Race, Training, Blessings...

Race:

Here we are just a little over 7 days away from my first half marathon (The Trail Half Marathon) for the year. Time has such a way of slipping by that I haven’t even given thought to tapering. For those unknowing souls, a taper is a period of time before a race wherein you reduce your mileage to a point where you’re probably running a third of your normal mileage. This is done to make certain you run your race with fresh, well rested “legs,” so to speak. Since I am really not racing the event, but using it as a training run, I’ll be OK; just building up to the Ultra come this September

Training:

Speaking of running and racing, my last training day was this past Thursday. Joanna and I ran some trails out near Northville, MI.; a place called Cass Benton Park. I was not disappointed. The trails were, well, trails and the hills were mountains…..not really, but considering that this was my hill training day, I was not disappointed. We ran somewhere between 4 to 5 miles. So for my training log I’ll carry it as 4.5 miles. Oh, Joanna is a friend of mine. We both were members of Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Team in Training” last year. She is also a walk / run coach for that fine organization.

So here it is: Total Mileage ran for the week: 21.5. Next week will be about the same, and that will include the half marathon, which is 13.1 miles.

Blessings:

Within the last few days, I had the privilege and honor to become acquainted with Julie Weber. I wish it could have been through a personal meeting, but that was not the case; still an honor none the less. Those of you who have been fighting the ravages of neuroblastoma probably already know of Julie and her daughter, Kayla who after fighting the good fight against neuroblastoma became an angel December 2, 2007.

Julie blessed me with permission to use a picture of our little angel Kayla on my racing shirt, the one which I will wear for my ultra. I will run in her memory.

I could go on and on about all of the fantastic work that Julie and her husband (family) are doing in the fight against childhood cancers. But I’ll let her web sites do that for me. She is such a good writer. Also, I am sure that she’ll not mind if I post the picture of Kayla I have put on my shirt. That along with the 108 names I mentioned in previous posts will make this shirt a treasure for me indeed.

Julie's links as I copied from an email from her to me:

http://www.myspace.com/babykaylaweber2

http://www.myspace.com/team_kayla

http://www.believefoundation.org/

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kaylaweber

http://babykaylaweber.snapfish.com/snapfish

Angel Kayla: Isn't she the most beautiful Angel...

And folks Julie and husband have some really great news I don't think I am giving any secrets away, but Julie is going to be a Mommy...
Congratulations to Julie and all the family.

Well, I rambled on long enough for tonight, but before I close, need I mention that we could really use your help...won't you please consider making a contribution to either the Band of Parents, or to Kayla Weber's Believe Foundation, a foundation set up honoring Kayla Weber.

I just can't believe how many blessings God is bestowing on me...Thank You.


God Bless
Grandpa John.

Whew! Running a Little Late...

Pardon the pun contained in this posting's title. I've just been running (another pun :) a little behind schedule of keeping the blog updated.

Sooooooooooooo first, some good news. ( I really like good news, don't' you?) Tomorrow I'll be sending off another nice donation of $108.00 to the Band of Parents. So in the last two weeks, the total donated to BoP is: $368.00. I sure hope this continues on...but whatever amount raised is in God's Hands and any amount raised furthers the cause.

And I am in the process of making many new friends. So, here's a really BIG HI to a special little buddy to be of mine, Charlie - HI Ya Charlie.

Now for my training update. Today I ran an easy 4 miles. I'll call it easy since it took me 42:47 to run it. My splits were 21:21 for the first split and 21:26 for the second. I was hoping for negative splits today, like I had for my five mile run on Monday. But the numbers are close enough... I am happy

Mileage ran for the Week: 17

As I wind down for the day, the setting sun reminds me of the beauty that each of us have within: His Beauty. Dwell with Him tonight, have no FEAR; He is with us till the end. In His Love-

God Bless

Gj

Ham it Up

Every now and then it does the soul good to Ham it up and just enjoy the day and all of the gifts it gives us. So here in all of his Glory is the Ol' … err Ham Gj....
Today's training consisted of a 5mile run and although not fast my time was 49 minutes and a few hundredths of a second. And I ran negative splits (24:46 for the first 2.5 miles; 24:14 for the second) - Now that does the soul wonders for sure. In fact, I was so happy here are a few pics of your truly hamming it up for Missus Gj. I wonder if she'll dance in the dirt with me

Nope! Missus told me that any if there were any dirt dancing to be done, I was the one that had to do it..Alone!

Hmmmmm..maybe if I show her my muscles?....

No Deal!

OK, One last try..Hunny, would you dance with me


Finally, she said yes. But I have to shower first..so I'll see you all later cuz I'm a going dancing with my Sweetie.

BUT..............................................................................

Before I go...............................................................

Don't Forget......

The real purpose of this Blog......If you haven't done so yet, please join me in supporting "The Band of Parents" in their quest to find a cure for Neuroblastoma. Now that is definitely something which warms the (my) Heart - to find a cure.

Till later....

Hug your loved ones and Tickle your Heart...

God Bless,

Gj.

Ever Going Forward -

I would like to thank those of you who have been providing comments about our blog. I humbly accept the thanks given and would like to return thanks for the links to other blogs containing information and updates about the children. They are our reason to ever strive forward in finding the cure. Although I have not, in return, made comments I promise I will. So far I visited Cody’s, Jeremy’s and Laura’s blogs. So I may visit often, I am making them a favorites in my links. And if you provide me with a link, I promise to visit and make it a favorite too.

As for the training that too is going forward. As mentioned in yesterdays post I got some new running shoes (Asics Gel 2130’s) and I did have to try them. So this morning I ran a little over 8 miles in them and to paraphrase Tony the Tiger, “they felt great.” The comments below are out of my training log:

14-Apr

Today’s training run was on a TM and consisted of a 1.5 hour run with a 5 minute warm up, and 5 minute cool down The reason the treadmill was used was to help develop mental focus.

Time
1.5 hours
Mileage Run
8.23
Shoes
Asics Gel 2130

Perceived Intensity: Moderately Intense. All in all a good training run. The new Asics felt wonderful.

Total Weekly Mileage: 8.23

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Missus Gj just called out that supper is ready, so till later...Always remaining in my thoughts and prayers

God Bless,

Gj

Todays' Prayer, My Training and More....

What a beautiful, most wonderful day to be alive. I thank my Creator for every breath given me. As G_d so takes care of all my needs, desires and yes, even my wants, I pray too for all who are suffering and in need. Father hear my Prayer:

Lord, many families are suffering today living with the knowledge that their loved ones are dying, fighting the most horrible disease of neuroblastoma. Oh, great physician of body and soul, if it be your will, provide a healing that only you can give. I ask that you hold dear the Moms, Dads and Families of Band of Parents and totally bless them and all of the children who are suffering, or thanks be your Name are in remission and whom I now name:

Abby, Adam, Adan, Adrianna, Alex, Alexandra, Alina, Alyssa, Alyssa, Amelia, Angel, Anthony, Ashlyne, Austin, Beau, Beau, Berend, Bradley, Brice, Brody, Bronson, Bryce, Carolyn, Carter, Chloe, Christopher, Cody, Cody, Connor, Connor, Courtney, Daniel, Drew, Dylan, Eden, Eli, Elias, Emily, Emily, Eric, Erik, Erin, Erin, Evan, Grace, Gustavo, Hannah, Harrison, Ian, Ila Jean, Jack, Jack, Jake, Jenna, Jeremy, Jessica, Jessica Rose, Joey, John, John, Justin, Justin, Justin. , Kassidy, Kate, Kerry, Kody, Kylie, Laura, Liam, Lincoln, Louis, Lucas, Marett, Marissa, Mason, Mason, Matthew, Maya, Michael, Mimosa, Mitchel, Nick, Nick, Nick, Noah, Owen, Paris, Payton, Rose, Ryan, Ryan, Ryan, Sam, Santi, Sean, Sean, Simon, Sydney, Sydney, Sylvia, Talia, Taylor, Toby, Zachary, Zachary, Zachary, Zev

Abba, Hold them close, Hug them and give them your Peace.

Amen
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Out of Gratitude and Thanksgiving for all the blessings I receive, I dedicate to you, my friends, my training for today:

Today’s Training – Treadmill Hill Repeats

Today’s training consisted of a 30 minute run on the treadmill. After a 5 minute warm up, the run consisted of 3 cycles of Hill Repeats at a 10 minute pace:

1st Cycle: 3 reps at a 3° Incline for 90 Seconds followed by a 60 second recovery run at 1°
2nd Cycle: 3 reps at a 5° Incline for 60 Seconds followed by a 60 second recovery run at 1°
3rd Cycle: 3 reps at a 7° Incline for 30 Seconds followed by a 60 second recovery run at 1°

Cool Down -5 minute jog with an intermittent reduction in pace every minute.

Total Mileage: 2.73 (Includes warm up and cool down time)

Perceived Intensity: Moderate – Felt like I could have ramped up the pace (quite a bit).

Equipment:

Shoes: Saucony Cohesion TR (Yeah, I know they're Trail Shoes...see below)

Heart Rate Monitor: No

Total Weekly Mileage: 18

I'll up date my blog a little later today since I am now off to get new running shoes....Yippeeeee!!

till then

God Bless

Gj

Good News, My Friend Cody, and my 50K Training Schedule added..

First the good news - Today, a work associate of mine indicated that they would be contributing a very nice donation to "The Band of Parents" sometime early next week. So as not to add a jinx, I won't mention amounts or names just yet :) But thank you very much and you know who you are...

Folks, I am a member of “Cody's Crew,” a young friend of mine who is fighting a horrible disease and I have been reading on his Dad's Blog just how rough a go Cody is having right now in fighting neuroblastoma. You know, he is a swell young guy and his Dad really a super fellow. In fact when you read Mickey's Blog, you'll see a wonderful family fighting the good fight. So, I have favor to ask: would you please visit Mickey's blog, and let him know your praying for Cody, him and his family. And while you at it become one of us and join Cody's crew; a nice donation to the Band of Parents would be greatly appreciated too. Thanks in Advance - Please follow this link to read about Cody: http://deckapes.blogspot.com/

To train for my first 50K, I am using a training plan as developed with the help of the tools at Ultra Ladies Running Club web site at http://www.trailrunevents.com/ul/index.htm .
As can be seen in my training schedule at the bottom of the page, my”official training doesn't begin until the week of June 9, 2008. However, at this time I am building my base so I am consistently running 20 miles per week for at least one full month before I hit the "go date" This may be conservative, but for my first ultra I think it the wise way to proceed.

Until later - God Bless

Gj

An Amazing Racing Shirt

Ahh! Nothing like being back in the swing of things, except for some really nasty sinuses due to allergies, Ol’ Gj is operating at 99.9%.

Since I am training and running in honor of the children, I asked Kathleen, my Band of Parents contact, if she could send me the names of some of the children suffering from Neuroblastoma. The reason is that I want to put their names on my racing shirt and carry them with me as I run my very first 50K ultra.

Well, I am happy to report, (not happy that so many are suffering) that a few days ago Kathleen sent me a list of about 108 names…as soon as I select my running shirt and put the children’s names on it, I’ll take a picture of it and post it on the blog, that is if I ever figure out how that’s done. There is no way I’ll DNF (Did Not Finish) this race with so much support. We’ll “Rock On” fer sure! And I'll find away to send each child a picture of me in it too...

Now, as I promised Kerry on to this past Sunday’s invasion, err Marathon story

The Invasion

It was around 3am when I first woke. Finding myself unable to go back to sleep, so as not to wake up Missus Gj, I decided it best to get up, eat a leisurely breakfast and leave for the Martian marathon. It was important to be there on time since I had to help park +2000 spaceships …Oops I mean cars.

Around 6:00am they came, first by 2‘s or 3’s then a few more…till, till they were arriving at the heliport by the hundreds. Thank goodness, there, along with me, were several dozen other volunteers and a few dozen storm troopers to assist in the dockings. The onslaught continued till it was about 5 minutes before race time, then all became quiet; not a space ship in sight. Thank the glowing orbs on high; not a docking port was empty. We survived the invasion.

I was just about to sit down and rest a spell when then our leader screeched out

“Hey Gj get out to the Half marathon turn around point, we‘ve heard the aliens are trying to take control of the aid station, and we can’t let that happen.”

BWAM! Like a bullet I was gone, I just had to save the aid station....to be continued

What would the marathoners do without it, how would they survive? Will Gj get there in time? Will the aid station be there? Have the aliens taken over….is earth doomed????? Stay tuned, the sage continues...

Look forward to the next installment for answers to these questions and more.

Don't ya just hate serial stories...

God Bless

Gj

PS: Got a 6 mile run in today.

Today - A new Begining

My Friends:

I have a confession to make. I did not train today and I owe a very special friend of mine (Hi ya Kerry) a volunteer update on the aliens I encountered at the Martian marathon this past weekend. The Martian marathon is a rather neat (can I still use that word?) marathon with hundreds, no, thousands of aliens running amuck for 26.2 miles or there abouts. And I out of sense of duty to protect our wonderful earth, I decided it best that I volunteer to keep an eye on the alien horde. To put it plainly, the aliens’ with all of their trickery just tuckered Ol’ Gj out and what he needs is a brief rest spell. Heck within 24 hours I’ll be up and roaring to go. So Kerry please stayed tuned for the report.


Till later

Slumber restfully in His arms

Gj

Another Successful Day - Yes Indeed!!!

Another Successful Day - In many ways…Upon arriving at work, what do I see laying on my desk? Oh, nothing much, just a substantial check for a donation to the Band of Parents and a smaller cash donation. I can’t believe that I just started and already I received $260.00 in donations. I know that won’t happen every week, but I am sure going to try to reach that level again and again and again...To those who donated, I thank all of you for your generosity. For those of you yet deciding what your charity of choice will be for 2008, I ask that you consider “The Band of Parents” as the one you’ll contribute to. And remember no donation is too small. Thanks again.

If you’ll look to the left hand column you’ll see that I’ve added my race schedule for this race season. Some races are set in stone so to speak, while others are under consideration. Whether I run them or not is dependent on how this older body holds up to the training for my ultra marathon, which I am dedicating to all who suffer neuroblastoma. If you know of someone suffering from this dreaded disease, please send me their name, and I’ll add it to the shirt I’ll be wearing race day. It’s just my small way of thanking and identifying my heroes; their courage gives me strength to persevere when things are tough

Well, I have some chores to tend to, so I’ll close for now...till we meet again

God Bless


Gj

An Introduction and....

Greetings to all from my humble internet abode. Let me introduce myself. I am Grandpa John but most all of my friends call me Gj. I am closer to 60 than I am 50, so should be able to deduce that I am at least +55… so just keep guessing. But if you really need to know, I am 57.

I am happily married to my wonderful wife, Missus Gj. I can't say enough good things about her. Suffice to say that she supports me whole heartedly in most all of my endeavors. That is, unless they are too hair brained, at which time she becomes my grounding rod and sets me straight with a loving hand.

Since I am just setting this blog site up please visit often as I am dedicating myself to helping raise funds for the “Band of Parents.” A great organization made up of parents who have children suffering from Neuroblastoma who are dedicated to raising funds for research and drug testing / development and ultimately a cure. I could go on and on trying to explain how horrible this disease is, but I think it more appropriate to have those with so much more knowledge than I explain it to you. For more information, please follow the “Band of Parents” link and while you’re at it, a donation would be greatly appreciated too.

And part of my effort also involve s training to complete my first ultra marathon event the “Dance With Dirt,” 50 K held in Hell, Michigan, September 6, 2008. I am dedicating all of my training and the race to the children who suffer from this horrible disease. And as you read you you’ll see that I will be tracking my training progress and from time to time gloating about the children I am now beginning to know. So stay tuned – I will have my training log posted in a few days and you’ll see it’s no easy task to undertake. Yet, regardless of how difficult it becomes, I still have it very much easier than the children ravaged by neuroblastoma.

They are my heroes giving me strength to go on when my entire being says stop! I am blest…

OBTW - I ran a 6 mile training run today.

God Bless and Thanks for stopping by

Gj