How did Grandpa John Get Into Running?

On numerous occasions I have been asked ‘How did you get started or involved with running?” Ok, you asked for it, so here it is- the story:

After 40+ years of smoking and weighting around 250 lbs, on December 16th, 2005 thinking I was having a cardiac event, I drove myself to a local hospital. Prior to checking in, however and having just bought a pack of cigarettes, I had one last smoke before going into the emergency room (Very very, very stupid!). That was my last cigarette!!!

Well, they did all sorts of testing and blood work ups and even a catheter procedure. Thank God, I did not have a heart attack, but they did find that I had to 2 blocked arteries and that I also had GERD, Acid Reflux. That was the primary culprit. Stomach acid was entering or irritating my bronchial tubes (I wonder why I did get some form of pneumonia from it). Since my arteries were at 50% blockage, no stents were put in, but I was put on Plavix, which I still take religiously to this day. Along with that I was also put on proton pump inhibitors and blood pressure medicine and told by the discharging physician that if I continued to smoke I’d die at a really young age and since my mother died at 45 from coronary disease, I had better start getting in shape.

THat’s all it took. As soon as I got the clearance from my primary care physician I began a work out regimen designed solely to build and restore my heart health. My workout plan was based on a 5 day schedule: days 1, 3, and 5 were Cardio workouts; days 2 & 4 were weight training. Every so slow I started noticing changes, my clothes were starting to get loose and I needed to buy a new belt…I dropped from 250lbs to 210 lbs and I was feeling great. I was doing so good that my doctor took me off all my blood pressure medicines. It was then that I decided to up the workout to include running. So I researched and found the Couch Potato to 5K (C25K) running plan. Following it religiously by the time week 8 rolled around I was running 30 minutes non-stop! I was overjoyed. I signed up for my very first 5K (The Kinesiology 5k) I ran it in the very slow time of 33:19. After finishing, I thought well that was a nice experience but I am not sure if I want to run anymore races. Until….

I was relaxing at home watching ESPN and a special was being televised…It was all about the “Badwater Ultramarathon;”- a 135 mile race that runs smack thru Death Valley and up the side of Mount Whitney California. I was enthralled; the spirit of the event captured my spirit. My testosterone levels spiked for sure. I knew I couldn’t run Badwater, but hey I could run a marathon (Yeah that’s right, 1 race to my credit and I was going to run a marathon)…
So began my journey, the year was Oct 2006. In November 2006 I joined up with Team in Training and a little less than 7 months later I successfully ran (waddled is more like it) my first marathon, The Vancouver International Marathon and 4 months later still I ran the Rochester NY marathon.

Yes, I admit it. I am hooked! I love distance running and I love that I am able to run for my Little Buddies….If you can’t run, then won’t you please help me, help them too.
PLEASE Say Yes to Grandpa John and make a generous donation to the Band of Parents.

Here for the sake of fond memories I post a few pictures for your enjoyment

I AM IN PAIN HERE FOLKS!

I DID'T QUIT THEN, I WON'T QUIT NOW.

Yeah, I know I am slow, but I can go slow for a really long time :)

God Bless and Good Night.

Gj

Grandpa John Receives a High Honor

The Organic Food Bar Company (OFB) Has Honored Grandpa John with their first “Everyday Heroes Award”

Angels tears flowed heavily as I ran my daily training run. So soothing the rain; the angels were cleansing my soul for the good news I was about to receive when I got home.

Several weeks ago, I sent a letter of inquiry to the Organic Food Bar company seeing if I could qualify to be one of their OFB Brand Champions (I was actually seeking a voice for my Little Buddies suffering from neuroblastoma) Well, a few days later, much to my surprise, I received an email from *Eric Harr (more on this fine gentleman later), of OFB and what he had to say shocked me.

Although, I would more than qualify to be an OFB Brand Champion, those positions were reserved more for professional athletes. But, the owner of the company, Dr. Singh and Eric were so impressed and inspired by what I wrote that they decided to launch a new campaign called “OFB Everyday Heroes” and I was their vanguard: their very first Organic Food Bar Everyday Hero. Who, me a hero? I never thought myself a hero and still don’t. How can you be a hero doing what you love for those you love?

The true heroes are my Little Buddies and their families, But, I must say that I am very proud to accept OFB’s accolades and I will do my best to reflect the high values OFB upholds and represents. I am truly honored. They have my never ending gratitude for giving voice to my Little Buddies and the Band of Parents.

*In several emails to me Eric Harr, a professional triathlete, told me that I was such an inspiration and worthy of such acclaim. Yet, it is Eric more than I who deserves much acclaim and honor. This wonderful person and fine gentleman has joined up with CARE and developed the “I Am Powerful Workout” wherein he will make donations to CARE for each hour a person works out… the funds will be used to help women in poor counties overcome numerous adversities…as stated at the I Am Powerful Workout web page: “Empower women and families in poor communities around the world to improve their lives.” Please join Eric by following follow the link in the right column to his “I Am Powerful Workout” website – thanks, Gj

Please follow this link to reach OFB’s Everyday Heroes web page:

http://www.organicfoodbar.com/heroes/hero/9


Dear Lord, may I never forget how great an honor it is to serve those I love.
Gj


Rest Peacefully in His Loving Arms

Grandpa John

Neuroblastoma –Did You Know; Another Type of Hero; Weekend Training

Neuroblastoma-Did You Know?: I know many of my “Little Buddies” and their parents visit our site here and already know about what I am going to post, but this is for our visitors who might not know about neuroblastoma, or childhood cancers. Every so often I’ll post different facts about these dreaded diseases and their impact to the lives of our all of our Buddies

Did You Know:

· Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer
· Childhood cancer is the number one disease killer in children
· Neuroblastoma is the most common extra cranial solid tumor cancer in children.
· Every 16 hours a child with neuroblastoma dies.
· There are 15 children diagnosed with cancer for every one child diagnosed with pediatric AIDS. Yet, the U.S. invests approximately $595,000 for research per victim of pediatric AIDS and only $20,000 for each victim of childhood cancer.
· The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) federal budget was $4.6 billion. Of that, breast cancer received 12%, prostate cancer received 7%, and all 12 major groups of pediatric cancers combined received less than 3%.
· Cancer kills more children than any other disease, more than Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes and Pediatric AIDS combined.

Another Type of Hero: His name is Sam Seltzer, small of stature, bent and wrinkled with age, with a voice that sounds like a choir, very melodic, and a very wise man to be sure. When you first meet him you’d wonder why he sings all the time, or why that impish grin captures your heart so. Then you happen to notice a small tattoo on his arm, but it’s not any tattoo, it a tattoo made up of only numbers. You see, Sam is a Holocaust survivor and I have the privilege of meeting him and I am just beginning to know him in the slightest meaning of the word. We go to the same gym a few time a week and I find the time I spend with him to be a blessing to my heart; already I love him. I must remember to tell him that the next time we meet.

Pre-world War II Sam lived in Poland, and during the war he survived 15 Nazi slave labor and death camps, to include Auschwitz. Sam also has a book out; it’s title “Fences That Kill” written by Dr. Richard B Traitel and Martha Seltzer as told to them told by Sam. I haven’t had a chance to pick the book up yet, but I plan on doing so this week or so.. I’ll share with you what I find; yes he is a Hero to me.

Thanks you Sam for having enriched my life beyond measure.

Oh, why does Sam sing all the time – It’s simple he loves life and is happy to be alive.

Weekend’s Training: This past weekend I logged 22 glorious miles: 14 Miles on Saturday and 8 on Sunday. Weekly Total: 34 miles.

Saturday’s run began with a soggy 3 mile trail run. The trails weren’t too bad at the beginning of the run, but as I got closer to the lower wetland areas having soggy feet and muddy shoe took on a whole new meaning. It seem that Friday night’s rain storm must have been localized right over the trial I was running. It was fun I was really having a blast, but I decided after the 3 that I plenty of fun for the day and made my way out to the trail along Hines Park Drive; a nice blacktop path and it was dry.

Ahh! So nice to be running on dry land, but therein was a problem; it seems my trail shoes really aren’t made for black top and the pounding this ol’ 207 lb body could give them. I think it was around mile 12 or so when I heard a scream. Looking around I saw no one yet I distinctly heard a scream….Wait a minute! It’s my legs, shins, calves and quads hollering in unison STOP! Did I listen to them? YES I did, I stopped, but only long enough to rub some of the stiffness and soreness out; to avoid further harm though I did the run walk routine. That is, I ran for all of 15 seconds, then walked for a minute (LoL) and repeated that sequence till I finished my 14 for the day. It was a very pleasant experience for sure.

Sundays 8 miles was a very nice recovery run. The weather was nice and the run very relaxing
I am most definitely looking forward to this week’s increased mileage.

And remember the reason for this blog: Please Say Yes to Grandpa John and make a generous donation today to the Band of Parents – Thanks

How long should you try? Until.
Jim Rohn

God Bless

Gj

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