Mies for Miracles/ Great Rehab/T-Shirts

“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.” -Albert Einstein

Miles for Miracles- We Did It!

I want to thank everyone for their support throughout the Miles for Miracles campaign. I think how we all rallied together to support childhood illness is better than any marathon. I want to thank you all for raising $3180 for Boston Children's Hospital!

Recap of Running

The first 10 weeks of the running program, I was very inspired. I was running amazing and far better than I thought I was capable of. I was doing training I never thought possible. Then a little slip and knee mis-direction changed my training the day before Valentines day. I admit my mood had changed since that day. Every time I get training good I get injured. Each time I have been injured from a weird accident. I felt invincible out there. I ran through -15 degree days on 15 mile runs. I ran through icy conditions that I probably shouldn't have. for the most part I found what I was made of. I found how far I can push my self for a worthy cause. The best part is having good people like you behind me.

Rehab-Where I am Today

Well I am not in the condition like I was 7 weeks ago where I was running 16 mile runs in a 7:40 pace. Thanks to Dr. Wendy Maneri and her staff at the NY Chiropractic College, I have come a long way. I have been doing cold laser therapy and strengthening exercises. I can not thank them enough. On Friday I ran a 8 mile run at a 7:47 pace. Showing me that I am making a good comeback. I am facing the music that I am not ready to run the world's most prestigious marathon, but I have a plan. My plan consists of 3 things:

1. Dream- the dream is still alive. I still have a number and a jersey for the race. No one took that away from me. i still have a chance.

2. Believe- I am a firm believer that I can get through this.

3. Achieve- We have all come this far in fundraising for the kids and that is the main achievement. I would like to finish the race as well.

No matter how I feel on this day, I will show up on that starting line! Never did I ever think of quitting this marathon! Right now I am suffering from some flu issues but I am hoping it all works itself out soon! Even if I have to walk the marathon!

Marathon T-Shirts

The marathon T-shirts for sponsors are printing right now. They will be ready next week. We had some last minute changes that we did not foresee. They will be ready soon! Also anyone who wasn't a sponsor or is a sponsor and wants to buy more, you may do so!

Each shirt will be $20 plus postage..sorry I don't have any extra money. Each $20 proceed going to the Zach Saurini benefit on April 26th! go to http://www.therun4life.org for more details!

What This Boston Campaign Has Taught Me

What This Boston Campaign Has Taught Me

When I got the call in November that I was picked to run Boston for Boston Children's Hospital, I was excited. Many things have I learned through this whole campaign. I have welcomed in many new friends. Some I haven't talked to in years and others that I have never met. For the most part everyone was thoughtful and honest. Some people are hurtful but those are the kind that have to live with themselves. So be it. Throughout this campaign, I have never wavered. Even when my knee went on February 13th, I didn't really give. I had a 24 hour period where I was trying to figure out, now what? Do I go on? Do I fold? Do I risk injury?

The one thing I learned is who my friends are. Those who have been hugely supportive in many ways. For you I thank you. Things for me have not been easy but I gave everyone and those children a PROMISE to finish this campaign and that is what I am doing. Promises don't seem to be something that is looked at as 100% concrete anymore for some people but I feel it necessary to follow through and finish this thing off.

I want to let you know that I am still out there training and getting treatment. I am doing all can each day to make this one time huge dream of mine a reality. I am not so concerned about time anymore, but rather finishing.

I have lived through the hard times. When my kids were ill. I think your true character shows when you are going through tough times and yet you still help others. You still take the time and do what you can within reason. I have never wavered in that stance either. Nor will I ever.

T-shirts for Boston

The T-shirts that I promised the donors for the Boston Marathon will be in by this weekend. Thank you to Splatterhouse T's for all your work!

Thank you all for everything!

Trip to the Chiro College

I want to thank Dr. Wendy Maneri for inviting me out to the Chiropractic College today. I have been concerned about slow healing on my knee and they offer Cold Laser treatments. In a nutshell I waddled into the office like a penguin and I walked out a human again. I was amazed at the time they spend on each patient and how accurate the physical was. Thank you Wendy and Jason of the college for your patience and time with me today! It is greatly appreciated!

Back to running tomorrow! Only 21 days till we leave for Boston. I am not ready to run by anymeans but I will do the best I can!

Runnersguide Article: On Why You Should Rest

Run Smarter: Not Harder

I have had talks with runners that are running for the first time or for the first time in a long time. The common theme I am seeing is that many are trying to run everyday. I am proud to have met runners that are running inspired. People are realizing through fitness and teamwork, we build a better tomorrow!

A couple years ago that was me. I started my running with a 5k and ran 24 mins. I worked and worked and worked and in the coming months I took 3 minutes off. I think there is a common misconception that when your a runner starting out, that you need to run everyday. This is not true I have found. When I was running everyday I started getting minor injuries and some lead to major injuries. The article Below is about rest and why it is important!

I would like to give a shout out to Anne Musso. Anne has this new found passion of running that I once had. Seeing Anne's passion for racing and everyday running I have found it again myself. Though now I am not allowed to race till after Boston. Congrats Anne from going from a 13 minute mile 6 weeks ago, to running under 9 minutes in the Tipp Hill Run! You don't realize just how good that is! Kudos to you!

Runnersguide Article

Here is a snippet of the article and I will give you the link to read the rest!

"One of the common misconceptions about running is that running every day is the best idea for improving performance. These runners may believe this because they think by running every day they are giving themselves the most practice and the best opportunity to build up strength, speed and endurance. However, this is flawed logic because the body actually needs rest days to recover and improve. This article will provide some helpful information on how often runners should rest and will also explain why this rest is so important."

For the rest of the article go to: http://www.therunnersguide.com/rest/

Awards List for Majorpalooza Run 4 Life 5k

I am proud to announce the awards list for the Majorpalooza Run4Life 5k that is being held on May 24, 2009! The run will be a 2.1 mile road and 1 mile nature trail 5k. We need as many runners as we can get to defeat cancer! This run will give out 20 trophy awards overall in Open, Masters, Youth and Fighter awards. The first three categories will have trophies for places 1-3 in each division. The fighter awards will go to the first male and female finisher across the line that is with the fire department, police or prison guards. It will be bragging rights for their respective department for the year!

Awards List for Majorpalooza Run 4 Life 5k

Majorpalooza Run4Life 5k

Beating Cancer Memorial Day Weekend

Sunday May 24, 2009

OPEN MEN

The David Gleason Award(cancer)

1^st Place Overall Men

The Peter & Betty Ruscitto Award(cancer)

2^nd Place Open Men

The Bill Holzhauer Award (cancer)

3^rd Place Overall Men

OPEN WOMEN

The Patty Dejoy Award(cancer)

1^st Place Overall Women

The Loma Ehrich Award(cancer)

2^nd Place Open Women

June Lipiska-Caruana Award (cancer)

3^rd Place Open Women

MASTERS MEN

John Paul Musso Award(cancer)

1^st Place Masters Men

The Jim Phillips Survivor Award(cancer)

2^nd Place Masters Men

Keith Sherman Award

3^rd Place Masters Men

MASTERS WOMEN

Marie Skowron Award(Cancer)

1^st place Masters Women

The Colleen “Cobby” Burke Award(Cancer)

2^nd Place Masters Women

Kelly Lipiska Award (cancer)

3^rd Place Masters Women

YOUTH BOYS

The Gleason Family Survivor Award

1^st Place Youth Boys

The Saurini Family Survivor Award

2^nd Place Youth Boys

The Weed & Smith Family Survivors Award

3^rd Place Youth Boys

YOUTH GIRLS

The Mosher Family Survivor Award

1^st Place youth Girls

The Kozlowski Family Award

2^nd Place Youth Girls

The Crosby-Hollister Family Award

3^rd Place Youth Girls

Each year we want to name awards for survivors and those who have passed due to cancer. Each award shall tell a story of survival and won't just be a dust collector! We are also giving out 78 other medals that day for age group winners!

Register today for the Majorpalooza Run4Life 5k at http://www.therun4life.org
Click on the active.com banner to register online!

Showing Your Orange Spirit

Showing Your Orange Spirit

The kids and I decorated for the Big East tournament. Over the years I have received many cool items like the 8ft Otto and flags for birthdays. The house looks really cool at night and has this orange glow to it! This has been an amazing week to be an SU basketball fan. 7 overtimes in the last two games. You can tell who the SU fans are because they were the ones dragging around the hallways the next morning. Enjoy the Photos of our SU Spirit! Kaylei's window actually glows "SU" in rope lights at night too! How fun! Something to get our minds off running for a little bit!


Fantasy Basbeball Begins

I am happy that tonight is the Champions League Basbeball draft. I have moved this years team back to Philadephia. We are unveiling the new stadium and uniforms as the, "Philadelphia Franklin's." Trying to use the wonderful Ben Frankin Clipart

Copy of Letter I wrote to the Paper

"Don't give up, Don't ever give up!" -Jim Valvano

In Today's Society You Don't Ever Give Up

When I started out on this quest to run the Boston Marathon in November, I was telling my friends to go for their dreams. I set out on the goal by May 1st to raise $3000 for sick children at Boston Children's Hospital and I have nearly accomplished that! I want to thank all of you that supported this campaign.

A month ago I slipped on a sidewalk and dislocated my kneecap and tore a muscle under my left knee. Everywhere I turned I was told nothing I could do but just rest. I never take sitting down as the answer. Thanks to the help of Dr. Brian Landers who has a practice on south street, I am at least back up and running. Thank you Brian for your outside the box thinking to my situation.

I won't be running the 3:20 marathon that I had hoped but I am sending a message to never give up! Today as I write this I can barely make it 4 miles with my knee but I will still be out there running the hills of Boston on April 20th for those children that I promised. I hear many people give excuses as why I should fold up, but assure you that would not be in my nature nor would I preach such a drone example to my children. This whole thing was inspired by my children and a local boy Zack Saurini. I have decided to give back even more by making commemorative T-shirts (thanks to Splatterhouse T's) to my sponsors and all left overs will be sold with proceeds going to Zacks benefit. Zach has Oculo-Ectodermal Syndrome and Jaffe Campanacci Syndrome. Zach had surgery at Boston Children's Hospital on February 4th and has since returned home to Auburn. His benefit will be Sunday April 26, 2009 from 1-5pm at Sennett Fire Department. He is the true story of never giving up! I encourage all of you to never give up during these times and follow your dreams. Even if you have to chase them a little bit slower than imagined!

High School Memo: Never Underestimate Your Actions

Below I am going to attach an email that a great friend sent me. This email really hit home as it reminded me of who I used to be and who I believe that I have become with the help of some good friends. Please take the time to read it and pass it on if you would like. Thanks SPS for sharing this with me today!

High School Memo

One day, when I was a freshman in high school,

I saw a kid from my class was walking home from school.

His name was Kyle.

It looked like he was carrying all of his books.

I thought to myself, 'Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday?

He must really be a nerd.'

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him.

They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt.

His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him...

He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him as he crawled around looking for his glasses, and I saw a tear in his eye.

As I handed him his glasses, I said, 'Those guys are jerks.'

They really should get lives.

' He looked at me and said, 'Hey thanks!'

There was a big smile on his face.

It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived.

As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before..

He said he had gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before.

We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books.

He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

I asked him if he wanted to play a little football
with my friends

He said yes.

We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again.

I stopped him and said, 'Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!

' He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends..

When we were seniors we began to think about college.

Kyle decided on Georgetown and I was going to Duke.

I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never

be a problem.

He was going to be a doctor and I was going for business on a football scholarship..

Kyle was valedictorian of our class.

I teased him all the time about being a nerd.

He had to prepare a speech for graduation.

I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak

Graduation day, I saw Kyle.

He looked great.

He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school.

He filled out and actually looked good in glasses.

He had more dates than I had and all the girls loved him.

Boy, sometimes I was jealous!

Today was one of those days.

I could see that he was nervous about his speech.

So, I smacked him on the back and said, 'Hey, big guy, you'll be great!'

He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled.

' Thanks,' he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began

'Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years.

Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach......but mostly your friends....

I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them.

I am going to tell you a story.'

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the
first day we met.

He had planned to kill himself over the weekend.

He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

'Thankfully, I was saved....

My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable..'

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment.

I saw his Mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile.

Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions..

With one small gesture you can change a person's life.

For better or for worse.

In the Words of Manny Ramirez

In the Words of Manny Ramirez

"I'm Baaaaackkkkk!", or at least I hope so! Running Tipp Hill Saturday in the pace that I did it with my knee made me realize that I am healing at a great rate. The only problem is time. I have less than 6 weeks to be ready to run the Boston Marathon for my team. This leaves me with 6 weeks to strengthen my knee and regain my 26 mile endurance. Easier said than done. I really hope that I am back. Each step I have been really careful and working hard to get back. Most don't realize the 3 hour a day treatments, trips to Dr and workouts just to get back to where I already was 4 weeks ago! Thank you all for your support!

Miles for Miracles

We have raised over $2600 for Miles for Miracles. Some checks are still outstanding to the totals aren't updated. Thank you all for your support! For you I will run it no matter what! Whether I am hurt or not! I will line up for those kids! If I can't go on due to injury then at least I gave it my all! Thank you all!

Majorpalooza 5k

All information for registration and volunteering is on the website at http://www.therun4life.org

Thank You to All of You That Ran Tipp Hill

Thank You to All of You

I want to thank everyone that ran Tipp Hill today. There were so many people (2200 runners) that I couldn't find half of you, but we divided and conquered. The T-Shirts were a hit and we got many many people asking where they could get one. I was shocked. I want to thank everyone. Thank you Anne for keeping your faith in me as a friend to run today and I am very proud of you and your gang for running well on a very hard course. Thank you Tracy and Adina! I am very proud of you guys! I knew you would get through your first 5k Adina nice job! You guys somehow snuck past me at the finish. I wish I could have seen it! Haley again thank you for all of your support! You are the most down to earth person on earth! I was very shocked to have caught up to you in the race. That race was tiring. Thank you to Sabrina and her son for coming out and supporting our cause. You were the only ones I saw. I know there were more of you but I never saw you and if you ran it I thank you too! I know I am not too good socially since the accident over a year ago but I am working on it. With great people like you it makes it so much better! Thank you again!

My Run

Today I was supposed to run slow because of my knee but I walked so much and it felt good for the first time in awhile. I went out slow and then somewhere I heard some music playing that motivated me. I just started kicking it in to see if the knee would last. I am not going to lie it hurt like hell. The last mile was horrible but I got through it with a little help from my friends. I dedicated my run today to my friend Jeff. Jeff recently called me and told me that he has been battling MS since 1997. I kept thinking throughout the race how he told me he cannot use his legs and it gave me some strength. The goal for today was to run the hilly 4 mile race in 36:00 due to the nature of my injury. I ran it in 28:58! I said whoa! It must be healing well! Thank you all again for keeping me motivated!

Good Luck to R4L Runners in Tipp Hill Tomorrow!

Good Luck to R4L Runners

I want to wish a good luck to all of the people who are running for us in the 4th Annual Tipp Hill Shamrock run tomorrow! Some of you are running for the first time and that is ok! We will get through this together. I will run with any and all of you! Just go out and have fun and that's all the matters! It isn't about times!

Directions from Tipp Hill Website

Parking for hundreds of cars will be available in Burnet Park near the softball fields and the round top. Attendants will be directing drivers. Enter from Avery Avenue and Whittier Avenue. Parking is also available in the upper lot at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo through the zoo entrance on Wilbur Avenue.

for more information go to http://www.tipphillrun.com

Thanks to My Coaches

Thanks to My Coaches

Today I went and ran 4 miles. Normally that was a snack to me. Since the knee dislocation I can barely run 15 minutes. Today I was determined to run 4 miles no matter what. I ran 4 miles in 34 minutes which is amazing to me now and what used to be creepingly slow a month ago. I have been worried since my knee issue that I won't be able to finish the race. My dreams of running a 3:20 marathon but a month ago are all gone and now its how do we finish what we started? My coach Mike Ferragamo write me simply this, "You will finish the race even if Jeff and/or I have to run most of it with you."

To me that means a lot that I have good people in my corner. People that will probably carry me over the line if my knees seize up. No matter what I am lining up on that line.

Still Have $400 to Raise! T-Shirts Going to Printer

T-Shirt Deadline

Well I have come down to my T-Shirt deadline. I am the only runner that is making T-Shirts for his donors and sponsors. I still have $400 to raise but today was my deadline to go to printer. So you can still donate. Those who donate $50 or more will get an official "Run Vin Run" T-Shirt commemorating this years Boston Marathon 2009! Not all logo's will fit exactly to size but printer will do best to fit everyone on! Everyone who donated got on the shirt!

So far I have raised $2600 and I have almost raised my goal of $3000 for the children!
Please help me reach that goal today!

Go to http://www.therun4life.org

Also T-Shirts will be made available for sale after donors receive there. Proceeds going to Zack Saurini benefit on April 26th!