One Week Until the BlogHer 5K

One week from today I will be running/walking about 3 miles through Central Park with some awesome bloggers and supporters of a wonderful cause. The BlogHer 5K is something I threw together last year at BlogHer ’09 in Chicago. I almost opted out of organizing it again this year because I’m trying hard to say “no” to potential stressors in my life, but I’m so glad I decided to stick with it. It has grown into something amazing that I’m proud to be a part of.

Shortly after I announced the details of the 5K event, I was contacted by Kristen (Shredheads) and Catherine (Her Bad Mother) about partnering with Tutus For Tanner to raise awareness for Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). And things have just exploded since then. Here’s what’s happening:

• Tanner will be at BlogHer. He’ll be at the start area (the lobby near Bridge’s Restaurant) with Catherine, so be sure you give him a high-five.
• Many of the 5K runners/walkers will be in tutus. And I propose that anyone who wants to support Tanner should just wear their tutu all day on Friday at BlogHer. You can make a tutu for about $10 in under an hour with Design Mom’s awesome tutorial. I’ve got my supplies and will be making mine this weekend.
• Jon (Black Hockey Jesus) has gone above and beyond. After he runs the 5K, he’s going to keep going as long as he can to raise money and support Tanner. Tanner’s mom Chrissie will be running with Jon. See that ChipIn widget in my sidebar? Jon’s raised nearly $2,000 already. Please donate and spread the word so we can raise $5K at the 5K!
• Scott (@unmarketing) is organizing an auction and a Tweetathon this Wednesday. You might win an iPad, a weekend in Vegas, or a trampoline. Seriously.
• Maya (@thinkmaya) has created a book for Tanner. It is a great way for you to introduce your kids to other special needs kids and teach them to look beyond the physical. Check it out and donate for Tanner.
• Tutus For Tanner has a Facebook page. Go like it. Now.
• And don’t miss this post with all the background and info you need about Tanner and how you can help make his dreams come true.

I know there’s more happening to raise funds for DMD, so if you’ve got something planned, please leave a comment!

I’ve been busy training with the TeamGOsmart training program from Omron. They gave me a wonderful pace and distance tracker and a few extra that will be given out at random to BlogHer 5K registered participants! Be sure to come back to the 5K breakfast after your run/walk and you might be one of the lucky ones who get an Omron pedometer in their swag bag!

Even if you’re not participating in the BlogHer 5K – and if you can get up at 6:30 am Friday morning – consider taking a short walk to Central Park or down Broadway to watch the tutus go by. It’ll be a photo opp for sure!