Run for Joe

Thank You!

2007-06-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

Well, I did it! I finished the marathon in 4 hours and 15 minutes!

I wanted to thank all of you for your constant support… your emails, phone calls and thoughts helped me get through the most difficult parts of the run.

This journey has been an amazing experience for me and I am glad that I was able to share it with all of you.

I was one of the top donantion contributors from the NY chapter, raising almost $8,000! I could not have done this without your generous support.

Again, I thank you.

Last Big Run!

2007-05-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Since the last the time you heard from me, I have traveled a bit. Last week I went to Arkansas for a meeting with Wal-Mart. The flight back was an experience! We were delayed and experienced some of the nasty weather that hit the East Coast. This week I traveled to Dallas for a conference held by JC Penney. The conference was a two day event which included a fund raiser for after school care. The event also included a performance by 3 Dog Night. All the traveling makes it a fun time to get your “runs in”.

OK enough with the traveling! It’s back to running. Last Saturday Team in Training took a “field trip”. The field trip was to central New Jersey right near Rutgers University. The plan was to run trails along the Raritan River. In addition, this would be our longest run before the marathon. The trails were flat but rocky. The temperature was cool, since we were covered by trees. All in all, I think I did OK. I ran 20 miles in 3 hours and 5 minutes. Not too bad. My claves did hurt a bit and my left shoulder was hurting even more. I figured my shoulder was hurting, since I was looking down most of the way to make sure I did not step in a hole or onto a large rock. I could use a shoulder massage.

Finally, I was asked to share my story for a Team in Training Video which will be used to recruit people to participate in future events . I am excited for the video since it is nice to share Joe’s story and maybe inspire someone to join Team in Training and help raise money to find a cure.

The End is Near!

2007-05-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

With only 3 weeks left until the marathon, we are getting close to end. This past Saturday was a long run. I ran 18 miles. The weather was great! We had an option to run around lower Manhattan or run in Central Park. I opted for Central Park. I ran with four other runners. Our run consisted of running the 6 mile loop three times. As you know, Central Park has many hills. I felt every single one! I did have a “star” sighting. I saw Howard Stern and his girlfriend running.

As for the aches and pains, my body feels ok. My calves are definitely sore and legs are bit tired. Well, with 3 weeks to go you learn to live with the aches and pains.

Hills!!!

2007-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

This week’s Wednesday group practice was changed to Tuesday. It was graduation day on Tuesday. No not from Team in Teaming, but from hill practice. Yes, for over a month we have been running hills on Wednesdays, but Tuesday was graduation day.

For our last hill practice we ran the “Harlem Hills”. The “Harlem Hills” can be found in the Northwest part of the park near 110th street. It is without a doubt the largest hill in the park. I ran up and down the hill 7 times. The hill stretches for about .35 miles. By the 7th one my legs felt like “cinder blocks”. I have to say it was a great workout. Mind you, we ran 1.5 miles to get to the hills, so guess what? We have to run back 1.5 miles to get to our bag location! I have to say on the run back my legs felt good.

On Wednesday, I ran 5 miles. My legs are feeling sore today. As they say “I am feeling it today”!

As you can see from the photo above, there are hills on the course. It looks like with-in the first 10 miles there is a hill. I guess what goes up must come down!

How do you judge a man?

2007-05-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months I have been asked on many occasions “Why a marathon?” Is it to get in shape or just to say I am running in a marathon? May be it’s the satisfaction of crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles.

The reason is I am running is for my brother Joe. Many of you knew him. Some of you knew him very well. And in some cases, some of you never had the pleasure of meeting him. As you read on my website, Joe passed away from cancer at the age of 40. Way too young! Joe was a great brother. He was always willing to help or give advice at any time. He was funny but tough at the same time. He was strong as hell, but gentle. Joe never met a person he disliked.

Joe was an amazing carpenter. But he was more than a just a handy man. He had a passion for building. From building his own deck to finishing is own basement. He took great pride in his work, and it was evident in his meticulous time he spent on projects.

Even in his last days on this earth he was to still willing to help. I remember moving out of my house. Before I could move I had to install a sub-pump. Well, there he was at my house with no hair and tired from “chemo” helping to install this pump. I really did not help, I just I handed him tools. Two months later Joe left of us.

The road Joe took in his final days was hard. He endured countless surgeries and hospital visits. Medications that are so long in name that I can not even pronounce. From sleepless nights to days were he could not even move from the sofa, Joe experienced life at its worse. Even when days were so bleak and hopeless, Joe still endured. He carried on for his girls. In his eyes, Jenna and Jessica represented survival. When days were so bad and painful Joe continued to fight and made life as normal as possible for his girls. Imagine being 9 years old and seeing your father with tubes and machines attached to you in ever possible way. There he was still trying to make the best possible situation for his daughters.

How do you judge a man? Is it is his legacy? Is it his wealth? I really don’t know. I do know when Joe finally passed we received countless cards and calls from so many family members and friends. At his wake, the line never ended. The countless people that stood in line to pay their last respects was amazing. From old friends to co-workers they all came with stories. Every story had a common theme. In some every way Joe made an impression on everyone of those people in a special way.

I believe you judge a man on how many people he “touches” in his life. Joe’s life was a short one, but he touched so many.

So why do I run?

I run for Joe. I run for every person who has cancer or may get cancer. I run to find a cure. I run for Joe. I run for all moms and dads so that they do not to have to leave their children because of cancer. I run for children. I run for children so that they do not have to experience what Jenna and Jessica endured. I run for children to never to get cancer. I run for children with cancer to be cured. I run for Joe.

Nice Day!

2007-05-07T11:03:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Team in Training met on Riverside Park on 72nd. I live on 1st and 61st so I traveled (taxi) across the island for our long run. In the past we started at 8:30 am, but now we start at 8 am. I prefer 8 am, since we get done earlier. For our run, we headed south along the path. Along the way we passed Chelsea Piers, Battery Park, South Street Seaport and the Brooklyn Bridge. We basically ran along the lower part of Manhattan until we turned around at East 9th Street. At the turning point, we had completed 9 miles. What a great day to run! The sun was out, but it was not too hot.

What I am learning is that running is real mental. It’s almost more mental than physical. If you hurt you have to block it out. If you are thirsty you may have to wait it out. On the way back I felt strong. Miles 13-18 felt good, but at this point I was running low on water. I was trying to conserve, but it’s difficult when the temperature is warm. My goal was to run 20, but I ran 19. I stopped not because I was tired. I stopped since I was not sure where I was going once the path ended some where near 84th street. Hey what is one more mile when you just ran 19?

Spring has Sprung!

2007-05-03T10:46:00.000-07:00

As I told you in my last update, April was a travel month. As a result, I missed every Wednesday practice in the month of April. The Wednesday practice s were dedicated to hills. Every practice in the month of April, they ran up and down hills learning how to run them efficiently. Well, last night was my first Wednesday practice in a long time. Of course, they are still running hills. I have to say the hills kicked my ass a bit. I ran up and down the hill 6 times. I believe the hill was about ¼ mile long. The idea was to run up the hill utilizing about 80% of your effort. Well, when I finally got up the hill I was beat. By the way, I think most of group ran up the hill 5 times. What’s up with that?

For those people who have not been to Central Park it full of hills. It was a great night to run. The weather was great and trees are blooming. It makes you not miss running in the snow or 20 degree weather!

One Month To Go!

2007-05-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, it’s been almost month since I have updated you. Where do I start? The month of April was a crazy travel month. In addition, I got sick so I lost of few days of training. I traveled to Minnesota for a conference in the first week of the month which is where I got really sick. Only if I could explain to you how my ears felt like on that plane. That weekend I was scheduled to run in the Brooklyn half marathon. I never made it. I have to tell you I was real disappointed that I did not run. My consolation was I saw Lance Armstrong running in the park later that morning when I went for a run on my own . By the way, I ran 13 miles that day. I ran my own half marathon!

The following week I went to Chicago for another conference. That week I did most of my training in the gym. Back in NY for the long Saturday run , we met near the George Washington Bridge. Yes we ran over the GWB to New Jersey. I was back at home! We ran on a trail that runs along the Hudson River. I tell you, I have never seen so many hills in my life. Up and down for 2 ½ hours. At one point, I was thinking to myself " what am I doing out here ??" . Well, that day I ran 16 miles! By the way the view on GWB is amazing!

Ok, so far I have been to Minnesota and Chicago where it is both cold, so it’s time to head south for some R&R. Kristine and I went on vacation on Captiva Island in Florida. Talk about a weather change. It was 90 degrees and sunny every day. For my Saturday run , I woke up at 5 am to start running at 5:30 am. It was so dark at 5:30 am. I could not see a thing. I did not see much for about 45 minutes. I thought it would be less humid at that time, but it was still pretty bad. I ran for 3 hrs that morning and ran 18 miles. Yes I ran 18 miles in nasty heat and humidity. Kristine did save me! She rode a bike out to meet me on mile 13 with water and food. Thank you Kristine!

Is it Spring Time?

2007-04-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Well, another Saturday morning in Central Park. As must of you know, the weather here in the north east has been cold. Waking up to temperatures in 30's is not what I call fun! This week's group run was not well attended, since it was Easter weekend. My usual running partners did not show up this week, so I ran with two new people. Running with my new friend worked out for first 7 miles, but than it was time to run on my own. We were running a 10:30 mile, which is slow for me, but I did want to be "that guy" and leave them behind. Well, at mile 8 it was time to make a move. I ran the remaining 7 miles on my own. I finished the last 7 miles averaging 9:30 per mile. By the end of my run, I completed 15 miles in less than 2 hours 30 minutes. Yes, I ran 15 miles!

Next week I am running in a half marathon in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The race begins at 8, so it will be another early morning. I hope it’s not 30 degrees!

Thank You!

2007-04-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

First of all, thank you all for your support and donations. Not in my wildest imagination did ever think I could raise $4,000, but with all your generosity I have raised over $7,000. If my math is correct that is $267.17 a mile, WOW.

It’s been awhile! The last time I updated my blog, my longest run was 9.5 miles. Well, this past weekend I completed 13.75 miles. With the help of two energy gel packs, I was able to complete it in 2 hours. So distance-wise, I have completed a half marathon, but there is a long way to go. Trust me: Saturday afternoons are now devoted to long naps! .

Also, I have learned how important it is to eat right. I am not saying I have mastered it, but eating the right foods is the key to a good run. I am now waking up two hours before my long runs on Saturday morning to eat and to hydrate.

In addition, since the last time I spoke to you all , I traveled to Tucson, Arizona and kept up my training while I was away . What a great place to run! The weather was great.

Oh, I almost forgot. I did run in another exotic place in the last month ...Brooklyn! A couple of weeks ago, we had our Saturday run in Prospect Park. Apparently, for us who live on the " island " that is considered a foreign place !!!

Great day for a run....

2007-03-05T11:04:00.000-08:00

Saturday trainings are dedicated to long runs and are scheduled in Central Park. The weather was awesome and a great day for a run. Per my training schedule, today’s distance was to run 8-10 miles. I ended up running over 9.5 miles. My pace was a little over 9 minutes. I was very happy with my performance. I am not sure what the runner’s high is, but I think I may have had some.

Central Park...

2007-03-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

“And a freight train running through the middle of my head….”

2007-03-01T07:01:00.000-08:00

Above Photo: Trinity River- Fort Worth, TX
Bottom Photo: Pike Place Market - Seattle, WA

Well, the “training” is out of town this week, since I am traveling for work. The first stop on the trip is Fort Worth, Texas. Unfortunately, its not as thrilling or glamorous as you may think.

So I arrived in Fort Worth today, which I learned the hard way, was once known as the cattle car center of the West. How did I learn this? Every 20 minutes I am reminded as the trains pass the hotel and blow their horns. I will have to make sure I thank the travel agent who booked our hotel in such a prime location.

While the hotel was not located in the best spot for a good night sleep, it was in a great location for a morning run. The hotel sat right near the Trinity River which runs right through Forth Worth. Located adjacent to the river is a running/walking path that must go for miles.

I ran over 4 miles. The temperature is in the 60’s here, a far cry from the freezing Saturday runs I have endured the past couple of weeks in Central Park.

By the way, Forth Worth City Center is beautiful. If you are ever in Texas it’s a great place to visit. Unfortunately, I do not have a hotel recommendation for you!

The second and final stop on my trip is Seattle, Washington “The Great North West”. Unfortunately the temperature here is more like New York. Fortunately, the hotel is across a street from a 24 hour fitness gym. No excuse not to run!

Today’s workout consisted of a treadmill interval workout. My goal was to continue to build stamina and to strength my legs.

Today is going to be a long day, two meetings and dinner with clients. Thank God, there are Starbucks on every corner here (I am not kidding).

Wow it's Cold!

2007-02-24T14:11:00.000-08:00

I was up at 6:30 this morning to get ready for an 8:00 race in Central Park. I ran in the Al Gordon Snowflake Race, a 4 mile run sponsored by the New York Road Runner Club. The genders were split for this event, so the starting gun went off at 8:00 for the men.

I felt good this morning even though I was awoken at 1:30 am by a street fight outside my building. I live on the 2nd floor of a walk-up building, so it felt like the fight was basically taking place in my room. I guess that is the beauty of New York City. By the way, for those of you who do not know, I actually live in a nice area… street fights are not the norm.

Ok, back to the race. It was cold out. At the start of the race it was 20 degrees and with a wind chill that made it feel like 7 degrees. Running in cold weather is all about layers, so I made sure I wore many layers (including tights if you can imagine that!)

My goal was to finish under 36 minutes and run 9 minute miles. I decided to start slow since it was so cold, and my muscles were not warm. I finished the first mile just under 10 minutes. After the first mile I felt good!

Running in these races are always funny and just weird. Between all the weird grunts and several men not wearing shirts (umm hello… it is 20 degrees out!!!) it’s makes for an entertaining run.

So you are probably wondering how I did, well I finished with a time of 33:22. Not bad, considering I wanted to finish the event running a 9 minute mile. After, I crossed the finish line I felt good and better than I thought I would. I did not feel tired or winded.

By the way, running the event I never felt cold (gotta love the tights). It was cold when we stood around watching the women’s event (it’s a Team in Training “thing”). We cheered on our fellow female team runners to give them support.

After the women’s event, it was off to Starbuck for something hot!!!

My First Blister...

2007-02-22T13:06:00.000-08:00

Feb. 21, 2007

Tonight was our first Wed practice. These weekday practices will focus on technique, while the Saturday practices will focus on long runs. We met at a running store (how ironic is that) on the upper east side and headed to Central Park.

Tonight's practice was all about what to do with our arms. I have no idea how far we ran, but I think it was about 3-4 miles. By the end, my legs were burning!!! My arms felt fine, but my legs were hurting. All in all, we ran for 35-45 minutes.

In addition, I learned the importance of socks. I was wearing the wrong ones. Cotton is not the way to go ... I learned this the hard way (big blister on my left foot). I guess meeting at the running store worked out. I was able to buy some new socks.

I am starting to realize how I am not flexible at all. I need to stretch more!

By the way, if you were wondering what the above design is. It is Joe’s initials and my tattoo. Look closely….You can see the “J” and the “I”.