ALS #IceBucketChallenge

I admit, I was one of those ignoring all of the videos on my Facebook stream.  I assumed it was along the lines of those weird Facebook status that were supposed to draw attention to breast cancer.  (Remember those? I think we were supposed to list our bra color one year and our shoe size and something else another.) So, I ignored it and went along my merry way.

Until I was reminded that a member of my extended family has been living with ALS for years.  And that one of my friends lost a brother to ALS fairly recently.

And then I saw this video.

I admit, I laughed at the first part. And then I cried. And then I donated. And in my typical backward fashion, I then allowed Shoo to participate.

I know that there have been criticisms of the challenge.  Some people say that it’s taking away from other charities.  Perhaps that’s the case for some, but I know in our household, most of our donations are set up at the beginning of the year and happen automatically.  The only “donation” this takes away from for me is to my local running store.

There’s also the concern about the waste of water.  As someone whose job revolves around water related activities (conservation, preservation of clean water, etc.), it is a thought that crossed my mind. A lot of water has been used in this challenge and some of it has been used frivolously.  But you don’t have to waste water to participate (and being creative may result in a better video.)

Here are some ideas to conserve water and still be part of the challenge:

• Do your challenge in your garden or near other plants that need water (Shoo stood near a tree that always needs water  in the summer)
• Skip your shower that day (not that I’ve ever not showered after a run. Ahem.)
• Do it in your pool or hot tub (my dad’s method)
• Use a smaller bucket (it’s not about size)
• Do it as part of your post-run ice bath like Sue did (it is marathon training season, after all)
• Be creative and do something unique

Today is my birthday.  I challenge all of my readers to give today.  It can be giving of your time or your money.  It can be to any charity or to an individual.  But the best birthday present you could give me today is to do one small thing to make this world a better place.