5K Race Trophies by age class

 2009 Race Trophy Sample:

The Best Race Shirts in Minnesota

For some it’s about the course or the cause, but for a large percentage of event runners, it’s all about the shirt!

The following are the best  race shirts from running events in Minnesota:
(in no particular order)

1) The Twin Cities Marathon

Maybe the very best race shirt offering in Minnesota.  Why?

• Year over year they’ve had great artwork, whether from the third year (1984) or the most recent shirts.  A great body of work!
• They don’t just offer one top notch shirt (for the marathon) but also superb artwork for the 10 mile shirt.  The kid’s run shirts are great too.
• A true finisher’s shirt – there’s honor in getting and wearing it!
• Long sleeves for fall!

Am I the only one that thinks their logo kind of looks like “Where the Hell is Matt” dancing though?!

2) The Minneapolis Marathon

OK, they’re technically offering a finisher’s jacket, but… they’re offering a jacket!!  That’s pretty impressive and nice training t-shirts can be purchased separately too.

This was year one for the Minneapolis Marathon.  The great race jackets and shirts should help the cause!

3)  The Autism 5K

Yep, that’s us (2009 Race Shirt), but we’re pretty excited about what we’ve got to offer.  When we first discussed the race shirt we said, “let’s try to provide the best race shirt design ever!” and here’s why we’re close:

• Main Artwork provided by Mary GrandPre’, world famous illustrator of all seven Harry Potter novels among other terrific projects
• Graphic Design by Armato Design & Press, fabulous local letterpress shop.

The Autism 5K will be held Saturday, May 15th 2010 at Lake Calhoun.   Join us to get yours!

4)  Minneapolis Recycle Run

Their artwork is terrific and the cause is trendy too (albeit ever important)!  For some the brown shirt’s favor might hinge on personal tastes, but keep in mind it’s a fully organic shirt and you have the option to take in the run with or without it!  We love it!

5)  Any Race with a Technical Shirt!

While cotton is fine for every day use, serious runners appreciate any race that offers technical shirts.  These shirts hold up much better than cotton and typically offer moisture wicking capabilities.

I wouldn’t say it’s impossible to make a stylish technical tee, but it’s more challenging for the traditional race shirt designer.  The good designs tend to be sleek and use unique lines, going well beyond offering just a cool logo.  The capability to integrate art and design into technical shirts will probably only increase as the shirt technology continues to develop.

Honorable Mentions:
Grandma’s Marathon – For the achievement factor alone.
Stillwater Marathon – Their first year could be a nice collector.

What is your favorite race shirt?
Photos?… email info@autism5k.org

Rocio, Sean and Salvador

Rocio and Sean Bezdicek on their family’s journey (so far):

“Salvador was diagnosed with Autism at 2 1/2. He used to be very social by being a big flirt with all smiles, but one day he became catatonic in a corner; we even thought he was deaf.  We were devastated as we didn’t know how we lost him.

We have since been working hard to get him back by seeking the best biomedical and behavioral treatment, trying many different things along the way.  Salva is starting to come back to us as he has reconnected to the world and has been using signs to communicate. 

It was a joy to hear his voice a couple years ago, and we are waiting to hear “Mama” and “Papa” again.”

What do you find that others don’t always understand about autism?

“Autism is a condition that requires your constant attention as anything can happen.  It is like driving in the rain.  It requires constant focus as you have to be ready for anything.  There is little or no time to relax.

It is hard to see how much pain we have endured when we physically appear like any other family.”

Has TACA been a resource for you?  If so, how?

“From TACA we have learned of many different services and techniques from different parents.  Also, it has been a great network to learn how others are managing the condition.  Plus, it is great to be around a GROUP of people who truly understand what it means to have autism touch your life.”

What’s the main reason you’re supporting the IT5K for Autism?

“It is a great way to support and help spread the word on what is going on with many kids like ours.”

Thank you so much to Sean and Rocio for sharing your personal story and your insights.

Kim, Bill and Isaac

Kim Breeden was kind enough to share her family’s story this week and answer a few of our questions.

“Isaac entered the world as a 24 week preemie and joined our family through adoption when he was 10 months old.  While he was always behind developmentally, it wasn’t until he was 2 1/2 that we got the autism diagnosis.  Through a great deal of one-on-one therapy, Isaac is making progress though he is still non-verbal.  He is a happy and energetic boy who we believe has a lot of undiscovered potential.   

What motivated  you to participate in the IT5K for Autism this Saturday?

“We try not to let autism define our lives, but really it HAS defined Isaac’s.  We feel that there is not enough done to find a cure for autism–which we believe exists!  Money, public awareness, and support is desperately needed.” 

How has TACA been beneficial to you?

“The online TACA group is a network filled with intelligent, compassionate moms, dads, and grandparents.  They provide a wealth of information, particularly in the areas of diet and supplements.

Attending local TACA meetings has allowed me to learn about other resources the Twin Cities has to offer and meet parents at a variety of places in the autism journey. “ 

What do you feel that people need to understand about autism?

“Autism affects a child’s whole life–communication, behavior and physical well being. ”

Thanks Kim, we look forward to seeing you guys on Saturday!

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Isaac and his Dad Bill enjoying the lake!

Jennifer, David and Cade

Jennifer’s only son Cade, now 8, was a very active baby up until the age of 15 months. Cade was hitting all his developmental milestones and had a vocabulary of over 15 words including “fish”, “bowl” and “shoe”, but in October of 2001 his persona drastically changed. Cade lost all his speech and stopped looking at others including family.

Jennifer and David Larson’s mission became healing their son, but by February of 2002, their school district told them that Cade had the severest case of autism it had ever seen. It took years of behavior therapy & biomedical interventions before Cade would say “mama” again.

Jennifer started Holland Center for children with autism in 2003, in order to provide a center where she felt confident her son and other children were getting the best services available. Cade has made great strides and is a happy child with an infectious smile.

Why are you participating in the IT5K for Autism?

I’m so pleased that my direct and extended family are planning to come out for the 5K, whether they’re running, walking or just cheering. I’m actually a co-chair of the event and my IT company is a sponsor. With the growing numbers diagnosed with autism, there are far too few events to support autism causes such as TACA. This is the first year so I really hope a ton of people come out to support the event and the cause.

What are some of the reasons you support TACA?

When Cade was diagnosed, I often felt so alone in my search for information and solutions to help my son. TACA helps support families locally with immediate and real help, providing information and local resources to parents who have recently been diagnosed. The local monthly meetings are very well attended and just the ability to speak with other parents about their experiences is therapeutic.

One thing that others don’t understand about autism or those affected by it?

Society’s lack of understanding and education for disabilities where the children physically look typical, like autism, leave families frustrated and saddened. Families are often criticized, ridiculed and left to feel the only place to feel comfortable is their own home. This even more isolates children that have an already social disorder and families that are exhausted.

Autism 5K Families

We’re very thankful for the support of the families that have or are participating in the Autism 5K. The following families agreed to offer their stories.

Family Profiles:

(2009 Profiles:)

Courtney, Mike and Charlie

 .
 **** 

Jennifer, David and Caden

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**** 

Kim, Bill and Isaac

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**** 

Roccio, Sean and Salvador

.
**** 

Thank you to all the families who have shared their story here.  If you’d also like to share your personal journey as someone affected by autism, please contact us at info@autism5k.org.  Thank you.

Courtney, Mike and Charlie

 

Courtney & Mike Steilen will be participating in the IT5K for Autism on May 2nd and took time out to answer some questions and share their story.  Their son Charlie is 3 years old.

Their story in brief:

“Charlie was diagnosed with autism at age 2 1/2.  He was developing normally until around 18 months when we started noticing changes in behaviors as well as decreased speech.  Once we had him diagnosed we immediately started therapy and dietary changes. 

With the help of key resources, like TACA, early intervention and The Holland Center where he currently attends, we have noticed great improvements and progress daily and are firm believers that autism is treatable.”

Why you’re taking part in the IT5K?

“To raise awareness, support a great cause and to have some fun.”

Have you been involved in TACA?

“TACA has been a tremendous resource for us since we started this journey.  We use the website all the time, especially for diet information and there have been great local connections for us as well.”

What’s one thing that individuals don’t realize about autism?

“We’ve come to realize that autism is treatable, that each child is different and to never give up hope.”

Purchase Posters from the Autism 5K

We have two poster print options (standard poster print and signed Giclee art prints).  Both can be purchased online below via Paypal or you can order offline as follows.

Mail a check made out to “Children with Autism Deserve Education” and include a return address to:
Children with Autism Deserve Education
6031 Culligan Way
Minnetonka, MN 55345

Or Call Kirsten with your credit card info and mailing address at 952-653-2910.

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Purchase the 24″x30″ poster print of the artwork created by Mary GrandPre for the Autism5K for $20.  Click the “Buy Now” button below to purchase your print via Paypal or Credit Card.

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50 limited edition signed and numbered poster prints are also available for purchase at $50 each.  Click the “Buy Now” button below to purchase your print via Paypal or Credit Card.

These prints will also be available to purchase on race day at the registration pavillion.

Please note that Paypal payments will be made through Upgrade Outlet, as they’ve offered their ecommerce services to the Autism 5K at no additional charge!

Donate to TACA

(TACA was the 2009 Charity for the IT5K for Autism)

Thank you for your interest in supporting TACA and families affected by Autism.

Participants primarily support the cause by participating in the 5K (registration details here), but there is also the possibility to donate or help us raise additional funds.

Here are the primary ways to make an additional donation:

1) Make a donation directly to TACA on our event donation site.
(Choose an amount in the “Make a Contribution” box)
- Great option for those who would like to be at the event but can’t make it, yet still want to contribute.

2) Become a fundraiser and help us raise donations.
(Click the “Create a Fundraiser Page” Button)
- fundraisers who raise $100 or more will be eligible to win prizes too

3) Volunteer or Come to Cheer
If you can’t participate or contribute at this time, your presence at the event will be great for supporting the runners and walkers while helping us build awareness of autism’s reach.

4) When you register, there is an option to make an additional donation.
(REGISTRATION CLOSED)

Thank you so much!

5K Teams

We encourage everyone to walk or run with a team for fun or competition, but it isn’t required by any means.  If you’d like to participate with friends, family and/or co-workers, then you should strongly consider creating a team.  Info for 2010 teams as well as 2009 Team Names listed below as examples.

Why walk or run as a team?

1) Teams are a great way to show your support for an individual or cause.  Groups will sometimes wear signature items, costumes or t-shirts centered around their team.

2) Participating as a team can offer recognition for your company or cause.

3) If you’re competitive, then your team’s top times will be averaged and available online after the race.  Compete against other teams or try for a team goal average.  The top overall team will win a prize.

How do I signup for a team?

There’s a “team name” option at registration… just ask your teammates to use the same team name when registering.

If you already registered and didn’t fill out a team name or would like to change your team name, just email the change to kirsten@autism5k.org and she can manually change it before race day.

Here are examples of teams that registered and ran together in 2009!:

• Team Adam
• Hayden/Coleman
• Gonzalez/Thrivent
• Regions
• St. Kate’s Occupational Therapy
• Team Triston
• Sleeplessmom’s hope
• That one team
• McCanna
• Salvador
• St. Croix
• Data Domainers
• Holland Center
• Team EMC
• SunnyDays
• VISI
• Vibrant
• Be Good
• Believe
• Orluck Organic
• All Aboard for the Autism Race
• Supercool
• Blackbox
• Eatchel
• Wanna Walk

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