages on RaceRaiser are ironmans, full and half marathons, triathlons, bike races, duathlons, walk-a-thons, mud races, and other common athletic-inspired events around the nation.
2. SCHOOL TEAMS. From softball, volleyball, tennis, to cheer and dance, schools need to raise money for their athletic programs. And they have found great success in using RaceRaiser for their team programs. Bringing a team together to do a 5K or mud run is at the top of the list, but others create their own event as well.
3. CREATING YOUR OWN EVENT. Another popular fundraiser that RaceRaiser’s use is the “Add Your Event” button. Usually people want to raise money for a cause close to their heart, but sometimes choose to do so with either other athletic events (rock climbing, hiking, golfing, etc), or in a creative arena by championing car washes, dinners, and cocktail parties.

Whatever the event, we hear applaud everyone for raising money for charities nationwide. Even in a tougher economic time, people are creating fundraising pages. And their friends and family are supporting their events by donating to wonderful causes. Congrats to everyone!

A New Year, A New You!

2011-01-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

Where did 2010 go?

Will we get it right in 2011?

Here are some suggestions to getting and staying on the path to living a fitter & healthier lifestyle by Pooja R. Mottl and the Huffington Post---

1) Think And Empower YOU!
Instead of trying the latest diet trend or detox cleanse, learn for yourself what your best options are. When we don't spend time thinking about our bodies, we end up with canned, generic solutions that might not be suitable to our unique needs. Many of the facts surrounding diet and exercise haven't been uncovered, are too reductive to make appropriate impacts, or aren't 100 percent conclusive. Scientific theories are continually evolving as we learn more about human health year after year. So just because its sold or advertised, doesn't mean its good for you! Next year, a new study might uncover that what your we're doing or eating this year was exactly the wrong thing to do!

Be your own trusted detective. Finding out what the "organic" label really means can take you minutes. Whole grains? Check out what options are out there on the internet. Juice detox? Learn about some of the disadvantages that come along with it.

2) Find Your Sole Mate in Whole Foods--And Mostly Plant Foods.
Instead of cutting out "carbs", going cold turkey on turkey and meat, or only eating salads for two weeks, concentrating on eating whole, natural foods in their most natural form should start you on your way to a healthier, slimmer you. It's more delicious, less-stressful and so much less restrictive than eating processed "healthy" foods or counting calories or points!

Vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans all have high levels of essential, nutrient-rich carbohydrates. They're full of fiber (which gets you full and helps tremendously with portion size), yet on average, we only get about 5-7 percent of our calories from them. Bumping up this percentage is a tasty alternative to adhereing to rules in diet programs. (This step in your framework will take some organization in grocery shopping, a bit of cooking and detective work in finding out the best restaurants that provide this food, but it will be so worth it!).

3) Quality Protein, Please!
Instead of substituting more protein for those unrefined sugars, breads and processed foods, focus on improving the overall quality of your protein. Learn where your proteins are from. Look for meat from animals raised on smaller, local farms that have been allowed to graze on pasture and have been fed the diet that nature intended. I like to say "eat happy, healthy animals.

This year, add combinations of plant-based whole foods (veggies and beans, lentils and rice) or pasture-raised animals to your diet. These are all great sources of complete ("high-quality") proteins. And although there is continued, fervent, debate on which type is better of worse, focusing on this basic framework will put you (and our planet) on much healthier footing.

4) Show Off--Move Every Way Except Forward
Instead of spending a fortune on a personal trainer or fancy gym membership, completely re-think your approach to fitness. Most of what the magazines and the media tell us about fitness often doesn't yield satisfying results. I feely badly for those who hop from exercise fad to exercise fad, putting in hours of time and effort, but without getting results. For the New Year, try to mix up your routine by avoiding linear, forward movement. As human beings, our bodies are designed to move -- in all sorts of directions. When you're out exercising, try walking or jogging backwards (slowly at first!). This way you engage different muscle groups than you do in your ordinary day-to-day activities and normal workout. Also try adding exercises that move you side to side - again engaging muscles you may never work if all you do is walk, bike, or jog forward. Side gallops, side lunges, and jumping jacks are other good examples. By changing your entire approach to staying active, you'll see more gains and you'll be in more control.

5) Be A Rebel And A Rockstar! Get Off the Machines!
Instead of relying on gym machines to get your cardio in, find some alternatives. Although when you're in a pinch, jumping on an elliptical or stair master seems like a great option, machines are one of the big reasons people find working-out boring. Having a toolkit of options when it comes to getting your heart rate up is the key to continued, efficient cardiovascular improvements and calorie burn. So instead, try circuit workouts, cross-country skiing, hiking, dancing, and jumproping as alternatives. You'll be challenging different parts of your body, improving your coordination, balance and agility, and simultaneously melting away calories. If low-impact is your priority, swimming and low-impact aerobics are good options. But whatever you choose, just stay away from the machines!

So in 2011, let's not restrict ourselves, fall victim, and sacrifice. Let's instead think, get in the drivers seat, and move toward sustainable and basic lifestyle changes that treat good health as a state of balance. Develop your own framework that promotes weight loss, provides daily fitness, encourages healthy cooking and adds whole, natural food to your life. These elements will work in concert to get you looking and feeling amazing. Cheers to a New Year, a new playbook on diet and exercise, and to a new YOU!

Yoga for Endurance Athletes!

2010-12-16T10:09:00.000-08:00

Swim, bike, run … YOGA? You betcha!!!

Yoga is rapidly becoming the top training tool for endurance athletes. It guides endurance athletes through a new pace of thinking; from new insights into your body, to helping with breathing techniques, and lastly strengthening the mind. Endurance athletes are finding endless benefits when adding yoga into their exercise regimen.

THE BODY
Besides making endurance athletes more flexible, yoga also gives athletes information on their bodies, showing them where they might be misaligned, what muscles are tight, what side of the body is tighter and what muscles need more strengthening.

Yoga can also lend to injury prevention, a crucial element that all athletes need. In terms of a workout, yoga focus’ on strength and flexibility. It is important to have both in order to achieve peak performance for an upcoming race.

Adding yoga to any training regiment can not only make overused muscles more limber, but it will also strengthen underused muscles, sculpting a more balanced body equipped for peak performance.

BREATHING
Yoga also helps athletes be more aware of their breathing. In yoga, a long exhale is matched with a long inhale in every posture. This type of focused breathing often ends in a sudden small surge of energy, as well as a calmer mind, two elements that can make the difference between beating a personal record and blowing it out of the water. Focusing on full yogic breathing and maintaining proper form helps athletes complete the pose in the most beneficial way – increasing overall body awareness.

THE MIND
When holding a challenging pose, yoga teaches endurance athletes to narrow their focus on the present moment, by way of form and breath. Sounds a lot like race strategy, huh? It is! By practicing this technique in the yoga studio, this skill is refined.

Yoga goers spill that it is an experience everyone must try; an hour of yoga is equated with the stress relief of a vacation or a wonderful massage at a spa. Your mental clarity hits a high note! And many are able to feel this beautiful, inner peace after a session in the studio or even at home. Yes, yoga has the tools to assist you in achieving that peace that goes beyond the body, beyond the mind and the intellect.

So yoga has the optimum benefits of muscle recovery, flexibility, breathing and mental preparedness. That does it for me—I’m all in.

Trot & Feast Away this Thanksgiving!

2010-11-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

But for racers, from the light walker and jogger (that's me) to endurance runners, bikers, swimmers & triathletes, Thanksgiving is also time for the tradition of the infamous Turkey Trot.

Turkey Trots are becoming one of the biggest race days to scatter the nation. And there are so many differ

Top Tips for Marathon Fundraising

2010-10-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

You’ve probably already been caught up in a major street closure because of a marathon. However, instead of shaking your fists at the runners, think about all of the good they’re doing. Running for a cause is no easy feat! Dedicating your time and your body to whatever fundraising cause is closest to your heart can leave you physically out of commission for days after. But, that being said, according to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the CIBC Run for the Cure raised over $26.5 million last year!

Here are some fantastic tips to keep your marathon fundraiser a well organized success:

1. Just because the fundraiser is underway, doesn’t mean your fundraising efforts are over!

Even once the marathon is started, doesn’t mean that passersby might not feel the urge to donate to a cause they had no idea was taking place. This will often happen when you set up a run through a public park or in a major downtown area – especially on a weekend. Those out and about may not have known your fundraiser was taking place, but they may feel the urge to give once they do.

2. Family and friends are your #1 sponsors

Remember the old idea of getting family, friends and coworkers to make donations first. Why you might ask? Well because those close to you often feel compelled to make the most generous donations, and since they are typically approached first, their donations appear at the top of your fundraising form for later donators to see. This little trick, regardless of if it’s done on purpose or not, often compels everyone donating after to be more generous with their giving as well. Plus, friends, colleagues and relatives can help by passing your marathon fundraising webpage among their own network of coworkers, friends, family, social clubs and more. This large web of familiar people will spread your fundraising net that much wider.

3. The power of RaceRaiser

Speaking of spreading your Web further…

Take that image literally by using the Internet to help with your fundraising efforts. Set up a free online fundraising page through RaceRaiser for your fundraising marathon. You can add your own event, your own cause, and personalize your page however you see fit. In addition you can use this online donation page as a way to allow people to donate from afar. Making donations possible through the Web literally takes your fundraising audience from local – to worldwide.

4. Use the Web to your Advantage

Okay. So you set up a free online fundraising page for your marathon through RaceRaiser. You have picked your event, you are motivated to raise money for a cause close to your heart. You have picked out colors, added some great training and personal stories. Finally you share your page to all your friends and family. All of this done effortlessly. Now its time to use the internet as your main resource; take advantage of that world wide web. Post on FaceBook and Twitter a link to your marathon fundraiser. Send out emails through those sites to all your "friends." You will be surprised how much more support you will get with that little bit of extra effort and reaching out to a bigger audience! Add a link of your fundraising page in your email signature line. The bigger the audience, the bigger the donations will pour in!

Good Luck and Good Raising!

Relay runs gaining in Popularity

2010-10-05T15:13:00.000-07:00

Relay Runs, the new marathon? Yes, they are picking up major stream in both popularity and racers, along with new events, becoming the IT factor and way for both novice and ultra runners to go the distance. One of the relay companies gaining quick momentum is the Ragnar Relay.

Here is how it works with this relay-- You 1st get a bunch of friends tog

ether, a relay team consisting of 12 members (or for Ultra runners, a team of 6). During the relay, each team member runs three legs, each leg ranging between 3 - 8 miles and varying in difficulty. From the elite runner down to the novice jogger, it's really the perfect relay race for anyone!

Each team is responsible for providing two support vehicles, with six runners in each vehicle. Team members love, cheer and jeer at there relay members, switching runners when each leg is complete. A leapfrogging pattern will continue all the way to the finish line.

The next Ragnar Relay is oh-so-sinful! And we have RaceRaisers participating in this race. They have created a fundraising page and are working hard to raise money for the ONE Campaign. Check out their page at: www.raceraiser.com/pages/RagnarRelay

BEST OF LUCK to Team "We're going streaking... bring your green hat!"

The Story of behind the name Ragnar (retrieved from their site)

Ragnar was a 9th century Norse King. He was a pirate, a raider, a conqueror, an explorer, and a wild man. The tough, fearless, rugged attributes of this Norse King are shared by all who participate in a Ragnar Relay. In much the same way, a Ragnar Relay provides runners the freedom to roam, to explore - a free-spirited curiosity to get out there and experience outdoor adventure. And maybe even to conquer. And though tough or rugged may not perfectly describe you, these attributes become a goal - something to strive for.

In a Ragnar Relay the wild nature of this Norse King is embraced by many participants. Participants who aren't afraid to paint their van plaid, to bring along their own hair band, to join together in yelling as they cross the finish line. You may think that you are not one of them, but you are. Everyone has a wild side and nothing brings it out of you like a Ragnar Relay.

Long live the Ragnar in us all!

Yoga for Endurance Athletes

2010-09-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Swim, bike, run … YOGA? You betcha!!!

Yoga is rapidly becoming the top training tool for endurance athletes. It guides endurance athletes through a new pace of thinking; from new insights into your body, to helping with breathing techniques, and lastly strengthening the mind. Endurance athletes are finding endless benefits when adding yoga into their exercise regimen.

THE BODY
Besides making endurance athletes more flexible, yoga also gives athletes information on their bodies, showing them where they might be misaligned, what muscles are tight, what side of the body is tighter and what muscles need more strengthening.

Yoga can also lend to injury prevention, a crucial element that all athletes need. In terms of a workout, yoga focus’ on strength and flexibility. It is important to have both in order to achieve peak performance for an upcoming race.

Adding yoga to any training regiment can not only make overused muscles more limber, but it will also strengthen underused muscles, sculpting a more balanced body equipped for peak performance.

BREATHING
Yoga also helps athletes be more aware of their breathing. In yoga, a long exhale is matched with a long inhale in every posture. This type of focused breathing often ends in a sudden small surge of energy, as well as a calmer mind, two elements that can make the difference between beating a personal record and blowing it out of the water. Focusing on full yogic breathing and maintaining proper form helps athletes complete the pose in the most beneficial way – increasing overall body awareness.

THE MIND
When holding a challenging pose, yoga teaches endurance athletes to narrow their focus on the present moment, by way of form and breath. Sounds a lot like race strategy, huh? It is! By practicing this technique in the yoga studio, this skill is refined.

Yoga goers spill that it is an experience everyone must try; an hour of yoga is equated with the stress relief of a vacation or a wonderful massage at a spa. Your mental clarity hits a high note! And many are able to feel this beautiful, inner peace after a session in the studio or even at home. Yes, yoga has the tools to assist you in achieving that peace that goes beyond the body, beyond the mind and the intellect.

So yoga has the optimum benefits of muscle recovery, flexibility, breathing and mental preparedness. That does it for me—I’m all in.

NOW YOU TRY IT!

Get your skin to glow like never before!

2010-08-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

How does J-Lo Glo? What is the secret to Mario Lopez's all-time perfect complexion? Yes, yes, yes, we have heard about day creams and night creams and eyes creams and of course, sunscreen. But what else can we do to have a firm, hydrated, and glowing skin tone?

One of the answers is eating heathly! Not only do you improve your energy level and waistline, but by dining on the recommended list below, your skin sparkle like never before:

1. Avocados
Avocados are a beauty fruit. They are rich in minerals and high in vitamin A and all the B vitamins. Containing more protein than any other fruit, avocados are the perfect nourishment to keeping your skin vibrant and smooth. I am a huge fan of adding avocados to salads or mushing some up on toast with a sprinkle of pepper and some lime juice.

2. Salmon
If you haven't heard about the benefits of salmon,
you must have been living on another planet the past 10 years. This well-known and favored fish is a very good source of easy digestible proteins (amino acids), fatty acids like Omega-3 Fatty acids in form of Triglyceride, vitamins like vitamin-D, vitamin-A and some members of vitamin-B family and minerals like Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Calcium and Iron. Jammed packed with nutrients, salmon is also known to hydrate your skin and even help increase the recovery rate from exposure to ultraviolet light. Salmon salad, Salmon baked, sauteed, steamed... all taste good in my book!

3. Grapes
Grapes are jam-packed with nutrients such as vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, magnesium, calcium, iron, and so much more. But that is not all... grapes have also been linked to preventing heart diseases and for cancer prevention (red grapes are at the top of the list in terms of healthiest). Lastly, grapes can keep middle-aged skin from sagging; antioxidants called polyphenols are found in grapes and improve skin’s elasticity by strengthening the collagen. Recommendation for summertime yum--frozen grapes--an absolutely delicious treat!

4. Water
We could all do with some more water. Many of us daily spend our days in a mild state of dehydration. The benefits of drinking water for skin - and body - are numerous. It's true! You've heard it many times before... drink lots of water. But will water really improve the appearance of your skin? Yes! Along with the obvious answer of hydrating, aka, moisturizing the skin, drinking water also drinking water flushes out toxins out of the body. With inadequate amounts of water flowing through the body, these toxins can build up in the body and escape through skin pores. Therefore, by flushing the body internally with water, acne breakouts are less likely to occur. How do I like my water? Cold! And sometimes with bubbles!

5. Berries
Berries such as blueberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, rasberries, cranberries, and strawberries are a good food for skin. Generally, berries help the body manufacture collagen which makes the skin supple and smooth. Berries (especially blueberries) are loaded with antioxidant compounds that are very effective in neutralizing damaging free radicals (that lead to skin cell damage and premature skin aging) generated in the skin by excessive UV exposure or from other sources. Berries are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, and soluble and insoluble fiber. Berries tossed in cereal, salads, or plain are divine!

6. Carrots
Carrots are a good food for skin because they are a high source of beta-carotene. The body coverts beta-carotene to vitamin A for use within the body. Carrots are also a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that mops up free radicals, such as those produced by overexposure to the sun, that lead to the premature aging of skin. It also aids in skin collagen formation which helps skin look young and plump. Eating carrots can be a natural sunscreen, providing a SPF factor of 2 to 4 in people with light colored skin. My favorite way to have carrots is in their raw, natural state--juice and knock back the sweet, yummy drink.

5 Fitness Myths You Need to Forget

2010-08-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

(Found this article on Yahoo.com and Reader's Digest Online, from the book: What Works What Doesn't.) Enjoy!

To be fit you need to stop letting myths like these hold you back.

1. Walking is not as effective as running.
Sure, you'll burn about twice as many calories running for 30 minutes than walking for 30 minutes. But if a runner and a walker cover the same distance, they burn about the same number of calories. So if you're willing to take the 'slow route,' you'll likely lose just as much weight. In fact, studies have proved that how long you exercise matters more than how hard you exercise.

2. Exercise increases hunger
It's a common misconception: If you burn hundreds of calories during a workout, you'll end up eating more. But research shows that exercise has no effect on a person's food needs, with the exception of endurance athletes who exercise for two hours a day or more. In fact, research shows that exercise often suppresses hunger during and after the workout.

3. It doesn't matter where your calories come from
Calories are not created equal. First, some foods (in particular, proteins) take more energy to chew, digest, metabolize, and store than others. Others (such as fats and carbohydrates) require fewer calories to digest and store. Second, different food types have different effects on your blood sugar. Refined carbohydrates (think white bread, cookies, and fruit drinks) raise blood sugar levels dramatically, which encourages fat storage, weight gain, and hunger. Fibrous foods like apples, as well as proteins, raise blood sugar less, making them friendlier to your waistline. Finally, foods that contain a lot of water, such as vegetables and soup, tend to fill the belly on fewer calories, so you'll stop eating them way before you stop eating more calorie-dense foods.

4. Diet alone is enough for sustained weight loss
You'll lose weight in the short term by slashing calories, but experts say exercise is what keeps pounds off for good. Exercise burns calories, of course. It also builds muscle, which takes up less space than fat. Muscle tissue also requires more calories to sustain it than fat tissue does. In other words, the more muscle tissue you have, the more calories you'll burn at rest. In fact, some studies suggest that over the long term, if you had a choice of eating consistently less or exercising consistently more, exercise would be the better weight-loss choice.

5. There is no best time for exercise
If you're simply walking to get healthy or take off some weight, it doesn't matter when you do it, as long as you do it. But if you're an athlete looking for the best-quality workout, choose the late afternoon, when body temperature is highest. Muscles are warm, reaction time is quick, and strength is at its peak. If you push yourself harder as a result, you will burn more calories.

Come one, Come ALL--School Teams Can Now Use RaceRaiser

2010-08-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

There is a new way to fundraise for your school athletic program. And RaceRaiser is the PERFECT solution for your team's fundraising needs. Not only is it free to set up, but it is also easy and convenient to use!

Here at RaceRaiser we’ve found that it is more effective and less hassling to fundraise online. When using this site, you can create and design your own fundraising webpage, while keeping your teams healthy and happy!

School teams have just begun to use RaceRaiser, and finding remarkable success. Just last May, El Toro Softball raised over $6,000 for their sport’s program with just one webpage (check out: http://www.raceraiser.com/samplepage.php).

I’m really excited for every school team program to use RaceRaiser! We can even link your RaceRaiser page to your existing website. If you have any questions getting started or need some advise, please don’t hesitate to contact us: support@raceraiser.com.

Start raising money today for your team!

Summer Racing is Here!

2010-06-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

RaceRaiser filled up on loads of yellow and red watermelon this past week. We were one of the lucky ones who were invited to attend the Summer Solstice Run in El Dorado Run, also known as the Watermelon Run. First time that we at RaceRaiser had yellow watermelon--interesting, to say the least!

Event Location: El Dorado Park, Los Alamitos, CA.

Races: 5mile run, 3K walk and Youth 1K Fun Run.

Objective: Run through the beautiful and mainly shaded El Dorado Park. Get handed a watermelon to take home, lots of goodies from vendors, and listen to fun music over the loudspeakers.

The Summer Solstice Watermelon Run was a great opening to what will sure be a wonderful summer!

Running teams, parents, kids and the everyday runner all came out, ready to have a good time. And they came away with more than that! From giveaways and goodie bags, to volunteers passing out water, fruit, and toys for the kids, every man seemed to be sporting a full on grin from ear-to-ear.

Try-Us Events coordinated every step of this race, http://www.tryusevents.com/, with sincerity, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Did you know this is one of the oldest races in all of Long Beach?

An immediate must do is to check out the pics we took: www.facebook.com/RaceRaiser. Click on the photo album marked Watermelon Run.

We encourage you all to check out the other races that Try-Us Events coordinates. The Winter Solstice Run is one of our favorites too.

HAPPY SUMMER to All!

Calling all School Athletic Programs!

2010-06-10T14:50:00.001-07:00

Start raising money today for your team!

Rocking, Rolling, Racing and Raising

2010-06-02T12:38:00.001-07:00

We have some RaceRaisers participating this weekend at the Rock n' Roll San Diego Marathon. They have been training and fundraising hard, and we look forward to them crossing the finish line healthy and happy!!!

Good luck to Stephanie, the STAR/PAL Running Team, and Johnny. Check out their pages (link below):

http://www.raceraiser.com/pages/starpal
http://www.raceraiser.com/pages/johnnylincoln

ROCK ON!

RaceRaiser Not Just for Racers

2010-05-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

Have an Active Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

Get outside this year for Mother's day! Get together with mom and the family to create a spectacular, memorable, and fit day. The top two things a mom wants to do for mother's day are walking and heading to the park. Some suggestions to having an active Mother's Day:

1. Sign up for a Mother's Day Race.
2. Go hiking with the family.
3. Head for a walk in the park.
4. Healthy Picnic Outdoors.
5. Outside Family Fun (frisbee, football, baseball, dodgeball).

This is a great way to get the family together, have a great time, celebrate mother's, and live an active, healthier lifestyle. Happy Mother's Day to all!

Two Leading Innovators in the Endurance Sports Industry Join Forces to Provide Online Members a Charitable Interface

2010-05-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Athlinks and RaceRaiser announced today an exclusive partnership that allows Athlinks’ members to create, track, and promote their fundraising efforts for upcoming races. Athlinks members who add an event to their race calendar can seamlessly access RaceRaiser’s database of over 1.5 million domestic non-profits for charitable fundraising. The partnership combines Athlinks’ race results database and social networking platform with RaceRaiser’s online fundraising services to offer the endurance sports community a quick and convenient fundraising experience. This online enhancement made its debut at the end of April.

“This is a great opportunity for Athlinks and RaceRaiser to improve charitable contributions during tough economic times” said Dr. John Lincoln, Director of Operations for RaceRaiser. “We are very excited to offer our services to Athlinks members and to work together toward this common goal.”

“Athlinks is excited to partner with Race Raiser and provide our members with an efficient and affective application that allows them to achieve their giving goals” said Troy Busot founder of Athlinks.com. “Charitable giving has always been an integral part of the endurance sport community. Each year millions of dollars are raised by athletes for a wide spectrum of local and national causes. In fact many of today’s endurance athletes entered the sport to raise money for a cause and then stayed with it.”

After a pilot debut in March, the Athlinks and RaceRaiser collaboration will continue its national rollout to the 100,000 + (at time of press) Athlinks members.

About Athlinks
Athlinks is a web based community design specifically for members of the endurance sports industry. Dynamic features and applications allow athletes, trainers, manufacturers, race directors and retailers to share information on nutrition, gear, races, training and results. The community features are deeply integrated with and built on top of race results for over 34 million athletes drawing the largest specific audience of competitive endurance athletes online -athletes who actively participate in organized running, triathlon, cycling, swimming, and other endurance events.

About RaceRaiser
RaceRaiser is a Web based fundraising forum for individuals and organizations to raise money for charities by participating in athletic events or competitions. By promoting fitness and establishing relationships between individuals and charities in an online community, fundraisers are empowered to hit their athletic targets faster and their fundraising targets more easily. RaceRaiser’s goal is to inspire active individuals to consider charitable causes when participating in events, all the while motivating others to do the same.

5 Easy Ways to Live a More Active, Greener Lifestyle

2010-04-22T09:28:00.000-07:00

Over 140 countries around the globe are celebrating Earth Day. Training, racing and working take up much of our time, yet there are some easy ways you can make a huge impact on the environment by taking some very small steps.

Here are 5 EASY WAYS you can celebrate Earth Day and LIVE A MORE ACTIVE & GREENER LIFESTYLE! They are so simple and effective, you can't NOT do them. Start today, show your love for the planet, and live a greener, healthier life.

1) Take the Stairs
No need to get on the stairclimber at the gym! Start off with the right foot, and take the stairs wherever and whenver you can. It's one of the simplest lifestyle changes that impacts both energy usage & your health.

2) Errand Biking
You heard it first on RaceRaiser--become an errand biker! Going to the grocery store or for a quick shopping trip not to far away?? Strap on that backpack, grab your bicycle lock, and cycle in the beautiful spring weather. And don't forget to bring your reusable totes.

3) Wash Laundry in Cold Water
This is a no-brainer. Save energy by washing your clothes in cold water. Almost all of the energy used by a washing machine towards heating the water, so by simply turning down the temperature you can make a dramatic impact on energy use. In fact, washing clothes in cold water uses 5 to 10 times less than using warmer settings.

4) Get of that Treadmill & Get Some Fresh Air
There is so much energy consumed when factoring in treadmill usage--the machine itself, along with the TV(s) you are watching, the A/C, lighting and more! Why not take your sweat outside? Smell in that sweet spring air; going running at your favorite parks, neighborhoods, beaches, lakes and hills. Have a great time!

5) Filter your Water
Say it with me: Tap, Filter, Pour. You got it! Did you know Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles an hour? Purchase a filtered pitcher and reusable water bottle for at-home use and on-the-go.

Become a greener, healthier you!

Good News for All!

2010-04-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

We have some great things a-happening in RaceRaiser Land, and will be making announcements in the next few months. Good news for charities, events, and all the racers out there. More info to come shortly!

A RaceRaiser's Inspiring Story

2010-03-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

We come across many inspiring stories, and this one is no exception. Yes, this race and raise got the girl's in the RaceRaiser office teary-eyed, and the men whooping for the monumental finish and successful fundraiser. Here's the short story: One of our RaceRaiser's, Eric, finished his first Half Ironman! He exceeded his goal of $1,500, and raced for a cause so dear to him and close to his heart: the Dwarf Athletic Association of America.

The 27th of March was a very long day for this RaceRaiser, and after 8 + hours of racing he made it to the finish line with his wife and kids cheering him on. The part that got the waterworks from the girl's in the office: one of Eric's children who is height challenged had an Ironman tattoo in honor of his daddy.

To view Eric's full story, visit his RaceRaiser page at www.raceraiser.com/pages/ericpotter. Donations are still being accepted until April 20th.

A Mud Event Like No Other

2010-03-16T12:50:00.000-07:00

RaceRaiser got down and dirty this past weekend in Cali. We were one of the lucky ones who were invited to attend the March Mudness 2010. Jealous? (I would be...). Event Location: Irvine, CA. Races: 5K, 5mi, & Youth Mini. Objective: Run, crawl, leap, n' climb your way through mud pits, tires, logs, and oh-so-deep swamps. The March Mudness was truly an obstacle course like no other!!!

Participants came out in full regalia, teams and individuals, all ready to have a good time. And they came away with more than that! From giveaways at the Expo, to volunteers running basketball, soccer and football, every man seemed to be sporting a full on grin from ear-to-ear.

5 Star Generation coordinated every step of this race, http://www.5stargeneration.com/, with sincerity, enthusiasm, and professionalism. The result was an event of brilliance. Shout out to the friendly faces of Austin and Beverly, who I am sure poured their hearts into creating this extraordinary race.

An immediate must do is to check out the pics we took: www.facebook.com/RaceRaiser. Click on the photo album marked March Mudness.

We encourage you all to attend 5 Star’s next event this summer, as RaceRaiser is certainly looking forward to another excellent day of mud, fun, and the beautiful Cali sun.

Taking Initiative with Fundraising

2010-03-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

Last week, I received a letter in the mail from one of our RaceRaisers. Surprised, happy, and ultimately inspired, I knew that this letter should be shared with the RaceRaiser community. Why? The author, James Lincoln, took initiative by not only setting up a RaceRaiser page and emailing contacts online, but also hitting up the same people through the good ol' postal service. James' page for the TVT 'O' Ambassadors has only been online for only 2 weeks, and yet has already raised $1,535!!! (Check out www.raceraiser.com/pages/JamesLincoln).

I encourage all of you RaceRaisers to take initiative like James; get creative with your pages and fundraising efforts and you will see maximum results. Good luck to everyone out there participating in these amazing events and raising money for charities nationwide!

Below is a portion of the letter I received:

Myself and 23 selected high school students from Tarbut V' Torah Community Day School will be travelling to Ecuador this summer. We are representing the United States as "O Ambassadors." Our school was chosen through Oprah's Angel Network that seeks to inspire young people to become compassionate, knowledgeable and active global citizens. In having the students themselves physically build the school they will concretely learn how much impact they can have. It will also hopefully inspire them to be life long charitable contributors to a world effort of "Tikkun Olam, " repairing the world.

I believe that our mission on this trip is one that you would be willing to support. Empowering the world's children through education is something that I think everyone believes in. Our trip costs almost $80,000 and the kids have been fundraising since they were selected in December. I am writing to you to ask for a contribution to our cause. It is quick and easy to donate online: www.raceraiser.com/pages/jameslincoln. Yours will be a big help. Thank you.

El Toro High School Testimonial

2009-10-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

"El Toro high school girls softball program had extreme success using the RaceRaiser website. We set a goal to raise a combined $6,000 for our program and the event we ran in. Our girls chose to run in the race for the cure to help fight breast cancer. Our program made up an informational flyer describing the event and how a portion of the money would go toward the race for a cure while the rest would help run our program for the upcoming season. The girls then used email/Facebook/Myspace etc. to get the flyer out to people they know. Donations then started to pour in. Once everything was set up it was so easy from our end. We just watched the website raise more and more money. We really believe that if you get your program in a meaningful event people are more than willing to donate money. When the race was all said and done we were able to raise over $6,000."

"The race was a great experience for our girls and our program. It is nice for them to experience an event like this that has touched so many lives. Not only did they feel good raising money to support their softball program, but they now understand the feeling to raise money for a worthy cause like finding a cure for Breast Cancer."
Sincerely,
El Toro High School Softball Team
(Published with permission from El Toro High School, October 2009)

First Fundraising Experience

2009-04-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Most of us recognize that online fundraising has the power to enhance donations well beyond traditional methods. What I didn’t realize personally was that in combination, racing and fundraising create an unmatched level of sponsorship. In my first fundraising experience using RaceRaiser, I was able to raise over $1365 for Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) in just 1 week. The link between fitness and fundraising is a strong one in our community, but this becomes even stronger when you rally the personal support of your friends and family.

Beyond the funds raised for TACA, I also experienced other unforeseen benefits using RaceRaiser. The first was that I received a very thoughtful care package from TACA, and a personal letter from the director thanking me for my fundraising efforts – and this BEFORE I even ran the race, which was inspiring during my run, and touching. The second benefit was that it instilled the mutually beneficial themes of fitness and fundraising in those who supported me. Many of those who donated to the fundraising page have gone on to challenge themselves to create their own online fundraiser.

To be sure, the experience was beyond positive. I ran a PR time in the race, finishing with huge smile on my face (believe me, this never happens to me!). I am thankful for the gratitude of my supporters and am happy to have completed this fundraiser with the memory that I not only met my race-time goal, I helped a charitable cause while doing it.

Welcome One, Welcome All!

2009-03-07T15:07:00.001-08:00

We are so excited to welcome you to the launch of our new site, www.raceraiser.com! And why not have our first blog be about the inspiration of this new site and your new relationship with RaceRaiser. So welcome, welcome and WELCOME!

Why is the team so pumped up to finally have RaceRasier up-and-running, and why are we so excited you are reading this blog? Well… it has been a dream of ours to combine two of our favorite pastimes: athleticism and giving. And we feel like we have found that here with the purpose of this site, and with the beautiful launch of RaceRaiser. What better than to help raise money for causes all over our nation, while promoting health and fitness?? Guess you can say we just want to make the world a better place and truly enjoy what we do.

We hope this will be life changing… maybe we’ll jump on the bandwagon and do a few races too!

So what brings you to RaceRaiser? Is this your first race, or are you one of those racers who has their walls filled with race bibs? Inspire away.

Fundraising Tips!

2008-12-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

Unleash the monster that is RaceRaiser—Make your RaceRaiser Fundraising page a fierce fundraiser!

Having a personal online fundraising page is one of the easiest ways to raise money for your charity. This is YOUR page, YOUR race, and YOUR cause.

Below are some tips to maximize your page's impact. Reach out and inspire:

1. Start a Buzz
Compile a contact list of family, friends, co-workers, friends of friends… Why not add your mother’s cousin’s best friend’s hairdresser? Afterall, your cause it worth it!
You can easily email a link to your fundraising page through your RaceRaiser account. You can also easily send out other follow up emails such as reminder emails, thank you notes, etc. Login now, to check it out >>

2. Spill It
Share your story. Tell people about your race and your charity. What inspired you to race? Why did you pick this event? How is this charity important to you? Others can learn about why you are participating, and make a secure donation online, with just a few clicks.

3. Aim High
Set a monstrosity of a fundraising goal--Whatever amount you want to raise, set your fundraising target even higher! Your donors will want to see your reach your goal (and some are known to contribute again if getting close to achieving it).

4. Raise Early
The early bird gets the gold trophy, in our book anyway! By starting your fundraising efforts early, you will give people ample time to visit your page and donate.

5. Keep your donors involved
Get personal—Use the email templates in your RaceRaiser account. Send out updates on your training, your health, and even your emotions leading up to race day. Did you reach a personal best? Have a bad day? Encourage contacts to respond. Share updates on where you are in your fundraising goal. And never feel guilty asking for donations.

6. Show Appreciation
Thank your donors—RaceRaiser will automatically email a thank you note after a donor makes a contribution. You can edit this email in your RaceRaiser account, to add your own personal touch. Be sure to tell donors how great their support is, and how deeply touched you are by their generosity.

7. Seize the Printer
Create a tear-away flyer with a picture and your personal RaceRaiser web address (url). Post it in key spots (break room at work, front desk of gym, club house…). People can tear off the info, and go online to check out your efforts as well as donate to your cause.

8. Effortless but Effective
Add your RaceRaiser webpage in the signature line in your work and personal mails. Every e-mail you then send out is another opportunity to fundraise and spread the word about your race.
9. Update your Contact List
Continue to update your address book with new contacts. If you have missed or recently remembered somebody, send them a link!

Best of luck in your fundraising efforts. Remember that you're making a difference! Good for you!