One man's junk is truly another man's treasure!

A big thank you to everyone who helped with our first fundraising "event" last weekend - the garage sale. While no actual garages were sold, I think we managed to empty several garages and storage rooms of our friends and families. Thanks to them for the donations, and thanks to our volunteers who helped convince our hundreds of patrons that "it's certainly worth 10 bucks, but for you - a buck." Also heard at the sale . . .

Patron: Two dollars for that? But I only have a dollar!
Volunteer: Okay, a dollar.
Patron: Good, now let's see what else I can find.

The toaster is broken, but the cord is worth at least a quarter

Chili cheese dogs, just four dollars! Low fat! Diabetes friendly!

I can't believe what people will buy for a dollar!

How am I going to get this sofa home in my compact car?

Does it work?

10 for a dollar! Okay, 15 for a dollar! Fine - as much as you can carry for a dollar!

But seriously, it was a huge success, and we raised over $2800 for the campaign. Half for me, half for Terry Wilson, my running partner. We'll be sure to give everyone credit for their contributions through charitable donation receipts from the Canadian Diabetes Association.

As for the training, its going well. Still doing my 7K run about every second day, and I think I'm still losing weight. My clothes tell me so. I put on some running shirts I bought last month at The Running Room, and they now fit! (There wasn't a single shirt there that fit when I tried them on, but I bought them anyway knowing that they would eventually.)

The next event is on the horizon . . . (fanfare please)

The MARINARATHON!!!
With the help of Paul Odell and the Enduros running club, Joe Bedard from JJ Parr Rec Centre and various sponsors, I'm hosting a fundraising run on Sunday, October 10th at the Cold lake Marina.

Why Marinarathon? Well, it goes along with the Rome theme (marinara sauce) and it begins with marina. Clever, eh?

The event starts at the Marina building at 10AM, and it's a 10K run for the hardcore runners, plus a 3K walk for the rest. As well, for those who want to help out the cause, but don't feel like walking so far, there's the "Fat Guy 500". This is a 500 metre walk/stroll/bike/drive, followed by lunch. Basically you walk to the end of the breakwater and back, then belly up to the pasta bar.

Participation for any of the distances is $30 and includes the official Marinarathon t-shirt, spaghetti lunch and bottled water. Look for posters and registration forms just as soon as I get them done, or just call me and I'll start a list. Every registrant will receive a charitable donation receipt for $15.

Til next time,

The Fat Guy