Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Happy New Year

Starting tomorrow it is another chance at a fresh start. A new 2009 will be here and so will a new years resolution. Many I know make them and then a month later tell me why they can't keep up with it. It's all about dedication to yourself! Let 2009 be a new and improved year for you and your families! I want to wish you all a happy and safe new year! The kids and I got many movies, games and other exciting things to make it through the night. My kids can never make it past 9pm so we are going to give it a try and make it to the ball drop tonight! Looks like an afternoon nap is in order! Happy New Year!


Training Days

Yesterday I didn't post my workout. Not that it really matters but for my records anyways it was a 6 x 800 meter at 5k pace. Each interval had 1:45 break in between. One mile warm-up and cool-down in the workout as well! Today's Training is a rest day! Woo-Hoo!!!!

Even though it's cold outside, keep on running!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Happy Expectations/ A Letter from a Boston Runner!

"If you paint in your mind a picture of bright and happy expectations, you put yourself into a condition conducive to your goal." -Norman Vincent Peale

Happy Expectations

Each day I set out to find a quote that speaks to me and apply it to how I see things for that day. It could be a life goal or training goal. When I was picked to run Boston I was the most excited I have been in years. I was more excited to have the opportunity to run for sick children. My group has created three marathons to children's hospitals in central NY in the last two years. Each time we set out with happy expectations. I have been receiving many emails. Many saying the same thing? How and why do you keep doing this stuff in today's economy? I say simply this: I do not look at the economy of today to be an excuse for my action. I hear many people weekly who are well off even say well, "I can't do anything because of the economy?" Had I had that attitude I wouldn't be where I am today. Granted I have no life savings but I have a life filled with purpose. To answer the how part, that is easy too. You get up each day and don't make an excuse. You dream your self doing something, your believe that you can do it, and you go out and achieve that goal! It's really that simple! Our communities need us to rise up and fix them! Now onto a happy email I received from a fellow Boston Children's runner!

A Letter From A Boston Children's Runner

"Hi, I am on the Miles for Miracles team for my second year. I ran last year and again will be running this year for a patient from Schenectady NY. I grew up near Utica NY, but I am living in Buffalo, NY now and currently but have family out your way. I just wanted to say how amazing your story is and how moving it is to see people that find strength and inner peace from places we might overlook in our every day lives. You and your family are truly an inspiration. Thank you for reminding me how important life is. Take care and good luck with training."

God Bless--

Renee
________________________________________________
It is letters like this that make you forget all about money. All about the negative masses in the world and make you realize that there are many good people out there just like us! This email made my day! Thank you Renee for the kind words!

Until Tomorrow! Keep your head up and your feet on the ground! Keep on running!





Monday, December 29, 2008

Training Day #15 Hill Run/ Thanks Andy!

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." -Booker T. Washington

Climbing Obstacles

The above quote for today is very true. I can say that in life I have overcome many obstacles and I do not mind saying so. I let alcoholism beat me for a number of years until I fought back. Then my wonderful children came into my life and then they had obstacles. I felt like I was fighting the battle along side them. Yesterday Andy Mattison from News 10 asked me a question? How did you overcome everything? As I sat there in the chair in my kitchen, I almost didn't have an answer. Like I said, "I just did it." I look back now and all the obstacles have made us stronger and wiser. I almost can't even figure out how we made it through. We took it baby steps and one day at a time. So in that regard I feel like a success. I have beat an illness! My children also beat theirs. In November of 2007 when we were in a car accident, we could have thrown in the towel. We did hang our heads for a bit but a little over a year later it is amazing of how we overcame yet again! I hope that when you reach an obstacle, you will step on it and jump right over it! You have more inner power than you think!

Today's Training

The training for today is a 5 mile hill run at a slow pace. I added in four hills in the course that I designed out this morning. One being Melrose road hill. I did the 5 miles in 41:17! A little bit slow but I will take it! It was a great cool day to run!

Thanks Andy

I want to thank Andy Mattison and News 10 again for coming out to the house yesterday! It was a nice piece. My son looks hypnotized at the end there staring in the camera. It made me laugh at the end. Thanks again for sharing our story! Thank You!

For those who haven't seen Andy's Story go to:

http://news10now.com/Video/video_pop.aspx?vids=82616&sid=1001&rid=1013

Everyone have a great day! Keep on Running!


Sunday, December 28, 2008

Day #14-- Health & Wellness /News 10 tonight!

"Money is the most envied, but the least enjoyed. Health is the most enjoyed, but the least envied." -Charles Caleb

Health & Wellness

I think the quote above is very true. The majority of people in the world envy you if you have money. Though I have learned that no one envies the runner. The runners that logs in 30-100 miles per week. Through the wet, snow and ice. I don't blame them one bit. One person I talked to last week said that you have to be crazy to run that much. I countered with I think most Americans would have to be crazy to sit on the couch 30-100 hours a week! Calculate the couch time and think about it. You will be surprised at what you find per week! Get out and exercise! It's your life! Do something with it! Make every moment of everyday count! Each second is precious time wasted!

Today's Training

Today's training is 60 minutes of cross training or rest. I am going to add in some calisthenics from the Wii fit today. Something a little different. Next week I will start the bike. Week #2 is history! Only 18 more weeks to go!

News 10 Now Story

News 10 Now is graciously going to cover TheRun4Life story. I would like to take the time and thank them for coming out! For those interested keep checking their website at:

http://news10now.com/

Enjoy your Sunday everyone! Keep on running!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Training Day 13....Bonking on the run/ Thanking a Friend

"Pain dies quickly, and lets her weary prisoners go; the fiercest agonies have shortest reign." -William C. Bryant

Bonking on the Long Run

The simplest terms I can put it in are that your body runs out of gas. I knew I was risking it even though I had plenty of electrolytes and carbs into my body hours ahead of the run. Around mile seven, I just ran outta gas. I knew playing Wii Fit with Bachman till 2am would add to my soreness. Add in a couple drinks for the holidays and I was tired. For those who want to know more about bonking there is some good info at:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-301--6263-0,00.html

Today's Training- 11 Miles Easy

Today's Training was the Long Run like before mentioned. My target mileage was 11 miles. A nice city to lake run out scenic Owasco Lake. This was my slowest run to date but one that I learned from. I finished the 11 miles in 1:37:11. Which is a 8:50 pace, yuk! At least now it's in the books and I can enjoy my Sunday tomorrow with the kids!

Thank You Mandy

Mandy I want to thank you for your phone call today from Massachusetts. Letting me know that you guys have called a meeting to back me in my run for Boston. It is much appreciated. I think many think that I am getting something out of this which I am not. All proceeds go to a 501c3 children's hospital. Thank you so much for your support!

News 10 Coverage

I received an email about news 10 covering Therun4life.org story. They are coming out to my house tomorrow morning at 10am! I'll let you know when the story airs. This will be the last news story I am doing before Boston. Its just taking a lot out of me and not raising much for the cause! Thanks again everyone!

Until We Meet Again, Keep On Running!

Friday, December 26, 2008

The Runners 12 Days of Christmas

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month."
Harlan Miller


If runners had a 12 days of Christmas it would look like this...

On 1st first day of Christmas Santa gave to me 1 pair of running shoes!
On the 2nd day of Christmas Santa gave to me 2
pairs of stretchy gloves
On the 3rd day of Christmas Santa gave to me 3 miles of tempo run!
On the 4th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 4 safety pins to clip on race numbers!!
On the 5th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 5 EASY MILES!!!
On the 6th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 6 miles of Fartlek...
On the 7th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 7 miles of hill repeats
On the 8th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 8 x 600 meter sprints!
On the 9th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 9 bottles of gatorade/powerade!
On the 10th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 10 nagging injuries/pains
On the 11th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 11 miles of a long run!
On the 12th day of Christmas Santa gave to me 12 x 400 meter sprints...

And a partridge in a pair tree.....ahahhaa Sorry I was bored!

Today's Training

No rest for the weary today. Today's training called for a 1 mile warm-up, 3 mile tempo run and 1 mile cool-down! Warm-up and cool-down miles were at the target 8 minute miles. The tempo run of 3 miles was run at a 6:51 pace, which is too fast for tempo for this week but I just wanted to get home! Got too much to do today! I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas!

Keep on running!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Training Day 10 Christmas Eve "Running Around"

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. ~Charles Dickens

Christmas Eve "Running Around"

Christmas Eve is here and you know what that means? Running around like a chicken with your head cut off all day long. The kids were up early and after breakfast and baths we headed up into the Christmas Eve shopping world. Normally I am always done early but I had been so run down with school and running that I forgot a couple things. I started out at one place, then another and after an hour, about 5 stores. My 30 minute trip ended up taking 2 hours. I became so aggravated form all the running around. I realized that this day is almost like living on another planet. People cut you off, run through stops signs and hit your children with shopping carts. When did mass commercialism over take "good will towards man?" Anyways we survived and all the last minute shopping is done. Thankfully so!


Today's "Running Around"


I moved training days around this week because I do not like running on Christmas. I attribute it to all of the Christmas days where I would have to work 6am-3pm. Now I want nothing associated with work on Christmas day! Today's run is 5 miles easy! Nothing special. At the normal 8 minute easy miles, it looks like another easy 40 minute run! N

Merry Christmas To All my friends, family and supporters! Thank you so much and I hope you get Christmas miracles under the tree!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Training Day #9 The Heart Heats

"When you are cold, surrender
and die to the Heat of the Heart" --Ice Cube

The Heart Heats

I never thought I would see the day where I was quoting a lyric by Ice Cube. I figure it was fitting since today I felt like an, "Ice Cube" on my run! I realized all that I had out there was my heart. Giving it 200% and with each stride I could almost feel the blood trying to clog in my veins. That is what cold weather running will do to you. Near the end of my run I slipped on some ice and went down for a brief second and caught myself again. I was worried the way my ankle bent but it actually felt straighter when I was running after that. Maybe it was a sign for a free fix without seeing Dr. Brian!

Today's Workout

Today was a tough workout because all of the tracks are iced over. The two we have in town have a huge snow accumulation on them so I had to calculate today's workout based on last weeks track work. Today's Workout is a 1 mile warm-up followed by 8 x 600 meter sprints and capped off by a 1 mile cool-down. I did great given the conditions. I did each warm-up mile at the target 8 minutes. I did the 6 x 800 meters in 2:22 intervals for a total of 18:56. I was a couple seconds slower than last weeks track workout but I had ice to deal with today! In between were 1:30 rest intervals for a total of 12 minutes. Total duration of the run 47:56. Now I am going to get warm!

May your heat keep on running and your track shoes too! Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Eye of the Tiger...Training Day #8

"So many times, it happens too fast
You change your passion for glory
Don't lose your grip on the dreams of the past
You must fight just to keep them alive" --Survivor


Eye of the Tiger

Yep those lyrics above are from the famous song, "Eye of the Tiger", by Survivor. On days like today where it was 12 degrees and 2 degrees windchill, you need other motivations to keep on going. I got to a point on today's run where I pulled the draw-stings of my hood and all you could see were my eyes. I saw my cousin walking his dog so I waved and said,"hello!" On the way back I started feeling really cold and got to a part of lake ave bridge where it looked plowed but it was all ice chunks. I felt like I was doing a drill where I was running through tires. I kept thinking to myself the before mentioned song. Each step in rhyme with the song. Images of people running up the stairs like it was a Rocky movie. It made each step less colder and more bearable. Today I had the eye of the tiger in me to get through this run.

Today's Training

It feels good to make it through week #1. I had some muscle soreness yesterday so I did nothing. All that snow didn't help either. So today's training is again 5 miles easy like last week. I did it in 39:48 which is right on target to where I need to be on slow runs. Tomorrow will be the treat doing 600 meter sprints in the freezing weather and icy roads.

Everyone enjoy your day! Keep on Running!!!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Week #1 Done/ Midnight Madness Recap

"Although gold dust is precious, when it gets in your eyes, it obstructs your vision." --Hsi-Tang

Week #1 Done

Week #1 is done. I am trying not to let others gold dust obstruct my vision. The option for today is take a day of rest or cross train. I am choosing a day of rest for once. My body is a bit tired from the speed training last week. So I am taking a much needed rest.

Midnight Madness Recap

Midnight Madness was just as it stated, "madness!" We raised $137 in the couple hours that night by selling one dollar raffle tickets for a K-Nex Rollercoaster and many Webkinz items. We want to thank Webkinz for their donation and the rest we purchased. It will go towards the Miles for Miracles goal and should be on the website on Monday. Which will bring our total funds raised to around $642!

Roller Coaster Ride

The event was sort of a roller coaster ride. Many telling us that they liked our story and that the kids were wonderful. The kids only stayed for 2 hours after that it was too much for them so they came home with their aunt. It was nice to meet people like Dave Clifford who felt inspired a bit by our story and I felt a bit inspired by my conversation with him as well. We want to thank the many nice people out there. I admit I was a bit set back by a couple rude comments made but I understand that there are many of those people out there that don't see beyond their own ways. It is unfortunate this time of year!

Miles for Miracles 2009- What it is?

Many were asking about Miles for Miracles and why I chose it. Well I admit when I first heard the story about Zack Saurini I felt interested in the Boston Children's Hospital. I had spent time talking to his mom and now about his upcoming surgery there on February 4th! I applied to run in the Boston Marathon for Boston Children's Hospital. Not everyone can get in. I was given this special honor so I decided to make the best of it. I jumped in with a leap of faith! The hospital in ways spends around $6000-8000 on runners. (You do not see any money personally) They have wonderful events, give you a 20 week training program, nutrition advice and a big event pre and post race in April! So in return my contractual agreement was to raise $3000 for the hospital. I do not see one cent of this money nor have we or will we profit from this. If anything with our fragile financial state, I should have not accepted this honor. I have given everything I have to this community and now the upcoming Boston Marathon in 09! I want to thank all of our supporters and I invite all of my naysayers to get out there and train with me!

Enjoy your Sunday! Be back Monday!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Training Day 6...Can't Snow Me Down!

"Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must move faster than the lion or it will not survive. Every morning a lion wakes up and it knows it must move faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It doesn't matter if you are the lion or the gazelle, when the sun comes up, you better be moving." - Maurice Greene (attributed to Roger Bannister)

Keep On Moving

I love that quote above. It makes me remember that there are no excuses. I hear people say that its too hot or cold to run many days. I hear people say that its too rainy or snowy out. I say, "Run!" Everyday ther
e is someone somewhere running in worse conditions. Someone that is training twice as hard. Today I kept on moving. I got out there early and 10 degree (2 degree windchill) weather and completed 10 miles. I kept focused on the goal that my coaches set before me. I envisioned that no matter what my body was warm and I was enjoying another summer run. Remember there is always a lion chasing you in some way! Keep on moving!

Today's Training

The training today is the long run. Today's long run starts at 10 miles. My run left my doorstep and went out Owasco Lake past the watershed and back. It was a very cold and un-plowed run in many instances. I slowed today due to the conditions. The 10 miles done in 1 hour and 25 minutes. I am still very pleased and from here on in I switch to afternoon running on Saturdays. Too many nuts driving with one hand on the wheel and the cell phone in the other hand during the snow fall. Some people will never get it!

Midnight Madness Tonight


Come out and see us tonight at Finger Lakes Mall. We will be there at 6:30pm till roughly 11:30pm! We are raffling off webkinz and a K-Nex RollerCoaster for some lucky child! Thank you all for your support! Enjoy the picture of my yard below! Gotta love snow!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Day 5...Baby It's Cold Outside! Easy 5!

"I shall not die of a cold. I shall die of having lived!" --Willa Cather

Baby It's Cold Outside

The minute I found out school was canceled, I knew I had to get a run in early when my wife got home from work. I got out there around 7:30am and, "Baby It's Cold Outside!" I had that song going through my head as each step hit the pavement. So to all the local drivers be kind to the masked man that is running through town and try not to hit me! haha

Today's Training Easy 5

Today's target training is easy 5 miles. It was about exactly as it says it is, "easy!" I did the 5 miles in around 38:47 which gave me a 7:47 pace. I have to start running a bit slower on easy days but that will come soon with the snow getting heavier. Stay tuned for tomorrows run which ought to be fun! 10 mile long run in the snow and cold before midnight madness! Missy Gill you may want to get out the hot chocolate when I am running by your house! hahaha

Midnight Madness Tomorrow

Tomorrow from 7pm-11:30pm will be Midnight Madness at Finger Lakes Mall. We will be having a table by Bass Pro near center court. We will be raffling off a big basket with a K-nex roller coaster and many Webkinz inside. It all has to be raffled off together according to their rules now. Tickets will be $1. Any other donations can be made this day as well. All proceeds are tax deductible for personal donations! We will have articles about things we have done, photos and you can come out and see us. The kids will be there with us for the first hour and then they are going with grandma. I don't want them sitting around for hours being bored! Thank you to all for the support! Hope to see some of you tomorrow night!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Boston Marathon Training Day 4 Tempo Run

"I tell our runners to divide the race into thirds. Run the first part with your head, the middle part with your personality, and the last part with your heart." -- Mike Fanelli

Boston Marathon Training Day 4


I am working on running the 3 parts. Usually I just run with 100% heart. I am getting into smarter running. Keeping a blog is also helping me. The coaches and Boston Children's training program gave me the idea to do this. That way it is an honest account of your training in your own words. So I will be blogging everyday of training.

Today's Training

The training for today is a 1.5 mile warm-up, with a 3 mile temp run and a 1.5 mile cool-down. The Warm-up was at a 8 min per mile pace. The tempo was run at a 6:56 per mile pace and the cool-down was around 8 min per mile pace. All went very well considering the awful roads and sidewalks. Many icy areas that I couldn't pick up speed and many snowbanks to jump over. GOOD STUFF!!!

More Tomorrow! Everyone keep your head up and your feet running!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Boston Marathon Training Day 3

Rest: The Sweet Sauce of Labor --Plutarch

Day 3: Rest Day

Well not much big news to report today! Today is my one scheduled day of rest for this weeks training! However I got up at 6am and did some shoveling. I shoveled out the neighbors as well. I used it as a workout for my lower back! I try to use everyday stuff as fitness tools!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Speedork Day--redeemed

"We can always redeem the man who aspires and strives."
--Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe


Redeemed


Going into today I had some nerves. I hadn't done a speed workout in a couple weeks and wasn't sure if I would tire easily or not. The results ended up being really good. I felt redeemed and ready.

Today's Workout

Today's Workout is a warm-up, followed by 12 x 400 meter repeats and then a cool down. The results came out well. I was targeted to run the repeats at a 6:26 pace and I ran them in a 6:20 pace. I didn't feel much fatigue until the last lap. I was very happy with today's training! Last night we also booked the hotel (haven't paid for it yet) but it feel nice to actually have a place and not thinking about sleeping in the van! Everyone enjoy your day!

One step closer to Boston 09!

Dream...Believe...Achieve...

Monday, December 15, 2008

Boston Marathon Training Starts!

"Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is."
--Vince Lombardi

Boston Marathon Training Starts

Today is the first official day of training for the Boston Marathon 09! The program covers 20 weeks and takes you up to the door step of the Boston Marathon on April 20th, 2009! I am excited to be picked for this rare honor. I am currently running for many ill children of the area and one child who passed. My children give me spirit and energy to take on this big challenge. The marathon won't be the hard part, it will be the 20 weeks of training in central New York weather. A challenge I am ready to tackle head on and I could not do with all of your support!

Training Day #1

The coach's say that we should keep a daily blog of our runs. I am going to be doing so to not only give you an idea of what it is like to train, but for myself as a tool of measured accomplishment. Today was 5 miles easy. It seemed to go fairly easy. I finished the 5 miles in around 39 minutes. Which puts me around a 7:50 mile pace for an easy run. I probably should be slower on easy runs but it will come when the snow hits. I'll slow without trying. Tomorrow is my first speed work out of the program. So tune in and see how it goes!

Midnight Madness- December 20th 7pm

This Saturday we will be having a raffle table at Midnight Madness. The event will take place in the Finger Lakes Mall. The raffles will be held near Bass Pro in the middle of the mall. For more information go to:

http://www.therun4life.org/midnight_madness.html

A Special Thank You!

Thank You all for your support of my run! I want to spend special thanks out to my wife, Jeremy West, Jon Hickey, Steve-Pipken Savage, Charlotte Wheeler and my family for help with TheRun4life. Steve and Charlotte have been my major supporters all the way from Florida and I feel indepted to them for life!

Special thanks to Missy Gill, Jodi Saurini, Mandy Shorey McElligat, Abbey Mosher, Renee Kelly, Michelle Burroughs, Sarah Cameron, Amanda Hollister, Geoff Ianiri, Angie Nichols McKinney, Rachel Lukowitz Periera, Melissa Pertroccia, and Brian Phillips for your constant support on facebook.com! Thank you many of you for steering me straight when times are difficult!

Thanks to Chris Major for your help in getting APD to sponsor me! Thank you to all of the other sponsors. So far we have raised $505 in online donations and more are coming in. Anyone else interested go to http://www.therun4life.org and click on the donate button! Thanks again all!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Healed Up & Ready to Run/ Which Path to Follow?

"There are no classes in life for beginners: right away you are always asked to deal with what is most difficult." --Rainer Maria Rilke

Healed Up & Ready to Run


Today is my first day back from a week layoff. This is pre-training week. The official Boston Marathon training program starts on 12/15. It will be a challenge due to our lovely weather, but one I will enjoy! The layoff left me feeling fresh. I had been running with soreness in my ribs and found out yesterday I had been running with dislocated ribs on both sides. Thanks to Dr. Landers, I am fixed up and ready to battle again! I chose Dr. Landers as my official chiropractor o
f the Boston Marathon because of his dedication and help to me in the last six months. Not to mention we used to do midnight jogs years ago! Thanks Dr. Landers for all your help and it made the run today much better!

Which Path to Follow?

This leads me to the run today. This week is a light pretrain week to get my body ready for intense running
starting next week. I will be on a 20 week program that brings me to the doorstep of the Boston Marathon, in which I will be running for many sick and recovered children. Today's idea to me was which path to follow? I decided to keep today's run on trail. I had a decision to make. Do I take the path of least resistance or run up the hill with ice and snow? As I always I choose the path with more resistance. Anything else wouldn't be fun! That is what it is all about! Fun and running for a cause!

Below are some pictures from my run. The choice of left up the hill or right and flat. Not hard to figure out which way I went! Thank you all for your support and I'll be posting my training everyday starting 12/15! Also Happy Birthday to TheRun4Life.org Runner/inspirator Jeremy West!


Sunday, December 7, 2008

Video Feed UP...Training Starting Soon

"A good deed is never lost: he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love." --Basil

Video Feed Up!

Many People were asking me links to the WTVH-5 Story. I finally linked it to the website so that it loads when you go to our website. I want to thank WTVH-5 for their help and support! Especially Haley Hinds for her enthusiasm with my story! She is the first woman I have ever seen run down the street in high heels! That's amazing in itself. Anyways the feed is up on the main page at http://www.therun4life.org and I have started working on cleaning up the new format and many new updates will come in the next couple weeks!

Training Coming Soon!

On 12/15/08 my twenty week training program starts. It is a 6 day running week that will endure 18-20 mile runs in February and March. It will be a first doing such long runs in the nasty weather for me. If anyone wants an idea of what the program looks like go to: http://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/Docs/pdfs/boston_2009_trainingschedule.pdf

I wouldn't advise doing this program that the wonderful coaches set up unless you have prior experience. I just thought I would give you an idea of what it will look like leading up to Boston 09! I will be doing the advanced program and I am looking forward to putting in the work!

Thank You all for your support!

-Vin

Monday, December 1, 2008

T-Shirts Made for My Donors/ Get Your Logo Soon!

Hi! All! I have been toying around with ideas of what I can do back for all of you that donated and those of you who are going to in the coming months. Seeing I still have a lot to raise for the hospital and another $2000 I will be paying just for a hotel for 7 days, I have decided to try and give back to you! Anyone who donated should have received a letter by now, if not it will be there soon! It is a small thank you and an official letter for a tax write off if you so choose! I am also going to try and send out postcards as well!

Anyone Who Donates Over $50 to My Campaign

Anyone who donates $50 to my Boston Children campaign will not only receive a letter in the mail but I am putting your name on my race day Shirt. In addition to that I will give you a T-Shirt as well for all of your troubles and being a vital member of my team! T-Shirts will be ready in mid March because I still have more Sponsor logo space available! I want to get them to you in time to support the run!

Logos Still Available

Right Now I have many families names going to be on my shirt. Anyone who made a contribution of $50 or more will be on the race shirt. I can't get everyone on there due to lack of size, so I had to limit it! For those of you personally or in a business that are interested in getting your name on the shirt or a logo, please let me know soon! I have to have a rough draft into the designer by January1st and the deadline being February 1st for design!

For those of you I sent the link out to and the link was bad, I apologize. Apparently some information was being moved around and the link is now 100% accurate. Remember this link is 100% secure as well!

Link---> http://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/bostonmarathon09/pfp/?ID=GV0003

For those who do not want to do it electronically may send a check made out to:

Childrens Hospital
C/O Vin Gleason Jr
48 Perry Street
Auburn NY 13021


Thank you all for your support! Any questions email me or call me direct at 315-252-7012

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Can We Do More? Thank You to all my Friends

"We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities."
--Ralph Waldo Emerson


Can We Do More?

I do not think people truly understand that we have freedom. We are a culture that can do almost anything and go almost anywhere, yet many fear what is beyond the walls! As someone who has taken care of his children, graduated from college, and now attending grad school, I know we can do more! Everyday I hear someone say, "Oh the economy is the problem...I can't do anything because of the economy!" To you I say that is an excuse. It is an excuse not to have to do anything about the problem at hand. Running/walking is the same thing. It is an investment in yourself.

Heck I am poorer that most, I have opted in the last 4 years to give my life for the cause of saving the lives of children. The battles my own children fought enlightened me to change the world. I have learned to live a simple life and not needing the next biggest and best thing. The best thing for me is giving children a chance to make it to the classroom. Let us not worry about the economy. I have learned you can always do more with what you have. Heck we have put on many events in the last year alone without spending much and without making one cent. You remember who and why you are doing it. So as my first probably controversial post, I say there is more we can do! I always believe there is a little super-hero inside us each and everyday.

I want to spend today being thankful for all of the kind emails and letters. For each and every cent that a handful of you donated to saving lives and believing in me. I will be running for each and everyone of you in the Boston Marathon 2009! I want to give a special thanks to my good friend Steve in Florida. This is a man who has leapt into my family and into my cause. For him I am thankful. He has supported me as a family member would over the last year. I would also like to thank Jodi Saurini for letting me run in honor of your son Zack. He is a fighter and a true inspiration. I want to thank Abby Fitzgerald Mosher for giving me the opportunity to run in memory of her son Austin Mosher. May he be running, high upon the clouds! I am also very thankful for the health of my two children and for running for my 18 year old brother with autism. It has been a joy to hang out with him more of late. Thank you each and every one for the support and donations!






Read About The Story

You may go to http://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/bostonmarathon09/pfp/?ID=GV0003 for further details. You can read about why I am running and who I am running for. You can also go to http://www.therun4life.org to read about our story.

Steve's Cause

I would also like to take this time to look at a cause that Steve holds near and dear to him. "Western South Dakota is basically under a no-travel advisory." The storm already has dropped 45.7 inches of snow near Deadwood, in the northern Black Hills. Reports of 10 inches to 2 feet of snow were received from many West River counties. In some towns, residents reported drifts were blocking their doorways.

In Shannon County, in the southwestern corner of the state, 20-foot snowdrifts were reported on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The snow fell at a rate of 3 inches an hour early Thursday, the weather service said, and downtown Rapid City reported a 78-mph wind gust late Wednesday.

If interested contact jbaker@nativeprogress.org for more information
http://www.nativeprogress.org

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Wind Beneath My Wings

Many ask me why I run? How did I start? I ran a bit when I was 21. I would run to and from my job. I developed an illness and running was no more as well as the knee surgery when I was 18! So when my kids were sick and bed ridden in the hospital, I needed a release. I started running by fishing actually. My wife would tell me I was working way too many hours and on an off day I needed to take some mornings for me. IN 2004, we moved back to NY from Maryland and moved in with my uncle because we had nothing left after a bad deal in Baltimore. The surgeries, the hospitals and life itself just were stacking up on me. I started fishing the first week. I would take two loaded coolers and run up the piers at Emerson Park. The next week I decided I hated fishing and I put the coolers down and just started running up and down the piers. Most weeks I can still be found there. Not fishing mind you!

2005 was really my first year of running. I started running to train with my sister who was running on 8th grade modified cross country. I was awful. My first ever race, I tore my IT band. I bandaged it and went and worked an 8 hour shift on my feet. I was thinking running wasn't for me. I kept going. In Fall 2005 I was feeling better and I entered a race and came in 9th overall. It was the first bit of confidence I had. Then it progressed over time. I increased my mileage. I started doing more races. 2006 I fell in a race and tore out my right knee. I heard a man say, "Ah that must suck!" So I stood up got next to him and said, "yeah it does!" Then I beat about 100 other runners to finish in the top 10. Stupid but it showed me I was about more. It wasn't until 2007 that I got a ton better. I entered a race in the summer and I was sick and ended up winning the race by over a minute. That's when I knew that not only was I a better runner but that it was fun. Along the way I decided that I was going to run for sick children all over the place. My main target area is CNY but I have run in other places as well. 2008 was a tough one with the car accident. I gave up. I quit running. Then came back for one race in July to only get injured during a rain storm and was shelved again. I was thinking, "AM I CURSED!"

In September of this year I decided to come back at week 5 of rehab for my foot. The result was I ran 3 races in 9 days! I had two top 5 finishes and a top 25 finish in a very large race. During this period I started feeling like there was, "WIND BENEATH MY WINGS!" I started feeling like that something was at my back and helping me. I felt this last week on my first 50 mile week run in two years. Then I started meeting people and revisiting myself with old friends. Slowly over time building up good friend bases who had amazing words of encouragement. So today I stand here. Each day I push on, for the children. I run on and I figure even if I get hurt while training to run the prestigious Boston Marathon, then there is always a wheelchair event!

In the words of one of my most favorite mentors, "Don't Give up, Don't Ever Give Up!" I live by those words of the late Jim Valvano everyday. Everyday is a gift. The gift I created is TheRun4life.org. A place that stands for something in a empty world! We have created and changed so many lives on very very little and it makes me very proud to be a part of it with my children. It touches me that your here reading this today!

If anyone is interested in the project go to: http://www.therun4life.org

You can also click on my Boston link there and see who I am running for see a little bit about each person who has sponsored me. Each sponsor is very important to me and I thank you!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving -Vin

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Remember What it is Like to Dream?

Follow Your Dream

Do you remember what it was like to grow up and have a dream? Maybe when you were little you dreamed of being a ballerina or a rock star? Maybe you wanted to be a pro football player or the next great lefty for the Yankees? The point is that we all had these dreams at one point. On my long and cold run this morning I started wondering what happened to those dreams for most? Where was the line drawn that we were no longer good enough to give it a shot?

I understand the cynical man will say well heck you have to make a living? Understandable and I used to be that man. I used to work two jobs and over 80 hours per week. I was used to thinking that making more meant I was more. I learned that to be wrong. More hours for me meant more time at the doctors and many times at the hospital. I ended up making more and my children were seeing me less. Yes today as a grad student I don't have the luxuries that I once did but hey I get to see my kids every day and I get to follow a dream.

When I was little I remember watching the Boston Marathon. Always thinking, "Wow that must be way too hard to run!" It was always a thought in my mind. Then a couple years ago I remembered watching a movie called, "St. Ralph." It is about a teen age boy that trains to win the Boston Marathon for his mother who is dying of cancer. Once again Boston was in my head. Then a couple weeks ago when I was told that I have a shot to go I was in shock. I am staying positive in a time where I am the most financially battered in my life. I am not letting it stand in my way. What I am trying to say is that you are never too old to follow a dream. Some come at age 10 and some come in my case at age 34. If you want to be that Ballerina, go get a Tutu! If you want to pitch for the Yankees, well then get off the couch and get a glove! I have always said that I truly believe that there is a little super-hero in all of us each day! It is up to you to use that hero! Dream...Believe...Achieve!!!

TO ALL MY FRIENDS

I want to thank all of my friends for their support in this campaign to Boston. I want to thank the people who barely know me from other states who have sent in their contributions. I want to thank my friends who have had my back given me words of encouragement. I want to thank all of the parents that want me to run for their child in Boston. I want to thank everyone who has sponsored me and offered to send a donation in the coming weeks. To all of you I thank you. It is never too late to follow a dream! For more information go to http://www.Therun4life.org

Best Regards -Vin


I leave you with a quote:

The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.

Hamilton Wright Mabie

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Thank You All For Support/ News Articles

Well all I am really thankful to have such great coverage of the story. What started out as a concept then grew into a newspaper article, a weekend talk show and a WSTM article. I am very thankful. I am truly hoping that all the publicity gets some funds for these children and the hospital. I am thankful that the hospital is paying for my training, jerseys, events, and marathon day. This is my way to give back. I hope that you all can back me! If only a dollar!

For those of you who didn't see the articles, below are links to the paper and news article!

Citizen Newspaper at http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/11/13/sports/sports01.txt

WTVH-5 News VIDEO at http://www.wtvh.com/news/local/34602999.html?video=YHI&t=a

Thank You all for your kind words and support!

For more information go to our home page at http://www.TheRun4life.org

Monday, November 17, 2008

TheRun4Life.org on WTVH-5 Tonight

I am very excited that our story at TheRun4life.org will be on WTVH-5 tonight at 6pm. It has been a long journey for all of us. I am hopeful that with all the good press we will get the sponsors that we seek to raise the money for the children. I would like to thank all of you for all your kind words!

For more information go to http://www.wtvh.com

To Donate to our Boston Cause you can go to http://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/bostonmarathon09/pfp/?ID=GV0003

Further details are at http://www.TheRun4Life.org

Thanks to you all

-Vin

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Auburn Ties at Boston Childrens Hospital

I first learned of the local ties at Boston Childrens Hospital by reading the blog of the Saurini family of Auburn, NY. Their son Zack is age 5 and has had numerous surgeries at Boston Childrens Hospital. He also has another visit to the hospital coming up this Thursday! I wish you guys all the best. Upon reading their story, I felt the need to try and do something. Eventually we would like to do a benefit for Zack as well.

Go to their Blog: http://www.myitaliandarlings.blogspot.com/

Right now I need all of your help in reaching my goal for kids like Zack. There was also another Auburn Family who had a child at Boston Childrens and they wanted to remain anonymous. I want this run to be special. It is not about competition, it is about overcoming the odds to beat a goal. It is about perseverance and doing what your told by doctors that is not possible. Children like my son and daughter that made that hard journey through illness. It is about the journey.

If interested in my Boston Goal go to: http://www.TheRun4life.org

Enjoy your wonderful Sunday!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Thank You to WSTM Channel 3

I want to take this time and thank everyone at Wstm Channel 3 for their hospitality. We arrived early and we were greeted and received a wonderful tour of the studio. My children had an experience they will never forget and they loved, "Doppler" the cat. Thank you again for everything! Sorry I was a deer in headlights up there, that was a first for me in bright lights! I enjoyed being on "Weekend Today in CNY!" Thank you again!

Here is a link to their online story

http://www.wstm.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=222645

Thanks again for believing in us....

Dream...Believe...Achieve...

Vin

Friday, November 14, 2008

TV/NEWS Coverage Donation Link

I want to thank all of you for the kind words and emails that I have been sent. An article broke yesterday in the local newspaper and for those of you who haven't seen it go to:

http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/11/13/sports/sports01.txt

For those of you who want to donate to the cause for the Boston Marathon run go to:

https://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/bostonmarathon09/pfp/Default.asp?ID=GV0003

Also there will be an airing of an article on local WTVH 5 news tonight. I would like to thank them for all of their help and support of what we do! Go to http:www.wtvh.com for more details soon!

I will also be on Today in CNY on Saturday Morning 9:15am! Thank you all so much! Please help us reach our fundraiser goal!

Saturday, November 8, 2008

What Makes Me Tick?

"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment."
- Jim Rohn


What Makes Me Tick?

Well I have had many emails lately asking me why do I run or what makes me want to run for other people? I will tell you that it is a deep down desire to help the kids, families or hospitals that I serve. We cannot change the world we live in if we say, "Yes I am going to do that", and then sell ourselves short by not doing so. So I have become a man of my word. I push through injury, pouring rain, snow, and whatever else is thrown my way. Call it crazy, I call it discipline. I wasn't blessed with the athletes body so I make due. Since I started running I have pushed through an IT band injury, two hurt knees, and stress fractures. All times keeping the eye on the prize. I am not telling you to go out and run hurt. I am saying that most Americans can do more. All you need is 20 minutes a day to get in shape and it will increase overtime! Don't sell yourself short, You Can DO It!

You Don't Need to be Rich To Run

I think the common misconception is that you need the next best gear to run well and get in shape. I have found that is a myth. If you are racing you will need new gear if not then it's not that bad. I actually went almost a year with the same pair of sneakers because I didn't have the money to buy new ones, as well as this year. I find whatever gear is safe, and keeps me warm and dry. It doesn't have to be fancy, just practical and do the job! When it rains, or snows I cheat and wear zip-lock or bread bags around my socks. It is better than 2 pairs of wet socks out on a long run. In this upcoming weather just dress to what makes you comfortable. Style doesn't keep you warm and safe. So today I look out my window and see pouring rain, looks like I better get out the bags!!!

Enjoy your weekend everyone! Thank you for all your support and help this year!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Charlie Old Goat 10 Miler Fun

Well today I ran the Charlie Old Goat 10 Miler in Victor,NY. The race was run at Dryer Park. This was a fun race and well put together. I ran to pace a friend of mine. It was very fun even though I feel twice. Once time I actually tripped and did a dive roll and kept going into my run without losing a step. It felt like some sort of ninja move. Though I still cut myself open. These hilly cross country courses do not seem to be my friend. I will say it was great. You got a little bottle of champagne when crossing the finish line. Then the post race food was great. I don't think I have seen so much food at a race ever. they had everything imaginable. I even won a door prize and gave it to Rick because I don't live in the area. It's a race I'll be back to next year but again not racing!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Herman Avenue Walk-A-Thon Results

I want to say thank you for all of you that came out on a high windy and rainy Saturday. We were forced to use our backup plan and take the walk inside. We set up a nice spread of raffle items, beverages from Eat Well Play Hard and a great response to those who fought of the weather to walk in the gym. Thanks to Joe Mushak, we also had a carnival like sledge hammer game and a pitch striker for the kids. We had a couple speed-bumps and one of our guest participants could not make it, but in all it was a great day. We are looking forward to building a much bigger event this June. Thank You to all!

-The Gleasons

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Herman Avenue Walk-A-Thon Saturday 10/25

Hi! All! Just a reminder that the Herman Avenue Elementary Walk-A-Thon is coming up this Saturday! Grades K-2 Will start walking at 9:00am and then Grades 3-5 will walk 9:30-10:00. It looks like it will call for rain so it will be indoors. If that does happen the walk will be in the gym and refreshments offered in the cafeteria. Hope to see you all there. Just another moment in time where we all band together to make a better tomorrow!

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Running Program

Today's Quote by: Edward Everett Hale

"I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do."

Running Program

Well so far so good on this new running program. I am on week 3 of the new program. All is good and looking forward to a healthy build up of mileage through the winter. My goal is 80-90 mile weeks by March.

Local Running Group

I am looking to do a Saturday or Sunday local running group starting Nov. I would like to meet around 8am at Emerson Park. Anyone interested email me at run_for_life@verizon.net or call my cell at 315-246-3148.

More to come soon!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Renewed Life

Today's Quote by: Salma Hayek

"People often say that 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder,' and I say that the most liberating thing about beauty is realizing that you are the beholder. This empowers us to find beauty in places where others have not dared to look, including inside ourselves."


Well gang I will say that after my visit to Mr. Landers I feel different. Today was my first run around 8 miles since I had a stress fracture in my foot in July. I felt great out there and didn't feel like I was leaning to the left side. I am on a goal of running 90-100 miles by the spring for the first time in my life!

Walk To Run Program

I am thinking about heading up a local walk to run program in Auburn, NY! This program would be roughly 10-12 weeks and would lead up to a local 5k race. I am thinking about doing it leading up to the Susan Komen "Race for a Cure!" Anyone interested email me at run_for_life@verizon.net or call my cell at 315-246-3148

Friday, October 3, 2008

A Visit To Dr. Landers

Well I have been feeling so crappy that I have been considering new treatments. So a longtime old friend moved back to New York from South Carolina. I have been hesitant about any type of treatment due to distrust of my previous medical people. They kept diagnosing me with strange stuff and giving me a bag of drugs and send me on my way. That was some years ago.

Brian Landers Visit

Well I will say with all the anxiety I had going into Brian's office, it was very easy. A quick and easy scan of the spine revealed some major issues that I had been having. Then within a matter of 30 more minutes and body parts being moved around to places where they should have been since birth, I was back in one piece. At least I finally feel like it.

If anyone has any issues or pains please don't hesitate to go see Brian. I can say I haven't felt this good in a long long time.

For more information go to: http://www.landerschiropractic.com/

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Blog Moved To New Space

Hi Gang! Due to rising costs at my server, I have moved the Blog to a Free Site! Stay Tuned for more posts soon!

Vin

..M..O..T..I..V..A..T..E.......Y..O..U..R..S..E..L..F..


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