"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about."
- PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian
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2K FUN RUN 
Know someone that is too young (or old) to make the 90 mile trek to the finish line? Do you have friends that are too slow or too tired to make it to the finish line? Get your friends and family moving by joining us for our 2K Fun Run!
Perfect for people of all ages and all speeds, our 2K is a way for families and children to be active together while supporting a great cause. So invite your children, you spouse, your siblings and your friends to sign up and meet you at the finish line! The 2K begins at 7 a.m. at Murchison Middle School Track where overnight relayers and 2K Fun Runners will cross the finish line together to enjoy the sunrise celebration! 2K Fun Runners can participate individually or create a team and fundraise together.
Sponsored by our friends at 
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 CAPTAIN'S CORNER - Team Spirit
Run to the Sun is all about bringing a sense of community to the solo sport of running. Team members must rely on each other to complete the physical and mental challenge of covering 90 miles of hill country roads overnight - something you probably wouldn't do on your own.
Get a jump start on team bonding by planning some team-building activities for before, during and after the event. Ideas include:
- Team kick-off party or happy hour
- Team pot-luck dinner
- Make team shirts to wear on race day
- Offer small incentives to encourage friendly fundraising competition
- Plan on decorating your RV or van as a team
- Make a team "spirit stick" to hand off to runners at Exchange Stations
- Host a pre-relay pasta party or dinner the night before the relay
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FUNDRAISING 411
The number one reason people do not give to a specific charity is because they have never been asked. The key to a successful ask is to be specific. Asking, "Will you donate $20 to help me reach my goal?" is far more effective than asking "Will you donate to my team?" When provided with a clear call to action, people are much more likely to give, and are likely to give at a higher level.
Start by creating a comprehensive list of potential donors - colleagues, friends, family, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and your church congregation. Determine an appropriate amount for your group of supporters and make the ask! Be sure to provide a direct link to your fundraising page to make their giving experience as easy as possible.
For teams of 8, each member of the team only needs 13 people to give a gift of $50 each and your team will exceed the $5,000 goal. The sooner you start, the more time you will have to meet your goal. What are you waiting for? Start fundraising today!
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TRAINING TIPS
The race is 11 weeks out, so if you haven't started training, the time is now! To prepare for Run to the Sun, the best approach is to train like you are getting ready for a 10K. For an article with helpful tips, click here.
Don't forget to take advantage of the complimentary training runs at O. Henry Middle School Track! Look for the group by the tennis courts under the Run to the Sun banner.
Quality Runs: Focus on form and efficiency Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Quantity Runs: Work on strength and overall aerobic endurance Saturdays at 8 a.m.
View Month Two of our Training Calendar.
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EXCHANGE STATIONS 
We have 15 fabulous exchange stations planned for this year's race. With preparations already underway, these stopping points are going to be even bigger and better than before. Special thanks to our volunteers who are making these stations happen.
The Exchange Station Coordinator meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 18 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. Please plan on attending to receive important information about running your station.
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TOWN LAKE TAKEOVER 
Help us raise awareness for Run to the Sun and juvenile Batten disease! Wear your old Run to the Sun t-shirts and hats and meet us at Town Lake on Saturday, March 1, from 7 - 10 a.m. We will be handing out wristbands and spreading sunshine at the trail head by the Austin High bridge. We hope to see lots of runners out there sporting their Run to the Sun gear. See you there!
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PAST NEWSLETTERS
For tips on recruiting your team, team fundraising, doubling your donation and Month One's Training Calendar, click here.
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SAVE THE DATE
Weekly Training Runs: Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. - O. Henry Track
Exchange Station Coordinator Meeting: February 18, 2014 - 9 a.m.
Town Lake Takeover: March 1, 2014 - 7 a.m.
Team Captain Kick-off Party: March 26, 2014
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Beyond Batten Disease Foundation
512-275-2600 or 1-877-6BATTEN
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