Team A: It's a No-Go

It is with mixed emotions that I blog this morning and relay that we have ultimately decided to cancel the 2011 Run for the Reason. As a group and with much advisement from other folks we came to the decision that continuing with the event would be inappropriate in the wake of the destruction, the outages and the deaths as a result of the storms that passed through yesterday and into the evening. Just to recap the last 12 hours or so:

 

At around 7pm Kevin Manogue sent an email out notifying all runners and drivers that we would continue as planned, however we would cancel the Run if we were to lose more runners or drivers (we were already down to 5 and 3 respectively per team), the roads were impassible in any of the areas we would be running and if the optics of continuing with the Run made us uncomfortable after we were able as a corporation to survey the damage. Team A rallied at Inverness around 9:30 last night and decided we would make the trek to Anniston to our hotel and make a game time decision in the morning. At 5 am this morning we woke up, hesitantly tuned into the news, and put on our running clothes  -- well except for Chesley, who is a cross between a modern day cave man and renaissance man and was appropriately dressed in khaki pants and wearing no shoes. We discovered yet another obstacle as we packed up at the hotel to head to our starting point that we had no rope or bungee cords with which to affix our banners. And, as we pulled up to the Georgia State Line sign we made our final call…

 

Admittedly, none of us were really jumping up and down about having to run additional mileage with fewer resources, but for varied reasons each of our teammates are ultimately feeling disappointed. From a personal perspective I am disappointed that I couldn't slog through my 25 miles to prove to my mom that I'm here for her. I'm disappointed that I couldn't endure the unanticipated circumstances and additional mileage – just as my mom had to endure her unanticipated circumstance and additional encumbrances cancer provided for her. I don't speak for my whole team when I say this, but for me personally there is a certain degree of defeat that I'm feeling at this moment. Having said that I can admit that I believe we made the "right" decision. The good news out of all of this is that we will likely be able to donate more money to ACS as we have now nearly eliminated our travel expenses. And, we have been able to offer our time and service to the communities, should they need/want it, in recovery efforts. 

 

And finally to our followers -- I am disappointed that you will no longer be treated to our witty blogs during the next three days. It's truly sad for you all that you'll have to find other avenues to fill the entertainment void our blog is undoubtedly leaving. For that, we apologize.

 

We'll be back soon to update you all on how everything pans out. But for now, thank you for your support. Thank you for your donations. Thank you for reading.

 

RFTR Crew

 

Event Cancelled: Storm Damage

Sponsors, friends, and family,

It is with great disappointment that we have cancelled this year's event. With 400,000 customers of Alabama Power without power and over 100 deaths statewide, we did not feel it was appropriate to continue the event. We do not want to be disrespectful to communities affected, and we do not want to hinder emergency crews or storm crews due to our slow speeds.

Thank you for your support. We will update the blog with our final fundraising numbers soon. We truly appreciate your support.

Thank you,


Bryan Coley

Zeus didn’t get the memo…

 Dear Zeus (ye olde Greek God of clouds, rain, thunder and lightning),

I regret to inform you that your moody attitude does not jive with the 2011 Run for the Reason. We here at Alabama Power are quite aware that something has soured your mood, and we are most unappreciative. In watching the radar and listening to FoxAL6, I have had the distinct privilege of hearing all of the on-duty meteorologists use the terms "debris ball," "violent tornado," "relentless storm" ad nauseum (ß that means "until I'm nauseated"). All of this would be fine and well if not for a couple of little gems of information that you, All Powerful God of Weather, may not have received. So I will – Designated Team A Blog Enthusiast – delight in informing you of these particulars:

 

Fact #1 – We are trying to cure cancer. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that you didn't realize that each of us who signed up for this grueling 2 ½ day adventure in RVs have singularly compelling reasons to want to cure cancer. We do. Now, we understand that parading around the state in running shorts all sweaty and high off of endorphins isn't actually going to cure cancer. But we've raised 40 G's for the American Cancer Society for this event and it'd sure be nice if we actually got to run this year. Some of us (myself excluded) have even trained pretty hard for this. As an aside, my lack of training was not because of a lack of need but more so a lack of time (pathetic, I know). My fellow teammates and the greater group of folks will surely be impressed by my aggressively slow pace.

 

Fact #2 – We work for the power company. All travel complications aside, when the weather is bad the power goes out. It's not our fault, we promise. We do our best to keep the great retail customers of Alabama's lights on and our people work day or night. Speaking of which, a good portion of our folks are now on "storm duty." This means that they don't get to run because they're getting the electricity restored. I'm going to go easy on you ol' Zeusy and figure that you didn't put two-and-two together on this one. But, when we have fewer runners, we run more miles. Again, as an aside, I'd like to point out that my aforementioned lack of in-shapedness is likely exacerbated when I have to run more miles. I'm just saying…it ain't pretty.

 

Fact #3 – We run on back-roads. Because we are as considerate of traffic patterns and urban congestion as we are, we like to keep it country (reference last year's blog about local scenery). What kind of condition awaits us on these trusty colorful back roads? Will we be hopping over trees? Dodging displaced mobile homes? Skirting down power lines? These kind of obstacles can't be predicted. Go easy on us, pal.

 

Fact #4 – Target Zero – Every Day, Every Job, Safely. The end.

 

I hope, dear friend, you aren't offended by the specifics that outlined. And, I expect upon receipt of such dire information that you will immediately somehow rectify the situation.

 

Hugs and Kisses,

Brooke (and the rest of the RFTR crew)

Alabama Power teams up with Cancer Society in ‘Run for the Reason’

Reproduced from the Alabama Power Media Website

Alabama Power employees are joining in the fight against cancer as they prepare to run 350 miles in the 2011 “Run for the Reason” fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

The ninth annual run begins at 7 a.m. Thursday, April 28 at the Alabama/Georgia line and ends Saturday, April 30 at 2 p.m. on Dauphin Island.

The three-day event takes runners through several Alabama towns and cities including Anniston, Childersburg, Clanton, Selma, Camden, Grove Hill and Mobile.

Three teams of volunteers will alternate running 4-mile segments during 12-hour shifts, with each runner completing about 20 miles during the event. Four drivers per team will pilot the runners’ RVs and lead vehicles that will accompany runners on their trek.

To date, the Alabama Power team is on track to raise $40,000 through this year’s Run for the Reason. The funds will support the American Cancer Society’s research, education, service and advocacy efforts.

Alabama Power will have 19 employees running in the race and 12 drivers alongside the runners. The cause and the event mesh perfectly for the participants.

“Almost all of us who are participating have been affected by cancer, whether with our families or our friends,” said Kevin Manogue, the organizer for the event. “This is an opportunity to help these friends and family members while doing something we enjoy.”

Because of weather and other factors, arrival times may vary.

Here is the runners’ tentative schedule:

Thursday, April 28

7 a.m. – Runners begin journey at Georgia/Alabama state line on Highway 78.

11 a.m. – Runners travel between Anniston and Heflin.

2:45 p.m. – Runners arrive in Talladega.

6:30 p.m. – Runners leave Childersburg.

10:30 p.m. – Runners arrive in Clanton.


Friday, April 29

2 a.m. – Runners leave Maplesville.

1:45 p.m. – Runners arrive in Camden.

5:30 p.m. – Runners arrive in Thomasville.


Saturday, April 30

1 a.m. – Runners leave McIntosh.

7:45 a.m. – Runners arrive in Mobile.

2 p.m. – Runners arrive at finish line at Cadillac Square Park on Bienville Boulevard, Dauphin Island.


For more information about the Run for the Reason visit www.alabamapowerrunforthereason.org

Team C: 2011 Before we go...

C Team is Gearing up for this year’s run. Our bags are packed, the route is planned, and we will be meeting on Thursday to get our run on!

Introductions:

Runners:

Jeff (Captain): Team Leader! Another exciting year on C Team is in store. Jeff works in Distribution Engineering at the Hueytown office. He is no stranger to the running world. I’ve personally seen him at multiple races throughout the year. He leads our teams fundraising efforts as well as coordination of all of us this weekend. So pretty much, he’s the BEST! (And will more than likely have the best splits).

Kevin (Prankster): Well I think the other teams can go ahead and vouch for this one… Kevin wins the award for most creative! Always up for a good laugh… I know he will keep us all rolling and on our toes this weekend! Watch out, he’s got some trick up his sleeve! (And he can run too!) Kevin’s in Marketing at Corporate.

Brandon (aloha): For those of you that don’t know our friend Brandon, he was once featured wearing a grass skirt and a cute little coconut bra! Brandon can just about be talked into it all… peer pressure! ALSO Brandon is a natural athlete…. so watch out! He will be ready for the run this year, no question about that! Excited to see you! Brandon is at Gorgas Steam Plant is an Ast. Control Operator.

Shane (TBD): Shane is at Gaston Steam Plant and is a Control Operator. He is a new addition to our team. I am excited to meet you Shane, I hope you’ve been warned…It’s going to be a weekend with tons of stories and not much sleep… I think you can handle it! I am eager to fill in your TBD nickname with something good! HA! What I do know is.. you’ve have quite the fundraising! Congrats on that!

Kevin (#2): I met Kevin at Jackson’s at an after work get together. Another new addition…There is no question, first impression says, he is going to fit in well. He’s got the Baseball/softball and other sports under his belt… he is going to be a wonderful asset to our running team. Kevin I can tell you?..?... You are in for a treat! It’s going to be a weekend you will never forget! Kevin is also at Gaston and is an Ast. Control Operator.

Ashley (roomie??): And I am so excited to find out I will not have to handle all of these boys alone! Very excited to meet you. I am assuming that means we are roommates… All I know is what is on the website that you are in Birmingham! We are going to fill in the blanks for all of our blog readers as the trip goes on. Ashley will be a runner with C Team this year! Jump on board girl!

DRIVERS (most important part… without them, this would not be possible):

Delacio (stud): And that says it all, he’s just awesome. Delacio put together the most amazing video last year. I am currently in the process of locating it! Complete with music and good shots along the way. I’m so excited to see you Delacio. I think you might have been the best addition last year! Are you ready to go 5 MPH for 3 days in a car??? GOOD TIMES! Let’s just pump up the jams! He is at Greene County Steam Plant as Ast. Control Operator.

David (wannta be): He’s a wannta be runner! HA! I will get David Boyd to run one of these years. David just got back from Boston. He was conveniently there during the Boston Marathon. Sooo… I think it motivated him to maybe sign up for his first race! Hopefully we can get him out there with a few of us runners to start his training. David and I have traveled across the US to hike the most awesome trail. I can tell you now, he has the ability to run. (Ok David I’m done pressuring you). David is working on some good tunes for our trip… and I know I’m excited! David is a Distribution Engineer in the Pelham Engineering Office.

Trei (big country): YEA! Trei! I am excited to see you! I don’t know why you remind me of Alabama Country… it’s not a bad thing either. Maybe it’s because I have been traveling across the Alabama Country-side with you for three years. Trei will keep us rolling with his wonderful since of humor… I know you’ve some stories lined up for us! READY! Trei is another one we will get running one of these years. Trei is at Barry Steam Plant and his title is Plant Auxiliary.

Bob Spotsworth (TBD): WELCOME to “C” team (aka the best team). Bob is a Customer Service Supervisor in Southern Div. Office. And we are beyond excited for him to join our All-Star Cast! You name, too, is to be determined on this trip.

Nicole (yours truly): I am an Engineering, and am in the Central Engineering group, located downtown Birmingham. I LOVE TO RUN. That says it all... It’s my thing! And I look forward to this event every year! What a great cause we are all running for… To know we are all making an impact while having such a great time… is AMAZING!

I know I speak for all of my teammates when I say “THANK YOU” Thanks for all the support! This race could not be possible without the donations of our friends and family. The word “cancer” hits all of us at some level. And, so, here to a run, across Alabama, that is dedicated to the future result of “NO CANCER”

Gentlemen (and Ladies) Start your engines… the race will begin in 24 hours…

Nicole