I'm running 5k's & raising money for the dogs...help me

[StrongView]

Fellow VeganFitness runners. It is because of your support and knowledge (and a bit of determination on my own part) that I am where I am today. I am now officially a runner. I can run a 5k without worries of dying. It's a good feeling. As many people do, I have entered two 5k races (one in the US and one in Bangkok) and am trying to raise money for my favorite charities Soi Dog Rescue. Soi dogs (unlike the soy dogs we eat) are stray dogs that live on the streets in Thailand. They are sick, abused, lonely and hungry. Soi Dog Rescue gets them fixed up and adopted to loving homes. They, unfortunately work off of donations only, as they cannot operate as a charity in Thailand (too much paperwork).
They are doing this wonderful sterilization program starting in mid October until early November. 30+ vets are visiting from around the world to come help with the sterilizations around Thailand (hoping for 1000+ dogs)....and they need money to buy supplies. If you checkout my new website (designed specifically for this fundraising) http://www.mattruns.com, you'll see a bit more and be able to donate. Since we're all vegans, sure animal lovers and athletes ....I figured you may be interested. Check out the site and tell others about it.
Thanks to everyone.... -Matt

[JP]

hows this progressing mate?

Anyways, wanted to say good luck and enjoy the experience

[StrongView]

going great JP...thanks for asking. training is going great. We're up to $630 of donatations. Hoping to make it to $2000. We'll see. Thanks for checking in.

[Malcolms Billy]

Wow! Totally missed this, as I'm well into anything dog related, but not into running - while 'my' dogs are into running, but not with me! Hey, I'd love to make a donation, but I don't have a credit card or a paypal account (sorry Rochelle, never got it sorted ), so is there another way for us techno-financially challenged to make a contributtion? I've heard of the Soi Dog foundation, they were doing phenomenal work at the beginning of this year with the tsunami. Somehow I seem to remember that they are based in Holland? Could google it of course, not too bright at this time of day Maybe also post this in the General section, just to get a wider audience.
Good luck with your runs and fundraising!

[StrongView]

Thanks so much. I'll post it in the general section too. You could always send a money order via post to the US. I'm in the US until Nov 6, so you could send it to my home address. Email me @ matt@mattruns.com if you'd like the address and I can email it to you.
Thanks for the help!

Matt

[tylerm]

I had missed this thread somehow as well, thanks to the veganfitness newsletter it was brought to my attention. I made a small donation, hope it helps out!

[StrongView]

Tyler, it makes all the difference in the world. I will be returning to Thailand next week and will be bringing your donation with me for Soi Dog Rescue.

For the record, I ran my first 5k ever in 31:48, so not too bad. I beat my personal best of 32:00 and for someone who just started exercising 8 months ago (for the first time in his life)....I'd say that's not too shabby.

Two pictures to commemorate the event:

Starting out:



Finishing off:

[JP]

nice pics man

...though you look like you are just having a relaxed job to the end, compare yourself to that man in front who looks like he is about to collapse

when is the next one?

[StrongView]

Thanks for saying I look "relaxed".
Next race is Bangkok Marathon, though I am doing only the 5k on that too. Sunday November 27th. Will be quite a difference. This one I just did was in 56 degree (Fahrenheit) weather with very low humidity. Bangkok will be around 90 degrees (Fahrenheit) with around 85% humidity. Well, at least I'm getting some variety.

[ultra_whippet]

Good work Matt, you look strong at the finish there! Bangkok sounds like it will be tough, but if you have some time to acclimatise before the race you should be fine..... good luck anyhow

[Mary]

Seems like you paced yourself really well, since you do look strong at the end. Well done! I shake all over at the end of any run, and find it hard to pace myself, even though the heart monitor has helped a lot there. Seems like you have an internal clock, and you know how to listen to your body without having external help. I look forward to seeing how you continue with your running!

[Frostfire]

Good job , the pictures look great, you look really strong. Can't wait to hear about the next race.

[Tarz]

Not surprised that chap looked ready to drop running in a thick tracksuit like that with a T-shirt on underneath. 56 degrees is still mild/warm.

Good luck with the Bangkok marathon Matt. That would be some achievement in that humidity. Not only that but the pollution too....

Were you aware of the Bangkok Hash Harriers ( running clubs ) - http://www.bangkokhhh.com/ , http://www.bangkokmondayhhh.com/ . I'm not sure if you are based in Bangkok when in Thailand or not? I know there are other Hash clubs elsewhere in Thailand too though.

I was in Bangkok and Thailand for the first time in September. The humidity is really something else, as are the monsoonal rains....

I went running on Ko Samet - I have never sweated so much in my life it was so humid.

I know what you mean about the dogs. It's sad to see. I am right in believing that the dogs are not destroyed because of the Buddhist faith?? Some are actually in very good condition and survive quite well - especially on the islands. It's cute to see the dogs dig themselves a bed on the beach for the night. Some are not so fortunate - I saw some quite horrendous tumours and growths on some dogs, others with obvious breaks in their legs and a few with terrible mange that was quite awful to look at it - hardly any fur and their skin was red raw and bleeding from all the scratching.

I was reading a paper outside an internet cafe with one starving dog lingering. I couldn't ignore him, and make no apologies for getting him some pork product from a shop. He wolfed it down. The poor thing was still hanging around whilst I went online in the cafe - he was still licking the wrapper that the meat was in an hour later. I brought some more pork for him and again he wolfed that down. He eventually let me stroke him - probably not wise because of the risk of rabies - but he appreciated me making a fuss of him. I was only wondering the other day how the poor mutt would be doing, indeed if still alive at all. I take some heart that I sated it's hunger for a few hours at least, and gave it some affection.

Although most packs of stray dogs are placid and will shy away from you, some packs can be quite intimidating. I went on one late night walk, with no locals about to shout the dogs away, and I had a load of them at my heels. I was certain one was going to bite me and just preparing myself to get to hospital for my rabies jab...

I had been wondering if there existed any charities to assist the dogs - I'm glad to read that there is. I'll be donating to you Matt - I would also recommend those that are able to do so to give what they can.

Good luck with the running,

Matt.

[StrongView]

Tarz, I was thinking the same thing about the tracksuit....the whole time I was around him. I was quite warm in my doubled shirts and shorts...

Your story is much appreciated. There is actually a version of Soi Dog Rescue (though not the same organization) on Koh Samui...as far as Koh Samet, I can't say for sure.

I just got an update from the head of Soi Dog Rescue, that as of today they have sterilized 621 dogs, and one rabbit (she said "don't ask") sinxe the 18th of October. They are now heading for Lopburi and Ayuthaya next week and then back to Bangkok to finish out the tour. Hoping for 1000+ sterilizations by that point.

Thanks to all for the words of support. I know that I'm no track star....but I'm running just the same. Check out www.mattruns.com if you haven't. I'll be updating the site shortly with pics, times and whatnot...but you all know that already!