The start of a new idea…

Jason on September 5, 2012

OrthoCarolina Classic 10K – Charlotte, NC

3 months. 3 months is the amount of time Run4Papa (R4P) took off after a magnificent year of raising funds and awareness for Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). We had time to relax, recover and rejuvenate after completing the Great Wall of China Marathon back in May.

And yesterday, R4P started back in our hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina by running the OrthoCarolina Classic 10K – a premier 10K running event. The days events are designed to promote and encourage active families and healthy lifestyles. The course offers a beautiful yet challenging route passing the major medical facilities in Charlotte along with a great view of the Charlotte skyline–while raising awareness for several local charities and community organizations.

As always, no matter the race, my nerves get the best of me before I cross the starting line. My palms become sweaty, my heart races like a canoe heading toward a waterfall with no paddle aboard, and my mind plays tricks like Chris Angel performing street magic on the Las Vegas strip.

And then? I cross I cross the starting line; not a care in the world as I run for the cause. A 10K (6.2 mile) race seems like nothing in comparison to the Great Wall of China Marathon, but what a difference a 3-month hiatus can make to a runner.

I found myself stopping to capture more pictures and video than normal, a clear sign I had regressed from the days of running up and down 5,162 steps on the Great Wall. I had people stopping me along the race (thank you for that brief reprieve) curious why I was filming, what PPA stood for, and even a gentlemen who wanted to capture R4P on his ipad.

I have no problem sacrificing time in a race to create more exposure for PPA and to help educate people about this vicious disease. In fact, 99% of people today have NEVER heard of PPA. That is one of several major goals that R4P will be aspiring to change in the upcoming year.

Crossing the finish line at 1:01:25-finally an odd number versus my bib # of 842-reinforced several important points. While my time was a relatively slow 9:53/mile pace, people supporting this race also were greatly interested in learning more about PPA. Running up and down the roads in Charlotte not only reinvigorated my love of running races, but also fired up an intensity to do bigger and better things moving forward.

Of course, you know you are in Charlotte when you finish a 10K race and beer is on the house! To wrap-up the wonderful event hosted by OrthoCarolina, there was a Kids 50 yard dash! The kids lined up, waited their turn, and sprinted toward their finish line. The joy in their faces is what life and running should be all about: healthy living and fun.

In the upcoming months, we will be launching an unprecedented campaign that has never attempted before in the field of PPA research.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of R4P.

We are back!

Jason on August 26, 2012

OrthoCarolina Classic 10K – Charlotte, NC

Watch my video: R4P on the move

3 months. 3 months is the amount of time Run4Papa (R4P) took off after a magnificent year of raising funds and awareness for Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). We had time to relax, recover and rejuvenate after completing the Great Wall of China Marathon back in May.

And yesterday, R4P started back in our hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina by running the OrthoCarolina Classic 10K – a premier 10K running event. The days events are designed to promote and encourage active families and healthy lifestyles. The course offers a beautiful yet challenging route passing the major medical facilities in Charlotte along with a great view of the Charlotte skyline–while raising awareness for several local charities and community organizations.

As always, no matter the race, my nerves get the best of me before I cross the starting line. My palms become sweaty, my heart races like a canoe heading toward a waterfall with no paddle aboard, and my mind plays tricks like Chris Angel performing street magic on the Las Vegas strip.

And then? I cross I cross the starting line; not a care in the world as I run for the cause. A 10K (6.2 mile) race seems like nothing in comparison to the Great Wall of China Marathon, but what a difference a 3-month hiatus can make to a runner.

I found myself stopping to capture more pictures and video than normal, a clear sign I had regressed from the days of running up and down 5,162 steps on the Great Wall. I had people stopping me along the race (thank you for that brief reprieve) curious why I was filming, what PPA stood for, and even a gentlemen who wanted to capture R4P on his ipad.

I have no problem sacrificing time in a race to create more exposure for PPA and to help educate people about this vicious disease. In fact, 99% of people today have NEVER heard of PPA. That is one of several major goals that R4P will be aspiring to change in the upcoming year.

Crossing the finish line at 1:01:25-finally an odd number versus my bib # of 842-reinforced several important points. While my time was a relatively slow 9:53/mile pace, people supporting this race also were greatly interested in learning more about PPA. Running up and down the roads in Charlotte not only reinvigorated my love of running races, but also fired up an intensity to do bigger and better things moving forward.

Of course, you know you are in Charlotte when you finish a 10K race and beer is on the house! To wrap-up the wonderful event hosted by OrthoCarolina, there was a Kids 50 yard dash! The kids lined up, waited their turn, and sprinted toward their finish line. The joy in their faces is what life and running should be all about: healthy living and fun.

In the upcoming months, we will be launching an unprecedented campaign that has never attempted before in the field of PPA research.

Thank you for your patience and continued support of R4P.

National Running Day

Jason on June 6, 2012

June 6, 2012 is National Running Day! Every year on the first Wednesday of June, National Running Day is held so that runners can share and celebrate their passion for running! The event happens nationwide and is for every runner out there, from the marathon runner to the first time runner! Whether you run for fitness, the challenge, to relieve stress, because you just like running…or for whatever reason, this day is for you!

Inspection Day

Jason on June 4, 2012

The Long Road Ahead – 2 days before race day

Inspection Day? Never heard of an inspection 2 days before any race in the past, but fortunately, and I do mean FORTUNATELY, this was an essential part of the Great Wall of China Marathon experience.

Staying at the Capitol Hotel in Beijing, our running group had a 2-hour bus trip out to the Great Wall. What is inspection day exactly? While not mandatory, inspection day allows runners, family, and friends the ability to do a “walk-through” on the Great Wall of China that mirrors the marathon route.

Heading into inspection day, I was pretty opposed to this idea. Why? For every race I have run in the past, I purposely never looked at the route in advance, ever. I never had to contemplate what was around the corner because I never knew. I thrived on everything being fresh.That worked in the past, and if you know me at all by now, I am extremely superstitious and OCD about my pre, during and post race routines.

I couldn’t of been more wrong in my assessment today.

First of all, I felt so privileged to have my parents and little sister for this ‘walk-through‘ on the Great Wall. We had the opportunity to go at our own pace, stopping for pictures throughout the trek and soaking in the fact we were walking along the Great Wall of China! These were priceless memories and made the entire day that much more worthwhile…

My father said “I never thought I would see the Great Wall of China in my lifetime. It was never on our radar before, but thanks to you, we are here today.” I wanted to say 313 days ago, it wasn’t on my radar either, but a lot has transpired over that time and standing side-by-side my father is a memory I will cherish forever.

As we continued walking along the wall, I realized how important and advantageous this ‘walk-through‘ would ultimately be in respect to visualization. Although we were going at a snails pace (intentionally), I was processing the insane inclines and declines of this wall, and mentally preparing for the marathon much more effectively. This seemed to alleviate some of my initial fears and I envisioned the runs on the wall being ‘a nice break‘ in between running through the farmlands through god-know-what type of terrain (cue foreshadow).

Of course, the race was only 2 days away! Although walking and talking with my family on the Great Wall was a surreal experience that will last a lifetime, you better believe I was soaking up every step, crevice, loose rock, railing, lack there of railing, water station, spots of shade and any other detail you can imagine.

After walking off the wall, I noticed a good amount of people registered for the Full Marathon were switching to the Half. Upon asking one runner from the United States why he switched, he said “Simple. I didn’t think running the FULL would’ve been a problem. I trained more for this race than any other before. The second I stepped on the wall and looked ahead, I realized I made an massive error in judgement! I came here to enjoy this race and I want to make sure I have plenty of time to finish.” Despite the 8-hour time limit, he was not alone as several hundred people followed suit.

Although inspection day is optional, in my opinion, this should be mandatory! Runners should only be given their race chip if they participate in the ‘walk-through.’ Look no further than all the runners that  decided to scale down from the full to the half marathon.

In two more days, I would realize why people call this race “The World’s Toughest Marathon!“

In the meantime, I figured I would just hang out with my little sister and take in the view!

To see more photos, go to: Inspection Day Walk-Through

Next and Final Stop…

Jason on May 13, 2012

Great Wall of China Marat

Dear Friends,

With Beijing in my sights, I am now focused on the journey ahead to the Great Wall of China Marathon. It’s hard to believe just over 300 days ago I was staring at a computer screen that had 12 characters flashing at me: Run4Papa.com

As you may know, I will be running the Great Wall of China Marathon on behalf of my grandfather, Dr. Louis “Papa” Heyman, and EVERYONE who is battling PPA. PPA is a form of dementia wherein people lose the ability to communicate and comprehend language over time.

Over these past 300 days, I have been training and running races in 9 different states, from the sunset cliffs in San Diego to the mountains in Denver through our nation’s Capital and in water along the lakes of Michigan. All these roads are have been leading to the Great Wall of China. I have run 5K’s, 8K’s, 10K’s, Half Marathons, Mud Runs, and even a Tower Race where I Hustled up the Hancock (climbing 94 Flights of stairs). My unorthodox training methods have logged me over 500 miles for THE CAUSE.

As a result of this extraordinary journey, I have run side-by-side with and have been endorsed by the most prolific American Marathoner in history, Bill Rodgers, 4-time winner of the NYC and Boston Marathons. I am partnered with the #1 PPA research facility in the world –Northwestern University’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center — and is supported by the man who first identified PPA, Dr. Marsel Mesulam.
This campaign has had a local, national and international impact on patients and families around the world. We have received over 1,000 individual contributions from California to Florida as well as from the UK to New Zealand. On top of that, sponsors continue to join Run4Papa in an ongoing effort to create awareness of this debilitating disease.

Thank you again for your relentless support and words of encouragement!

Sincerely,

Jason
[email protected]

“I can probably say that no one in the world has done so much to bring awareness to PPA research as you have done in the last 5 months.”  -Kevin Connolly, Northwestern CNADC employee, Chicago, IL

5K for $5K Run/Walk Challenge #5

Jason on May 12, 2012

Whitewater Center

Gumping 4 Papa – One for the Ages

 

Exhale. Breathe. Inhale.

“Yes the rain poured down the last couple nights. Yes, the trails are closed. Wait, closed!? Yes. And yes, we had a “back-up” plan!”

Driving into the U.S. National Whitewater Center, I couldn’t help but reflect 14 days ago, when this 5K for $5K concept was being brainstormed between my good friend Roni and I. I was at $45,000. With $5K remaining, I wanted to create something that would inspire supporters to spread the word in a way that would make people say “I like that idea…A LOT.” IF they liked the idea, I figured $5 was a reasonable amount for most people to contribute. This idea continued to evolve and in the end resulted in the 5K for $5K Challenge!

As usual, I showed up 90 minutes early grabbing my Run4Papa.com sign and walking a couple laps around the rapids to create some early momentum, stopping periodically to chat with people and pass out business cards. We had the biggest 5K showing by far to raise awareness for PPA research as runners, walkers, children and pets all came out to “Gump it Up” for the last challenge. Again, we had the privilege of ALL new faces attending the 5K as well as 3 generations of family members supporting their loved one, Linda Jeppson, a wonderful lady who was diagnosed with PPA 7 years ago. We had a major crew! With the trails closed due to Mother Nature, we improvised by walking down to the rapids and took our largest group picture of all the 5K’s. I informed everyone of the route: 4 laps around the entire whitewater rapids is exactly a 5K. On top of that, everyone was situated around the water making this area an ideal location to create awareness for PPA.

As we started the FINAL Run/Walk 5K, most of the people participating were kind enough to carry signs with them that read “Run4Papa.com,” “Support the Journey,” and “5K for $5K Challenge.” This 5K was intentionally set-up on Thursday night because the Whitewater Center puts on live music and the location is a popular hotspot for Charlotteans to visit after work in the summertime. Thus, I knew a tremendous amount of awareness would be created for THE CAUSE.

This run/walk was phenomenal. People were going at their own pace and because we had such a huge turnout, Run4Papa received tremendous exposure as we hustled around, lap after lap. I sprinted all over the center snapping as many different pictures as possible. Other runners stopped to chat, several bikers wanted to know more about “Papa,” and even kayakers slowed their momentum on the rapids to learn about our message.
Every time we passed by the band and stairs where on-lookers were sitting comfortably drinking their beers and listening to music, people would smile and give us a “thumbs up.” You could see the interest in their faces and I knew we had something special taking place this evening! My fellow “Gumpers” were loving it! Their energy was contagious and anytime we crossed paths along the route, they had massive smiles ear-to-ear and were pumped to be supporting this campaign.

I couldn’t help but being in awe of the children’s facial expressions. They were so happy carrying the signs. They loved running around the water. They were in their element. And for my Papa, a pediatrician of 50+ years, I know he would’ve loved to see this in person because this is what he loved most: parents watching their children do exactly what children should do – enjoying life!
After our 5K, people were inquiring about Run4Papa and making contributions as frequently as they purchased tall boys from the beer vendors. Our fishbowl was filling up quickly and inching us closer and closer to our goal of $5K as well as our overall goal of $50K. Even when I went to the cafe to grab a bite to eat, the waiters and waitresses were putting some of their tip money into our bowl!

I must’ve passed out 200 business cards that evening and knew we would reach our goal by the following day. And sure enough, the next afternoon, 5K for $5K Challenge had accomplished its mission of bringing in over $5,000! By doing so, this journey came full circle. We started with a $5 donation and finished with a $5 donation eclipsing the $50K benchmark for Run4Papa.

On paper, the 5K for $5K seemed like a smart idea, but in reality, it was so rewarding to see this come to fruition. The success of this challenge is directly attributed to the countless number of supporters willing to jump on the “Gump bandwagon” and make a $5 contribution. For all those that showed up – “Thank you!” For all those that I know personally who helped spread the word -“Thank you!” And to all those I may never meet in person but believed in this idea – “Thank you!”

5 down, 0 left. Next stop: Great Wall of China Marathon!!!

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

To make a donation go to: PPA Research and Education Fund (Run4Papa)

5K for $5K Run/Walk Challenge #4

Jason on May 9, 2012

Uptown Charlotte

3 Generations of Family Members “Gump It” Uptown

“Rain or Shine” is the 5K for $5K motto and as promised, we showed up to mark our 4th Run/Walk Challenge in the heart of the Queen City: Uptown, Charlotte. Since PPA patients and their families never take a day off, neither does Run4Papa.

Despite the scattered rainstorms throughout the day, per my standard routine, I showed up 90 minutes early and placed a fishbowl on the corner of S. Tryon/Trade St (one of the most heavily traveled intersections in Uptown). Being in the financial district, there were plenty of people inquiring about THE CAUSE. Even one of Charlotte’s finest couldn’t resist coming up and supporting the journey!

Tonight was extra special because we had 3 generations of family members show up to participate. Linda Jeppson, a local woman diagnosed with PPA 7 years ago came out to run with her husband Bob, their daughter Katie, and 4 children to raise awareness for PPA.

Moreover, some friends and co-workers took an hour out of their busy day to help run up and down South Tryon Street waving our signs to all on-lookers. The entire group was “Gumping it up” and loving every bit. As I sprinted from street to street, I was having a hard time snapping pictures as this group was hauling! The level of enthusiasm was contagious as we continued lapping Uptown with our fishbowl. Rarely do I stop during a run, but curiosity dictated this action because people kept asking “Who is Papa?” “What are you guys doing?” “How can I help?” Do you have any idea how great that feels to hear?!? Phenomenal.

As momentum continues to grow for this campaign, we raised over $162 in the streets of Charlotte and have almost reached our goal of $50,000! BUT, until we do, we will continue running a 5K every other day in hopes of spreading the word about PPA and asking 1,000 people to contribute $5 each. WE KNOW THIS CAN AND WILL BE DONE!

When is the next 5K race? Thursday, May 10th at 6:30PM. Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. This is an open invite and ALL are welcome. The more the merrier! This is your last chance to participate in the 5K for $5K Challenge. There will be live music and drinks after the run/walk at the White Water Center until 9PM.

4 successfully completed, 1 to go!

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

To make a donation go to: PPA Research and Education Fund (Run4Papa)

5K for $5K Run/Walk Challenge #3

Jason on May 7, 2012

Southpark Mall

Are you on the “Gump” bandwagon yet? THEY ARE.

The day after Cinco de May. Final Round of the Wells Fargo Golf Championship. The threat of T-storms. All these would’ve been legitimate reasons to be relaxing on a Sunday afternoon out in the Queen City. Yet, for a handful of dedicated supporters, they chose to drive to Southpark Mall and support THE CAUSE. And boy, did they do an unbelievable job of promoting Run4Papa!

We met at the amphitheater in Southpark, introduced ourselves to one another, snapped a couple pictures and began running around the perimeter of the mall. The younger runners were so enthused about participating, they asked to carry the Run4Papa.com signs throughout the 5K! They showed each and every car, shopper and customer dining outside why they came together for an hour this afternoon: They raised awareness. They supported the journey. And they did it all with smiles from ear-to-ear.

As we made our way around the mall, we ran by eatery after eatery as well as store after store. What surprised this entire crew the most was Isha running ahead by a good distance pushing her little boy, MaKai, in a stroller. She was flying and finished well ahead of everyone. Now that is inspiring!

To be honest with you, I think this crew could’ve easily ran a 10K! They barely seemed tired by the end. Yes, maybe some of them were a decade (or more) younger than yours truly, but it was a pleasure to see that level of joie de voivre amongst this bunch.

And as  promised, we will keep running/walking a 5K every other day until the remaining $5K is raised. And if this face doesn’t make you want to attend the next 5K for $5K, nothing will!

When is the next 5K race?

Tuesday, May 8th at 6:30PM. Location: S. Tryon/Trade St in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. This is an open invite and ALL are welcome. The more the merrier! This 5K should garner a TON of buzz and excitement!

3 down, 2 remain!

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

To make a donation go to: PPA Research and Education Fund (Run4Papa)

5K for $5K Challenge #3 – Location

Jason on May 6, 2012

May 6th @ Southpark Mall: Charlotte, NC – 2:00PM

Want to go shopping at the mall? I mean, who doesn’t say yes to that question? What about running AROUND the mall in support of PPA awareness?

Today, we host our 3rd 5K for $5K Run/Walk Challenge in one of Charlotte’s most premiere shopping districts: Southpark. While most people will be hustling from shop to shop, we will be running/walking around the perimeter of the mall passing by a whole array of shoppers, restaurants and boutiques. RUNNERS, WALKERS, CHILDREN AND PETS ARE ALL WELCOME TO JOIN! This is your chance to spend an hour of your afternoon for a tremendous cause. On top of that, when you are finished, you can treat yourself to a healthy smoothie, some tapas, or even a brand new outfit. Just say “You are with Run4Papa.” If they aren’t aware of THE CAUSE, help educate them:)

With two successful 5K’s behind us, we look forward to “Gumping it up” again as we anticipate another solid showing of supporters.

The 5K route – We are meeting in front of the Amphitheater at Southhpark Mall. If you are driving to the venue, feel free to park next to Dick’s Sporting Goods and walk toward the path facing the stage. From this location, we will hit Barclay Downs Drive which parallels the fountains making our way to Morrison Boulevard. Taking a RIGHT on Morrison, we will move up to Sharon road by taking another RIGHT. On Sharon road, we will pass Cowfish (amazing sushi and happy hour hotspot) Crate & Barrel, Cheesecake Factory, Belk, Diamonds Direct (best local jeweler in Charlotte), Zebra (one of the most romantic restaurants in the Queen City), Apple Store (anyone for an ipad?), Bank of America (of course we can pit-stop for a $5 donation) and many more stores. As we hit Fairview Road, we will take another RIGHT.  Moving along Fairview Road we will fly by Nordstrom’s, Neiman Marcus and eventually reach Piedmont Row Drive. Making a RIGHT yet again, we breeze past Brio (shout out to my lil sister), Taco Mac (a ridiculous amount of beers on tap), wrapping around the fountain leading into Camegie Boulveard. Camegie Blvd brings us back to our original location at the Southpark amphitheater…exactly 3.1 miles!

Although you may be tempted to stop at one of the many wonderful places along the route, keep that willpower strong until after the 5K. I promise they aren’t going anywhere…

One VERY important note about this 5K – since this location is around the mall, BE MINDFUL OF CARS when approaching the crosswalks. This isn’t a race and we don’t want anyone getting hurt.

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

To make a donation go to: PPA Research and Education Fund (Run4Papa)

5K for $5K Run/Walk Challenge #2

Jason on May 5, 2012

Freedom Park

Are you “Gumping” it up? THEY DID.

300. Hard to imagine, BUT today marked the 300th day of this journey! After our first 5K Run/Walk, the response was clear: people want in. The overwhelming number of emails, contributions and words of encouragement have been unbelievable. Since the official launch 5 short days ago, we have raised over $2K toward our goal of $5K. And as promised, we will keep running/walking a 5K every other day until the remaining $5K is raised.

Like the first 5K, I arrived early and walked a loop around the park holding my Run4Papa.com sign. I stopped to speak to several dog-walkers, was flagged down by a couple tossing a frisbee, and had a brief conversation with some women clearly wanting a break from their boot-camp workout (looked brutal). Most surprisingly, a child no more than 5-years-old was walking side-by-side his mother began to run toward me and started touching my sign, specifically the “Papa” portion. I laughed with undoubtedly a perplexed look on my face. Maybe the kid was just being curious. Maybe he liked the color. Or maybe he was just being a kid. His mom walked to grab her child and said, “we call my dad ‘Papa’.”

As 6:30 was drawing closer, runners/walkers alike came together in Freedom Park to participate in the 5K. After brief introductions, I explained the 5K route to the group. The atmosphere was pleasantly calm and running/walking in such a beautiful location with ideal conditions-clear skies, 70-degrees and a swirling breeze-was beyond stimulating to the mind and senses.

The runners took off as the walkers causally made their way around the body of water surrounding the park. After 1 3/4 laps, we crossed a bridge leading to a path in the woods which wrapped around the park. As any runner will tell you, it’s not challenging to run when nature is surrounding you on all sides. Exiting the woods, we passed a handful of bikers as well as a group of kids playing soccer. My favorite part of the run was, of course, THE STEPS (not often part of a normal 5K). We climbed the steps and looped our way around the park back to the original starting bridge; thus, finishing the 5K run.

Since the walking group was still a decent distance behind us, I sprinted back to their group and we all completed the last leg of the 5K together. I wanted to show my appreciation for their willingness to raise awareness for PPA as well as capture some images of their walk on camera. With another 5K for $5K Challenge successfully completed, what better way to reap the rewards of 3.1 miles covered on foot? We ALL went out for dinner and drinks…after all, it is the weekend:)

When is the next 5K race?

Sunday, May 6th at 2PM. Location: Southpark Mall in front of the Amphitheater. This is an open invite and ALL are welcome. The more the merrier!

2 down, 3 more to run/walk!

If you have any questions, please email: [email protected]

To make a donation go to: PPA Research and Education Fund (Run4Papa)