The Flirts With Dirt 10K Race Report

This Race was Dedicated to all of My Little Buddies, their Families and especially All of Our Angels guarding over us.

"When I do the best I can with what I have, then I have won my race."
Jay Foonberg, 72 year old runner

Feeling somewhat long of tooth over my 10K performance this past Saturday, I received the above Daily Quote from RunnersWorld.com this morning. What a wonderful freeing perspective to have! Admittedly, I thought I had that same perspective but maybe not quite where it matters: in my heart, not my mind!

So, based on its meaning, I asked myself this question: “Did I do the best I could with what I have?” Of course, my answer is yes. I did my best, I did not cheat myself. Therefore, it is with a smile on my face and truth in my heart that I tell you this past Saturday I ran the “Flirts with Dirt” 10K race. My time: 1:10:07, for a pace of 11:18 per mile; now on to the report.
Report: Flirts with Dirt 10K

The 5K started at 7:30am, the 10K at 8am, and here it was 8:15 and still no start. From what I heard, the race director was waiting those few extra minutes to allow the hard core 5Ker’s the opportunity to run the 10K also (several of the younger runners had signed up for both races). Just as soon as that thought crossed my mind, suddenly without warning, at least none what I heard, the race started; we were off.

As mentioned in the race description we started the race going down a sledding hill, around a soccer field at the bottom, and down a dirt road toward the head of the trail. Those of us in the back of the pack heard someone holler “if you’re going to pass you’d better do it now, this is as wide as the trail gets” Since the trail was only 5 or 6 feet or so wide at that point, I began to wonder just how narrow the trail really was. I soon found out.

What this? I am already walking, and not even a mile has passed. Then I heard someone holler, “A snake, it’s a snake!” No, not the reptile, but the trail; narrow of girth and just a winding as a snake slithering through the grass, runners were backed up for about 50, no maybe 70 deep, and it only got worse from there on. So, I zoned out.

Slowly, but most wonderfully, the miles passed, or was it my Angels carrying me over the bunched up gang of runners? I do believe so. Snaking trails, though over grown with weeds bent over, were well marked. Lining the trail, small ponds dotted the inner forest landscape here and there, and I think we crossed over the same stream twice, or was it three times. The surroundings captivated my heart, when suddenly a warning scream woke me from my dream. “Ahhhhhh, Lookout! Mud, I just fell and busted my butt” (I cannot repeat the runner’s actual words). I started to chuckle, thinking who cares as long as you’re not hurt. Mud is very becoming a trail race for sure. Besides, my “Dirty Girl” gaiters were doing their job.

Awakening from my trace like state, I noticed I passed several other runners; how so, I do not know. I was at mile marker 6; two tenths of mile to go, I started my kick.

Rounding the final bending, about 100 yards long and at about 10 or 15 degree incline was the back side of the dreaded sledding hill. I didn’t care, no pain I felt, only the burn of my quads and calves as they did their job. Oh how I love it. We crossed the finish line; all of my Little Buddies and Angels are winners, even if Ol’ Gj didn’t take first place! Below are a couple of pictures a friend of mine took

Here's Ol Gj at the finish line. Notice the pictures around my neck? They are all of the Little Buddies I ran the race for (actually all of them, but I only had these pictures I could wear). I will be wearing more throughout my scheduled races. (Our angels names are on our Angels Rainbow shirt underneath)

Here's one of our Angels Rainbow shirt. If you look closely you can make out some of the names (Click on the picture for a larger view)

Speaking of my Little Buddies and our Angels, would you please consider making a generous donation today to the Band of Parents? If you prefer to make an on line donation just follow their link above, oOr if you rather you can mail your donation to me and I'll forward it to the appropriate people (Please make sure to make all checks payable to the Band of Parents and do not send cash).

Till later, God Bless and Rest Peacefully in His Arms.

Gj

Update to Race dedication - A New Angel

Update to Race Dedication - A New Angel: As I read my email this morning I learned of another one my Little Buddies earning their Angel Wings. Sing sweetly down to me Marissa Monroe. May your spirit sing the soft refrain of a never ending love for our Heavenly Father. Our comfort is in knowing that you are now pain free for eternity singing in a most blessed place- Heaven.

The race I am running tomorrow will be in dedicated to you. Below is a picture of our Angels Rainbow Shirt. That is my racing shirt and I will be wearing it tomorrow for all to see

Now you'll be running every race I run along with all of our other Angels..

Well, I have to go for now till later

God Bless

Grandpa John

PS: Please remember what I look like since when my time comes to go home the first thing I want to do is give you a hug :) but I won't know what you look like in your heavenly body - OK (Well, I gotta hug Jesus first, but I think you understand)

Added Link; Update to Race Dedication & Training Update

Added link to the Band of Parents Fund Raiser Slide Show – Pictures taken during a fund raiser for our Precious children; folks, they are the reason I am going forward and will not quit! Every day my “Little Buddies” become more and more precious to me.

Wont’ you please help put an end to neuroblastoma! Become a hero and a voice for the voiceless join Grandpa John: Together we can do it!!!!

Update to Race Dedication – today I added Ber, Elizabeth, Marissa, and Kerry to the names list for those “Little Buddies” I am dedicating this Saturday’s race to.; with so much support I should win my Age Group; not likely, but I sure will have my buddies within my heart and that’s even better that winning an age group award.

Training Update will be made after my race this weekend.


Although the world is very full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it
Helen Keller

Till Later, Good Night and God Bless.

Gj

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