The Carroll Center, MAB Community Services and National Braille Press have teamed up to participate in a 5K Blindfold Challenge which will take place Sunday April 15th, the day before the Boston Marathon. Each organization has been allotted 7 Bibs to run in the sold out Boston Athletic Association 5K. To claim their bib, each participant agrees to raise a minimum of $ 1500 for their organization. It will be another exciting event with approximately 6,000 runners running in total. After the race, the three organizations will have a post-race reception and breakfast at the Lenox Hotel.

The Carroll Center is looking for runners to represent and fund raise. Training will be provided. Each Blindfold Challenge participant will run with a guide and the race will start and end at the Marathon finish line in Copley Square. The Carroll Center is encouraging people to be a part of the Boston Marathon weekend. They recommend participants to create their own personal fundraising web page at http://www.firstgiving.com.

?We are pleased to collaborate with these splendid organizations during the B.A.A. 5K on Boston Marathon weekend, when many are inspired by the spirit of the marathon and the stories of people overcoming obstacles and embracing possibilities?, said Boston Athletic Association executive director Tom Grilk. ?Running blindfolded symbolizes the forceful approach to challenge embraced by these institutions and the people with whom they work.?

About the Carroll Center

The Carroll Center for the Blind, located in Newton, Massachusetts, serves newly-blind and visually-impaired people of all ages by providing them with the skills training, technology and education they need to live, learn and work independently. Founded by Father Thomas Carroll, the Carroll Center is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

Established in 1936, The Carroll Center has pioneered many innovative services for the blind and visually impaired. They have developed many methods for people with low vision to learn the skills to be independent in their homes, in class settings, and in their work places. Their services include vision rehabilitation services, vocational and transition programs, assistive technology training, educational support and recreation opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired of all ages. For over 70 years, The Carroll Center staff has provided help for the blind for thousands of blind and vision impaired persons with diverse opportunities for success and independent living.

The Carroll Center serves the needs of blind and visually-impaired persons by providing rehabilitation, skills training, and educational opportunities to achieve independence, self-sufficiency, and self-fulfillment and by educating the public regarding the potential of persons who are blind and visually-impaired.

About the Boston Marathon

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and ranks as one of the world’s most prestigious road racing events. The Boston Athletic Association manages this American classic, which is sponsored by John Hancock Financial Services. The Boston Marathon has distinguished itself as the pinnacle event within the sport of road racing by virtue of its traditions, longevity and method of gaining entry into the race (via qualification).

Despite frigid conditions, volunteers from the Church of Scientology took their drug education and prevention activities to the streets of Moscow this week, distributing 2,600 fliers and collecting 2,000 signatures on drug-free pledges. And for good reason.

According to a 2010 United Nations study, Russia has the world’s highest per capita heroin use, resulting in 30,000 to 40,000 drug-related deaths in the country each year.

The Russian Federal Service for the Control of Narcotics reported a 15-fold rise in the number of drug-related crimes and a tenfold increase in the number of Russian drug users from 1996 to 2006. As reported in The New York Times this week, an estimated 1.8 million users inject drugs in that country?the highest of any nation in the world. To worsen matters, addiction is hitting young people the hardest?the majority of drug addicts are 16-30, and over the last decade, the age of first use dropped from 17 to 14.

Volunteers from the Church of Scientology of Moscow, determined to reverse this trend, carry out drug education and prevention activities throughout the year. They distribute drug education and prevention booklets and flyers and collect signatures on their drug-free pledge every week. They organize a wide variety of activities, including street events and concerts. In June 2011 they carried out a marathon that traveled through 12 nearby cities.

To learn more about the drug prevention initiative sponsored by the Church of Scientology or to participate, visit the Scientology website at http://www.Scientology.org

The Church of Scientology of Moscow celebrated its grand opening at its new home on Taganskaya Street February 26, 2011. The new Church is designed to serve as a home for the entire community and a meeting ground of cooperative efforts to uplift citizens of all denominations.

As participants of the 2012 Disney Princess Marathon prepare for the race, a record number of runners have turned to Zensah? for their compression apparel needs. Runners are drawn to Zensah?s brightly colored accessories, including their pink compression leg sleeves and arm sleeves.

The Disney Princess Marathon features runners of all ages and abilities. The race is known for its fun and colorful costumes, with many participants dressing up as princesses. The Zensah? pink compression leg sleeves and arm sleeves, as well as many other colorful options, give runners the ability to gain the benefits of Zensah? compression while having fun in matching their costume.

Zensah? Director of Marketing, Ryan Oliver, says, ?Zensah? Leg Sleeves feature advanced compression technology that has been developed and perfected over the last few years. As a company, we particularly enjoy the Disney Marathon series because the race is run by many runners in colorful costumes. It is a wonderful display of the sport of running, while having fun. Our products are available in a wide variety of colors which help match runner?s outfits. They are able to stand out in the crowd, while gaining all the benefits of compression.?

Zensah? Compression has become a staple for runners of all distances, particularly in the half and full marathon distances. The many benefits of compression include enhanced circulation, decreased recovery time, and muscle stabilization. Runners of all abilities are able to benefit from Zensah? Compression Apparel.

Zensah? offers a full line of compression apparel, including compression leg sleeves and compression arm sleeves which are designed to help improve circulation, stabilize muscles, and help runners recover faster. Zensah? compression sleeves are available in over 15 colors, including pink and neon pink.

The Disney Princess Marathon will take place in Orlando, FL on February 26th, 2012. The race starts 5:45am and expects about 20,000 runners. Zensah? will be available for purchase at the Disney Princess Marathon Expo, February 24th through February 26th, 2012.

About Zensah?: Founded in 2004, Zensah? is a leading compression sports apparel brand. Offering compression for performance and recovery, Zensah? provides the optimal compression level and continues to be the primary choice for athletes.

For further information please contact Suzanne at 305-935-4619 or email Suzanne(at)zensah(dot)com. Please visit, http://www.zensah.com/.

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“Miracles do happen,” says Alyssa Phillips in a February More Magazine feature entitled “Against All Odds”. And she should know. At only 31 years old and only weeks after running her best time in a half-marathon, Alyssa transformed a less than five percent chance of survival from a rare type of cervical cancer?with less than 65 cases ever documented?into a beautiful new beginning. At the time of her first symptom, her doctors informed her she was already in Stage IVB of the disease with multiple metastases in her liver. What followed was a dizzying blur of a radical robotic hysterectomy?with no children of her own?multiple rounds of high dose chemotherapy, two back-to-back bone marrow transplants five weeks apart and almost a year of house isolation. And even though Alyssa was no stranger to tragedy with the sudden death of her younger sister just a decade before, this long-time runner faced her toughest challenge yet as she faced her own mortality and such overwhelming odds. But in doing so, Alyssa discovered the grit, grace, determination and faith required to turn her impossible situation around.

Today Alyssa is happier and healthier than ever before and reaching out to help others by sharing her story, the tools she used and the most precious gift of all…hope.

Alyssa was determined to be better and even stronger for what she had gone through and she was running sprints at a local track only a few months after her last bone marrow transplant. And then, just shy of the two-year anniversary of the end of her treatments, she was the first female finisher in a road race supporting the National Marrow Donor Program, holding her husband’s hand as she crossed the finish line.

“This has always been bigger than me. I just had to get myself through it first. Now I’m ready to help others to do the same and show them that you can be whole and healthy again?even better?after going through something like this.”

To read Alyssa’s “Against All Odds” feature in More Magazine, click here.

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yurbuds maker of the sport earphones featuring patented TwistLock? technology, guaranteed never to fall out, awarded one lucky athlete the last entry to the sold-out 35th annual Empire State Building Run-Up Powered by the MMRF, an official New York Road Runners event, taking place next week. Congratulations to Stephanie Rainess of Astoria, New York for winning this exclusive yurbuds opportunity.

?I cannot wait to be a representation of a true yurbuds athlete as I push myself to complete this awesome challenge,? said Stephanie Rainess. ?yurbuds products are intended for athletes with extreme devotion to their sport so as an avid runner I am grateful to yurbuds for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something so inspiring. ?

On Wednesday, February 8, more than 650 runners will take on the ultimate vertical challenge by running 86 floors, which is 1,576 steps and equal to one-quarter mile, to the top of New York?s most iconic building ? the Empire State Building ? to raise funds to find a cure for blood cancer. This year, the event moves from its traditional 8:00 a.m. start time to 8:00 p.m., providing a spectacular nighttime backdrop of New York?s famous skyline. yurbuds is pleased to join title sponsor, The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) in support of the event. The MMRF will field a team of 100 participants joining the rest of the athletes from the general public lucky enough to gain entry.

?yurbuds is excited to be a part of this New York tradition to help the MMRF fight against multiple myeloma and witness so many extraordinary athletes push themselves ?beyond the wall? for this incredible cause,? said Daniel DeVille, Director of Marketing of St. Louis-based yurbuds. ?Along with yurbuds, this is my first year taking part in the Run-Up and we are pumped to cheer on these awe-inspiring individuals.?

yurbuds will be showcasing the Ironman Series Inspire Sport Earphone before and after the race. Each model is designed to contour to the human ear so they are comfortable and provide consistent sound quality, even while in motion. Designed as true sport equipment, yurbuds are sweat proof, water resistant, and provide ambient noise protection allowing outside sounds to be heard, such as passing cars. All yurbuds products offer multiple sizing options, and can be personally fit to the size of the consumer?s ear. A personalized fit is available for all products through the yurbuds website.

For more information on yurbuds complete product line, visit yurbuds.com or join in the conversation at http://www.facebook.com/yurbuds or http://www.twitter.com/yurbuds. To learn more about the 35th annual Empire State Building Run-Up visit http://www.nyrr.org/races and look up MMRF Run-Up.

About yurbuds

yurbuds was founded in 2008 by chief executive officer Seth Burgett and chief operating officer Richard Daniels. Their mission is to transform athletes? experience through personalized service and exceptional audio products that integrate ergonomics and emotive design. yurbuds won the Good Design Award in 2010 from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, along with the Apple iPad. Forbes Magazine named yurbuds one of the top ten promising companies in America in 2009.

About New York Road Runners

Headquartered in New York City, New York Road Runners is dedicated to advancing the sport of running, enhancing health and fitness for all, and meeting our community?s needs. Our goal is to use the expertise acquired in our 53-year history to empower all people to live fitter, healthier lives through participation in our races, community events, instruction and training resources, and youth programs. Our races and other events draw more than 300,000 people each year.

The ING New York City Marathon, NYRR?s premier event, is the largest and most inclusive marathon in the world, attracting the world?s top professional runners every year and raising $ 34 million for charity in 2011. NYRR?s running-based youth programs, which currently serve more than 100,000 children in hundreds of schools and community centers, promote children?s health and fitness, character development, and personal achievement in underserved communities. For more information, visit nyrr.org.

Ironman is a registered trademark of World Triathlon Corporation. Used here by permission.

Media Contact: Carrie Martz, Martz Agency, cmartz(at)martzagency(dot)com, 480-998-3154

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A trip to the beach is the perfect way to escape the cold and recover from the holidays. Vacation Rentals of North Myrtle Beach is currently accepting reservations for all their homes and condos in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Little River, including for snowbirds! The vacation rental and property management company is also kicking 2012 off right by hosting their first monthly giveaway of the year: a $ 25 gas card. To enter to win, ?like? the company?s Facebook page and subscribe to their monthly newsletter by clicking ?eNews Sign Up? on the left side of their page. They will pick a winner at the end of January.

Winter is a wonderful time to visit this area. In addition to the mild weather and friendly local community, there are plenty of events scheduled for the next few months. Shag dancers should rent a home near Main Street, so they can be close to the fun during the SOS (Society of Stranders) Mid-Winter Break, a big shagging festival happening next week. Runners can sign up for the Myrtle Beach Marathon in February, and Barefoot Landing is hosting its ?Bargain Weekends? throughout January and February, so shoppers can get some great discounts. There?s even a Canadian-American festival happening in March. Be sure to browse the company?s calendar for details and plan ahead.

Vacation Rentals of North Myrtle Beach is conveniently located at 1021 2nd Avenue North, Suite 6 and can be contacted directly to discuss rental properties at 1-888-488-8588 or online at http://www.vacationrentalsofnmb.com.

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2011 was a banner year for Brian Pilcher. After earning three medals at the World Masters Athletics Track and Field Championships, he won the U.S. National Masters Track Championship in both the 5,000 and 10,000-meters for men 55 – 59 and then clocked a record-setting 1:12:52 half marathon last month. Now his eyes are set on the Houston Marathon in January where he will make his first attempt to break the American record in the marathon for men 55 and older.

Pilcher exploded onto the Masters running scene just a few years ago and was named USATF and Running Times 2009 Runner of the Year for Men 50-54. His meteoric rise came to a screeching halt in March of 2010 when pain in his hips stopped him from running at all. Doctors determined that Brian had lost the cartilage in his hip and his pain was coming from the bones rubbing together. He underwent surgery to shave down the bones in both hips and anchor the labrum back in place. It was a success, but knee issues soon followed and Brian found himself unable to run for even five minutes. Frustrated with this new reality, Brian searched for alternatives and discovered the ElliptiGO.

Designed by runners, the ElliptiGO is the first outdoor fitness device specifically designed to emulate the running motion. It allows athletes of all levels to get a high-intensity workout without experiencing the repetitive impact of running. Healthy athletes and injured athletes alike have found it the most effective way to get an outdoor running experience without the usual pounding on their bodies, and it has quickly become the tool of choice for a number of 2012 Olympic hopefuls and competitive Masters runners.

For Brian, the key was that he didn?t feel his hip or knee pain when he rode the ElliptiGO, so he could get his training done even while injured. ?I refused to sit and wait for fate to heal my knee; to run again,? he explains. ?I enjoyed riding the ElliptiGO and it kept me healthy psychologically because I was able to get in a solid workout. That?s key for any athlete suffering from an injury.?

After several months of riding, it became clear that the benefits for Pilcher weren?t only psychological. His bodywork therapist, Anita Acevedo, began to notice significant changes in his body. ?What truly amazed me was that his rib cage and upper torso became more upright and in alignment, and his core strength and posture dramatically improved,? Acevedo explained. ?Structurally, the ElliptiGO helped Brian become stronger in both his legs and his lungs.?

?Brian Pilcher?s story really exemplifies what we hear from both recreational users and elite athletes every day,? said Bryan Pate, Co-Founder and Co-President of ElliptiGO. ?The ElliptiGO allows them to get in a high-quality workout, but without the pain they?re accustomed to experiencing in high-impact activities. It?s particularly powerful as a unique way for former runners and injured athletes to exercise again with real intensity, which makes a profound impact on their quality of life.?

After thousands of miles on the ElliptiGO, Brian began to work running back into his life and the results were remarkable. Only nine weeks after being cleared to run again, he finished third overall in the Dipsea Race, one the nation?s most grueling trail races. The following month, Brian went on to earn three medals at the World Masters Athletics Track and Field Championships and became the 2011 U.S. National Track Champion in the 5K and 10K for men 55 – 59. ?I had a huge base of miles on the ElliptiGO, which really helped maintain my fitness until I could heal enough to run competitively again,? Pilcher explained. ?I?m eager to see how much more I can improve my times now that I?ve integrated the ElliptiGO into my training program.?

As if to prove his point, in November of 2011, Brian took 1st in his age group and 5th overall at the World Championships of Elliptical Biking, posting the fastest time ever for someone over 50. He followed that performance up with a 1:12:52 half-marathon, entering the record books with the 10th fastest half-marathon ever run by a 55-year old.????

?We are so pleased to be an integral, ongoing part of Brian?s story and look forward to seeing what he will do at the Houston Marathon in January,? said Pate. ?It looks like he?s got a really good shot at setting an American record in the marathon for his age group and I?m planning to be there to see him do it.?

The ElliptiGO is available for sale at http://www.elliptigo.com and at specialty bike or fitness stores in ElliptiGO?s national dealer network.

For more information about the company and its products visit the ElliptiGO website or follow them on Twitter @elliptigo and Facebook.

About ElliptiGO

ElliptiGO, Inc. is a San Diego-based company that created the world?s first elliptical bicycle. By modifying the elliptical trainer motion and combining it with the functionality of a bicycle, the ElliptiGO? line of bikes delivers a high-performance workout experience that closely mimics running outdoors while eliminating the impact. For everyone from the weekend warrior to the elite athlete, the ElliptiGO provides the most comfortable, fun and efficient way to get outside and be active. The full line of ElliptiGO? bikes is available for purchase at select retailers nationwide and through the company?s website: http://www.elliptigo.com .

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Newtown Square, PA: A new service is available for pet owners who need extra help during the work week or while on vacation. Bob Zwaan, owner of Wagmore Quality Pet Care offers trustworthy, certified pet sitters to Newtown Square Pennsylvania and surrounding Philadelphia areas. Wagmore ensures a consistent routine for their clients? pets during the work week, a long term vacation, or any other commitment that might take the owner away from their pets, for affordable prices.

Zwaan, an experienced pet owner himself, launched Wagmore in September 2011 as a way to do what he loves: provide care to pets by giving them love, and the opportunity to run and play on a regular basis. ?Like humans, our pets need a varying degree of activity level based on breed, health and age,? he says. ?Whether it’s taking your pet for a nice easy stroll or a good brisk run, or maybe just a romp in the back yard, we’ll make sure your pet gets what he needs and most importantly, what he desires.?

The benefits of Wagmore?s unique services extend from the pet, to the owner, to Zwaan himself, who counts himself lucky to call this business his job. He says ?I have a great appreciation of the importance of physical and mental health in the quality of life, not just for humans but our pets, too. I am an avid runner and I’ve completed 5 marathons in the past 2 1/2 years and I’m currently training for my first ultra marathon in January 2012. I want my clients to know that my philosophy on health is built into the Wagmore mission statement.?

Because of his dedication to the wellbeing of the dogs and pets he cares for, Zwaan is a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI) which offers members access to bonding and liability insurance and educational resources such as PSI?s Accreditation Program and annual Quest convention. Says PSI President Patti Moran, the demand for quality pet care for the ?fur children? of a family is on the rise and when hiring a PSI member that family can rest assured in knowing that their pet sitter is dedicated to the pet care industry and a trustworthy professional.

Wagmore Quality Petcare also offers several other services that add additional security for the home such as altering lights, picking up mail, staying overnight, and they even offer to wait for the cable man so that an extra trip home is not needed for the homeowner. These are some of the additional benefits to the pet owner, in addition to ensuring their pet is comfortable, safe, and happy.

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WrightIMC executive will nowadays or centrist 8 different sitting at PubCon 2011 in Las Vegas this hebdomad. At this autumn payment of the symposium, WrightIMC has also partnered with Outspoken Media to provide live-blogging amount of the subject speaker and course session.

Seven WrightIMC employee, LED by CEO Tony Wright, will attend PubCon in various capacity. Wright is a 7-yr PubCon serviceman as both a verbalizer and inhibitor. PubCon attendant this twelvemonth will hear from Wright on quintuplet theme, including emerging medium, creating online selling plan, repute direction and area agnomen legality. Robert Riggs and Dan Sturdivant, both veteran of the PubCon bridge, will also nowadays for WrightIMC.

Lisa Barone, Co-Owner of Outspoken Media, is delivery her squad of symposium expert to PubCon Las Vegas, as excavation. Lisa dedicates several hebdomad each year to live-blogging event, which creates a chance to connect and stock with mortal unable to attend. In improver to PubCon, Outspoken Media has been represented at the Search Engine Strategies and Search Marketing Expo conference. Outspoken Media CEO, Rhea Drysdale, is also a verbalizer at PubCon and will concealment subject including online marque activity and the eigenvalue of the parish in sociable medium.

This copartnership will concealment nearly 30 session maiden a trey tomorrow play, and the sum will be posted on the WrightIMC and Outspoken Media blog. You tin also mark up for the WrightIMC newssheet for a digest of PubCon Las Vegas.

About WrightIMC

Integrated marketing communications is more than just a part of the WrightIMC agnomen. It is an integral part of what we deliver to our client. Search optimization or sociable media are not cure-alls, lone piece to a greater strategical centering. WrightIMC combines the best communication tool to create a competitory advantage that is brand unique and produce results. Regardless of the publishing the WrightIMC are continually seeking event to infect us the noesis to succeed for our clients.

About Outspoken Media

Outspoken Media is a Hermann for struggling marque WHO demand a personalized attack to their selling run. Outspoken Media is a store house that specializes in development integrated merchandising campaign to provide the perfective union between SEO, sociable medium signaling and repute direction. As a consulting establishment, Outspoken Media approach each case with a strategy for film outcome, not a cookie-stonecutter expression.

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