Mohammed Moussa is the founder of the Gaza Poets Society and is preparing to publish his most recent book of poetry, Where to Lay This Heart, for which he seeks funding at https://buymeacoffee.com/gazapoets
Friends, May just departed and with it 8 am training runs, so buckle down for 7 am starts, beginning this Saturday. Earlier starts = earlier finishes.
Perhaps easing the transition…Shobila and I invite you to our celebration of her successful May 28 dissertation defense; we’re hosting a poolside potluck grillout this Saturday (Jun 6) in the patio area beyond our community pool.
Please RSVP with your veg/non-veg preference and I’ll send the address.
Iqraa is still recruiting runners—if you know anyone who’s interested in running for a great cause, meeting pups (Palestine-uplifting people), and enjoying the beautiful green spaces in our metro area, send them our way!
Fundraising Page. Once you’ve registered, that’s a good time to create your fund-raising page. This ensures you’ll be ready when your friends learn about the cause you’re running for.
From this UPA page, choose “Become a Fundraiser” and the “individual” option (you’re already on the Iqraa Team page): UPA: Iqraa fundraising pages
Hosting a training run. Friends, Iqraa hosts 8 training runs during the season; and there are 6 not spoken for. If you can help, let me know: Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 1, Aug 22, Aug 29, Oct 17.
The food requirements are simple: a nutritious mix of carbs, protein, and fruit, typically with things like mini bagels, hummus, bananas, etc. I’ll bring the Gatorade and water.
Last week/this week. We had a great turnout at Columbia Island Marina with 9 Iqraa runners, most of them pictured above. We’re at Peirce Mill on Saturday; don’t forget to sign up so the host charity knows how much food to bring.
And may we all be as ready as Ibrahim to sacrifice what we think is precious in this world for principles that are eternally divine: Humility, Love, Service, Equality, Freedom, Truth
The story of Ibrahim and his son Ismail is one of utmost faith and devotion to divine goodness. Don’t be discouraged by life’s frequent setbacks. Even in the face of overwhelming odds, if you believe in something pure and devote yourself to it, your faithful service will be answered.
Friends, a short note about the rain and running…since the first rain of the season often keeps people home instead of on the trail chasing their dreams.
Remember those puddles when you were a kid?
One of life lessons for runners is that you are the master of your fate. If you want to run, there’s gear for any kind of weather.
Only real danger prevents us—the MCC and Iqraa—from convening to run. Typically, that’s lightning or Code Red air conditions.
One public service announcement and then the last 5 Tips for Runners.
We’re still looking for host housing for Ahmad Abu Shammalh, a friend of Cathy:
Hello, my name is Ahmad. I’m a recent computer science graduate (University of Southern Indiana, magna cum laude) who will be studying at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (Class of ’28) for an MA in Arab Studies. I’m looking for a place to stay starting in late June, ideally with an easy commute to campus, for at least one year. I am able to cover the costs of my own food and transportation.
Tips for Runners. Now, here are the last five Tips from the MCC seminar and yes, running is full of life lessons—about discipline, effort, steadfastness, attention to detail, commitment, and patience: Btw, this is based on an MCC training article, which can be found here.
Breath. Rule of thumb for endurance running: don’t run faster than you can comfortably talk. This enables a steady pace and energy conservation. For fast tempo: locomotive breath!
Let your body be your guide. Listen when your body is tired or sore, so you don’t over-extend yourself and risk injury. My orthopedist’s rule of thumb: if it hurts for more than two days, take rest.
Keep track and rate yourself. Monitor the measurables. Keep a log, track factors (weather, energy level, food intake), and color code performance—good and bad. Identify trends and improve yourself!
It’s all about the effort. Like anything in life, you get out of running what you put into it. This isn’t solely about effort while training or racing, but the broader commitment to the things you care about.
Patience, grasshopper. Running well—like most good things–takes time and effort. Enjoy the journey–it can be a joy at every step!
This Saturday’s run is at Columbia Island Marina, our last 0800 start until the end of summer, so enjoy the sleep-in!
What are you willing to sacrifice for what you believe in?
A few things to share and then 5 Tips for Runners from Saturday’s seminar.
First, we’re still recruiting runners. If you want to help, please let people know about our info session at Palestine House of Freedom on Friday, May 22, at 3:30 pm and/or post the flier on your social media (it has the details including address).
Also, this is the last week unregistered runners will receive the MCC training email, so please register if you want to participate (choose $30/Iqraa): MCC training
Show me a better deal than $30 for nearly 6 months of training!
Second, we’re looking for host housing for a young Gazan, Ahmad Abu Shammalh, who Iqraa veteran Cathy knowsthrough We Are Not Numbers. Here’s his request:
Hello, my name is Ahmad. I’m a recent computer science graduate (University of Southern Indiana, magna cum laude) who will be studying at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (Class of ’28) for an MA in Arab Studies. I’m looking for a place to stay starting in late June, ideally with an easy commute to campus, for at least one year. I am able to cover the costs of my own food and transportation.
Third, we’re looking for volunteers to bring food on these 6 remaining training dates on which Iqraa will host: Jun 27, Jul 25, Aug 1, Aug 22, Aug 29, Oct 17.
These tips are a mix of philosophical and practical advice and a reminder that running is full of life lessons. These are the first five tips from last Saturday’s seminar; we’ll cover the remainder next week.
Start from where you are. Running is a high-impact sport, and distance running is best engaged gradually. This is central to the MCC training program.
Don’t comparison shop. It’s good to find heroes to emulate but don’t allow comparison to be the thief of joy. Trust the process and stick to your training. It will pay off.
Make running friends. Best-kept secrets: friends help us keep commitments to an early Saturday, help the miles go faster, help us run longer, and help make running a lifestyle.
Lube Up. Running plus heat and moisture causes friction, and summer humidity is coming. Fortunately, we can do much to mitigate, e.g. start early, run in shade, Body Glide, technical shirts, etc.
Mix things up. This is a call to alternate between high-impact and low-impact days so as to not over-exert. Cross-training—swim, bike, yoga, etc.–works different muscles and keeps us fresh and fit
Last note: this Saturday’s run is at Carderock at 0800, another great green space. Last Saturday we met at Candy Cane City and had so many runners we blocked out the Iqraa sign; Najwa was also present.
Our first run is this Saturday at Peirce Mill at 8 am! It’s exciting—and daunting—altogether.
We’ll see many veteran runners and hopefully some new faces.
We want everyone to enjoy the program and we have to—for instance—find volunteers to help with the aid stations that provide support beginning May 16.
We trust our people to step up, train regularly, and support the cause—education.
This is our 19th year of Running for a brighter Palestine! Since 2008, we’ve raised almost $500,000 creating and expanding educational opportunities for Palestinians.
Our 2025 runners will receive the MCC training notice for three weeks.
Two thoughts to highlight about the training program:
Consistency is key if you want a transformative experience. For long-distance runners, that means hitting the long-run mileage every week as it increases.
Running shorter distances is legit for fitness and to support the cause. You can pick any race you want. Train shorter but train regularly.
Thank you again to our Potomac River Run volunteers!
Traffic flow: Khaled, Bilal, Reza
Our volunteer turnout last weekend was unofficially our largest ever and helped make the Half and Marathon races a success. Iqraa volunteers were everywhere, from traffic flow at Fletcher’s Cove, to Logistics support across two days, to providing Gatorade and water, and moral support, at the Lock 6 and Lock 7 aid stations.
Lock 6: Bill, Kirk, Shobila (with non-Iqraans, Sentayehu and his 3 daughters)
Lock 7: Cathy, Greg, Jo, Mazen, Norman
Logistics (Friday and Saturday): Bill, Bob, Dave, Kirk, Lorraine, Shobila
Traffic Flow: Bilal, Khaled, Reza.
Lock 6: Bill, Shobila (rear), Sentayehu and family (front)
In closing, if you’re on the fence about running this year, my 2 cents: jump off and register.
Worst case? You gave $30 to a charity. Best case: transformative experience for you.
Recapping our info session efforts thus far: one of our Apr 18 Iqraa fun runners, David, joined us, registering for the training program. Welcome to David! See you on May 9 for the first run at Peirce Mill.
The prerequisites are simple: a desire to run and caring about Palestine. It’s still a rare combo in our society—public opinion is not the same as action—but our group stands out because for Iqraa caring IS action.
Speaking of the info sessions, one answer for “Why Iqraa?” The Spirit of Volunteerism.
It’s relevant in spades this week as Iqraa provides volunteer support Friday and Saturday for the Potomac River Race (Half and Marathon) on May 2.
Volunteerism embodies more than helping. Fundamentally, it’s being the change you hope to see in the world (Gandhi). It’s the recognition that we can make a difference at the grass roots level—an arena within our reach–and we can teach that spirit to our youth and to others.
While we certainly must vote, donate, and advocate for the change we seek, we must also pitch in and put our shoulders to the wheel. Ma’an inshallah!
For their shoulders, we appreciate these Iqraa runners and volunteers committing their time across multiple efforts on Fri and Sat…at Lock 7: Cathy, Jo, Mazen, Norman; on Logistics: Bill, Dave, Kirk, Lorraine, Shobila; with Traffic Flow: Bilal, Khaled, Reza; and our Saturday reserve: Imad.
I encourage you all who care about Palestine to share the word: we’re looking for runners and volunteers for 2026.
Last year we provided a brighter Palestine through annual tuition for 36 Palestinian university students; this year we want to support 40 students.
What a weekend for the Marine Corps Marathon’s 50th race!
Nick rented an RV for Camp Rosslyn for the first time since the pandemic, and his kids Nicole and Louis stayed over with him and joined us for the traditional pre-race lunch at Filomena’s in Georgetown. Bill, Cathy, and Reza were the Iqraa reps among 10 Marathon Charity Cooperation runners—including MCM Ambassador Nick—in a field of 35,000 MCM runners.
How’d we do?
Bill said he felt “like hell” afterward but genuinely appreciated completing his first marathon. Bill’s girls took pride in dad’s feat and crushed some Camp Rosslyn pizza.
Cathy, our veteran, finished in the top 12 percent of her age group. Simply amazing!
Reza, another first-timer, ran a 4:15, making it look effortless, according to Doug–and still had the presence to give Doug’s cramped calves a massage after the race.
In broader MCC news, we have two centurions, as Nick—running every step with Doug–completed his 102d marathon, and Prasad—pacing with Sundar—finished his 100th and hosted a party at Avenel afterward!
And MCC runners Chris (limited training due to health), Raja (ageless wonder), and Samir (diligent with training) ran solo marathon efforts that demonstrated typical marathon tenacity through the finish line.
One of my favorite sayings is Nick’s gem: “Every marathon finish is a victory!”
Hey…and keep an eye out for Peter on Nov 29, when he runs the National Capital Region marathon. Send pix, Peter!
Friends, that victory comes with the bittersweet realization that another MCC training year is complete. But there’s a bit more to go in the Iqraa year.
Several of us are still out here trying to make a difference by raising funds for a brighter Palestine. Be one of ‘em!
This year we’ve raised more than $29,000; I’m confident we’ll surpass $30,000. But it’s important to smash it because every $1000 is tuition for roughly one more scholarship.
Will we help 30 Palestinians or 35? Can we help 40 students complete a university education? Let’s GOOO!!
And when we’re finished, our annual holiday party will kick off with dinner at Mama Ayesha on Dec 13. Put it on your calendar!
Now, here’s a sample post-race outreach letter to spark ideas—and an opportunity to share the story of my own race last month…
Dear Iqraa friends,
I’m happy to provide an after-action report from my Sept 28 Sprint distance triathlon in Rock Hall MD that’s almost entirely positive. Rock Hall is a 2-hour drive but the farmland and Bay country of the Eastern shore are idyllic.
The Waterman’s triathlon starts with an open-water swim in the little harbor at Rock Hall, with water temperatures a cool but pleasant 73F. Most athletes wore tri suits like mine, unifying a biking short with a durable tank top that zips in the front.
At the start, some 300 plus athletes leapt from the pier into the Bay, two by two, and swam past a couple of big yellow buoys and to the exit pier 750 meters away, clambered up a ladder and ran head down (the mole-sighted athletes without glasses who have to focus on every footfall) along a wooden pier, across a street, and into the grassy transition area.
Including a mild jelly fish burn—not as hot as wasabi—the swim was my reveille.
I pulled on my shoes, Iqraa shirt, and biking helmet and trotted my bike out of the transition area to the “bike mount” line. From there, it was a 15-mile near-sprint through town, into the farmland to the north along Tolchester Rd, and around a rectangular course back into town.
The early forecast that weekend was for rain, so I brought my slower but more stable hybrid Trek, and found myself passed with regularity by legitimate racing bikes. Some mild discomfort in my hamstring, from sitting on it; shifted in my seat periodically.
The 5K run was a slog, as the bike leg always leaves me feeling stiff, with an unrequited desire to loosen back up. I’d planned to do a 4:1 (run:walk) minute ratio, but in the excitement of the race decided to run until I felt any pain in my hamstring.
Those are the facts of the race, but I registered a range of feelings from one leg to the next, and there’s a lot of time to process emotion. First thoughts were of apprehension: the water temperature and whether I might aggravate my hamstring.
The swim was exhilarating, and brought out the edge that competitors want: how hard could I push myself? I hadn’t felt this eagerness in a long time.
We’ve all engaged in a pursuit we consider our forté, yet with reservations about our physical and emotional limitations. It’s thrilling to feel the confidence to go for it.
The bike highlighted the inadequacy of my hybrid compared to racing bikes… but effort’s not bound to any platform. Pushing hard feels good whether you’re riding a donkey or a racehorse.
The emotion accompanying this bike effort, the longest leg—was increasingly a venting: a healthy expulsion of frustration and anger. Rather than stewing in thoughts about the politicization of our government and the silence of many—and criminalization by this Administration—toward those who highlight the equality of Palestinians, every turn of the wheel became a blow against injustice. If only it were so easy!
The run raised a new more practical frustration: the inability to shake that bike-induced woodenness in my legs and find freedom in an unfettered stride.
This is the runner’s high, not endorphins.
It soon became a battle of emotional attrition: on one hand, anticipation of relief as the meters grind down—though the long straightaway before the final turn toward the finish line created a demoralizing illusion of endlessness—on the other, fatigue is mounting.
This struggle was an appropriate metaphor for seeking equality for Palestinians, centered on the right and the ability to become educated. Education inevitably brings forward progress…except in an environment choked by oppression.
In the twilight throes of a run for a brighter Palestine (our slogan), grappling with the desire for exit and relief can feel shameful: the Palestinians we support have no exit other than true equality. Despite its universality in theory, equality is not given freely.
And now my race is done but our struggle for equality through education is not.
As you know, Iqraa partners with United Palestinian Appeal, which oversees and implements the funds we raise for education. UPA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization founded in 1978 that’s earned the maximum 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.
To provide educational opportunities to Palestinians who can’t or don’t want to leave their homes in Palestine and Jordan, you can contribute at my Iqraa page or write a check payable to United Palestinian Appeal (UPA) with Iqraa/Kirk in the Memo line. Please send it to me or to UPA at 1330 New Hampshire Ave NW (Suite 104), Washington DC 20036.
Thank you to all who’ve contributed…I appreciate you and I’m very grateful for your support of this cause!
Last week/this week. Last Saturday at Camp Rosslyn, Bill, Cathy, Reza, and I ran or walked 3 miles along the MCM course. Next up are the Winter Runs, which Nick usually sends an email for on Thu/Fri each week.
My greatest wish for this group is to see you all again regularly, Running for a brighter Palestine!
First, thanks again to Basma for hosting last Saturday, along with help from Shobi and her cousin, Siva. Your manaqeesh was a big hit…latheeth!
And apologies to Bilal, who shared his Park Half photo with me—it’s a great action shot—and I forgot to share it (see attached) last week.
And now, thinking of a potential ceasefire, this poem is from Mosab Abu Toha. It appears to be from 2024 but is certainly topical.
Can we take a rest? Maybe die for a few months or years and wake up when the poem is complete, when the flowers in our garden start to grow, their scent luring the sparrows into visiting our house, our house that’s now a small forest of rubble.
~Mosab Abu Toha
The main message this week is race prep, as we approach some of our runners’ races, e.g. Marine Corps Marathon (Cathy, Bill, Reza) and National Capital Region race (Peter).
This is not preparation through training, though al-hamdulillah so many of you have kept up with that diligently for months. These are a few things you can do for an extra edge on race day…
Study the course, so you know what to expect. This will help visualize the race too, often a step toward success. You can drive it ahead of race day, run portions, or study a map for familiarity.
Rest up. A big part of race day prep is tapering and resting. The training plan incorporates tapering, and it’s up to us individually to rest, including adequate sleep.
Hydrate and eat healthy. We expend a lot of fluids in the exertion of a race, so hydrate well in advance. Consider tips like avoiding dairy in pre-race meals because it causes the secretion of mucus, which can impede breathing.
Plan ahead for race day weather and consider whether you’ll need cold or wet weather gear.
Goal-making. Consider various race day objectives—typically time goals but also fun-meter–and be flexible to the requirements of weather, esp heat, and other factors.
“Hard times” mantra. Think of a simple but powerful mantra–that you can match your gait to–for the tough times, e.g. “take.. this.. hill” or “don’t.. slow.. down.”
Pre-race outreach. Make sure to let your supporters know how your training is going and why you’re running for Iqraa. Ask them for their support and promise a post-race follow-up.
What else? We all have unique needs for a big event. What else is on your list?
Extra, Extra! Here are couple of race prep articles from the MCC website:
Last week/this week. Last Saturday at Carderock, Basma, Cathy, Bill, Reza, Jorge, Alejo, and me, and (not pictured) Mazen and Peter, ran or walked for a brighter Palestine. Great job, marathoners, with your 20-mile training runs! This Saturday at Columbia Island Marina, the marathon trainees will run 12 miles, while half-marathoners have optional miles.
Whatever happens with a Gaza ceasefire, Palestinians must have a place at the table after the genocide ends and must be treated as equals.
But…First, thanks to Shobi and Siva for helping me out with hosting this Saturday when we’ll be running from Candy Cane City.
Second, UPA asks for quotes from Iqraa runners: Why do you run for Iqraa? Well, they came to the right place. Two stipulations:
A few sentences in length, no more than a paragraph
Please indicate whether your name can be used: first name only, first and last, or no name.
Next, a PSA from Cathy (Iqraa since 2010), who’s run the prestigious Boston marathon. Cathy is participating in the reading of We Are Not Numbers (by Ahmed Alnaouq and Pam Bailey, 2025)—whose stories she helped edit–at Busboys and Poets on Sept 4th at 6 pm.
To every thing there is a season. It’s the season to begin fundraising, in addition to running. To fundraise, we must plant and then pluck up that which is planted…
Write from your heart. The most convincing message is your narrative—on anything you understand and care about.
Ask…and explain how. A beautiful narrative without a request for support and a link for donors will get you praise and good feelings but won’t help our students pay their tuition.
Start now. There’s more than one approach but mine is to write an initial outreach in Jul/Aug explaining the cause’s importance, a 2nd message weeks before my race summarizing that summer’s training, and a final outreach narrating my race.
Let your mood/personality in: if you feel colorful, jovial, sad…that’s an authentic part of your personal story.
We’ll share templates. Typically, a few of us share our messages with the group hoping to spark an idea or provide an incentive to others to pick up their pens, laptops, or phones.
Last week/this week (photos). Last Saturday at Carderock, Cathy, Basel, Bill, Reza, and me ran (or walked), and then Cathy, Bilal, Reza, Shobi and me met in the afternoon at the Museum of the Palestinian People, followed by mezze and knafeh at Nabiha, nearby on U St. This Saturday, we’ll be at Candy Cane City, where marathoners will run 18 and half marathoners will do 11 miles.
[The divine] has made every thing beautiful in its time
and also has set the world in [human] hearts,
so that no one can find out the work that
[the divine] makes from the beginning to the end.
…there is no good in them but to rejoice and to do good in this life.
~Ecclesiastes 3:11-12
This info session will be hybrid, hosted by UPA with a Zoom option. To RSVP, please contact the Iqraa Coordinator: kirkcruachan@yahoo.com.
The Parks Half Marathon
Race DaySeptember 27, 2026
80days to go.
The Parks Half Marathon
This race is a point-to-point run that starts in Rockville MD near the intersection of Redland Rd and Sommerville Ave. After about 2 miles on Needwood Rd, runners enter Needwood Park and carry on through the urban parkland along the Rock Creek valley to Bethesda MD.
Marine Corps Marathon and 10K
Race DayOctober 25, 2026
3months to go.
The “People’s Marathon” is one of the largest marathons in the world and typically features runners from all 50 states and over 50 countries, and includes many charity runners and U.S. service men and women. It starts near Arlington Cemetery and finishes at the Iwo Jima Memorial after winding thru many scenic parts of Washington DC and the environs.
Two stipulations:
iqraadc.org 