Fundraising vs. Running - Getting out to a Fast Start?

Everyone always says about running a race (especially the long ones) - "don't go out too fast". You'll pay for it at the end. It is true! But it is so hard to control that race day energy. I didn't pay for it too badly but in the 2011 Bay State Half Marathon. I finished this race in 1 hour 27 minutes (6:42/mi pace) - and I was thrilled! I assumed that I was "ready" to run 7:00/mi for the race and call it a success. So at the beginning of the race when I ran 6:27, 6:35, 6:38, 6:34, 6:39 I thought I would be in for some serious trouble! I like to say I was on "cloud nine" for the first five. Luckily I survived that (I probably underestimated my conditioning), having only one mile greater than 7:00/mi pace. Nice!

Anyway, in fundraising I think I need to use the reverse rule - I would like to go out fast, but I have been waiting a little bit until our fundraising infrastructure is set up. It is nearly ready, but could take until the new year. Many of you have told me you prefer to donate online. However, some of you may also wish to make your contribution before the new year for tax deduction purposes. So with this in mind I would like to ask those of you who don't mind writing a check for your donation to do so and send it to me (contact me by phone, email, facebook, twitter DM @kcainmc, if you need my mailing address):

1. Make check payable to "American Red Cross"
2. Send it to me
3. I will enter the data into our online system when it goes live, and I will also send your check to the American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts.
4. You will receive a letter from the American Red Cross for tax receipt purposes
5. I will receive credit toward my fundraising total

Thanks to all of you who will be contributing to my efforts!