I seem to be on an extreme running kick lately (reading, rather than doing.)  Today, I discovered an article in The Seattle Times about ultrarunning.

Yeah...I think I'll pass on this type of running.  It's a bit much for me...for now ;-)

Wow!  I ran across this post over the weekend and my jaw dropped.  A group of folks from Microsoft's Unlimited Potential team are going to Western China to raise awareness of the technological gap facing emerging markets.

Not only are they raising awareness, but they're running across the Gobi Desert.  Seven days, 250 km.  Roughly, that's 6 marathons....in a DESERT!  Way to go Unlimited Potential!

For more information about this race, and the initiatives from Unlimited Potential, here are some additional resources.

Unlimited Potential: Racing Across the Gobi
Inside UP: Western China Project
Helping Rural Chinese Communities Reap the Benefits of Education, Training and Technology - Orlando Ayala

For information on how you can help with recent disasters in China and Myanmar:
Providing Support for Victims in Myanmar and the China Earthquake