Quiet early morning run, post-Sandy

Soft crunch of snow underfoot.
The calm, stillness and quiet of running in empty streets during the early dawn.
And the slight breeze that hits your wind-blown face with a spray of snow and ice from low-lying trees caught unexpectedly with this winter blast.

If you ran outside in the northeast this past week or so, you might have experienced this sensation. Not because you were up earlier than your neighbors running in the pre-dawn light, but because many of us in the area have been without power for days...and in some cases nearly 2 weeks (or longer).

Regardless the circumstances, I would encourage you to take that motivation and spirit that keeps you running and apply it to those who really need the help, who's homes were devastated by Sandy or impacted by the nor'easter that followed on the heels of that storm.

Visit americanredcross.com to learn how you can donate, volunteer and help.