Picture this…

You’re running past beautiful mountains and can feel the cool breeze on your back. You run on and then see the cityscape in the distance and know the finish line is looming in the distance. You pass other racers along the path, as you head toward the next mile marker.

Anchorage Alaska Marathon, 2001

Then you begin to think about how much further you have to go. You’re starting to feel tired and winded.

Then, all of a sudden, you hear cheers and whistles. You turn a bend in the path and immediately see dozens of people, clapping and cheering on the racers.

You see your coach who calls your name and encourages you on — You can do it! Your heart lightens as you take a drink and keep going, confident in your next steps. You’re confident that you will finish this race.

This is just a glimpse of how it feels to be in a race, and know you have a team of supporters cheering you on!

Any experienced marathoner will tell you that to finish the race well, you need a coach!

While there are fitness trainers, personal coaches and marathon experts who would love for you to pay them to be your coach, there is another way.

How? By joining a charity sponsored marathon training program. The concept is simple, the charity provides expert coaching — either running, walking, cycling or triathalon training, depending on the event you have chosen.

Travel to the event, which may be across the country or around the world, is usually provided for free.

In exchange for training and travel, you agree to raise the requested amount of money for the charity.
It’s that simple.

The non-profit agencies in the United States that run training programs include:

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training

More on Team in Training

American Heart Association Train to End Stroke

Arthritis Foundation Joints in Motion

So what does it take to complete an endurance event?

These training programs require a significant time investment. Consider the time you will be training for the run/walk event, plus the time that you commit to your fundraising efforts.

You will be doing your physical training 4-6 days per week, depending on the advice of your coach. If you are already exercising a few times per week, in reality you may only be adding one or two additional training sessions.

You will be training with the group one day a week, which is usually a Saturday morning. This group training day is your biggest commitment of time. You will be running or walking longer distances on these days. Plus to really get the full benefit of the program you need to attend most of these group events.

Raise Money for a Great Cause

You will be fundraising toward at least the minimum amount specified by the organization. The fundraising minimum for such programs is usually $1,500 to $5,000 if travel is included. While this may sound like a high amount at first, let me assure you, this is an attainable goal!

Your fundraising efforts will be supported by the charity, your teammates and mentor. Plus your fundraising efforts will be supported by me! Yes, that is what this website is all about. I am here to help you reach your fundrasing goals.

The really cool thing about fundraising for a run/walk event, is that your contribution is multiplied by the hundreds or thousands of other participants. Your contribution makes a difference!

So are you ready for the challenge?

Step #1 - Learn about marathon training programs and register:

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training

More on Team in Training

American Heart Association - Train to End Stroke

Arthritis Foundation - Joints in Motion

View more events listed by cause

Find about 5Ks or other short distance events

If you are an experienced runner or walker, you may choose to do the event on your own. You may actively raise funds for any charity, and set your own goals. Or you may simply pay the registration fee for the event, which also benefits a charity.

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I just started a half-marathon training schedule about 2 weeks back. By some lucky coincidence, I started the program right when a cold snap hit. This morning I didn’t get out til 10 am and it was still 26 degrees. I was all bundled up with earmuffs, gloves and scarf.

The trail that I walk down goes along a river. Well, they call it a river, but it’s not very wide. Anyway, I was about a mile into my walk when I noticed something floating in the river. At first I thought it was just a tree branch, but then I watched it for awhile. There was a hump and then about six inches down a smaller bump. After a few seconds it dived down into the water. I swear it was an alligator!

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Step By Step Fundraising Ideas Brought to you by
http://www.StepByStepFundraising.com

February 2004

In this issue -

- New Fundraising and Fitness Resources
- Featured Fundraiser & Athlete for February
- More Fundraising Idea Articles!
- Save with Entertainment Books, $10 off & Free Shipping!

Boy, have I gotten off to a great start on my New Year’s
Resolutions!

Several of these resolutions involved site updates. So, I am happy to say that there are several new sections to the site. I also am continuing to work on new articles and resources that will help YOU raise the funds for YOUR charity!

There’s so much to cover in this issue, so let’s get started. . .

New Fundraising and Fitness Resources

Now you have two more great tools at your fingertips!

The Fundraising Resources page is filled with links to great companies that provide products (like candy, cookie dough) or services (event fundraisers) to help you with your fundraising
efforts.

There are also links to other non-profit websites for grants and
other information.

Check it out at:
http://www.stepbystepfundraising.com/resource/fundraising-resources.htm

The Fitness Resources page is great for those of you who are participating in a charity run/walk, or just want to get in better shape! You’ll find running and walking training information, sports equipment links and even yoga and pilates!

Check it out at:
http://www.stepbystepfundraising.com/resource/fitness-resources.htm

Featured Fundraiser & Athlete for February

What does a marathoner do when faced with training and race day injuries? Find out from our Featured Fundraiser Athlete, Sue Otten. This mother of two, wife and entrepreneur persevered to complete the Houston Marathon in 5 hours and 16 minutes!

Read her inspiring story:
http://www.stepbystepfundraising.com/articles/sueotten.htm

More Articles!

Looking for more fundraising ideas? Take some hints from these
articles on the website:

Step By Step Raffle Guide – Raffles are one of the most profitable fundraisers, especially for small groups or individuals! This guide will give you all the info you need to set up a great raffle!
http://www.stepbystepfundraising.com/fundraising/raffle.htm

Dinner and A Murder Mystery Games – This would make a great Valentine’s party fundraiser! It is called the Class of ‘57 - A Killer Reunion. This romantic murder mystery with a 1950’s theme is designed to be played with a group of couples. Other great games are available for any time of the year.

Step By Step Guide to Writing a Fundraising Letter - One of the best ways to raise money when you’re participating in a run/walk event is a fundraising letter.

Save with Entertainment Books, $10 off & Free Shipping!

Okay, it may be too late to take advantage of this one as a fundraiser for this year. But this is a great chance for you to preview the Entertainment Book for yourself. You can find out firsthand how valuable these books are, and see WHY they make such great fundraisers!

We bought the book two years in a row from our church’s preschool who sold them as a fundraiser. Last year our family saved at least $200 using the Entertainment book! These popular books are published in over 150 city metro areas in the United States and Canada.

The books really help a family on a budget, with up to 50% OFF coupons at local restaurants and $5 off each and every month at local grocery stores.

If you act now, you can get the 2004 Entertainment Book for $10 off and FREE SHIPPING! But hurry, this discount expires at the end of February!

Entertainment Book Fundraiser

In The Next Issue

Last month I told you about a special course called “The 5 Keys to Successful Fundraising.” In 5 lessons, you will find out the most essential ingredients to raising funds for your charity.

I am currently writing this course, and hope to have it published by the end of February. (Oh, by the way, did I mention it is FREE to subscribers of this ezine?)

So how do you take donations from friends and family that live far away? Well online fundraising is one answer. In the March edition of the newsletter, we’ll look at how you can kick your campaign into high gear with an online fundraising site.

Some pretty exciting stuff!

So til then, if you have any questions, suggestions or other ideas, just send an email to me at
sandra@stepbystepfundraising.com

Dedicated to your fundraising success,
Sandra Sims
Editor/Publisher,
Step By Step Fundraising

Fundraising Newsletter Archive

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