Vera Heidolph

While running my 5 mi. along the coast of Encinitas yesterday I admired the dolphins frolicking in the ocean as the sun set.  But for every carefree dolphin there are millions of animals who can't enjoy a sunset, fresh air or freedom from fear or torture.  It made me push myself harder knowing how desperately  those animals need to be helped.  I'm very excited about raising funds while raising awareness of animal issues and what PETA is all about.  This week I've logged another 15 + miles & still feel pretty strong.  I'm touched by the donations so far.  Please keep them coming!  I'll update the running log as the weeks progress and look forward to the piggy bank filling up with donations - hint, hint!! :):),
***1/25/10 -Update - just ran 7 miles in 1:02:12!  13.1 miles are starting to seem like more of a reality and possibility.  Getting very excited about it.  I'm going to SF this wk to preview the course and run part of it.  ***2/2/10 - Update - I previewed and ran part(5 mi.) of the course in Oakland.  After training in sunny San Diego it was an affront to the senses to battle driving wind, frosty temperatures and East Coast type rain! The thought that movitated me during the run was all of the animals at that moment without any shelter who didn't have a voice or an advocate.  We are running and rooting for them, which gives me hope and inspiration.  My long distance run this wk - 6 mi. - was completed in 56:42, which is another record for me!  I see more donations and want to thank-you for every penny. Thanks to anonymous!!?!?  *** 2/7 & 2/14 updates: 9 mi. and 10 mi. (1:29:06 and 1:38:30) respectively!  Wow! These distances are in another dimension.  I'm starting to see the Oakland finish line!  I'm shooting a bit less for speed at these distances and more for finishing it soundly.  The training is grueling and all-encompassing.  There have been temptations to stop mid-run, but then I remeber why we are working so hard - for all of the animals who are counting on us.    We have the freedom and the means to help them, so this is no time to wuss out.  Hats off to everyone training in cold temps! 
*** update 2/21 - 11 mi in 1:50:00. Wow, it was challenging!   It reminded me of the times during vet school when I wanted to quit because of all of the cruelty to animals that goes on within vet schools.  The only thing that kept me going then and today is the thought that if we stop, we can't help any animals. Can't wait to meet the Peta pack soon!

Just got back from a cruise during which I logged 37 miles in 7 days, including a 13 mile run, all while being rocked by the Caribbean waves.  It turns out that 37 miles is about the # of miles you need to run to burn off a certain amount of food and booze on a cruise!  My friends on the cruise couldn't believe I was running, but it was a no-brainer - run, rest, recreate!  I feel Im ready to run the race and finish and have extra motivation now.  When I returned home from the cruise my 13 yr. old Boxer died in my arms.  She lived a long, wonderful life, luckier than so many other dogs, but her passing leaves a void in my heart.  I will dedicate my race not only to all of the nameless creatures, but esp. to Dijon, my sweert little girl.  Although I've received some generous donations, don't let that stop anyone from helping Peta out.  We may get matched dollar for dollar, so every penny is still welcome.  :)Vera