Running to End Domestic Violence Quest-Training

Here’s another entry from our guest blogger Mariya Taher. She’s writing blogs about her running and fundraising  journey for WOMAN, Inc., while keeping us informed on domestic violence. 

Wherever you are in the world, make sure you do at least one thing today that will make you laugh.  =)

By the way, here is a link to WOMAN, Inc’s website, if you would like to learn more about the agency –http://www.womaninc.org/

I also wanted to share a couple updates about my running and the campaign.

First off, I just did a 9 mile training run this past Monday and during that training run, I incorporated the hill that runs along Ocean Beach up to the Cliff House in San Francisco. It’s a beautiful area near the Sutro Bathhouse ruins.  The thing about the hill is that I hate that hill!  I run it when I especially want to punish myself! The view both at the bottom and at the top of the hill is breathtaking and I’ve included a couple of pictures so you can have a visual, but I don’t know how well it captures just how never-ending this hill is. When you are at the bottom, you can only see half the hill and it seems to end right at the Cliff House. When you reach the Cliff House, you realize you are only halfway and that your legs have to somehow carry you to the top – it’s almost like a really good April Fool’s joke. Every time I run it, I seem to forget just how much of an incline there is. But after I do finally reach the top, running back down that hill feels like you are floating on air and it is more than sweet.

Secondly, I have exciting news to share! Runway Junkie, an online marketplace where you can buy and sell women’s designer clothing and accessory while helping support pro-women organizations, such as WOMAN, Inc., will be sharing blog posts about my Running to End Domestic Violence Quest via their website. You will also be able to follow me on this journey via blog entries, pictures, and videos.

That’s the update for now.

And once again, if you are able to contribute even just a small amount, please donate by visiting my fundraising page at http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=200917 . You’ll be able to learn more about my campaign and how to sponsor me during this journey as well! Even a $10 sponsorship can go a long way in serving domestic violence survivors.

Thank you,

Mariya

Picture #1  – Along Great Hwy in West San Francisco, this is the bottom of the hill. The white building in the picture is the Cliff House.

Picture #2 – View from the top of the hill. Once I do catch my breath and take a look down, it is pretty amazing that I get to take in such a beautiful sight.

Picture #3 – The start of my journey back downhill (the top half of the hill). The building you see in the picture is the newly created Lands Ends Visitor Center.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on July 12, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Domestic Violence, Philanthropy, Uncategorized, Woman Empowerment
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on July 12, 2012

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Plastic This, Plastic That

Plastic surgery has become a common topic of conversation in my circle of friends. With some already having gone under the knife for nose jobs or breast augmentation, it’s no wonder that changing our bodies is becoming a less taboo topic. Helping this process along is the commonality of reality television shows broadcasting plastic surgery like it’s just another day at Disneyland.

Extreme Makeover premiered in 2002 and is one of the first shows that gave individuals a makeover via plastic surgery. From liposuction to dental work, they did it all to cosmetically enhance the “lucky” chosen one. We can thank Extreme Makeover for paving the way for other shows such as Bridalplasty and The Swan where women are now competing to receive the procedures they want. It showcases plastic surgery as the answer to all our insecurities. If you don’t like it, fix it. Is this really the message we want to be sending our children?

In a recent study by Nabi (2009), she found that young people who watch reality makeover shows and relate to the characters may be more likely to partake in plastic surgery. Some young girls are being so impacted by these shows they begin to feel positively towards getting a procedure done. While we might just look at this as a form of entertainment it is effecting our youth and their body satisfaction.

With their daunting insecurities, we watch the contestants deal with these by getting a quick fix with a nip and a tuck. While some might claim other reasons for undergoing a variety of procedures the underlying tone in all of these shows is that women are so insecure and unsatisfied with their bodies that they have no other choice but to fix it via surgery. Unfortunately, this train of thought is being passed on to the youth of today where a boob job is a common high school graduation present.

Nabi, R. L. (2009). Cosmetic Surgery Makeover Programs and Intentions to UndergoCosmetic Enhancements: A Consideration of Three Models of Media Effects. Human Communication Research, 35(1), 1.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on July 10, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Body Image, Women's Health, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on July 10, 2012

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Is Clean Really Better?

Summer is quickly approaching and many women are looking for the quick fix to get bikini ready. With this, the popularity of the cleanse is sweeping the nation. From The Master Cleanse, to the SkinnyGirl Cleanse, a variety of juice cleanses, and many, many more, it’s no wonder we might turn to one of these to shed those last couple of pounds.

With the abundance of cleanses they each claim relatively similar effects while having slightly different procedures. In the end, they all say they can help you lose weight and have better health. The scary truth is that most health care professionals do not find cleanses a healthy way to lose weight.

Marissa Lippert, a registered dietitian, says that most people who turn to cleanses do not see long term weight loss, rather it is just a quick drop of weight that is added back on once you begin eating normally again. Cher Pastore, R.D., agrees that cleanses are not a way to lose weight for the long term. She, along with M.D. Susan Blum, say that a short one-three day cleanse can be ok, but anything longer than that is not necessary and can be harmful (2011).

According to an article in USA Today many dietitians do not believe in or condone any sort of cleanse (Hellmich, 2009). It was stated that most are deficient in necessary nutrients and proteins. It seems that a cleanse can actually do more harm than help. Salmon (2010) discusses the trend of cleanses and a doctor’s point of view. The author says that there are times when people in certain fields of work or those who have particular medical conditions may benefit from a cleanse. However, it is reiterated that we have many organs that are in charge of detoxing our bodies without our help.

So if you’re going to dive into the world of cleanses, make sure you do your research and think about the results you are looking for. If it’s long term weight loss a gym membership might be a better way to spend your money.

Are juice cleanses really healthy? Why some wellness experts worry. (2011). http://www.wellandgoodnyc.com/2011/03/09/are-juice-cleanses-really-healthy-why-some-wellness-experts-worry/#

Hellmich, N. (2009). ‘Cleansing’ diets lure celebs, but not health experts. USA Today, retrieved on November 7, 2011, from http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2009-03-24-cleanse-diet_N.htm

Salmon, S.B. (2010). Deconstructing Detox Treatments: Myth or Health Restorative? Environmental Nutrition, 33(1), 1-6.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on July 5, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Body Image, Tips for Women, Uncategorized, Women's Health, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on July 5, 2012

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Running to End Domestic Violence Quest

Check out our new guest blogger Mariya Taher. She’ll be writing blogs about her running and fundraising journey while keeping us informed on domestic violence. Look out for her future blogs!

Seventy-eight miles. 411,840 feet. 4,942,080 inches. That’s the distance I’ll be covering during the SIX half marathons that I’ll be running between June 3, 2012 through December 2, 2012.

7,800 calories burned. 17 In & Out Cheeseburgers served animal style consumed to counteract this calorie burn. Or maybe I’ll just stick to eating 34 pieces of chocolate cake with white frosting and sprinkles to make up this loss in weight.

The End Result. Undergoing both an intense physical and mental challenge by running 6 Half Marathons all in the name of raising money for an agency dear to my heart, Women Organized to Make Abuse Non-Existent (WOMAN, Inc.). WOMAN, Inc. was founded in 1978, and for the last thirty-four years they have provided essential services for domestic violence survivors throughout the Bay Area.

The Races:

  • Jun. 3, 2012: San Diego, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series – COMPLETED!

 San Diego Rock n' Roll Half Marathon!   Sweet Victory after completing the 1st of my 6 half marathon to benefit WOMAN, Inc!   Race #1 Done! All for WOMAN, Inc.   

  • Sept.  22, 2012 Denver, CO — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
  • Oct.  7, 2012: San Jose, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
  • Oct.  14, 2012 – San Francisco, CA — Nike Women’s
  • Oct.  28, 2012 Los Angeles, CA — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series
  • Dec.  2, 2012 Las Vegas, NV — Rock ‘n’ Roll Series

So, I am writing to ask my friends and family to sponsor me in undertaking this challenge. I have two ambitious goals – first to beat my personal record of running a half marathon by atleast 1 minute in each of the 6 races and second to help me raise $5000 for WOMAN, Inc. All donations will directly benefit the agency and are, of course, tax deductible. Plus, don’t you want me to eat all those hamburgers and pieces of chocolate cake guilt free?!

Raising money for this agency holds special importance for me as I work for WOMAN, Inc. and as many of you know, I have made it my life’s passion to work towards ending violence against women. Domestic Violence affects more people than you might imagine with one out of every four women experiencing it at some point in their lifetime.  This form of violence does not discriminate and occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, occupations, education backgrounds, meaning the likelihood of this situation happening to you or a loved one of yours is all too real. A statement that I am sad to say holds true for me as too many special people in my life have had to undergo this heart-breaking situation.

WOMAN, Inc. is an agency working to make the end of domestic violence a reality, but as the need outdoes the supply, this agency urgently needs our financial help to continue services for this vulnerable population.  Please join me in supporting this very important cause by considering a sponsorship in my Running to End DV quest!

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

SUGGESTED SPONSOR RATES PER MILE

I ______________ will make a per mile donation of $ ____________ for up to ____________ miles.

            Donor Name

(Table below gives donation amounts based on the number of miles and number of races sponsored)

# of Runs Miles $1 per mile donation $2 per mile donation $5 per mile donation
Six runs 78 miles $78 $156 $390
Five runs 65 miles $65 $130 $325
Four runs 52 miles $52 $104 $260
Three runs 39 miles $39 $78 $195
Two runs 26 miles $26 $52 $130
One run 13 miles $13 $26 $65

OR

I will make a flat donation of $ ____________ to support WOMAN, Inc. services.

SUGGESTED FLAT RATE DONATIONS

  • $1,000 to help provide approximately 75 hours of support line services to survivors of domestic violence!
  • $750 to help provide approximately 25 people one-on-one therapy services!
  • $500 to help WOMAN, Inc. sit with close to 30 mono-lingual Spanish speaking survivors, looking to end the abuse in their homes.
  • $100 to help train volunteers to become agents of social change in the community!
  • $50 to help provide groceries to 3 clients!
  • $25 to help advocate for survivors’ rights at 3 different community meetings!
  • $10 to help provide essential needs such as food and BART tickets to clients in need!
TO SPONSOR: Click on the DONATE NOW (http://www.stayclassy.org/fundraise?fcid=200917) button to make a secure credit card donation:

OR

If you wish to mail a check instead, please make all checks out to the WOMAN, Inc. and mail it to

WOMAN, Inc.,

Attention: Running to End DV

333 Valencia Suite 450,

San Francisco, CA 94103

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by Runwayjunkie.com on July 3, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Domestic Violence, Philanthropy, Uncategorized, Woman Empowerment, Women's Charities, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on July 3, 2012

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Did you realize that 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime?

Here’s an informative and educational guest blog from OC Breast Thermography. 

America desperately needs a new health care model. There is no way we can sustain the current expenditures on health care much less fund the projected growth.

The existing model…

  • Medicare is underfunded by between 25 and 35 trillion dollars
  • America ranks between 42nd and 47th in life expectancy but we spend at least double any other country in health care spending
  • We don’t spend our money on health care we spend it on sick care.

A new model based on … (1) prevention,  (2)early detection, (3)safety and (4)participation

…is mandatory if America is to continue its place as a world leader.

Don’t expect changes to come from the government or the medical model. There is just too much money being made on sick care. We need a grass roots effort to make real change a reality.

The most glaring and obvious place to start is in the prevention and early detection of cancer. We know that education is paramount in our efforts to be successful.

In 2007 OCBREASTTHERMOGRAPHY.COM posted an article outlining steps that if followed would reduce a woman’s risk of breast cancer up to 90%.

We also offered a test that is …

Painless   –   FDA approved   –   Accurate (90%)   –   Safe.

The current model, mammography, for screening for breast cancer is a miserable failure if we just look at the statistics.

Not only have the numbers gotten worse in the rates of breast cancer over the last 40 years, mammography may well be a part of the problem.

I mentioned safety as a fundamental pillar of the new model. Mammography is not safe. Mammography uses low energy x-ray, the most dangerous form of x-ray. The leading experts in the world on cancer prevention believe the whole mammography industry maybe just a break even in the good it does compared to the harm.

I wouldn’t be writing this if there wasn’t a far better answer to breast cancer screening. Breast thermography is the most widely studied, safe breast cancer screening tool. The vast majority of those studies have shown it to be safe, accurate and painless. I mentioned earlier it isn’t perfect. There is no perfect test for breast cancer.

We believe we have found the perfect adjunct to breast thermography and plan on adding that at no additional cost to our screening protocols making our screening second to none.

We will go into more details in our next blog.

A breast thermography screening at our office is $235.00.    Have a “Breast Thermography Party” at your house with a minimum of 5 ladies and your screening is FREE.   Call for details (714) 363-5595.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on June 29, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized, Women's Health, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on June 29, 2012

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Don’t You Think You Should Lose a Few Pounds?

Who hasn’t thought that they could drop a couple pounds. But how does it feel when the pressure of the media pushes your own family to ask you that same question?

Reality TV has taken over the television airwaves. With channels like Bravo, E!, and MTV, who have begun to spend more time on reality shows than any other, it is not wonder it is taking over our lives. One show that has dominated E! for years is Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

On an episode a couple years ago Khloe Kardashian was asked to pose naked for the PETA I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur campaign. During this episode, step-father Bruce Jenner asked her if she thought she should lose a little weight before posing naked. Khloe Kardashian is 5’10”, wears a size 8, and weighs between 165-170 pounds. According to The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention the average body measurements of US women over the age of 20 is a height of 5’3″ and weight of 164.7 pounds (2009). So why do people constantly berate Khloe for being an “ogre” or a “fat cow” if she is technically the average weight of an American woman, yet she is seven inches taller! Have we become that warped that if someone in the public eye isn’t 5’10” and 115 pounds we think they are HUGE?

With mainstream networks showing programs like the Victoria Secret Fashion Show or America’s Next Top Model how are we not expected to think that women in entertainment should be tall and thin. What’s more disturbing is the mere fact that instead of being supportive of someone like Khloe Kardashian we, and her step-father Bruce, think she should lose weight before posing for a naked ad campaign. Our media has brainwashed us to the point that we belittle someone in the entertainment industry who doesn’t fit the super model criteria, yet, 79% of the US population is overweight. We sit back on our couches guzzling down empty calories and judge people on TV for being fat, while really it’s the average American who should lose a few pounds.

Center for Disease and Control Prevention. (2009). Body Measurements Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/bodymeas.htm

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by Runwayjunkie.com on June 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Body Image, Uncategorized, Woman Empowerment, Women's Issues
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on June 28, 2012

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Facebook LIKE Giveaway!!!

Runway Junkie is always in the giving mood. And this time we want to give YOU something. Go on our Facebook page http://bit.ly/L2Jp7L, LIKE us, and you’ll be entered to WIN!!! We’re giving away this super cute Tory Burch Plato Wrap Bracelet. It’s a great addition to your summer wardrobe. Click http://bit.ly/L2Jp7L, LIKE, and WIN!!

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by Runwayjunkie.com on May 24, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Fashion, Philanthropy, Shopping
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on May 24, 2012

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California Dreamin Fashion Show-May 17th

At RunwayJunkie.com we love fashion shows that celebrate up-and-coming designers. That is why we are teaming up 149 Sports Grill and Bizness Magazine for the California Dreamin Fashion Show in Orange, CA!

This fashion show will be held at 149 Sports Grill on Thursday May 17th. The show starts at 7pm and goes well into the night with an after party that begins at 10pm. It’s sure to be a great evening filled with fashion and fun. You will also be lucky enough to get a glimpse of clothing lines by new designers while listening to the music of talented DJs and performers. VIP guests will be treated to beverages, an appetizer bar, as well as receiving a gift bag along with front row seating to the show. They will also be given the opportunity to meet the designers and performers. It’s a backstage pass that you won’t want to miss out on. After the evening of talent there will be an after party free for guests and only $5 for those that can’t make it to the fashion show. The Bizness Magazine and 149 Grill are sure to put on a fashion show that will not only provide entertainment but also introduce you to a wide variety of up-and-coming designers.

The three featured designers are BritBoy Fashions, AerithE, and Shekhar Rahate.

Stay tuned for profiles featuring each of these designers as well as what you can expect from their upcoming collections. Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the California Dreamin Fashion Show today!

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by Runwayjunkie.com on May 9, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Events, Fashion, Uncategorized
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on May 9, 2012

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Blue Skies and Clean Closets

Spring is really here, well at least for those us of that live in Southern California. Besides these beautiful blue skies, this can only mean one thing…spring cleaning. The thought of going through my closet makes me cringe but I try and look at the positives, the more I get rid of, the more room I can make for new clothes. And that makes me happy 🙂 When you do decide to finally take the plunge into the abyss of fabric and zippers, plan ahead for what you will do with the items you can part ways with.

There are multiple women’s organizations that take donations of lightly used clothing. These are great places to donate your professional work clothes that you no longer need. Organizations such as Working Wardrobes, WHW, and Dress for Success, help empower women through job placement and an integral part of this process is clothing. These organizations provide a professional pseudo-boutique, where women can go and pick out a few options for interviews and work outfits. By donating your clothes you’re helping women to become more self sufficient and powerful in the workplace.

So now what to do with the rest of your beloved pieces that you must get rid of?? Selling online is a great, easy option. While you might run to sites that you are more familiar with, why don’t you try something new? RunwayJunkie.com is a great place to sell your high-end designer clothing and accessories. It’s simple, easy, and you get to keep all your profits! Best part is, we donate 10% of our personal profits to different women’s organizations. So by simply selling on RunwayJunkie.com you’re helping out women.

With the beautiful seasons of Spring and Summer upon us we must find it somewhere deep down in us to take the time to clear away last seasons fashion and make room for the upcoming items we will be collecting.

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by Runwayjunkie.com on April 30, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Fashion, Philanthropy, Shopping, Tips for Women, Uncategorized, Woman Empowerment, Women's Charities
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on April 30, 2012

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Edgy and Sweet Designers at OC Fashion Showcase

OC Fashion showcase, a fundraising event to help working wardrobes, was held three nights from April 19 to April 21.

Night Two was on Friday April 20, 2012 and was hosted by Susan Romanishin, this year’s Miss California USA. Her desire to help women and children made her a great host for the event! The theme for the night was Edgy and Sweet. This included denim, leather, men’s and couture.

Purple Reign was the first designer of the showcase. Their designs included bright colors and edgy patterns.

Bine and Bas had stylish and sleek menswear. The shirt shown below could be used for a day at work or a night out.

Brit Boy UK Fashions came back to OC Fashion Showcase for night two with more great designs! This time they showed street wear that was trendy with optical shapes.

Laili Lau is a couture line that draws inspiration from tribes. They have great designs with earthy tones and flattering flowy fabrics.

Check back at RunwayJunkie.com for more reviews on the OC Fashion Showcase!

Also check out runwayjunkie.com to see some of our designer listings!

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by Runwayjunkie.com on April 25, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by Runwayjunkie.com on April 25, 2012

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