I am re-posting this to give a shout and any help I can to fellow blogger, runner and wonderful person, TK. If you are in NYC and want to have a fantastic time this Sunday while helping to make a difference, please check out this event!Also, if you are tired of my mediocre writing and lack of editorial perfection, you really should check out her site!
Dear Readers, today I am posting about something that has very little to do with running and an awful lot to do with something else that is near and dear to my heart–finding a cure to Parkinsons Disease, so that my friend Dan and millions others no longer have to suffer this debilitating disease. It is heartbreaking to watch my friend suffer under the effects of PD, and the only thing I can do, really, is fundraise to support research that is trying to find a cure. The first time I fundraised, I ran the London Marathon wand was able to pull in $10,000 of donations in one year. This time, I am part of the Team Fox Young Professionals, and we have pulled together a cool event whose proceeds will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.
and to buy tickets ($80 for open bar & buffet/$50 for open buffet & one drink)
Also, we are raffling off a $250 gift card to Saks Fifth Avenue, and we have pulled together some excellent packages for the silent auction, for example:
Triathlon Starter Kit: V02Max test, Garmin 310XT, $50 gift card to RUN by Foot Locker, and a goody basket full of cycling gear
A Taste of the Upper East Side: gift cards for meals at Luke’s, t-Bar Steakhouse, and Fratelli’s Brick Oven Pizzeria
Makeover You: Sarah Mills haircut, teeth whitening, and two sessions witha personal trainer
Comedy Central: 2 tickets to each The Daily Show and The Colbert Report
New York Sports Fan: tickets to games to see the Yankees, the Mets and the Red Bulls
I really hope all my New York area readers can make it. So far we’ve sold 100 tickets but we are aiming to sell at least 200. I would love to see you there–some of my running buddies have already committed, as have a couple of colleagues! If my coworkers can drag themselves, so can you!
Do you want to go the distance…all 26.2 miles across the five boroughs of New York? Team Lifeline is ready to give you the chance with the first ever “Team Lifeline New York, New York Video Contest.” In this contest, avid and aspiring runners are invited to submit a short video that will convince a panel of distinguished judges why they deserve the opportunity to run in the ING New York City Marathon, the world’s largest marathon. Twenty lucky individuals will win exactly that — guaranteed entry into the marathon, which takes place on Sunday, November 7, 2010.
Team Lifeline encourages creativity, so don your director’s cap, pick up your flip camera and start shooting. Video submissions must be two minutes or less and should convey why you, the runner, deserve a spot in the marathon. Be spontaneous, hilarious, serious or dramatic, but go the distance to win one of the highly coveted spots. The videos will be posted online for the public to view at www.teamlifeline.org and on Team Lifeline’s Facebook page. Submissions will be accepted through May 24th, 2010, and the winners will be announced May 28th, 2010.
“As the song goes–If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere–but first, you do indeed have to make it there,” said Ari Weinberger, Team Lifeline Captain. “Team Lifeline is thrilled to offer this amazing opportunity to runners around the globe. We hope that the first ever video contest will help raise awareness and funds for a truly inspirational organization.”
Team Lifeline is an endurance training program that proves that “you can go the distance,” by providing individuals of all ages and skills with the tools to complete a marathon or half-marathon. In exchange, team members raise much needed funds for Chai Lifeline, the international children’s health support network dedicated to bringing joy and hope to seriously ill children and their families. The funds raised by Team Lifeline are earmarked specifically for the organization’s Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, incredible overnight summer camps designed to meet the unique medical and social needs of children and teens with life-threatening or lifelong illnesses.
Last year, over 300 dedicated Team Lifeline runners laced up their running shoes for the ING New York City Marathon, Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon, and ING Miami Marathon and Half Marathon, raising more than $1.35 million for Chai Lifeline programs and services. This year marks the first time that Team Lifeline will be participating as an official charity team in the ING NYC Marathon.
The Nation’s Triathlon™ to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is sold out, but you can still participate by joining LLS’s Team In Training® program.
Taking place on September 12, 2010 in the nation’s capital, The Nation’s Tri will mark its third year of bringing together triathletes for the common cause of helping raise funds to support blood cancer research while taking on one of the country’s premiere athletic events.
TNT participants benefit from four to five months of weekly training sessions with certified coaches to help them meet their personal goals, and the camaraderie of a supportive team. In return, participants have the satisfaction of knowing they are raising money to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and support services to help improve patients’ lives.
“The Nation’s Triathlon to Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers a magnificent setting on a world-class course filled with historic sights, and Team In Training will help get you to the finish line, while also giving you the satisfaction of helping other people,” said Nancy L. Klein, LLS chief marketing and revenue officer.
Curtis Granderson, New York Yankees centerfielder, is making his charitable mark on New York City with the Grand Kids Foundation and the 2010 ING New York City Marathon.
Granderson’s charitable team, Team Granderson, will raise funds for the Grand Kids Foundation in conjunction with the 2010 ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7. A limited number of spaces are available on Team Granderson. Registration is available to runners already registered for the Marathon and those who did not receive entry into the event. Granderson will not be running in the race itself.
“The ING New York City Marathon is one of the premier road races in the world today. I am honored that the Grand Kids Foundation will be given charity spots for runners to help raise money and awareness for the need for stronger educational programs for our nation’s youth,” says team founder Curtis Granderson. “Millions of dollars are raised each year for a variety of charitable causes through this event, and I am excited to see how much money the runners of Team Granderson can raise as well. I look forward to having a strong team of runners.”
Fundraising minimums on Team Granderson range from $1,000 for those already registered for
Curtis Granderson
the Marathon to $2,500 for those who were not awarded a spot in the race. To participate as a member of Team Granderson each runner needs to complete an online application found at www.grandkidsfoundation.org/nymarathon.
Each member of Team Granderson will receive access to online training programs, their marathon registration fee paid, Team Granderson running shirt and shorts, transportation to the starting line the morning of the marathon and team building events hosted by Granderson. Also available are discounted hotel rates and shoes provided by Spira if needed.
The Grand Kids Foundation began in 2008 while Granderson was a member of the Detroit Tigers. The Foundation’s mission is to enforce educational initiatives to youth and to help bring the sport of baseball back to the nation’s inner cities.
The Foundation has a unique opportunity to donate every dollar raised to fund the educational programs and initiatives to help students because it has zero operating costs. All donations fund school supplies and books for needy families and under-funded schools. It also establishes baseball programs that include equipment, facilities and scholarships.
Along with the Grand Kids Foundation, Granderson is an ambassador for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative to fight obesity. He has also served as an ambassador for Major League Baseball in Europe, South Africa and China. Granderson was acquired by the New York Yankees through a trade before the 2010 season.
Team Granderson is forming now for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7. For more information or to submit questions runners can contact the Grand Kids Foundation by email at grandkidsfoundation@gmail.com
The Blazeman Foundation for ALS has partnered with the Columbia Triathlon Association to offer 20 “select” community slots slots for EagleMan to benefit the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. As you may know, EagleMan remains one of the most popular 70.3 races in the country.
We hope and encourage all Blazeman Warriors and supporters to take this opportunity to race for a cause that is “bigger than themselves”. The slots are $500.00 and will benefit the Blazeman Foundation for ALS for a new endeavor in research.
The proceeds of these slots at the EagleMan 70.3 will benefit our next goal of providing brain and tissue sample for ALS research. This area of research has been very limited in this disease and is key to finding an effective treatment and eventual cure for this fatal disease.
The EagleMan 70.3 is also the event where the Blazeman Spirit Award is given annually to a triathlete that exemplifies the tenants of Jonathan Blais. Jon faced this disease with courage, commitment and dedicated the remainder of his life “putting a face on ALS. Jon also in his life before ALS overcame many obstacles in becoming the wonderful teacher he was…opening up a world of the outdoors and athleticism to underprivileged and emotionally challenged students.
The application process for the Blazeman Spirit award will begin shortly in April.
Applicants will be able to download the application and email it to the link provided. For more information, visit www.waronals.com.
Please email Rob Vigorito to register for EagleMan in one of these select Community Slots.
Thank you all and look forward to seeing you on race day!
About the Run: Happy tenth birthday to our baby girl Annie! No, not the human baby girl, but the canine version of our baby girl. She is ten years old today and for her birthday, she wanted to go for a run with her dad and I was more than happy to oblige.
Whenever I run with either of my dogs, it really give me a chance and pause to see how they literally stop and smell everything. Even when they don’t stop, they’re still taking in everything around them. They aren’t jaded or oblivious to the incredible world with which they are surrounded, they are simply fascinated to be in it. This innocence always touches me. Even when I get upset with one of our dogs, they will always say they love me no matter how angry I am.
The run was good, but slow. Don’t be fooled by her age, Annie is fully capable of breaking down and going far faster than I am, but she just likes to take her time. My legs are a bit weary so it was probably a good thing to take it easy.
I rescued Annie from the Albermarle County, Virginia SPCA when she was just eight weeks old. Our other dog, Bubba was rescued from the North Shore Animal League two years ago. Danielle and I strongly support rescuing dogs and cats and other animals from humane shelters. Please consider donating to Me and the Road and helping to support the North Shore Animal League. You can donate by linking through Me and the Road or by going directly to the donation site located at: http://meandtheroad.bbnow.org
About the Run: My assigned run for today was: Run a nice relaxed pace. Zone 2 Nice relaxed shoulders and hands. Tall and quiet. I took this very much to heart and was sure to take what felt like a very relaxed pace and posture. During this run I made a point of looking around and enjoying the scenery and ignoring anything to do with pace or effort, which is to say, I relaxed. I kept this up for the entire run, having no idea what my pace was the entire time. It felt good.
Since I usually do an out and back route when I run during the day, I got some wind in my face today. It wasn’t tremendously windy, but there was enough that it felt completely still on the way downtown. Once I turned around and headed back uptown, the wind hit me a little more. I remained relaxed as much as I could but I did catch myself picking up the effort more than I should have a couple of times. All in all, a very good, relaxed run.
In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund‘s Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.
The Fresh Air Fund relies on donations to provide memorable summers to NYC children.
More than 65% of all Fresh Air children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.
Thanks to host families who open up their homes for a few weeks each summer, children growing up in New York City’s toughest neighborhoods have experienced the joys of Fresh Air experiences.
“It is rewarding to see the smile on our Fresh Air child’s face as she enjoys the simple things we take for granted…”
Friendly Town host families are volunteers who live in the suburbs or small town communities. Host families range in size, ethnicity and background, but share the desire to open their hearts and homes to give city children an experience they will never forget. Hosts say the Fresh Air experience is as enriching for their own families, as it is for the inner-city children. There are no financial requirements for hosting a child. Volunteers may request the age-group and gender of the Fresh Air youngster they would like to host. Stories about real Fresh Air host families and their New York City visitors are just a click away!
Click here to learn more about becoming a host or call (800) 367-0003!
04-Feb-2010: Gord Pauls of Hamilton, Ontario is an Ironman athlete and Cervélo customer who will be undertaking a truly remarkable feat in an effort to raise money for the people of Haiti. Pauls has been an advocate for Haiti for many years, organizing charitable initiatives through his store, The Runner’s Den, to support initiatives to bring improved nutrition and education to the children of Haiti. This year, the need in Haiti is far greater, and Pauls has challenged himself to raise $250,000 by completing 3 Ironman distance challenges on 3 consecutive days. On Friday, August 27 and Saturday, August 28, Pauls will complete a 3.8 km swim, a 180 km bike, and 42.2 km run (2.4 miles, 112 miles and 26.2 miles, respectively). He will follow those up by competing in Ironman Canada on Sunday, August 29.
We wish Gord all the best in his training and fundraising, and look forward to reporting on his successful completion of the challenge. For more information on Gord Pauls, the triple Ironman, and his fundraising, please visit www.gordpauls.com.
ATLANTA and SAN DIEGO, Feb. 2/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Cancer Society and the Competitor Group, Inc., today announced a new collaboration to empower endurance athletes of all abilities to take a more proactive role in improving their personal health and saving lives from cancer. The collaboration will, for the first time, combine the resources of the nation’s largest health care nonprofit with the endurance sports industry’s leading media and event entertainment company to extend the reach of the American Cancer Society DetermiNation® endurance event program and to strengthen its impact on creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.
The American Cancer Society/Competitor Group collaboration will begin with the Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle™ Marathon & 1/2 Marathon this June, followed by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago™ 1/2 Marathon in August, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras™ Marathon & 1/2 Marathon in New Orleans in February 2011. All three events will be branded for the benefit of the American Cancer Society.
Additionally, the American Cancer Society will be designated as a preferred charity for Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series events in Denver; Los Angeles; Nashville, Tenn.; Philadelphia; Phoenix; San Antonio; San Jose, Calif.; and Virginia Beach, Va.
“We are excited to join our DetermiNation program with the Competitor Group Rock ‘n’ Roll series to provide an unmatched running experience for athletes of all abilities,” said Alan G. Thorson, M.D., F.A.C.S., national volunteer president, American Cancer Society. “Many people are not aware of the important role that exercise plays in reducing cancer risk – in fact, one-third of all cancer deaths could be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise. By training for and running in a Rock ‘n’ Roll event that benefits the American Cancer Society, people can take one of their most important steps to stay well and reduce cancer risk by being physically active, while helping save lives from cancer.”
Through their participation in the Rock ‘n’ Roll events in Seattle, Chicago and New Orleans, DetermiNation athletes can dedicate their event training and race participation to the only endurance charity program that helps save lives from all forms of cancer. As part of their involvement, these athletes will receive team training, race-weekend VIP amenities, social event opportunities, and much more.
“The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, which provides a unique, world-class endurance event and rock concert in-one, is a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society and its DetermiNation program,” said Competitor Group President Scott Dickey. “Our goal is to create connections that promote our vision of a healthy, fit world. This is a powerful alliance which will raise significant funds for the American Cancer Society.”
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Series format is an enjoyable experience for race participants and spectators featuring live, local bands playing at every mile along the course to energize the runners. Events conclude with a finish line festival as participants celebrate with their families and friends at a headliner concert.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll series revolutionized the running industry in 1998, when it incorporated the live music component at each milepost with themed water stations and high school cheerleading squads providing refreshment and motivation along the way.
The DetermiNation program is the American Cancer Society’s powerful and inspiring movement that empowers athletes of all abilities to make their miles more meaningful by dedicating their training and participation in marathons, triathlons, cycling and other endurance events to a lifesaving effort to end cancer.
Begun in Chicago in 1996 and formerly known as Charity Runner, the DetermiNation program expanded nationwide in 2007 and now includes an increasing variety of endurance events and the growing involvement of athletes across the country.
For more information about how to join the growing American Cancer Society DetermiNation team, visit acsDetermiNation.org. For more information on the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, visit www.runrocknroll.com.
BOULDER, CO. – JANUARY 2010 – U.S. Olympian Matty Reed has added another race to an impressive 2010 schedule. Reed will captain a relay team in the charity race during the Memorial Hermann Gateway to the Bay Triathlon in Kemah, Texas. The Olympic distance race is Sunday, April 11th and raises money for Jenny’s Light.
Reed’s team will go up against a triathlon team captained by fellow pro and Olympian Andy Potts. Spots on both Team Reed and Team Potts are being auctioned off over the internet now. Proceeds benefit Jenny’s Light charity which helps women with Postpartum Mood Disorders. Another benefit of the charity relay is the participants will also get entry into the sold-out Escape from Alcatraz race (http://www.onurleft.com/Onurmark_Productions/Gateway_to_the_Bay_-_Charity_Relays_Auction.html).
Reed, the 2009 winner of Race to the Toyota Cup- the prestigious American triathlon series is a father of two. “I am a father and husband first, Olympian and professional triathlete second,” says Reed. “If I can use my talents as an athlete to bring attention to Jenny’s Light, I am proud to do so. And this race course is fabulous! Challenging, fun location and a great event. And to do this event with my buddy and talented athlete Andy, I couldn’t be more honored.”
Besides the charity relay race, Reed will also put on a running clinic Saturday afternoon where participants will have a chance to meet Reed and get tips on improving performance.
“We really wanted a world-class athlete to participate in our first race this year,” says Aaron Palaian, Co-Founder of OnurLeft Sports, “Matty was the perfect choice and he went above and beyond by agreeing to speak with local kids, put on a clinic and sign autographs. Hopefully, he will help us grow the event for years to come.”
Matty “Boom Boom” Reed is one of the most decorated triathletes in competition today. A 2008 U.S. Olympian and defending national triathlete champion, Reed has been a dominant force in the triathlon world since 1994. Born in New Zealand, Reed now lives and trains in Boulder, Colorado.
About the Run: Today was a long day. I began at 5:45, waking up to shower, warm-up in said shower and go move my car (NYC alternate side parking rules, don’t ask). I got to my office at 8 AM and was there until 4:45 PM. Right before I left to go change and head to Central Park, I had a Cliff Bar because I knew that I’d need some calories. Bad idea.
I headed to the gym to change and then right back out again to go meet the Laminator who was gracious enough to put my bag in his locker at New York Sports Club on West 73rd. We met, he took my bag and we went our separate ways, only to meet again at Bethesda Fountain at 6:30 with a bunch of NYC area Twitter buddies.
My assigned run for the day was a tough one: Warm up for a mile then run 5×1 mile at your 5K race pace recover for 2 minutes between each. This was added upon by the fact that it was colder than I had expected and the wind had decided to kick up and swirl around the park. On top of that, my stomach had begun to do flip-flops from the Cliff Bar. I set off, doing my warm up and then getting into the first fast mile. Right away, I knew I was under what should be my 5 K pace, but I was aiming for 5 K effort rather than just pace. It so happened that sack in the middle of my first mile was Cat Hill, a lovely little slice of hell nestled on the East side of Central Park. By the time I got to the end of that mile, I thought I was going to lose my lunch, but managed to maintain things.
The rest of my run went OK. Not my best workout ever, but I still pushed myself. When I finished and headed to Bethesda Fountain, people had just begun to gather. In all, I think about 18 people showed up. About little less than half went to do a hill workout while the rest of us headed off to run the upper loop on the park. I really is so much fun to have a real sense of camaraderie while running, especially when the TriLife triathlon team comes at you from the other direction and their larger group doesn’t move an inch, thus making our smaller group run in the car lane (thanks guys). Afterward, we headed to Dive 75 to partake in a few libations before heading to respective boroughs. Good friends and good times!
About the Run: I made a point to take it easy for this run. It was not what was called for by Jeff today (that was 3700 meters in the pool) and I decided to eve let myself off easy. As I was remarking to someone this evening, it is extremely difficult to run “slow”. I know that sounds like a stupid problem to have, but it really is difficult to just sit back and let your body cruise along when you’re so used to pushing the pace.
There really was nothing very remarkable about this run. I took it easy and just enjoyed my time out running. Not that I ever don’t enjoy it, but I reall took this time to “run and smell the roses.”
Tomorrow is a big running day, with some pretty intense pacing work and then a tweetup run in Central Park!
I am re-posting this from Ari’s site first, as a favor to Ari, but more importantly because it is something that should always be brought to the forefront whenever possible. Foundations like this take private funding and funnel it to research, free from the whims and bureaucracy of government agencies and, as such, make many more advances. On top of that, this is an amazing way to get out and do something active in what is sure to become a sports icon!
Todd Brogan, Communications Coordination for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, sent me a message on Facebook after reading my post about my Yankee Stadium Run. His foundation is has recently launched a 5k run/walk at Yankee Stadium. The entire event will take place in the Stadium. Participants will run/walk the concourses and ramps, climb the stairs between levels and enjoy incredible views of the Stadium from all angles. The race ends with special access to a victory lap on the warning track circling the field where you will see the Stadium from a player’s point of view.
The event is limited to 2,500 participants. If you are interested in participating, sign up soon. More information can be found by visiting the event’s website. If you cannot participate in the event but would like to contribute towards cancer research, please click here.
This past Saturday, August 1, 2009, my best friend, Bobby Cockrill, became an Ironman.
Bobby was a racer in the twentieth annual Vineman, the oldest independant Ironman distance triathlon held in the continental United States in Sonoma, California. If you’ve read or listened to Brandon’s Marathon in the past then you probably know that I started this site simultaneously with Bobby starting (the seldom updated) Bobby’s Marathon. Over the past roughly eighteen months, Bobby and I have seen each other go from running our first marathon, to our first sprint, olympic and half-Ironman distance triathlons to this, the culmination of hours upon hours of Bobby’s hard work and training.
We are a drop of water in the ocean of life but if you get enough of use together we can make a difference and I want to be apart of that difference! If we can just drown away one persons worries or sorrows than we have succeeded. “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”
All that said, I am not only exceedingly proud not just to know Bobby, but to be able to call him my friend.
This year’s New York City Half-Marathon takes place on August 16th, 2009. As of now it is far too late to enter simply by registering and paying your fee. that said, it is NOT too late to run this year! You can still be entered into the NYC Half by joining a charity team and raising money for a cause.
One such cause is the Fresh Air Fund. A bit about the Fresh Air Fund from their site:
Since 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.7 million New York City children from disadvantaged communities. Each year, thousands of children visit volunteer host families in 13 states and Canada through the Friendly Town Program or attend one of five Fresh Air Fund camps.
Today, the Fresh Air Fund contacted me and asked me if I would give them a shout on my site and on Brandon’s Marathon Podcast. I am more than happy to lend a hand, and I think that if you have the time and want to help NYC kids, while staying healthy, the Fresh Air Fund is a wonderful way to do it! From the FAF:
The Fresh Air Fund is looking for runners and sponsors to join our Fresh Air Fund-Racers team for the NYC Half-Marathon on August 16th… Last summer’s NYC Half-Marathon was a huge success and the Fresh Air Fund-Racers raised more than $125,000. We are also still in need of Friendly Town hosts for next month. Host families open their hearts and home to a NYC child who would not otherwise have the opportunity to escape the hot, crowded city streets.
So, if this is something you’d be at all interested in, as a sponsor or runner or Friendly Town host, please follow this link:
Thanks so much for visiting my site! My name is Brandon Wood and I am an opera singer living and trying to make it in New York City. This site and podcast follow my adventures on the way to competing in and training for all kinds of endurance events, especially triathlon and running. Click the "About Me" tab for more info!
When: Starting NOW! This is an ongoing contest that will be every month, or until every person on the planet has nice, fresh smelling shoes!
Why: Because Stuffitts are awesome! The folks at Stuffitts are being SUPER generous and I also want to give you guys something that I think is a great addition to any athletes arsenal!
How: On the last podcast episode post of each month (example: Episode 99 on June 28 HERE) entrants should leave a comment (however long you'd like). On the following week's show (the first show of each month) I will draw, by random number generator, one winner! That's it!
