Calling All Runners!!!; Eric Harr: An Ambassador for CARE

CALLING ALL RUNNERS!!! – Your help is needed to “Kick Neuroblastoma’s Butt.” Let’s kill this scourge once and for all. But, in order to do that we need funds for research. Why not join Grandpa John on this journey towards the cure. It’s really very simple. For every race you run just obtain donations for any amount you can raise and sent it off to the Band of Parents. Just be certain to have all checks made out to the Band of Parents. Oh, if you need their address, just follow my donation link to their site. You’ll really feel GREAT!!!! I am looking to take this effort nationwide. Together WE can do it! If you need help with fund raising ideas, just give me a holler; I do have a few good ideas.

Eric Harr: Within the last two weeks or so it has been my extreme pleasure to meet via the internet and have communication with Eric Harr, a World Class Triathlete; but he is so much more. If you follow his “I Am Powerful Workout” link you’ll see that Eric is a world class humanitarian too. Not only does he offer an excellent workout program, but offers you a way to donate to the cause he has undertaken as an Ambassador with CARE; a most wonderful organization dedicated to the betterment of humanity, just by working out. Eric tells it much better than I. Please follow Eric’s “I Am Powerful Workout” link to the right for the real story – Thanks.


"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."
Leon J. Suenes

God Bless,

Grandpa John.

A Note of Love, Training Update, Great News Update

Note of Love: All too often in life we get wrapped up in everyday concerns, especially now with soaring unemployment, and gas prices going through the roof. Where’s it all going to end? Well, I don’t have an answer for that, but I do have an answer and it’s in the form of a question: What is all of your worry going to accomplish? Nothing, except an early grave; if difficulties are overwhelming you, I do have an answer which will sooth your soul and lift your spirits – Volunteer, do something good for someone –your neighbor – cut their lawn, or do shopping for them if they can’t get out. Soup kitchens always need help, and Hospice needs your love and support too. Or how about your local hospital they need many different types of volunteers. You may still have your problems but I promise you that you’ll never, ever feel better than when you offer your hand to help another out of love.

As Mother Teresa said:

“It is not the magnitude of our actions but the amount of love that is put into them that matters.”

Training update: Saturday ran a beautiful 12 miles on the trails- saw many bunny rabbits, squirrels and numerous birds. Today I ran 8.24 miles. The weather was beautiful towards the end I was really considering going for 10, but didn’t since I am still strengthening the muscles and hardening the joints for distance.

Tomorrow, I will update my training plan below to reflect the 50 mile plan vs. the 50k (ya just never know when a good 50 miler might pop up)

Great News Update: Just another day or so before Organic Food Bar makes the announcement. At that time I will let you know what’s up. It’s a really good thing.

God Bless and slumber restfully wrapped in His Love.

Grandpa John

Angels Marching On; Wonderful News; Address Where to Send Donations; Training this Week.

Angels Marching On: Every day, or so it seems new Angels march onward to heavenly glory; the never ending beat of angelic wings creates a rhythm unknown to us earth bound creatures. March on to the drum beat that only you can hear Kathy Ann Wilkinson; Alara Curran and Spencer, sing pain free melodies of love for eternity. My prayers are for your families as they mourn, yet comforted in knowing that you are indeed pain free.

Wonderful News - But you’ll have to wait just a bit to hear all about -it’s really good news. I promise. All I will say at this time is that the wonderful team, no family, at the Organic Food Bar has planned something wonderful, but you’ll just have to wait to hear what they've planned. I will not reveal at this time just what it is...so stay tuned. All I ask is that you please visit their site (See Top Side bar and click on the OFB picture). Their food bars are delicious and nutritious; I use them for my training fuel when I run (No, I am not employed by them.)

Mailing Address: Please see bottom of page for Donation mailing address.

Training this Week: So far this week (since Monday) I have run a total of 8 miles and I have a long slow distance run of 12 miles scheduled for Saturday and 8 miles for Sunday. Total Mileage for this week will be 28 miles. Oh, how I love the distance!


Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone-we find it with another.” - Thomas Merton

God Bless and Good Night...Gj

An Angel's Voice; Training Update and Donation Mailing Address

An Angel’s Voice: If we listen, a new Angel’s voice can be heard faintly. Again, last night that insidious scourge created a new Angel; now she is beyond all pain and sitting at our Heavenly Father’s feet, singing melodious songs of praise for eternity. Grace us Katherine Wilkinson with your sweet voice; let your refrain be our comfort. Although, we now hear dimly we wait patiently for that Glorious day when we are reunited. Until then, my prayers go heavenward for the Wilkinson family. May His Comfort be yours, now and always.

Training Update: I have lapsed somewhat in keeping my training log updated. Last week I did not reach my 30 mile goal, but I was close (my plan only called for 24 miles anyway). My Saturday run was for 6 miles of beautiful hilly trails…ouch my quads still ache a little. Today’s schedule called for core cross-training, so that is exactly what I did: Planks, push-ups, leg lifts, squats, arm and leg curls, and a bike ride round out today’s training. I am on track for further base building. Tomorrow’s run is a scant 2 miles. I think I’ll do fartlek’s (a form of speed work) after a half mile warm up.

Address for Sending Donations to Gj: The wheels of the bureaucracy move ever so slowly – Still no word from the Post Office. Tomorrow (5-20) I will stop by the PO and say HI and make inquiry. If there is no word on box availability, I’ll have an address by the 21st for mailing. However, folks don’t let that stop you, to make an online donation just follow my link to the Bank of Parents and please be generous.

"Treat each stranger you meet along life's path as the honored guest at a banquet you are giving; you just never know who is an Angel in disguise."

God Bless,

Gj

The Never Ending Sadness, Training Update, Spreading the Word & Hug Your Family Night

The Never Ending Sadness – Again, this morning I learned of another new Angel singing pain free songs of joy. As with all of my little buddies, my heart is saddened when I learned of them earning their wings, yet my spirit is overjoyed for John Eric Bartels. Sing a sweet song for us John; my prayers are with your family during these trying times.

Training Update - So far this week I have I have 22.4 miles in. Sunday and Tuesday had me at 6 miles each day, Thursday I got 8miles in and today I ran “treadmill hills” for 2.4 miles. I anticipate that I will have 30 to 32 miles in before week’s end; so far so good, no indication of muscle soreness or injury.

Spreading the Word – Early this morning I sent a query to the local monthly newspaper asking if they be interested in either publishing a press release or a short story about my fund raising efforts for the Band of Parents and the good work they and Memorial Sloan-Kettering are accomplishing. Well, checking my email later in the day I see a response from the editor. The editor, Lisa, stated that they would run my story in their June edition and that she’d be calling me next week for further information. Circulation for the paper stands at 22000 homes. Oh, I am so happy to get the word out on such good work, but not only that hopefully, this will bring more donations in for my “Little Buddies”

Hug Your Family – Friday is hug your family night; turn the TV off, and just be with your loved ones. Let them know how precious they are and how you treasure their being just who they are. Love them by spending time with them.

Before I go and hug my family, Remember, Please “Say Yes to Grandpa John” by donating the cost of a cup of coffee to the “Band of Parents. It’s easy to do, just follow my link and please be generous. You’ll never know just how much you are loved for donating. And if nobody has told that they love you, I will!

I love you for you just being you. Thank you for enriching my life.

God Bless

Gj

Grandson'sFirst Communion & My Run in NY.

I am sad to say that I have very few pictures of my grandson's First Communion, but here's Missus Gj and #1 grandson right after. Don't they make a beautiful couple.

Here is #1 grandson and #1 granddaughter. It's easy to see why no distance is too great to travel to see our grandchildren. So far...I guess we'll just have to move to NY.

Running: There is much beauty on the Erie Canal

Well, that about wraps it up for tonight. Remember "Say Yes to Grandpa John" and donate today to the Band of Parents. It's easy to do, just follow my link to their website
Rest Peacefully in His Arms .


Gj

PS: For some reason, (probably operator error) I am having problems uploading my pictures. Maybe with more practice I'll get better...Pleae forebear with me as I get'er right.

Sad of Heart –Blessed Spirit; Thankfulness; New York –Training

Sad of Heart, Blessed Spirit- Today on arrival home and opening of email what do I find? Another of my Little Buddies has gone home to be with our Heavenly Father. Such loss makes my heart very sad, I can only imagine how the parents must feel. Yet, amidst all this angst, my spirit rejoices knowing that Emily Adamson is singing pain free, angelic melodies of praise. My prayers are going heavenward for Emily’s parents and family. May they be given Peace which only our Heavenly Father can give.

Thankfulness - Today, I am thankful for being so blessed. This last weekend I had the opportunity to attend my grandson’s First Holy Communion. An aura of Holiness permeated the Sacristy as the elements were being readied. Looking over I noticed Justin looking on in awe knowing full well that in just a few moments he would be receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ. And here am I, a very unworthy person to be witness such splendor.

As my grandson walked up the aisle towards the priest, his face was a glow; a radiance hereunto never seen by me before. Surly this was God’s love filling his heart, radiating outward a bathing calm of love to all. I was blest to soak it in.

New York – Training- We arrived around 5pm Friday night; we were ready to rest (sleep and snoring were all I thought of) after a 7 hour car trip. Yet, at 7am, Ol’ GJ was more than ready to run the Erie Canal. All were sleeping as I headed out for what I thought would be a 4mile run, not very long at all, just enough to get the blood pumping. Little did I know that the beauty of the morning would hypnotize me. My 4 miler soon became an 8 mile jaunt. All along the canal, folks, young, old, and lovers too were strolling along at this early hour. I was hoping that this would last forever, yet I knew I had to end it soon, since I had to ready myself for church; all too soon, my run was over.

Sunday’s run was almost a repeat of Saturday’s except I only ran 6 miles and took a few different paths back home, another beautiful day all in all. In fact any run make any day a good day. I was and am blest at having had the opportunity to run Erie.

Total Miles for the weekend - 14 Miles
Total Miles for Today – 6 miles


I am having problems with posting my pictures so I'll post them tomorrow since I do have some chores to catch up on so I'll close for now

Don't forget to "Say Yes to Grandpa John." Please donate to The Band of Parents,it's easy, just follow my link to their site.

Thanks and God Bless

Gj

Loved Bunches; New Training tool and First Holy Communion

Loved Bunches: Wow how loved can a guy be? First and most importantly I am making several new wonderfully beautiful friends. Here’s a really big howdy to Janie, Charli and Katilyn. I can’t wait for the next race. I’ll be carrying your pictures around my neck for sure. And I am still trying for more…. I just have to be careful or I’ll be weighted down so much that I won’t be able to move (that’s OK too) Not only am I making many new friends, there might be something very special in the works as far as it relates to the “Say Yes to Grandpa John” campaign…I can’t really say yet as the particular are still be worked out...stay tuned.

New Training Tool: On top of all of that, my beautiful Bride, Missus Gj really surprised me yesterday…On arriving home from work I see this big box sitting in my “easy chair.” Well Sir, no one or no thing sits in Ol’ Gj’s (However, I do allow all of little buddies to sit in it anytime they want) easy chair. I grabbed that box and was about to say something when I realized that it contained a present for me and what a present it was. It was a Garmin 305, what a toy..oops training tool and I used it this morning on my five mile run. Whew it has all the bells and whistles: It mapped my run, recorded my heart rate; recorded my time and my elevation gain and loss. Here are the stats for this morning: Distance 5 miles; Pace 10:23; Calories Burned - 829; Avg. Heart Rate - 144; Total Ascent - 681 ft.; Total Descent -735 ft (hmm I must live in a hole?). There’s a lot more but I think that give you the idea. Yes, this really is one heck of a training tool. Thanks Hunny, it’s a wonderful present

First Holy Communion: Folks I’ll be out of pocket for the next few days as I’ll be attending my grandson’s First Holy Communion. I am so excited and to share that with him is a real blessing. Please look forward to the next update sometime around Wednesday of next Week. And remember please “Say Yes to Grandpa John.” Please donate to the Band of Parents – When? Now would be nice…

God Bless you.

GJ

A Quick Update: Our Newest Angels, Grandkiddies & Training

Our New Angels - As I stated yesterday, I had one Angel to add to my “Angel’s Rainbow” shirt. Well, today I learned that indeed not one, but two Angels are singing glorious melodic pain free songs for us. If I listen closely I think I hear them; can’t you? Tonight their names rest on our “Angel’s Rainbow” shirt: Courtney Saunders and Cooper Riley Proscia will run the next race with me. My heartfelt prayers are with the families during their time of sorrow.

Grandkiddies - I am so excited! Missus Gj and I are reading ourselves for a weekend trip to visit the grandkiddies in New York. This is a very special occasion for us as Justin, our grandson, is making his First Communion. I can’t wait to see them. I think the first thing I am going to do is tickle them both (granddaughter Erin J (after a lots of hugs and kisses of course). Well maybe not since they are becoming very big now since Erin is 9, and Justin 7. Oh well….I’m still happy.

Training - With all the happenings of late, I failed to keep all posted on my training. Since Saturday, I have logged approximately 16 miles, as broken down: Saturday – 5k Fun run, 3.1 miles; Sunday LSD (Long Slow distance), 8 miles; tonight 5 miles. Ever so slowly the miles will be increasing until I begin executing to my actual training plan as indicted at the bottom of the page.

Don’t forget the reason folks – Say Yes to Grandpa John

If not you, Who? If not now, When?

Slumber restfully in His Heart

Gj

Another Angel's name Added to my Angel's Rainbow Racing Shirt

I was going to write of yesterdays activities and how much fun Missus Gj and I had the Cinco de Mayo festivities. But all of that pales in comparison to the sad news I just received. Folks, my Angel’s Rainbow racing shirt is growing again. Today, I have the sad task of adding another name to it, and from what I hear another "Little Buddy" of mine is close to gaining his wings.

With honor, but sadness in my heart, I add the name of Courtney Marie Saunders, our newest Angel to my racing shirt. I will, for as long as I run, run in her memory and the memory of all who are now Angels and will carry their names with me.

We can spend billions and billions of dollars to take life, yet we can’t afford the research to eliminate this horrible and dreadful disease that claims far too many of our little ones, my “Little Buddies” as I fondly and dearly call them. There is something drastically wrong with that; let’s make the change needed We Can Do it! But it requires something of you, me..all of us.

Folks, I invite you to join me today in this fight, and say yes to my “Say Yes to Grandpa John” campaign by donating just the cost of a daily cup of coffee to ”The Band of Parents” who with a working relationship with the fine doctors at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center are doing the research to fight on. Soon I will have my PO Box where you can send your donations to (to help me reach my Goal), but until then please follow my link to the Band of Parents and be Generous in your Giving to them.

IF Not Now, When? If Not You, Who?

God Bless You

Grandpa John