Back to NY

Back to NY

Today we are on the road back to NY. I know for sure that in Boston I left it all out there. I didn't run as fast as I normally do but I endured the journey. Never have I seen such an emotional marathon with so many people screaming. It is something that I will never ever forget! I know I wasn't the fastest guy in the race but I still like to think that I would compete for the most heart award. Though even if I won such an award I would hand it over to the people like Dick Hoyt who push their son in a racing chair for 26.23 miles.

Swelling

The swelling has gone down today. Thank goodness. I can now walk a bit better. I am holding out till I come back to NY to get an MRI. Here I wouldn't be able to afford it. I think no huge damage has been done more than already was before the race but I still feel some instability in the area where my knee surgery was. Which indicates to me something just isn't right and why my knee buckled at the 10k area.

I seriously want to thank all of you for all your support throughout this Miles for Miracles campaign! Without you I would have never made it 1 mile! Each mile truly felt like a miracle!

Finishing Boston

Finishing Boston

It was an incredible feeling to be a finisher of the Boston Marathon. My knee buckled at the 10k mark and I could feel the tape holding. So kept going. What kept me in it was all of the little kids with their hands out for a high five. I must have high fived 1000 children. It was an amazing feeling. Next thing I remember I was in Wellesley around mile 13. Students screaming and holding signs. One place was handing out beer to runners. ugghhh...I zoned out again till about mile 18 when pain started setting in. I then pushed up heartbreak hill. I remembered seeing mile 24 and about a half mile later, my knee just seized. I had to walk. I walked for a little bit until I got a indication in my knee that I had 2 more miles left. Around this time I ran up to Dick Hoyt. It was incredible to get to see his son and him out on the course. It was such an inspiration watching him push his son towards the finish. Then the next thing I knew I rounded a corner and saw the finish line. I did my penguin waddle to the finish because by this time my knee was gone.

The hardest thing for me was trying to touch my toes to get my timing chip off. Then I handed it to the man and was given the famous Boston finisher medal. It was a great feeling. It wasn't as hard as our children's marathon we ran but it hurt me bad because of my injury. I would have done it all over again! I was then wrapped in some foil to keep the body heat in and handed some food. It was hard to walk the quarter mile to get out of there. I could barely walk but I refused treatment. Which was dumb! I walked the wrong way and ended up walking another mile to the Westin Copley where our bags and team function was. I then needed treatment there as I couldn't walk no more. Everything seized up and the swelling was bad. I received treatment for about 30 minutes and then walked out on my own. It was the most incredible experience I have ever felt and very overwhelming.

I want to thank everyone for their donations, support, text messages and phone calls. All of the love really made it easier to finish! I thank all of you!

Personal Quest/ Boston Information

Personal Quest

Hello all! I just wanted to let you know that tomorrow is Patriots day and the start of the Boston Marathon. I have made this my personal quest this year and have faced many bumps in the road. I have never thought of not coming here. I remember reading a letter by a man that ran Boston last year. He said that he entered the race with a severe hamstring injury. He made it to the 9 mile mark and had to be bused off. So I thought about that and said hmm with my knee injury I will go into it with the same mindset. Let it rip and if something does rip, then wave the white flag when you can't anymore. I want to thank everyone. The sponsors, donors, family and friends that have stood behind me. I felt more impressed to have raised $3180 for Children's Hospital through my running. To me I was more impressed with that then being accepted into the worlds most prestigious marathon. I will do my best tomorrow for all of you!

Boston Information

For those of you tracking my run. I will be running easy as I can for the first couple miles to warm up the injury. You can go to http://www.bostonmarathon.org

I am runner # 25518. You can track each portion of the race I am in and how far I am in the race. There is also At & T Athlete tracking. You can have all of the spots I hit and if I am still going sent to your cell phone!

Go to http://www.bostonmarathon.org/BostonMarathon/Att-Athlete-Alert.asp

Thanks to all my supporters! I hope I can finish for you!

Boston Day 5

Boston Day 5

No pictures today! I didn't take any, though I should have. The city was loud today with sneakers from the 28,000 runners going through the city. The expo was packed with thousands of people. I had to go pick up my race #. I am runner 25518. On race day the http://www.Bostonmarathon.org site has a runner tracker. This will let you know where I am in the race. I am hoping to feel a bit better soon.

Speech From an 8th Grader

Today we attended the Miles for Miracles event for all of the runners. We have 210 runners on the team. An 8th grader got up and stood in front of the thousand or so people and told them the story of his fighting Leukemia. It really hit home. There were also many patients of the hospital there and looking at all of them put your life into perspective.

Boston Day 4

Boston Day 4

Today was a day filled with confusion. Waited for a cab ride for over an hour and was late to my doctors appointment. Finally got there and waited for the next open appointment at BostonBodyworkers. The people there were very nice! I had nice conversation with them and then they got me tapped up and ready to go. After the cab debacle I decided to test the tape out and run back to the hotel! Leg didn't feel to good but I made it and it gave me inspiration starting out at the finish of the marathon. I got back and cleaned up and get us going

The Skywalk Observatory

We have a Boston City Pass so we were trying to make it an inexpensive day. We took a free shuttle from the hotel and went to the Skywalk Observatory. This was a fun place. You are taken up 50 floors to a giant overlook of the city of Boston. Each person received a little handset that you could listen to all the stories about the City.

The Museum of Fine Art

After the Skywalk we proceeded to the Museum of Fine Art. It was quite a walk and everyone was getting a bit fatigued. The museum is under construction but showed some really nice pieces. We spent about an hour and a half there a took many pictures that will be on my facebook photos page.

It was a fun day with the family and a wonderful lunch at the UNO Chicago Grill on Boyleston. Probably best lunch I have had all trip! That's all for now! Time for a guys night out! Pictures to come soon! Today you could really feel the city coming alive with runners!

Boston Day 3

Boston Day #3



It was a fun day. We started our visit at the New England Aquarium. We seemed to tour it very fast but it was very fun. We got a city pass so we were brought in pretty fast and into the jellyfish area. Then a small walk into a massive penguin area. Which is my favorite area.

After that we went to a place called "Tomb" by Fenway park. Where everyone gets to be part of an ancient Egypt archaeological dig. Problem is my daughter ran off at the first sign of loud noise. So then my son and I went in and the door sealed us in. The lights went off and he was not a happy man. A mean vision floated above the room (which I thought was cool) but Braeden wanted out! So we left! Another day in the books!

The Road to Boston: Day 2

The Road to Boston: Day #2

Today we visited the Basketball Hall of Fame. Something I always wanted to do. We had a couple hours to kills so we toured the facility and took many great pictures. Here is a picture of the kids outside the arena. I loved that both of my childrens feet almost equal on Shaquille O'Neal foot. That is too funny! In all it was a short day and then we made the trip into Boston. Where we have mainly sat at the hotel and rested! Day #3 is going to be fun! Keep you posted! Pictures from the Hall of Fame are posted on my facebook photos page!

The Road to Boston: Day #1

Well today was a productive day. Our original plans were to drive to Albany and stay in that area for the night. We passed one hotel in Albany and then kept driving and couldn't find one. We ended up driving all the way to Springfield, Mass. I figured we would stay in Springfield and then hit the Basketball Hall of Fame. Something I had wanted to do since I was a kid. We also found a Dr. Seuss Garden we are going to hit up. Then we should be in Boston by 3-4pm to check into our hotel for the week! I want to thank everyone for the good luck and the well wishes! It is truly appreciated! I haven't been feeling all that well and I hoping once I settle in, I will start feeling stronger.

Anyways Tomorrow I will list day #2 and I will have photos of our arrival in Boston!

Until Next time, Keep on running!

Jim Phillips Benefit May 2

As many of you know Jim Phillips passed away over a week ago due to cancer. The family had numerous medical bills and I would be happy if anyone could spare some time and come out to the benefit. I am troubled at the thought of his 8 year old daughter he leaves behind. Any help or donations would be greatly appreciated.

CONTACT: Jamie Gleason 252-7012
For donations or tickets!

MUSIC PROVIDED BY
Sound Sensation!

Where: S.K. Post State Street Auburn, NY 13021
When: Saturday May 2, 2009

$10 Per Person
$5 for children (10 & under)
Spaghetti Dinner, Raffles, Door Prizes!

Buy A T-Shirt..Support Zack $20

Buy A T-Shirt..Support Zack

I dropped all of the remaining T-Shirts off at the Saurini's house today! If anyone wants to buy a Boston marathon commemorative shirt we had made, please do so now! The shirts are $20 and all proceeds go to Zack's Benefit. I had promised Zack and his family months ago and I would like to sell all of these to help fulfill that promise!

Contact Jodi Saurini at: thesaurinis@yahoo.com
Jodi is also on facebook. The benefit site is at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=55840893167&ref=ts

Here are what the Shirts look like:

Go Beyond Yourself Video

I would like to thank my children for inspiring me everyday in life! On February 13th I dislocated my patella. With the help of great doctors I will be running in this years 2009 Boston Marathon! It is about never giving up! That is my gift to my kids! Dad loves you!!!

Majorpalooza Article in Todays Post

I just want to give a big shout out to Chris Major and the Majorpalooza staff. There was a wonderful article in today's Post Standard. For those of you who don't know it started out as a party in Chris Major's back yard. This event evolved to an event at the Rec Center and this year now into a 5k and event. I wish guys continued success on this venture and I hope to have atleast 200 of you runners cross the finishline in the 1st annula Majorpalooza Run4Life.

Copy of Todays article in the Post-----> http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/stories/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1239008154165560.xml&coll=1

Anyone interested in registering the run may go to http://www.therun4life.org

Shirt Mistakes

I want to apologize for the handful of mistakes that were on the Boston Shirts. Somehow one of my main sponsors got left off the shirt. A couple name misspellings. I apologize entirely, I had thought I double checked everything. I hope that we all still see what the shirts stand for and we conquer Boston together as a team! I apologize that I don't have any money to get any of them reprinted. It was my last $500 for the shirts and that was all I had. Again my Apologies! I thank you all for your support! See you at the finishline!

To Dare Mighty Things

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure...than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat. - Theodore Roosevelt

To Dare Mighty Things

The last couple years I have felt like all I do is dare mighty things. After watching my children stricken to hospital beds I realized it was time to do something more. I took myself from drinking in bars to raising the bars. What I have learned by doing this Boston Marathon training is to dare greatly, even if you fail, dare greatly. I could have given up back in February when my knee went instead fate found me good people to take care of me. Ones that care and have gotten me back on my feet. This journey has made me realize that racing times are not important. What is important was finishing that goal to those sick children. We all did that together as a team! I am proud of all of you for this feat! I would say to you if you don't know what it is like to feel victory or defeat, then do the following: Register for a 5k, 10k or a half marathon!

Boston Marathon April 20, 2009

In about a week and a half I will be conquering 26.23 miles of Boston. It has been a long road since November, one filled with many issues. I am happy that I have arrived at the end of this journey and I hope to get the job done that day for the kids! Thank you all again! We raised $3180 for Miles for Miracles. We beat our goal!!!

From Bed Rest To Therapy and Back

“Many of the great achievements of the world were accomplished by tired and discouraged men who kept on working.” -Unknown

From Bed Rest To Therapy and Back

Today I ran a 13 miler for the first time since the week before the injury on February 13th. I received Kinezio taping from Dr. Millers office at the NY Chiropractic College. Let me just say what a difference! I can not thank Dr. Maneri enough for moving this treatment ahead enough. Thank you so much! Today's 13 miler was in 1:45:17, which is a good sign of recovery!

Therapy

Many don't realize that once I got hurt I didn't quit. I worked hard. I tried everything. 3-4 hours of therapy a night. DMSO therapy, cold laser treatment, and many other things. I might have acted like a tired and discouraged man but I never gave up. I kept on working even though I won't be a speedster, its about getting the job done for these sick children.

Nate's Pep Talk

After Speaking with Nate Donaleski tonight I feel a ton better. This is a guy that is an amazing runner. Coming in around the 3 hour mark in the Boston Marathon last year. Yet Nate stated to me that he never doubts I would finish. In the past two days I have heard the word heart attached to my name. Many times I call it stupidity but it is my heart that makes me drive to the finish. I do not give up. I always finish what I start. Unless in this case my knee blows out and I can't even crawl. Thanks Nate for the words and I hope to see you in Boston my friend! Save me the wheelchair at the finish!

Special People

I have met so many new special people of late. I want to thank them for entering my life and being an inspiration to me as well. I want to thank Jeff Campbell who is battling MS. I keep thinking about how he has no use of his legs and I drive on. I want to thank The Suarini family for never giving up with their son Zach. I want to thank everyone who has run for my cause. I am teared up by your commitment. I want to thank Chris Major for partnering up with me to bring the new 5k to fight cancer to the community college. A special thanks to the Maneris for all their help with my treatment! Thank you to the Chiro College. Thank you to Brian Landers for his initial working of my knee. Congratulations to Debbie Bilak for her new found profession and her love of people! Thank you for the talks on facebook! You are incredible and don't let anyone tell you different! Congratulations to my friend Renay (I know its early) for your graduation coming up next month! You've worked so hard! Way to go! Anyways there are many of you and I could go on all night! Thank you to all!

Boston Shirts

I am sending out the T-Shirts to sponsors this week. Anyone who wasn't a sponsor that would like to buy one, let me know. The cost is $20 and all proceeds go to the Zach Saurini benefit to be held on April 26, 2009. Thank you all for your support!

Boston T-Shirts are In: Order Now!

The Miles for Miracles Boston Marathon 09 T-Shirts are in! I had 100 of these made to give out to sponsors. 50 are for sponsors that made donations of $50 or more to my Boston Fundraiser! You will be receiving them soon! Other fundraisers inquired about donations to their benefits. This was a promise made way back in November. I will not change that promise, though I am flattered you would want us to help! Thank you!

Buy A Shirt Save a Child

You may also buy an official Boston Shirt that I had made for $20. T-Shirt Sizes are XL,L,M,S,YL If out of state please send $2.50 postage. You may send check or money order to:

Vin Gleason
48 Perry Street
Auburn,NY 13021

or by paypal by sending money as a service to run_for_life@verizon.net

Thank You--Photo of Shirts Below!

There is No Magic Bag To Running: Just Run

There is No Magic Bag In Running: Just Run

I have been receiving many emails from beginning runners asking me how did I start? Some I share the info with and some I have in the past and they don't listen. The only way to be ready for a 5k is to get a running base underneath you.

When I first started running I was running 5k's in around 24 mins. I felt slow and out of shape for my build. I then got on a program that I now also am certified in and the changes happened within 8 weeks. I also was able to get good top notch coaching from Don Miller and Kevin Collins. Two runners who have master experience in their respective events.

Don't Think: Listen

When I was mad that I wasn't getting faster and more endurance about 3 years ago I was asked what I was doing. I told the person. I was told cut out the jumping jacks, and all the other crap and just run!" When I finally did this a new world unfolded. What I am saying to you is don't buy into quick fix programs at gyms or online. There is no short cut but hard work. You have to get out there and log the miles bottom line.

The Treadmill

Many fear the roads and do the treadmills. I did this when I was rehabbing 3 years ago. I was running at a rapid pace and thought I was in good shape. That March I took to the roads and got a rude awakening. Running the road is tougher. If your going to run some 5k's get out on the road a couple days a week or go to a park. Any place that you consider safe. Running the treadmill will help but will not prepare you for the road in a 5k. The test is run 5 days on the treadmill, the following week run 5 days on the road and see the difference. The third week go back to the treadmill and see just how easy it is because your legs already made a slight adjustment to the roads.

Program

For those newbies who have been emailing me. My advice to you is get out there and run. Set up a program like this for example:

Monday - 15-30 min run Easy
Tuesday- 15 min run 90% hard run
Wednesday 15-30 OFF
Thursday 15-30 Min
Friday 15-30 Min
Saturday Off
Sunday Long run 30-45 min run slow talking pace

This isn't cut in stone but this is an example of what to do. Forget all the rest and just run! If needed I have starter training programs that I did with 1st marathon Syracuse and of recent certified Jack Daniels training programs for starters. Let me know. Though you have to make a commitment to yourself and follow through. The starter program is 8 weeks and gets you ready for a 5k. The Daniels program is 20 weeks. Yes it will hurt the first 4-6 weeks. Training isn't pretty but if you want to run better and lose weight, then thats how you do it!

Until Next time---keep on running!