TWINS RUN in our family

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Philadelphia Chapter of Medals4Mettle

Malinda (the slower 1/2 of Twins Run in Our Family) is the new Philadelphia Chapter Coordinator of Medals4Mettle.

We are excited to support Medals4Mettle - a national non-profit organization that facilitates the gifting of earned marathon, half marathon and triathlon medals to children and adults showing mettle or courage while dealing with difficult challenges.

If you live in or near Philadelphia and want to donate your earned marathon, half marathon and/or triatholon medal(s) to children fighting cancer, please contact Malinda or drop off at any of the Philadelphia Runner stores.

If you want to donate your medal(s), you are encouraged to complete the "Donor Legacy Form" available on the Medals4Mettle website.

Donors are welcome to share the story behind their earned medal(s) and why they want to donate.

Information gathered from those donating medals helps Medals4Mettle gain a clearer sense of their support base and may help obtain corporate sponsorship dollars in the future.

To donate your medal(s), please clean your medal(s) and remove the ribbon(s).

Medal4Mettle ribbons are attached to the donated medals before they are given to the recipients.

If you live or work near Philadelphia, you can drop-off your medal(s) at any Philadelphia Runner store.

Medal Donation Boxes are now available at ALL Philadelphia Runner stores.

Philadelphia Runner - Center City
16th and Sansom
Philadelphia, PA
Monday-Friday 10-7:30
Saturday 10-7
Sunday 11-6

Philadelphia Runner - University City
3621 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA
Monday-Friday 10-7
Saturday 11-7
Sunday 12-5

Philadelphia Runner - Glen Mills
571 Glen Eagle Square
Glen Mills, PA
Monday-Saturday 10-7
Sunday 12-5

Philadelphia Runner - Manayunk
4358 Main Street
Philadelphia, PA
Monday - Wednesday 11-7
Thursday - Friday 11 - 8
Saturday 10-7
Sunday 11-5

Or, you can mail your medal(s) to:

Malinda Hill
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
3401 Civic Center Boulevard
11NW Suite 90
Philadelphia PA 19104-4399

For more information on how medals are distributed in Philadelphia, watch CBS 3 Philly's report from 2012:

CBS Local - Brotherly Love Giving Medals for Mettle
philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/09/18/brotherly-love-giving-medals-for-mettle/
youtube.com/watch?v=Sv07PAYOXPo

If you have any questions or need more information about Medals4Mettle, please review the information below or visit the Medals4Mettle website.

If you have any questions about the Philadelphia Chapter, please contact Malinda.

If you don't have any medal(s) to donate, please consider making a small donation of $5 or more to help purchase the Medals4Mettle ribbons for the Philadelphia Chapter.

Thank you so very much for your support!

Medals4Mettle is a non-profit organization founded in 2005. Medals4Mettle facilitates the gifting of earned marathon, half marathon, and triathlon finishers’ medals from event participants to children and adults dealing with chronic, debilitating or life-threatening illness. We do this as a celebration of the human spirit, knowing that while our medal recipients may not be out on the race course with us, they are fighting in the race for their own lives. Over the past 9 years, Medals4Mettle has presented over 45,000 medals to deserving children and adults.

Mission

Medals4Mettle is a different kind of charity that does not seek to compete with other charities for valuable dollars. It is our mission to work with established charitable organizations to increase exposure and expand education by providing runners and triathletes with a simple way to gift their medals to others. It is also our hope that this will provide athletes with the opportunity to get to know their recipient or a charitable cause, and learn more about the disease or other problem that they have faced so courageously. Only a fraction of marathon runners run for a charity and Medals4Mettle believes that the simple gifting of a finisher’s medal is a subtle but effective way to introduce the concept of charitable running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are donations to you tax-deductible?

Yes. Medals4Mettle is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations made to your local chapter or through our website are tax-deductible. Donations of money are always needed to help offset the costs of manufacturing ribbons, distributing and awarding medals to recipients, chapter promotional materials, and ongoing shipping and administration costs of running the organization. Our chapter coordinators are all volunteers that coordinate medal collection and distribution, so your monetary donations truly go towards supporting our medal gifting program.

Where do I send my medals?

Medals4Mettle has 60 chapters in the United States as well as several chapters in other countries. To find the chapter closest to you, visit http://www.medals4mettle.org/chapters.html/If you do not have a chapter in your state, medals can be sent to our headquarters in Indianapolis, IN. Please note that many of our chapters have drop-off locations at local running stores, or may pick up medals at local race expos. Contact your local chapter coordinator if you have any questions.

How should I send the medals?

If at all possible, we ask that you remove the ribbons before mailing. Please wrap the medals in bubble-wrap or paper to help prevent damage in shipment. If you are sending a large quantity of medals, we recommend that you use USPS Priority Flat Rate boxes; this tends to be the cheapest as you pay one postage rate regardless of the weight.

We also encourage you to tell us about yourself and where the medal is from to provide us and M4M recipients some background on you and your gift.

What kinds of medals do you accept?

Medals4Mettle accepts only earned marathon, half-marathon, or triathlon medals.

In the spirit of fostering philanthropy, we also accept any medals earned by children who wish to donate their medals to other children.

Can I send you my old trophies or awards from other sports?

We appreciate your donated race medals, however please do not send badges, pins, patches, stickers, plaques, ribbons or trophies as these cannot be used. Only the medals noted above are accepted.

I am a race director and I have extra medals that were never given out. Can I send you those?

We ask that only earned race medals be sent in. One of the most important parts of our program is that the medals presented were donated by athletes who earned them and wanted to pass them along to someone who they felt needed them more. Please do not send extra/unearned medals or medals from a race that was cancelled.

What happens to the medals I send you?

,Medals are presented to children and adults, either in hospital settings, group settings, or on an individual basis. The medals are presented to those who are fighting serious life-threatening illnesses, such as cancer, or who are facing lifelong debilitating illnesses. The medals are theirs to keep. We do this at no charge to the recipients, hospitals or groups we work with.

Can you send a medal to a specific person for me?

Yes! For more information, visit: http://www.medals4mettle.org/giftrequest.php

I want to help Medals4Mettle but I don't have any medals. Are there are other ways I can help?

Yes! Any of the following would help us greatly:

1. Wear our tech shirt during your races. Donate $35 or more and we'll send you our tech shirt. For more information, visit: http://www.medals4mettle.org/donate.html

2. If you are a blogger, writing a blog post about our organization helps spread the word.

3. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and YouTube.

4. If you are part of a running or tri club, hold a group collection for Medals4Mettle.

5. If you work for a running/cycling/athlete retail store, offer to have a medal collection box at your store.

6. Volunteer your time. You don't have to be an athlete to be involved! We have volunteers and chapter coordinators from all walks of life. You can volunteer with your local chapter, or form a chapter in your area if there isn't already one.

www.medals4mettle.org
www.facebook.com/medals4mettle
www.twitter.com/medals4mettle
www.pinterest.com/medals4mettle

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Alex's Million Mile - Run. Walk. Ride.

www.alexsmillionmile.org

Last year, we joined more than 5,000 people in the inaugural Million Mile Run event organized by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise awareness of childhood cancer during the month of September (National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month).

This year, we’re ready to do it again! To find a cure for childhood cancer, we’re going the distance to help Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation reach one million miles.

To incorporate walking and cycling miles, the name of this month-long event has been changed to "Alex’s Million Mile – Run. Walk. Ride."

The goal is to collectively run, walk and/or ride one million miles to raise funds and increase awareness of the need to support childhood cancer research.

If twins run (walk and/or ride) in your family, please join our group and log your miles with us. Or, donate $2 or more and help us reach our fundraising goal. Thanks for your support!

www.alexsmillionmile.org

www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1115505

www.alexslemonade.org/files/amm_guide.pdf

Sunday, May 18, 2014

The Afghan Whigs at Ottobar: Malinda Ann Hill Meets Greg Dulli on Her 43rd Birthday

This happened. On my 43rd birthday. Greg Dulli smiled at me while I was talking to him!

I don't usually celebrate my birthday - or rather our birthday since I'm an identical twin.

And, I've never done anything special on New Year's Eve.

Luckily, thanks to Melissa, Anne and the rest of The Congregation, I celebrated New Year's Eve in 2012 and my birthday tonight.

It has been an incredible journey (music, running, races and concerts) since Melissa, Anne and I first met at The Afghan Whigs reunion concert at The Bowery Ballroom on May 23, 2012.

I am grateful for social media for connecting me with Melissa and Anne as well as re-connecting me with The Congregation (FYI - The Congregation is a group of individuals who love The Afghan Whigs and all things related to Greg Dulli). Eons ago (otherwise know as the 90s), I was on The Congregation email listserv when I had AOL dial-up. Ouch! I am old. Today, The Congregation is on Facebook which makes it easier for us to connect with each other in spite of the evils of the platform.

While I have been known to live tweet or Instagram a concert or a race, tonight was not the time or place. I refrained from all iPhone use except for one photo with Melissa and Anne before the show and a photo with Greg after the show.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that most of the audience respected the band's request. Greg politely asked one guy not to use a flash and that was it from my perspective. Of course, I was fortunate to be directly in front of the stage so it was easy to be fully present in the moment.

During most of the shows I attended in 2012, I took at least a few photos or videos to share since amateur photography was encouraged. Tonight, I was grateful for the no photo policy so I had no temptation to take photos. I enjoyed being fully present at this show with no distractions from digital devices.

Similarly, I used to love to tweet and run. Tweeting while running was a way for me to connect with other runners. It served its purpose at the time but now I prefer to tweet before and after my run so I can focus on running in the moment and feeling the music while I run.

While I find the most meaning in music and running while I'm alone, I still race and go to concerts for the camaraderie. For me, concerts and races are all about the stories and the connections.

I do hope to write more about my moments and stories. But, it's easier for me to write in 140 characters or less.

In the meantime, please read this post by MamaDeak: Brooklyn, Boston, Baltimore - Maybe I Should be a Roadie. I am always inspired by Anne and her willingness to share her thoughts.

Thanks again to Greg Dulli, John Curley, Melissa, Anne and The Congregation for a night filled with music, joy, laughter, inspiration and gratitude.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

The Afghan Whigs - Tonight, Tonight, Tonight...

Me, Melissa & Anne on May 17, 2014

Tonight, tonight, tonight... I'll be at the The Afghan Whigs' show at the Ottobar in Baltimore with my 2 best mother runner friends - I like to refer to us as the "Congregation to Conquer Cancer" since we're part of the Whigs' Congregation of fans and we all run to fight cancer.

After running 5 personal records to The Afghan Whigs' new record, Do to the Beast, I may start running during the concert. ;-)

What's on your running playlist?

Do you have a favorite power song?

Monday, May 5, 2014

Why I Run Broad Street: Solace, Community and Sisterly Competition

Why I Run Broad Street: Solace, Community and Sisterly Competition
Originally Posted on WHYY Newsworks

Over the past two years, my identical twin, Leah, and I have shared our experiences on our blog, "Twins Run in Our Family," Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Much to our surprise, we've gained quite a following of runners, twins and/or parents of twins. We're often recognized at races when we wear our shirt that has our logo on the front and our tagline on the back: "If you're passing me, I'm Malinda. If I'm passing you, I'm Leah."

I started running in 1993 for fun, and I finished my first marathon in 1995. Since then, I have completed 12 more marathons and a few dozen races, including three Broad Street Runs. Over the past couple of years, I've become known for tweeting during races while wearing a sparkle skirt or costume. Sometimes I get called out by spectators for tweeting while running, but most of the time people are amazed that I can do both at the same time.

Leah started running in 2007 to lose weight. Since then, she has become a self-professed race addict, finishing more than 100 races, including 24 marathons. She races nearly every weekend and often wins her age group in local races in Charlottesville, Virginia. She has qualified for the Boston Marathon three times by completing a marathon in less than 3 hours and 45 minutes. She finished her first Boston Marathon last year and returned for her second time this year.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, a condition that causes severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. There is no cure for gastroparesis and only a few treatments available with varying success rates. In 2011, I had a gastric neurostimulator (stomach pacemaker) implanted, which has provided some relief. My symptoms can be debilitating at times, but I continue to run whenever possible.

In 2012, our grandmother, affectionately known as "GG," died suddenly of lung cancer. Her unexpected death affected me profoundly. While the grief was intense, I found moments of solace while running.

Because of my experience with chronic illness and grief, I'm truly grateful for every step, and I'm determined to make my miles matter. I'd rather run in a charity race to raise awareness for a worthy cause than run a fast time. Sometimes, much to my surprise, I'm able to do both.

On March 17, 2012, 9 years to the day after Leah's brother-in-law, Michael, died from childhood leukemia, we decided to run together to make a difference. We joined Team Lemon to support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer in memory of GG and Michael. Over the past two years we have raised awareness and over $2,000 for childhood cancer research.

I ran the Broad Street Run for the first time in 1999 when there were just over 7,000 runners. I ran for the second time in 2012 with over 35,000 runners, and I was happy to finish in 1:29:02.

It's been amazing to see running increase in popularity while people in the running community continue to be supportive of each other. Whether you run fast or slow, we all run together.

Last year, after being present during the tragedy at the Boston Marathon, I decided it was important for me to cheer on my fellow runners on Broad Street. My eyes were full of tears as I saw so many runners wearing red socks in support of Boston.

Yesterday, I was grateful for the opportunity to run Broad Street once again. It's an honor to participate in a race that means so much to so many people while benefiting so many worthy causes. Not only was I able to run to support Alex's Lemonade, I also ran my fastest 10 miler and finished in 1:16:23. Sometimes, it is possible to run for a good cause and a good time.

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/essay-works/item/67635-why-i-run-broad-street-solace-community-and-sisterly-competition

2014 Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10 Miler - Malinda's 5th Personal Record in 30 Days

Wow! I seriously surprised myself on Sunday. Thanks to The Afghan Whigs for their new record, Do to the Beast, which powered me to 5 personal records in 30 days!

And thanks to the twin powers from the flat Leah that I was carrying in my pocket! ;-)

May 4, 2014
Blue Cross Broad Street Run (10 Miler)
1:16:23

April 27, 2014
Run For Babies Philadelphia 10k
49:08

April 26, 2014
Narberth Cystic Fibrosis Run (5 Miler)
38:39

April 19, 2014
Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) 5k
23:11

April 5, 2014

Charlottesville Marathon

3:56:14

On Sunday, I placed 47th out of 2,067 (40-44), 587 out of 19,381 (female) and 2,838 out of 35,169 (overall) In comparison, in 1999 I finished in 1:46:23 and placed 1,956 out of 2,248 (female).

I finished exactly 30 minutes faster than 15 years ago. Wow - I do improve with age! ;-)

You catch a glimpse of me racing towards the finish line thanks to @IBXrun10's video on Instagram! http://i.instagram.com/p/nk8EqnOkpu/

It's not too late to donate to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. No donation is too small to fighting childhood cancer. Text LEMONADE E1113338 to 85944 to donate $10 or visit our fundraising page to donate $2 or more: www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1113338. Thanks for your support!

Did you know you can run, walk, bike or swim any race with Team Lemon with no fundraising minimum? Visit their website for more information or like their page on Facebook.

www.teamlemon.org

www.facebook.com/teamlemon

Saturday, May 3, 2014

2014 Blue Cross Broad Street Run 10 Miler with Alex's Lemonade's Team Lemon

I'm ready to take on Broad Street with @AlexsLemonade's Running Lemon! Leah and I LOVE this image of the Running Lemon taking on Broad Street and we wish the best of luck to all runners from Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation's Team Lemon! Leah will be our cheer leader from cyber space and I hope to run into other Team Lemon runners and ALSF staff on Sunday. We're still raising money through our "TWINS RUN BOSTON" fundraising page and no donation is too small to fight childhood cancer! You can donate $2 or more online or text LEMONADE E1113338 to 85944 to donate $10. Thanks so much for your support!

So, I told myself I'd never run Broad Street again - but I've learned to never say never. ;-) I'm ready to run my 3rd (and probably last Broad Street Run) on Sunday, May 4th. I couldn't resist running on "May the Fourth Be With You" - and hopefully the force will power me to a PR! ;-)

A Goal: 1:23:12 (PR)

B Goal: 1:29:01 (Course PR)

C Goal: #TweetAndRun for FUN! :-)

Fighting childhood cancer, one mile at at time!

www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1113338

For more information about Team Lemon:

www.teamlemon.org

www.facebook.com/teamlemon

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Twin Powers Activate - 4 PRs in 23 Days

The slower 1/2 of @TwinsRun is catching up to the faster 1/2! In just 23 days, @MalindaAnnHill ran 4 personal records for the marathon, 5k, 5 mile & 10k! She is still chasing the unicorn, but @LeahCville better watch her back! ;-)

Saturday, April 5
Charlottesville Marathon
3:56:14 (PR)