Road ID

I ordered ID tags to attach to my running shoes the other day. I constantly think about how lucky I was that I had my running buddy with me on That Fateful Day. Now when I run alone, I carry my driver's license, my defibrillator card, and my cell phone. Unfortunately, I often leave my license in my running pack or on the kitchen counter or in my jacket pocket or any number of places besides my wallet. Imagine explaining that to the nice officer--not that I'm a road hazard or anything.

To solve this problem, I ordered the Shoe ID from Road ID. And don't you know, they sent me a cute email that gives you, my friends/family/acquaintances, a discount. The sample email I should send my friends is shown below. So order up, people, and enjoy that extra dollar.

**********Begin Sample Email**********

Hey Everyone,

I just ordered one of the best products ever. It's called a Road ID - perhaps you've heard of it. If you haven't, go to their website and check it out. Road ID is a great product that could save your life someday.

When I ordered, they gave me a coupon that I could pass along to my friends. Here's the coupon number:

Coupon Number: ThanksPaula375127

The coupon is good for $1 off any Road ID order placed by 06/23/2008. To order, simply go to RoadID.com or click the link below:

http://www.RoadID.com/?CID=ThanksPaula375127

If you prefer, you can call them at 800-345-6335.

You can thank me later,

My-name-here

Oh by the way, their website is awesome, the customer service is outstanding, and the owners are very smart and good looking.

**********END Sample Email**********

Thanks!

To everyone who came out and joined me in my little celebration, thank you so much! It has been an amazing year in which I learned how strong I can be when I need to be, how supportive and wonderful my friends are, how strangers can make a difference in your life, and how incredible, fantastic, wonderful, magnificent, wonderful, marvelous, formidable, terrific--you get the idea--my family is.

It was very special and meaningful to share my one year celebration with my family and friends, but just as important, several people used the event as an excuse to increase their activity and for that I am thankful. I'm on a mission, you know.

And so now I'm on to the next challenge. I'm looking for some women to join me and my pals at the Tufts 10K on October 13. You can run or walk or run/walk it, but I promise you'll be moved! So let me know if you're interested.

As for the picture above, starting from the back row left, going clockwise: me, the J-Man, Double D, my mom and dad, my sister Phyllis, my nephew Carlton, and my sister Sandy. Now why do those two sisters look so alike, you wonder? Those two are actually part of a threesome--yep, triplets. From back before it was fashionable. Sandy made the shirts. They have a heart that connects to an ICD. And some of us are wearing "Not Dead Yet" buttons from Spamalot.

FAD 5

For those of you who are looking for more opportunities to get out and walk/run, try the Foxboro Against Diabetes 5K on May 31 at 10:00. It's a fun race with a flat course and real prizes, real t-shirts, real water stops, and real entertainment. You'll also be helping to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. It's a very family-oriented event. All three of the elementary schools in town have children who train for the race and participate in it.

I'll have a few sign up sheets available, but the easiest way to sign up is to go the website.

Some last minute information

If any of you are planning on joining us for the fun run/walk, we're meeting at the Taylor School in Foxboro (196 South Street). Carpool if you can because the parking lot is small. We'll start at 9:00. The route can be viewed at the bottom of this page. I have the route printed on small pieces of paper if you need it. Big red hearts with arrows will be posted, too. I have red dress pins from the Go Red for Women organization to give you so be sure to grab one before you leave. And in spite of my promises of no frills, water will be available after the race along with a drawing for a couple of prizes. No trips to Aruba or anything, but just my way of saying thanks.

Live Longer!

There are so many reasons to get out walk or run or do some kind of physical activity. Stress reduction is one, but according to the American Heart Association, studies show that adults may gain as many as two hours of life expectancy for each hour of regular, vigorous exercise. Joining us for a 3.4 mile walk could add 1.7 hours to your life! (You can thank me later.)

This is such a key component to heart health that the American Heart Association has launched a Start Walking America campaign to get people moving.

So get out there! Get moving! And live longer!