BRAND NEW Eco-Runner Kids Calendar for April 2010 Available NOW!

That's right, folks, I've finally finished the BRAND NEW Eco-Runner Kids Fitness Calendar. The calendar is available for implementation in K-12 school districts nationwide.

The Eco-Runner Kids Fitness Calendar is available NOW, for curriculum planning purposes and early preparation, for April 2010, Earth Month. Teachers and students practice 30 days of living "green and clean." Making an effort to better personal health, as well as the health of our environment. Find out more by visiting the following page on the Eco-Runner website: Eco-Runner Kids @ EcologyRunner.com.

Or, download the calendars by clicking on the appropriate links below. As always, thank you for your efforts. Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Runner Article in Runner's World Magazine October 2009 Issue

Eco-Runner made an appearance in the October 2009 issue of Runner's World Magazine. The article is located under the main heading 'Run with Less Impact;' part of the Running With Purpose theme.

Pick up a copy, turn to page 75, and indulge. Thanks for your support! Keep running strong, Eco-Runners of the world.

Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Runner Featured in ItStartsWith.Us

A wonderful Eco-Runner story appeared in ItStartsWith.Us on August 6th. ItStartsWith.Us is a global community of individuals focused on making a positive impact in the lives of the people around them. The website philosophy coincides with the Eco-Runner philosophy - with ideologies built around raising awareness.

"Each and every one of us has the ability to change the world by touching lives in this way. And when we hear more about the positive things others are doing, we become more aware of the opportunities we have to make a difference for the people around us (ItStartsWith.Us)."

Find the article here: Eco Running: Sam Huber.

Many thanks to a fellow Wisconsinite, Sara Lancaster, for a great post, and for ItStartsWith.Us for a springboard to spread the word.

Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Runner Profile: Gabriel Losa

Over the past couple of years, I have been keeping in touch with numerous individuals inspired to take action after discovering the Eco-Runner movement. One of those special Eco-Runners is my new buddy from Argentina, Gabriel Losa.

I have been in touch with Gabriel since April 2009, when he first happened-upon the Eco-Runner website. Gabriel was looking to do more for the environment, and Eco-Runner was the answer. Gabriel wrote to me, "I tried what you proposed for a few days and I find it really rewarding." That was just the start. Those few days of eco-running turned into a commitment. A 'do good, feel good' attitude that is continually making a difference around the globe.

Now, as Gabe says, "I’m proud to consider myself a South-American Eco-Runner."

Like Gabriel, many are unaware of the amazing power they possess to make that difference, but just as he found out, it's only a run away. He remarks, "Sounds silly, but I’ve never imagined that I can do something helpful for the earth while running. Now that you gave me the idea I never leave home for a run without my bag." Awesome!

It is individuals like Gabriel, and you, that make Eco-Runner what it is, and make the change we want to see in the world. If you have a story you would like to share, please contact me at ecorunner13@gmail.com.

Many thanks, Gabe! Keep up the great work.

Cheers, Sam.

The New & Official Eco-Runner Website is LIVE!

Hello, everyone,

I hope this email finds you well. I simply wanted to notify you of the *brand new* Eco-Runner website.

Find it here: http://www.ecologyrunner.com/.

Things have certainly blossomed in the past three years, and each passing month continuously presents another surprise for this "glorified" trash man. It's been fun. And i appreciate all of your support along the way. I figured a website would take Eco-Runner to the next level of professionalism. I believe the finished product does just that. So...if you will, take a minute or two to check it out. I am so happy with the way it turned out. Feedback is always welcome.

Many thanks to my buddy Kevin Rux for the web and graphic design, and my bro Joe for the Eco-Runner logo. Enjoy!

Chat with you soon. Sam.

Get Your Eco-Runner T-Shirt Today...Before They're Gone!

That's right, folks, the last remaining "first-run" Eco-Runner T-Shirts are dwindling fast. Why is that? Well, because they're awesome, that's why. And, as long as demand remains, a second-run will follow.

Believe me, there will be many more goods to come, but as for now, snag one of these up while you can. Once they're gone, they're gone, and as far as I'm concerned, a deadstock t-shirt is a priceless entity. So...just look at the sidebar, select your size and color, and be on your way.

Oh, and another teaser...think, an official Eco-Runner website. Yes, it's coming...

Chat with you soon. Till then, keep it clean! Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Run the Oxfam Trailwalker in Sydney, AUS

Eco-Runner was recently contacted by the organizers of the Oxfam Trailwalker - Sydney to help recruit participants to run with the Eco-Runner ethos in this years event, taking place August 28-30, 2009.

The Oxfam Trailwalker is "the world's greatest team challenge...and it's also one of the toughest." The challenge is to get your team of four across 100km of Australian bush in less than 48 hours - and collectively, to raise at least $1000 to help to overcome poverty and suffering around the world.

In addition, Oxfam Sydney has gone to great lengths to make the race as ecologically-friendly as possible. They incorporate some key green race ideals: e-registration, alternative energy where possible, printing on the greenest paper/printing sources available, and providing recyclable cups. Also, their cutlery/plates for feeding volunteers is made from cornstarch, all event clothing is ethically produced (i.e. no sweat shops), and they attempt to source things locally to minimise transportation costs. This year's event also is working to eliminate the use of disposable batteries, source green energy for their office, use green transportation for the event instead of normal hire cars (eg. Hybrid cars), and for the first time they will be using a generator hire company that is prepared to supply the event with BIODIESEL (a BIODIESEL that has been sourced from animal fat and is a by-product from meat processing). Each of these additions should be applauded.

The 2009 Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney will see 500 teams (that's 2,000 individual participants!) walk 100km on the weekend of 28-30 August, principally on the Great North Walk and the Harbour to Hawkesbury Walking Track in the bushland of northern Sydney. And...of those 2,000 individuals, we are hoping to see Eco-Runners abound!

To find out more information about the event, visit the Oxfam Trailwalker Sydney website. Best of luck to all participants. I hope for a successful and green outcome for all. Many thanks to Oxfam Sydney, and Dylan Jones, for your contact, interest, and support.

Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Runner Awarded as the Greenest Fitness Trend

Eco-Runner received a Greenie Award as the Greenest Fitness Trend in Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine's July 2009 issue. The Greenies: BRO’S Fourth Annual Eco-Awards are given to those individuals/organizations leading the ecological revolution. It is quite an honor to be surrounded by such amazing people who are dedicating their lives for the betterment of our shared environment.

Please take a little time to check out the Greenie Award page and read about some of the winners. In addition, search Blue Ridge Outdoor's site as the definitive guide to outdoor sports, health, and adventure travel in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. Many thanks to BRO for this accolade!

Keep it clean, Sam.

Eco-Runner Teams Up with Sierra-Cascade Adventure Racing in 2009

Eco-Runner is now an official sponser of the 2009 Sierra-Cascade Adventure Racing Sports (SCAR Sports for short) trail running and ultra-marathon series.

Here is what SCAR SPORTS is all about:

SCAR Sports is dedicated to providing safe, competitive and high-quality trail racing events on scenic and diverse off-road courses, while simultaneously promoting awareness, respect and concern for the environment. We are always finding ways to reduce our ecological footprint. We purchase carbon offsets and use green products at our events that are renewable, recyclable and/or biodegradable. Our courses take racers across many terrains; you may encounter rocks, sand and mud; roots, stumps and logs; snow, puddles and creeks in and around the beautiful Sierra and Cascade Mountain Ranges. Most events provide several course lengths that are inclusive for athletes of all levels. Trail courses take racers over some of the most scenic and rugged terrain found in the Great American West.

The perfect race philosophy: safe and environmentally friendly races.

SCAR Sports holds trail runs all over Northern California, several of which will be this Fall.

SCAR Sports 2009 Trail Races:

• Tough As Granite - 5K, 10K and ½ Marathon Trail Run September 19, 2009 Granite Bay, CA Estimated Participants: 350


• Napa Valley Stomp - 5K, 10K and 10 Miler Trail Run October 3, 2009 Napa, CA Estimated Participants: 350


• Run the River - 10K, ½ Marathon, Marathon and Ultra Marathon Trail Run November 14, 2009 Folsom, CA to Sacramento, CA Estimated Participants: 1000

Please visit their website at http://www.scarsports.com/. In addition, check out the other great sponsers involves with SCAR Sports at http://www.scarsports.com/sponsors.html. Many thanks to Jenn Bauer, the SCAR Sports Team, and the participants of the events for your energy, spirit, and your dedication to the betterment of our shared environment. Stay tuned to Eco-Runner for the latest in trash running.

Cheers, Sam.

Eco-Runner Kids Winners Announced at Rexford Elementary

The Eco-Runner Kids Program just finished at Rexford Elementary School in Clintonville, Wisconsin. Students completed 35 days of living clean and green, and within that time period, collected close to 300 bags of garbage. Incredible!

In addition, the local Pamida store provided the students with reusable bags, eliminating the use of those pesky plastic bags we see all TOO often. All prizes from the Eco-Runner Kids Program were given away in the reusable bags.

Just as a reminder, in case you are wondering what the Eco-Runner Kids Program is all about, here are some details:

Eco-Runner Kids incorporates kid-friendly activities and Eco-Runner clean-ups in participating schools. Eco-Runner Kids is not just running (although children do love to run!), Eco-Runner Kids run, walk, skip, hop, jump, shuffle, etc while they collect the rubbish, the garbage, the trash that they find along pathways, roads, trails, and playgrounds. Whether these activities take place at school or at home, constant supervision is a must, and sanitary measures, such as gloves, may be a good idea. However, children thrive in either setting/situation – working with friends or spending quality time with their family members. The most important aspect is to make the experience fun!

So here’s how it works: For 35 days, your goal is to keep the earth “Green and Clean.” *Why 35 days? Well, I hate to limit green living to just one month, so if we go a little bit over a month, maybe we will go a little bit over 35 days, and a little over that. Heck, why not 365?* You may exercise as usual, but during your exercise/play sessions, do an eco walk/run with someone in your family, or with a friend.

• Please take a bag with you to pick up litter. *BioBags are biodegradable and compostable trash bags available online or in some stores. Find out more at http://www.biogroupusa.com/*
• Record the # of trash bags you collected in the circle of each calendar day.
• Remember: EVERYTHING YOU DO DOES MAKE DIFFERENCE!!!
• All calendars must be signed by a parent/guardian after the 35 days is completed, for those taking part in the Eco-Runner Kids theme.
• The top three students collecting the most bags will receive the GRAND prizes. A drawing will be held for all participating students for a chance to win other great rewards. (Prizes are administered according to your schools vision and local sponsering individuals/businesses. If you would like to have an "Eco-Runner" prize, please contact me for further details).

The 35 Days of Living Green and Clean Calendar is available in Adobe PDF, and can be provided to you by writing Sam at ecorunner13@gmail.com.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to those participating in the program at Rexford. And, as always, please visit the Eco-Runner website at http://www.ecologyrunner.com/ for your go-to source for green fitness. Keep it clean!

Winner's of the 2009 Eco-Runner Kids Fitness Program at Rexford Elementary

Eco-Runner in Runner's World UK

Eco-Runner recently appeared in an article about "Running Green" in Runner's World UK. The article focuses on the top eco tips to help you become a greener runner. Lots of neat ideas! Here's the Eco-Runner mention:

"Litter picker: If, despite your best efforts, your favourite routes are still scattered with other people's litter, try eco-running. It's a new craze direct from the US, combining running and helping the environment, and don't worry - you won't need pricey new kit. All you need to call yourself an eco-runner is a rubbish bag (biodegradable, of course). Just take a bag on your runs and pick up all the litter you see along the way."

Sounds simple and effective to me. Many thanks to all those folks attempting to run greener and make a difference. Cheers, Sam.

The Commercial That Always Got to Me...

Remember watching TV Land or PBS and seeing the PSAs (Public Service Announcements)? I sure do. And there was always one that hit a soft spot in my tiny little heart. In the late 70's, early 80's, the Keep America Beautiful aired a PSA featuring the Crying Indian.

As he stoically paddles down the river, he encounters polluting industries, trashed shorelines, and finally, the appalling act of tossing litter from a vehicle. Ultimately, landing at his feet. Yup, enough to make anyone cry.

Even to this day, this commercial sends such a powerful message and vibe. Truth be told: to this day, I am a collector of Indian artifacts and memorabilia, and obviously, litter. That's how much this commercial hit home!

Check it out below. Let me know if you feel the chill. Cheers, Sam.