Angels Rainbow shirt updated; Promotion of Next Year’s 330 Mile Run

Angels Rainbow shirt updated: Finally had a chance to add Eliza’s and Brandon’s name to our Angels Rainbow shirt. As can be seen, our 2008 Angel’s Rainbow shirt is showing some wear, but not too bad considering that it’s been through 8 maybe 9 or so races this season ranging from 5K’s up to and through our extreme 50K Ultra marathon, which was more akin to a Ranger’s qualification course (well that might be just a little exaggeration, but not by much). Now it stands ready to be worn again for the onslaught of the 13.1 miles this Sunday.

Promotion of next Year’s 330 mile Run: Below is a picture of the back of our Angel’s Rainbow shirt with a sign promoting our next year’s run. What is really exciting is that a running bud of mine made several similar signs made up and has been asking coworkers and friends to wear one as they run either the half or full marathon. At last count I think Lisa handed out 12 or so signs, and I made up and additional 40 signs and will be handing them out to any runner willing to wear one. I also will be handing out the promotional cards I had made up.
As soon as I find out the names of all the runners promoting our cause, I add them to a new listing which I will call “Our Little Buddies Friends” or something like that.

Well, I am getting ready for Sunday's run, so I will close for now with these words:

Undertake something that is difficult; it will do you good. Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

Ronald E. Osbornun

God Bless,

Gj

Another Angel –Brandon Loose, A Special Friend Angel – Mitchell Butler, Another Step Closer to the 330 Mile Run

Another Angel - At times, when I run I swear I hear the NB Angels calling my name and cheering me on to run just a little faster and just a little further. Today was no different except the Angelic c choir sang a sweet melodic refrain of love as a welcome to Brandon Loose as he joined the heavenly hosts…forever pain free and sitting by our creators feet..Brandon, we patiently wait our turn to join you in heaven where together will sing songs of praise for eternity….My condolences to the family and friends of Brandon…I shall continue to run until the cure is found or my feet too tired to carry me, then I’ll ask my heavenly father to carry to the finish line: “The Cure.” That is my promise, I shall keep it!

A Special Friend Angel – Mitchell Butler: As I ran my 5 mile training run tonight I came across a memorial built on the side of the road where several young men and a young lady with heads hung low were paying tribute, to what I was to find out, a very special friend killed in a most tragic accident. I won’t’ go into detail but suffice to say they were wounded to the quick. I can’t, as with our NB Angels, even fathom the pain felt by the family. As I stood there also paying tribute to Mitchell, I told them who I was and why I run. I promised them that I would also run the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon in Mitchell’s memory…So I shall!

I know the depth of love of my NB family and how they all too knowingly understand the pain of loss, and hopefully in some small way the love I have for them by running in honor and memory of their children, my "Little Buddies." My condolences to the family, friends and all at Redford Union High School whose lives were touched by this fine young man, Mitchell Butler.

Another Step Closer to the 330 Mile Run –Today I received the “business cards” (if you want to call them that-see Picture below) that advertise the “From the Border to the Bridge Journey Run” I’ll be running next May. Along with wearing my Angel’s Rainbow shirt and my Little Buddies pictures, I will be handing them out at the upcoming Detroit Free Press Marathon/ Half Marathon October 19, 2008).

Hopefully, this will help raise awareness to a new level (If you have visited the blog site for the run: www. fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com - please forgive me as I am way behind in updating it. I will update it in a few days- ).

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

God Bless & Rest Peacefully in His Arms

Grandpa John

An Angel Reminded Me

At 5am, the air was refreshingly cool and the skies very clear as I began my morning’s training run. Stating out from home, I wound my way down the road to Lola Park, which I find very enjoyable to run since it borders the Rouge river flood basin. Here and there every so often my headlamp would catch the glimmer of some small (or not so small) animal scurrying about in attempt to hide from the light my lamp provided. I could never completely make out who the visitor was. I do know that on previous runs I had seen squirrels (way too early), skunks (hmm hope not), possums, raccoons, and every so often a ground hog. I felt overwhelmed with thanksgiving knowing God has given me so much. I thanked him as I ran on with prayer stirring in my heart; all too soon I had reached the half way point, time to turn around.

As I turned to begin the journey home, I noticed that a fog started to settle in the low lying area giving a very eerie glow and twinkle to the few lights bathing the area. The fog continued to thicken, yet the twinkling lights were become brighter, not dimmer. What’s happening? I wondered. Another strange event is that I thought I heard someone speaking to me. Looking around I saw no one. Yet the voice continued, but I couldn’t make out what was being said…Until I heard, “Hey Grandpa John did you forget about me? Before I could ask, forget about whom, my question was answered:

“It’s me, Eliza S. I’m an angel now, but I didn’t see my name listed on our “Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication” list. You didn’t forget me, did you?”

Oh my, I must quit procrastinating I thought …

“No Eliza, I didn’t forget about you, I never could. Forgive me, I have no excuse. I’ll add your name as soon as I get home. I’ll tell all about our meeting and just how special you are and how you are singing gloriously sweet melodies to our creator and that you’re patiently waiting for us to join you as you are loving held in God’s hand.”

“I knew you didn’t forget me GJ, I just had to remind you,” was Eliza’s reply.

Oh, the twinkling lights...that easy. The twinkling lights were all of the other Angels trying to get my attention.

My condolences to Eliza’s family, may God comfort & bless them as they too wait patiently for that glorious day when we are all reunited in love.

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all"
.....Dale Carnegie


God Bless, Till Later….

Grandpa John.

Spur of the Moment - St Val's Fun Run, The Big Adventure & Next Race

Spur of the Moment -St Val's Fun Run: Sunday’s St. Valentines church “5K Fun Run and Walk” was a spur of the moment decision Yet, one I gladly made since it gave me another opportunity to spread the word about my “Little Buddies,” which I freely did to all who would listen. In fact many folks asked about the pictures around my neck If I were to guess the total number of runners and walkers, I would have to say that about 190 folks participated in this fun filled event made even more beautiful since Sunday’s weather was made for running, about 70 degrees with a cool breeze blowing out of the west. The starting time was 3pm or there abouts. Nothing was left to chance nor were “things” overly stuffy and laden with rules and regulations. In fact, the starting time was delayed a few minutes to allow for runners running a little late (pardon the pun). At 3:10 the color guard marched up to the starting line and as the St Val’s choir sang our national anthem (Although most were quiet, it still surprised me that so many didn’t know that they should have placed their right hand over the heart during the singing of our nations song – you do know the proper practice don’t you?) A cheer went up as the choir finished singing. The run was about to begin.

Sirens blaring and horns a tooting, we runners took off. Since I waddle more than run I was at the back of the pack. Yet, I found myself overtaking many runners, only to see the reason why- stretching across the street were about 15 or 20 walkers walking abreast and beside them were several youngsters pedaling their bicycles, some still were using training wheels. How wonderful to see so many families and children enjoying each other so much; smiles and giggles wafted through the air. As we turned the first corner we runners were able to side step the walkers and shoot for the gold, which surely would be ours for the taking at the finish line.

Ever so slowly the pace and tempo of the run increased. But what is this I am hearing? Clomp, Clomp, Clomp! I turn my head slightly to look and what do I see a youngster of all about 8 or 9 running totally flat footed and over taking me like I was standing still. How could this be? I do not know. Yet I continued on and making the first mile in a little over 8 minutes I knew this would be a good race…until I turned the corner on 5 mile road there walking was Clomp Clomp…I asked if he was ok..He indicated that he was fine but he had a side stitch…ouch…haven’t had one for years but I remember them well...So, I slowed to a walk and asked his name. It was Andy. Seeing the picture hanging around my neck Andy asked who they were. So I told him all about my little buddies and why I run and I asked “Andy would you like to wear one of these pictures? My Little Buddies always give me help when I am having trouble with my run. Andy replied “sure.” So I pinned a picture on Andy’s shirt and true enough, my our little angels must have gave him strength as he was off like lightening. In fact, Andy started running so fast that I didn’t catch up to him for about a mile or so and that was only about a half a mile from the finish line…

As I turned what was to be the last corner in the race I saw the finish line about 400 meters up ahead…turning up the steam I let no one pass me as I kicked it in gear and pushed my lungs to their limited capacity crossing the finish line in 27:27. Surely not as fast as I could, but it was a fun run. Wasn’t it?

The Big Adventure: Mark your calendars now folks OL’ Gj will be doing the journey run next May - Exact date still TBD.

Here is the link to the blog site (needs to be up dated badly) tracking the details of this adventure which will be called “From the Border to the Bridge – Fighting Neuroblastoma”

http://fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/


Next Race: Oct 19, 2008 - The Detroit Free Press Half Marathon or Oh, how I love distance

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"I love you, not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you."

Roy Croft

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I love each of you

Till Later - God Bless,
Grandpa John

Mini-Race Report or Better Late than Never.

Run Statics:
50K – 31.0685 Miles

Elevation Gain over 50K: 9, 572 ft
Elevation Loss over 50K: 9,570 ft

Avg. pace: 16.03 (You had to be there to believe it )
Avg. Speed: 3.7 mph

Max Speed: 11.7 mph

Age Group Standings: 5th of 7 runners

Overall Standings: 112 out of 133

Total Time: 8:49:59.73 – Now that’s a Butt Kickin slow Whew!!!!

Temperatures were around 50 degrees race day morning. Not wanting to be late, Missus Gj and I headed out from our hotel room around 5am. The drive took twenty minutes. Parking attendants directed us to our parking spot, about 400 meters from the stat/finish line. This was necessary since the Relay teams had to use chase vehicles to meet the respective team runners at the various relay points; their race begin their race at 8am

Although we arrived early there where many runners already readying themselves for the arduous journey ahead (and that is not an understatement). I began to double check, no make that triple check my equipment: My Buddies pictures - check (Please note that I did not carry them around my neck due to the many hazards I would encounter on this run – Missus Gj held them for me at the finish line – she did show them off for all to see), Hydration pack – check, power bars & gels -check, trail shoes – check, drop bag – check, safari hat – check, all is ready

Suddenly, the race director called out “All you Krazy ultra runners to the starting line now, the racer starts in 5 minutes”. All too soon, the starting time (6:15am) was upon us; head lamps were going to be needed to see the trail for the first leg or so of the race. Runners Set...Go, we were off…

The runner’s headlamps made it look like hundreds of fire flies were lighting the trail as we set out. Since the starting line was out in the open at the beach it initially didn’t seem too dark until about a quarter mile later when we entered the foreboding wooded trail, made more for a goat than a human to be sure. At first we runners were bunched up as we snaked our way down the winding trail, looking ahead you could see the flickering of the headlights as the runners weaved in, out and down the darken path. As we proceeded, the pace smoothed out, our rhythms found. For safety reasons none of the runners attempted to pass; besides it was still way too early in the race to do else wise. The sun started to crest over the tress as we neared the end of this part of the race; it was a beautiful sunrise. In fact, I had to stop and marvel at its beauty as we turned down “Monks Rd (running west to east). The orange globe filtered thru a rising fog gave a surreal look to my path forward (it was so beautiful that I thought that maybe this is what heaven is like for my Little Buddies). Appropriately, this section was called the Awakening, 4.75 miles in length and technically would rate a scale of 1 on a 1 to 5 rating with 1 being easiest. That rating would soon be nothing but a pleasant memory living within a horrible reality.

The next several sections of the ultra were technically more challenging and would be worthy of rating of anywhere from a 3 to 5. Most time trails were nonexistent as we blazed our way through poison ivy patches, nettle bushes, around fall tree and 3 knee high streams with muck and mud abounding - It was heaven. As I started to land after jumping a hefty tree blocking the trail, my left calf felt like a hammer hit it. Looking down I didn’t notice any blood so I continued on… this was somewhere around mile 9 ….I should have looked first since on the far bottom side of the truck was a broken limb just waiting to give me my first and only injury of the race. Only now a week later is the bruising evident….

I could go on and on about how beautiful the weather was last Saturday, how challenging the trails were and much I enjoyed the “Dances with Dirt Ultra” race, but there are not enough words to describe it adequately; it has to be lived, experienced - for through the pain of the 31.0685miles I found life and was able to spread the word about my Little Buddies to many runners….

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.-- Brian Tracy.

God Bless Everyone of you...

Till later,

Gj

Tomorrow is the Big Day

I am so excited! Months of training and preparation have prepared me for tomorrow’s big race, the "Dances with Dirt Ultra Marathon". I can’t wait to tell all who are present about my Little Buddies and Angels....Start time 6:15am

I want to take these brief few moments before I head out to remind all as to the reason I run. It’s contained here in this blog. I run to thank God for giving me back my health; I run because I am blest; I run….I run…I run…. To raise awareness of Neuroblastoma and to overcome the tears which come with that dreaded disease; I run to honor all of My Little Buddies, I love each of you very, very much; And I run to honor the memory of those Little Buddies of mine, who fought so valiantly but are now Angels: Austin Melgar, Courtney Saunders, Cooper Riley Proscia, Emily Adamson, Victoria Houston, John Eric Bartels, Kathy Ann Wilkinson, Alara Curran, Spencer Dolling, Marissa Monroe, Olivia Weber, Alexa Aigner, Joe Daily, Ryan Willians, Janie Kashino, Dustin Cobb, Alyssa Chappell, Addison Whipple, Amber Mastey, Katie Krize, Gustavo-Alexis, Kelvin Harper, Maggie Achuff, Kristin Hope, Kahlilla Blyss, Arden Quinn Bucher, Douglas Swift, & Max Mikulak.

My “Little Angels” please help Ol’ Gj should I weaken at anytime during the race tomorrow. I’ll do my best for you, and all who are still here, earth bound till that wonderful day when we are reunited in heaven for eternity.

God Bless

Gj

Update to Race Day Angels Rainbow Shirt.

Just a short posting to let you all see the shirt I will be wearing this Saturday for the Dances with Dirt Ultra. It contains the names of all the Angels I've been made aware of since I began this blog back in the April time frame.

Well I have much left to do prior to Saturday mornings race starting time of 6:15am so till later I leave you with this:

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”

Karen Ravn

God Bless, Gj

Newest Angels & My Promise to My Buddies & Their Families

Newest Angels: Since I've begun this journey of mine I am amazed at how quickly our Angelic Choir grows. Arden Quinn Bucher, my little buddy, I was going to run the Dances with Dirt 50K in her honor, now I will dedicate this run to her memory. Joining her are Douglas Swift and Max Mikulak. I did not have the privilege of introducing myself to these fine young men , but I will most definitely added them to our “ Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication” list and will, along with Arden, run the Dance With Dirt Race in their memory too. My prayers and condolences to the families of Arden, Douglas, and Max and May God’s Peace be theirs now and forever.

My Promise to My Buddies & Their Families:

In April when first began this quest, my (our) Angelic Choir had one member to sing us sweet songs of love. Now within the last two days, three new members have joined the host of angels singing sweet songs of freedom. This brings the Angelic Choir to a total membership of 28 Angels; far too many in such a short time span.

Therefore, I reiterate my Promise to all of my Little Buddies and their families:

“I will continue to run for the cause until my legs get too old or tired to run, then I’ll just have to let my Heavenly Father carry me onward in my racing till the cure is found…

Yep! That’s my promise to you, all of you, and I will keep it."

I love each of you with my whole Heart

Grandpa John

A New Angel Joins The Angelic Host & Race Dedication

Our Newest Angel- Today I received notice that heaven gained its newest angel, most beautiful Kahlilla Blyss join in sweet song pleasing to our ears. May Kahilla's family take comfort knowing that she is forever singing lovely songs to be heard by all of creation. My condolences to Kahailla's family during these most difficult of times.

Race Dedication: On September 6, 2008 I will be running the Dance with Dirt ultra marathon (50K). I will dedicate race to our newest angel,Kahlilla Blyss


Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. ~C.S. Lewis

Till Later, God Bless

Gj

Belated Update to Angels’ Listing, Son’s Deployment

Belated Update to Angels’ Listing - Surely as time passes, or so it seems, our Angelic Choir continues growing.

The entire Angelic choir was on hand to welcome into heaven our newest Angels: Alyssa Chappell, Addison Whipple, Amber Mastey, Katie Krize, Gustavo-Alexis, Kelvin Harper, Maggie Achuff and Kristin Hope please sing a sweet refrain most pleasing to our ears. May we receive comfort from the fact that all of you are now pain free & sitting by the feet of our Heaven creator for all eternity. Please save a seat for us as we wait our turn to join you. My condolences and prayers for all of the families during these most difficult of times.

Sons’ Deployment - As I ponder the thought that my son, SRA Raschke (soon to be Tech Sgt) will shortly be deploying, a fear grips my soul, and many “what ifs” enter my mind. Yet, I normally do not live in fear, nor entertain such “what if” thoughts. Therefore, I will do my best not to go there now. However, as an expression of my love for him, I offer to you an open letter to my son Senior Airman Raschke.

Dear Son,

It seems like just yesterday I took you to Ted Nugent’s “Camp for Kids”, you were just 12 years old. How proud I was to see you standing by Ted’s side as you had a bow and arrow shoot off with the Motor City Mad man himself. Do you remember? You scored a “Bulls eye, in the deer silhouette, while Ted shot the outer ring (I may be biased, but to this day I really think he missed). Oh, how I cherish such memories. I guess that is one of the blessings of growing older.

Now as you ready for deployment I wish I had words of advice that would help ease any ill feeling you may have. Well, for once I must admit I don’t, I am speechless, except for this: Rely on your Training and Each Other, Never Quit, Never Under Estimate the enemy, and Do Not Hate them. I say this because that is what makes us so much different than they; if possible in war do all you can to rise to a higher moral plain and protect those whom you have sworn a Holy oath to God to do. Anything else I might be able to say would be inadequate.

However, if God were to grant me one wish it would be that I was still in uniform. I’d love to join you and stand by your side and fight the good fight together as father and son (and maybe in some small way we are). Alas though, the circle of life is almost complete; my son this journey is yours and your teams’ to make. Daniel, you have blest me in so many ways. Please know that you are loved as I know I am.

Son, thank you for your sacrifices and for protecting us from those who would do us harm. I ask God’s Blessings and His protection for you and your brethren daily. I love you.

Dad


"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow."
Dorothy Thompson