Team C: First run complete!

Good afternoon! Team C's 1st run is complete! Ashley Kent took the baton from Team B in Talladega, before passing off to Steve Mothershed. After running up some hills and straight into the wind, Steve passed off to Shane Bailey. Shane kept a (slow but) steady pace through the 3rd leg and one of the Kevin's took the baton. Kevin Chappell showed off by skipping and throwing his phone in the air, eventually ending up doubled over on the side of the highway. Janie Mothershed relieved him, and she looked strong through the 5th leg. Our fearless leader, the other Kevin (Williams) braved 280 traffic to finish up Team C's first run. The 2 most important members of our team, Delacio Spencer and Ramsey Glenn, are doing an excellent job getting us to where we need to be safely. We are relaxing in the RV now, anxious to get to Clanton to take showers. Special thanks to the Talladega police for escorting us through town, and to Key West Inn in Clanton for discounted rooms tonight. Next up- running from Maplesville to Selma starting at 1:30 am! Pictures to come!

Team B: First Run

Team B "the Best team" is done with the first run. Everyone is ready for lunch, but overall, we had a good run. Looking forward to some short rest and relaxation just before we start up again.

The wind and the heat are a bit intense today, but combined they cancel each other out.

First out today was our team captain Waymon. Hills have an affinity for Waymon, but today they were kind to him. Nicole was batting second and took us through the traffic infested city of Oxford. Littered with red lights and unhappy drivers, Nicole did well despite the obstacles. Nicole also was able to recruit a local runner to join her for a few miles.

In the third spot today was Matt. Matt is new to Team B, but not new to running. He busted out some quick miles. I (Bryan) was batting clean-up right as we got into the midday heat. After battling a few long hills in Munford, I turned it over to Melissa. Melissa pulled us through the middle of nowhere through blazing heat. Robby was our anchor today, and he did a stand-up job of pulling us through to the end. He even ran a few extra tenths of a mile to take us to the handoff with Team C.

Now we're off to the Key West Inn in Childrrsburg for a short nap before running again.

Until then,

--
BC

Team A: Great Hospitality, Great Sponsors!

We appreciate the hospitality, sponsorship and especially the chocolate covered strawberries!!! What a great way to end our 1st leg! 25 miles down for Team A.

Team A: Thank You Southwire!

Michelle

Team A: Running Hertz

Although normally we run power plants, today we are running miles. Beginning at 6:00 am this morning the beautiful Cheaha State Park welcomed us with open arms and rolling hills and the fun began. Team A was super pumped to kick off the event. We had a great night's rest thanks to the Marriott Courtyard and Fairfield Inn's generosity in Oxford, AL. Now I'll introduce you to the team.

First of all there is Captain Trey. Trey is from Montgomery, and participating in the event for the third year. Trey's goal is to make it through his legs with out puking like other years.

Next is Super Butch, Mr. "I just ran a marathon, but don't expect too much from me". Super Butch is representing the dirty South from Mobile, AL, and this is his first year in the event.

Then we have Lt. Col. Terry, and yes he expects us to salute him. Terry is 5'8, sandy brown hair, and loves long walks on the beach. Terry resides in Helena, AL, and is also a first timer.

Lucky for the team Terry also brought his better half, "doesn't look a day over 20" Michelle. Michelle is a vital team member, because there is no one else that can keep Terry in line. She is participating for the first time as well.

Next is Coop John who although is for Georgia Tech still seems to fit in okay. John has already been named the girl of the group due to his lack of punctuality. He works at Plant Gorgas, and an event first timer.

Now the most important members of the team are our drivers, Kerry, Sandy, and Drew. These guys have to watch us run, be supportive, while silently thinking "could I walk faster than they are running right now?"

Finally there is me, the chatterbox. I am Holley, and this is my fourth year to do the event. My role on the the team is to research the elevation changes of our leg of the run, and make sure I get the least hilly route.

We are currently midway thru the our first run, and we brought our "A" game. Good luck other teams, you'll need it.

Team B: Starting up!!

Getting started this morning bright and early! We left Inverness at 6:15am headed to Southwire in Heflin, AL. They always do a stand-up job of providing breakfast before we run. Spending time in the RV getting to know new group members and getting reacquainted with past members. Good times!

More to come,

BC

Team A: Headed out to Anniston!

Thank you 2012 Sponsors!!

2012 Sponsors Title:             Gold:                            Silver:                                    Bronze:

Cancer Facts

Having cancer is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be. The American Cancer Society is in your corner around the clock to help you through every step of the cancer experience. We are here every minute of every day and night at 1-800-227-2345 and cancer.org.  These facts demonstrate the work the American Cancer Society has accomplished and reminds all of us that together, we can create a world with less cancer and more birthdays!

• The American Cancer Society combines a never-ending passion with the wisdom of nearly a century of experience to save lives by helping you stay well, helping you get well, by finding cures, and fighting back. Learn more at cancer.org.
• One of the many ways the American Cancer Society saves lives is by finding cures through groundbreaking research. In 2008, the American Cancer Society spent $138 million on cancer research and has invested more than $3.4 billion in cancer research since its research program began in 1946.
• More than 11 million Americans who have a history of cancer will celebrate another birthday this year. The American Cancer Society knows how special a birthday can be: a celebration of life, a marker of progress. Join us, and together we’ll save more lives and help everyone celebrate more birthdays. Find out more at 1-800-227-2345 or morebirthdays.com.
• Nearly half of all cancers could be prevented. Learn how to stay well and reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices at cancer.org/GreatAmericans.
• When you support the American Cancer Society, you are helping create a world with more birthdays and less cancer a world where cancer can’t steal another year from anyone’s life.
• Having cancer is hard. Having to travel out of town for treatment can make it even harder. The American Cancer Society provides free temporary lodging to patients and their caregivers who must travel far from home to get quality cancer treatment at our Hope Lodge® facilities. To find out if there is a Hope Lodge in your area, call your American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org/hopelodge.
• Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who has "been there." The American Cancer Society Cancer Survivors NetworkSM is an online community for cancer survivors and their family and friends where people can connect with others who have been through the cancer experience. Visit cancer.org/csn to learn more, get support, be inspired by people’s stories, and even share your own story.
• Lack of health insurance and other barriers prevent many Americans from receiving quality health care. To learn more about what the American Cancer Society is doing to help all people have access to health care, visit cancer.org/access.
• One of the ways the American Cancer Society saves lives is by helping people stay well and taking steps to prevent cancer or detect it early. Learn how making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your cancer risk at cancer.org/GreatAmericans.
• To stay well and reduce your cancer risk, strive for at least 30 minutes of exercise in addition to your usual activities on 5 or more days each week.
• Get help quitting smoking for yourself or a loved one, or join the fight against tobacco as an advocate for smoke-free communities at cancer.org/GreatAmericans.
• Want to learn ways to have more energy, feel better, and lower your stress level … all while staying well from cancer? Find activities to fit your lifestyle and get ideas for raising active kids at cancer.org/GreatAmericans.
• Don’t think you have time for a workout? Many people don’t know that they can benefit from small amounts of moderate activity throughout the day. Regular physical activity is easier to fit in than you may realize and can help lower your lifetime risk for cancer and stay well. To learn more, visit cancer.org/GreatAmericans.
• You can take charge of your health! One-third of all cancer deaths could be prevented with proper diet and exercise. Learn more about how you can stay well at cancer.org/GreatAmericans.
• Obesity is the fastest growing health problem in the United States. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing or dying from several diseases, including certain types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Learn how to stay well and reduce your risk of cancer and other diseases at cancer.org/GreatAmericans.

Run for the Reason 2012 Kickoff!!

The Alabama Power Run for the Reason is a 2 ½ day continuous run through the state of Alabama to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Three teams of seven runners each take turns running through the state in leapfrog style. Each runner covers about 20 miles over the weekend. Each team (and therefore each runner) will run twice in a 24 hour period. When not running, participants ride in RVs and sleep in hotels.

The Run for the Reason (RFTR) participants are employees of Alabama Power and raise funds to support the American Cancer Society (ACS).

What: A two and a half day continuous run covering 350 miles

Why: To raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society

How: Teams of runner take turns running through the state in leapfrog style, running approximately 20 miles throughout the event. Runners cover 3 to 4 miles increments every 12 hours. Four drivers per team pilot the runners' RVs and lead vehicles that accompany the runners throughout the state.

Where: The run begins at the Alabama/Georgia state line and ends at Alabama's coast, on Dauphin Island.

When: Thursday, April 26 - Saturday, April 28, 2011

Who: Drivers and runners are Alabama Power or Southern Company employees working in the state of Alabama.