Step 1: Click one of the buttons below to donate the amount for the raffle entry you want. It will take you to the donation site. You can enter more then once, just donate the base amount multiplied by the number of entries you want.
$20 donation
$20 donation
$20 donation
Step 2: Click one of the buttons below to send out the tweet for the item you want to be entered to win. It is VERY important that you tweet the proper item so I can see that you are entered in the right contest.
Step 3: I will close the raffles at the following times:
Polar RS300X #1 – 6/10/11 – 8 PM EST
Newton Running package, women’s – 6/10/11 – 11 PM EST
Polar RS300X #2 – 6/11/11 – 9 AM – EST
Brunton Restore – 6/11/11 – Noon EST
Newton Running package, men’s – 6/11/11 – 3 PM EST
Winners will be announced about 30 minutes after each raffle closes. You do not have to be online at the time to win. I will contact each winner on Twitter to let you know that you’ve won. Unfortunately, raffles are only open to those in the US and Canada.
Good luck and thank you for supporting Athletes for a Cure!
As many of you know, this coming Friday (June 10) at 5 PM EST my marathon live show to raise money for Athletes for a Cure will start! I’ve worked with several brands to arrange for giveaways and raffle items for the show and without any further delay…here they are! (Rules and such to be posted tomorrow, June 7, so check back!)
SwimSpray – I’ll be giving away a boat load of this amazing new product! Invented by a swimmer who was tired of smelling like a pool, SwimSpray eliminates chlorine odor and irritation from hair and skin. Use with your own favorite shampoo, soap, or body wash. Simple. Effective. Natural.
Hydrapak Gelbot – The Gel-Bot delivers two performance essentials, fuel and hydration, in one easy to use sport bottle. This patent-pending design lets you fuel or hydrate with just one hand. Perfect for racing or total gel addicts. All the Gel-Bot components can be taken apart and easily cleaned.
SOLE Signature DK Response footbeds – The Sole Signature Series Dk Response is world-famous ultra runner Dean Karnazes’ signature edition footbed, with added features. Every SOLE Custom Footbed features their orthopedic base layer that molds to your unique foot without losing its supportive shape. SOLE Custom Footbeds are accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Sole donates a portioon of every sale to Karno Kids whose mission is to support, encourage, and motivate youth to get outside and become physically active, and to restore and preserve the environment.
Ryders Eyewear Seeker Sunglasses – All Essential styles within the Adrenaline collection feature Duraflex frames with low-profile, high-strength pinned hinges and polycarbonate lenses. These lenses are shatterproof, optically-correct, scratch-resistant and provide 100% UV protection. All styles have high-performance features such as anti-slip, hydrophilic nose pads and/or temple tips that get more tacky as you sweat so your eyewear always stays in place.
Road ID eCard – It’s a gift card for whatever Road Id strikes your fancy! Need I say more?
Kate’s Real Food Bars – (2, 6-packs!) Kate’s Bars are real food snack bars, hand made in the shadow of the Tetons. Kate’s Bars are created for people who live, play or just want to be outdoors. The flavors and textures of Kate’s Bars are designed to reflect the natural surroundings they were inspired by.
Brunton Restore power storage and solar panel – The most efficient, integrated compact power pack available. Internal battery keeps extra energy at hand, and twin solar panels keep the battery at peak capacity in less time. Ideal for charging personal devices like iPods® and smart phones. Advanced polycrystaline solar technology gathers maximum energy per inch for maximum efficiency. Power storage capacity: 2,200 mAh Output: mini-USB
Primus EtaSolo Stove – Compact, lightweight and low fuel consumption. Eta Solo is based on the award winning Eta technology of our Primus burner and heat exchanger. Its high efficiency rate assures fast boiling times and lower fuel consumption. The Eta Solo is stable in windy conditions, lightweight, and extremely compact. Quick and easy to set up thanks to its robust quick-click locking mechanism.
Polar RS300X – (Raffling off TWO of these!) A smart, intuitive training computer for runners and cross-training athletes, the Polar RS300X wrist heart rate monitor helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. It’s compatible with Polar’s S1 foot pod and G1 GPS sensor (both separately available), enabling you to combine heart rate with speed and distance and truly make sense of your training.
Newton Running Shoes and Gear – We’ll be raffling off TWO gift packages from the one and only Newton Running(one for the ladies, one for the men)! This will include one pair of Newton Running shoes of your choice, a copy of Newton co-founder Danny Abshire’s book (Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running) and some other schwag!
After famously un-retiring in 2008 to return to the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong has once again officially retired. Sitting down in an interview with the Associated Press (video below), Armstrong says that he wants to devote his time now to his family and the Livestrong Foundation. Of course, for those of us in the triathlon world, we do expect to see Lance toeing the line at multisport events around the world including the Ironman World Championship in Kona on October.
Happy Monday and happy Valentine’s day! Today is the beginning of a very interesting period in my life and I thought I’d take a minute to share some thoughts on where it began this morning and where it may be headed. It does have something to do with running, triathlon and the like so, read on!
Achilles
A few weeks back I mentioned that while out on a run on a day with a lot of ice on the ground I over-extended my trailing leg and “tweaked” my achilles. Since then I’ve had to kind of knock back the intensity of some of my runs and, to be completely honest, I’ve not run 100% pain free since. I’m not sure that I’d call this a true injury per se, but rather a small stumbling block.
I had a run last Friday where I was feeling my oats a little bit and so I took it out quicker than I have been. I wasn’t in pain while running, but I was aware of the tweak. After my run (about 8.5 miles at about 7:00/mile), as soon as I stopped at the front door of my building and began walking in the hallway, my achilles lit up. P-A-I-N. It seemed that the pain came not really when I put pressure on it but rather when I took it off.
I stretched immediately but couldn’t take too much time since I still had to get to work (yes, I managed to make it out for a pre-dawn run). Throughout the day I forced myself to alter my walking gait so as to avoid any pain. I guess I looked like I was limping a bit but it was a self imposed limp rather than my body NEEDING to limp, so that has to be something.
On Saturday morning I headed out the door for a 2.5 hour brick workout. I had spoken to Coach Jeff the night before and he told me to just do the ride and to forget about the run. So my ride, which was scheduled to be 1.5 hours got upped to 2.5 hours. It’s been a while since I’ve gotten to ride outside so this was a welcome change from the monotony of the indoor trainer. Upon getting on the bike my achilles, which had been largely immobilized and set in ice for most of the previous day, was feeling quite tight and sore. I made and effort to gently stretch it out when I could and after about 30 minutes of riding it loosened up and even let me ride some large-ish hills harder than I thought I’d be able to.
When not chasing my daughter and packing/cleaning, the rest of the day was spent, leg elevated and on ice. Sunday’s run was also canceled and we’re now in some odd stasis waiting to see how I feel this week. I don’t have a run scheduled until Wednesday and then I hope my patience and wisdom don’t lose out to ego and pigheadedness. There’s no point in sacrificing an entire season for a few missed runs.
As an aside, and not to go down the technical road; when I was home and able to, I spent the ENTIRE weekend in just socks. I even walked my dogs in just socks on Saturday night. When I was barefoot, I hardly felt anything at all. Today I decided to wear a pair of Newton Gravitas‘ to work since they’re effectively flat and thus far, I’m doing well.
The Subway
I got on the subway this morning (the ever so pleasant downtown 1 train) at my usual stop. The train was not very crowded and I easily got a seat at the end of a row. I tend to go for those seats since that means that I’ll only have one person squeezing in beside me rather than two. The train went from my stop (215th St.) to about 110th St. without incident, or even that much of a crowd. At 110th St. a bunch of people got on the train including one of those people who like to stand IN the doorway and block the door for those trying to get on and off the train even though there is plenty of room to stand elsewhere.
It was this door-standing, super classy individual that started my day off on the wrong foot. This guys elbow was just about level with my ear. Since he was holding onto the rail attached to the seat I was sitting in, this is not out of the ordinary and no big deal. However, as the doors would open, he would lean basically into my seat (yes, I’m aware of the sometimes overstated “American bubble” that we prefer and are spoiled with. That said, I’ve been on a subway in Japan at rush hour and I know what “close” really is). Each time he did this he was coming about 9 inches across where he needed to be and he would push, not very hard but just inconsiderately so, his arm into my head. He did not say, “I’m sorry” or even acknowledge this annoying and obvious invasion of my space.
Now, had this been simply an invasion of my “space” and not an actual instance of me being touched repeatedly in the head by some stranger, I would not really have a problem with it. At about 72nd St. there was a rather aggressive push of my head with this guy’s elbow. So, I put my hand on my head, in between my head and his arm and gently moved his arm away and said, “Excuse me, your arm keeps hitting my head.” I didn’t say this loudly of in any kind of a rude tone. The rest of the conversation went like this:
Douchey McA-hole: Don’t touch me again.
Me: I’m sorry?
Douchey McA-hole: I said, don’t touch me again.
Me: I’m sorry but you’ve been hitting me in the head with your arm for the last forty blocks.
Douchey McA-hole: I’m just trying to let people on and off the train.
Me: Well, you could go stand somewhere where you won’t have to do that and hit me in the head.
Douchey McA-hole: Don’t touch me again.
Me: If you don’t touch me again then we won’t have a problem.
Douchey McA-hole: Don’t touch me again.
Me: Or what?
Douchey McA-hole: *silence*
He got off the train at 59th St. (Columbus Circle) without further incident. I don’t like confrontation, but when I’m put in that situation, with someone literally standing over me (since he was standing and I was sitting) my hackles rise very quickly. However, I did maintain a calm demeanor which was bolstered by the very nice woman next to me who was encouraging me to ignore him since he was clearly “that kind of person”. I just don’t get it. Why do people have to be like that? I was tempted to stand up and just stare at the guy since I had about 20 pounds and 3 inches on him, but I figured that would only serve to exacerbate an already tense situation.
So, Douchey McA-hole, have a happy Monday and I’m not hoping at all that you get dropped like a sack of potatoes by someone with less patience than I have.
Looking forward
Danielle and I are going to Milwaukee this week to sing Mozart’s Così fan tutte with Skylight Opera. Being there will be a nice break from living in New York for a while, though I must admit that I doubt it will instill in me the affection that some feel for this town.
While there I hope to take Gearist TV on tours of SRAM, Saris and Trek Bikes. Gearist is doing well and is further expanding passions of mine that have been emerging for a while. Upon returning from Milwaukee, we will be looking to the future. Our lease is up in October and we are moving. We don’t know where just yet but to us, anywhere is better than here.
The spring and summer will be spent training hard and racing. The biggest race of the season of course, is Ironman Canada. I’m still toying with the idea of doing a 24 hour live podcast to help raise money for Athletes for a Cure (PLEASE CLICK HERE TO DONATE!!). If I do do a live 24 hours show I am certainly going to need people to call in and stop by to keep me awake!
I’ll be touching more on the reasons and desires of our move in the coming months as well as the direction we’re moving in. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.
As I’ve said in the past, we all know someone who has been affected by prostate cancer. Many of us, however, have no idea what affects te proliferation of prostate cancer and what we can do to beat it to the punch.
I came across this site today and it goes into some wonderful detail about prostate health and prevention. From screening to prostatitis and into the side effects of prostate disorders such as erectile dysfunction, this site includes an impressive list of resources and survivor stories.
Harry Belafonte: He was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in 1996 and successfully treated. He is now a prostate cancer advocate, raising awareness of the disease in men.
Bill Bixby: Diagnosed in 1991. He succumbed to the disease on November 21, 1993.
James Brown: The Godfather of Soul was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004 but survived. He died of heart failure in 2006.
Robert DeNiro: The Academy Award winner was diagnosed with early-stage cancer in 2003 at the age of 60. He has kept details of his treatment private. His father died of prostate cancer at the age of 71.
Sen. Bob Dole: Diagnosed in 1991 and successfully treated, he became an outspoken prostate cancer advocate. He became a spokesperson for Viagra because of the problems prostate cancer survivors often experience with erectile dysfunction.
Robert Frost: The poet was diagnosed in 1962, had a radical prostatectomy the same year, and died in 1963.
Rudy Giuliani: The former New York City mayor was diagnosed with prostate cancer in April 2000 and had surgery to implant radioactive seeds in September 2000. Giuliani’s father died from prostate cancer in 1981 at the age of 73.
Robert Goulet: Diagnosed in 1993 at the age of 60 after a routine blood test for insurance purposes, Goulet underwent a radical prostatectomy and is now free of prostate cancer. Robert Goulet died in 2007 of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease.
Merv Griffin: Diagnosed in 2000 at the age of 75 and underwent 7 weeks of radiation therapy.
Alec Guinness: While battling glaucoma, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in January 2000. In July 2000, he was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer and died a month later on August 5, 2000.
Langston Hughes: Died on May 22, 1967 at the age of 65 after complications from abdominal surgery related to prostate cancer.
John Kerry: The former presidential candidate was diagnosed in late 2002 with early-stage prostate cancer and had successful nerve-sparing prostate cancer surgery in 2003. Kerry’s father died of prostate cancer in 2000 at the age of 85.
Timothy Leary: The 1960s counterculture icon died from the disease in 1996 at the age of 75.
Phil Lesh : The Grateful Dead bassist announced that he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer in October 2006.
Nelson Mandela: Diagnosed in 2001 with early-stage cancer. He underwent seven weeks of radiotherapy and made a full recovery.
Roger Moore: The former 007 was successfully treated with surgery in 1993.
Pablo Neruda: Died of the disease in 1973 at the age of 69.
Laurence Olivier: Diagnosed in 1967 and underwent radiation treatment that successfully eradicated the cancer.
Jerry Orbach: The Law and Order star died from the disease in Dec. 28, 2004 at the age of 69.
Linus Pauling: The Nobel Prize winner was diagnosed in 1991 at the age of 90 and died of the disease in 1994.
Colin Powell: In 2003, he underwent surgery for early-stage prostate cancer and made a full recovery.
Johnny Ramone: The Ramones guitarist died in 2004 at the age of 55 after a five-year battle with the disease.
Telly Savalas: The “Kojak” star died of the disease in 1994 at the age of 70.
Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf: Diagnosed in 1993 and underwent successful surgery.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau: The Prime Minister of Canada died of prostate cancer in 2000 at the age of 80.
Bishop Desmond Tutu: Diagnosed after a routine exam in 1996. He was treated in the United States with hormone therapy and radiation.
Earl Woods: Tiger Woods’ father was diagnosed in 1998 and successfully treated with radiation, but the cancer returned more aggressively in 2004. Woods died on May 3, 2006 at the age of 74.
Frank Zappa: Died of complications from the disease on December 4, 1993 at the age of 52.
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America, affecting 1 in 6 men. But who is most at risk of getting prostate cancer and why?
There are several major factors that influence risk, some of them unfortunately cannot be changed.
Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although only 1 in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate shoots up to 1 in 38 for ages 40 to 59, and 1 in 15 for ages 60 to 69.
In fact, more than 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. The average age at diagnosis of prostate cancer in the United States is 69 years. After that age, the chance of developing prostate cancer becomes more common than any other cancer in men or women.
Race: African American men are 60% more likely to develop prostate cancer compared with Caucasian men and are nearly 2.5 times as likely to die from the disease. Conversely, Asian men who live in Asia have the lowest risk.
Family history/genetics: A man with a father or brother who developed prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease. This risk is further increased if the cancer was diagnosed in family members at a younger age (less than 55 years of age) or if it affected three or more family members.
In addition, some genes increase mutational rates while others may predispose a man to infection or viral infections that can lead to prostate cancer.
Where you live: For men in the U.S., the risk of developing prostate cancer is 17%. For men who live in rural China, it’s 2%. However, when Chinese men move to the western culture, their risk increases substantially.
Men who live in cities north of 40 degrees latitude (north of Philadelphia, PA, Columbus, OH, and Provo, UT, for instance) have the highest risk for dying from prostate cancer of any men in the United States. This effect appears to be mediated by inadequate sunlight during three months of the year, which reduces vitamin D levels.
10.05.2010– Marathon Martin Parnell will run in the Victoria Marathon on October 10, 2010. It will be Parnell’s 188th out of a planned 250 marathons run this year. For his Marathon Quest 250 initiative, Parnell runs an average of five marathons per week throughout 2010, raising money and awareness for Right to Play, and organization that promotes children’s participation in sports as a driver of social change in communities around the world. If successful, he will cover a total distance of 10,550km (6550 miles).
Parnell only began running in 2002, at the age of 47. His first race, in 2003, was a short 5 kilometers (3.11 miles). By 2005 he was able to complete a 4-month cycling expedition from Cairo, Egypt to Cape Town, South Africa, and now has done many races including marathons and ultra-marathons and Ironman events.
“I’m doing this because I love the challenge and I love the cause, quite simply,” says Parnell. “Right to Play is a wonderful organization that is truly making the world a better place everyday. I wanted to raise money and awareness for what they do – and, on a personal note, I wanted to see if I could do 250 marathons in one year. Part of this is to show people that you really can do anything you want if you commit to it.”
Parnell took his inspiration for Marathon Quest 250 from Dean Karnazes who ran 50 marathons in 50 days across 50 U.S. states. He also inspired by Larry Macon, a sixty-four year old lawyer from San Antonio, who set the current Guinness World record for running the most marathons in one calendar year (105 marathons in 2008).
To support marathonquest250.com
You can contribute in the following ways:
• Sponsor a marathon
• Run with Martin or to make a donation please go to: www.marathonquest250.com
I got the following email from my friend TK last night:
Hello to all my friends in running! I am most likely going to participate in this 10k/5k on September 25th. Proceeds go to the Michael J Fox Foundation to support research to find a cure to Parkinsons Disease. Many of you know this is a cause dear to my heart. I hope some of you will join me. Note the race is a fair distance away — there is transportation provided from Grand Central — near Beacon, NY. It’s $25 for the 10k and $20 for the 5k.
Link to register is below, and if you have questions you can email Jennie directly (tell her I sent you).
I know many of you are training for Fall marathons and/or are competing in the 5th Ave Mile the next day. Nevertheless, I hope you’ll be able to fit in this race too–or at least spread the word among your runner friends, too.
So, let’s help TK and Team Fox! On a side note, if you’re looking for a blog with some fantastic writing and honest wordsmithery (yep, I just made that up), then you MUST check out TK’s site HERE
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.
Thanks so much for visiting my site! My name is Brandon Wood and I am the social media manager and a customer service rep for Newton Running. 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!
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