5K for $5K Run/Walk Challenge #1

 Little Sugar Creek Greenway

Will YOU be at the next 5K? THEY WILL.

I admit, I was nervous. Would people show? Check that…would anyone show? I arrived at the Little Sugar Creek Greenway 30 minutes prior to the 5K and proceeded to walk up and down the running path holding my Run4Papa.com sign as high as my skinny arms would extend. Runners stopped to ask “Who is Papa?” while others mumbled to themselves “Run4Papa” as they jogged by. Car after car crawled passed the Greenway looking at the random foliage behind me or reading my sign ever so carefully. I hope it was the latter, no offense foliage.

As 6:30PM crept up faster than my taxes, 7 people showed up to run/walk the 5K; 3 others stopped and decided to be a part of our group. On the outside, I was happy. On the inside, little mini men were rummaging around, jumping up and down as if they were on trampolines. As we took off from East Blvd and made our trek through the scenic Greenway, I was stopped numerous times and asked about the signage. I enthusiastically informed the curious onlookers that 4 more 5K’s were planned every other day throughout the city of Charlotte.

Between being stopped by other runners, bikers and people sitting having a drink at the Metropolitan, tonight’s 1st ever 5K for $5K Challenge was an instant winner. Running toward uptown Charlotte as the sun was dropping below the horizon was as soothing as walking barefoot on a beach.

People cared. They cared to show up. They cared to support the journey. They all knew someone with dementia and that was what unified this small group of runners tonight. And that was more than enough.

When is the next  5K race?

Friday, May 4th at 6:30PM. Location: Freedom Park next to the bridge. This is an open invite and ALL are welcome. The more the merrier!

And by the feedback and emails in my inbox, I believe this challenge will continue to grow in people, awareness and funds raised for PPA research.

1 in the books, 4 more to go!

 

Run4Papa meets Lone Star state

 Ever run a half marathon intentionally in a torrential down pour?

The transmission failed. Literally. While riding in a shuttle from work to the airport, the transmission failed roughly 3 miles away; my plane was scheduled to take off 90 minutes later. Friday the 13th…coincidence? The driver estimated the back-up shuttle would take at least 20-30 minutes to arrive, and instinctively, I asked him to open the back door. He said “where are you going?” I opened my bag, put on on my running shoes, looked him square in the eye and said “I am running for Papa!”

With my roller carry-on extended firmly in my left and my backpack comfortably resting on my shoulders, I ran in jeans down Billy Graham Parkway with Charlotte Douglas airport in my sight. Half a mile later, I was picked up by another shuttle and dropped off with an hour to spare. Fortunately, there was no one in the TSA screening line. Precisely, no one. Friday the 13th…coincidence? “Please let the flight take off and land with no problems and minimal turbulence!

Well, we landed (after seeing an unusual amount of nervousness on the faces of the flight attendants). I was greeted at DFW airport by my friends Derek, Shana and Dan. Texas was the 9th state visited on this journey; it always helps to have great friends scattered across the U.S. who are extremely hospitable hosts making this weekend another seamless experience. Late Saturday night, I checked the weather for tomorrow’s race: severe Thunderstorms from 6AM-11AM with a disclaimer on the Big D website “Runners may run at their own risk.”

My response: “I don’t recall my Papa ever canceling an appointment with a sick child due to bad weather conditions.”

Derek and Shana dropped me at the state fairgrounds so I could film some pre-race commentary (in the rain). Through the suggestions of my followers, I had compiled a 50 song playlist for the Big D race, but due to the awful weather ahead, I left the music at home. After stretching and watching the clouds darken the skyline, this race quickly became another challenge that would test my training as well as my willpower. I believe every race is 80% mental and 20% physical. Although elements always vary, when my mind is “zoned-in” on completing a race, my mental conviction eliminates any hovering doubt or fear.

Like every race beforehand, the knots in my stomach intensified like two kids playing dodge ball in a confined space. Thankfully, both kids were eliminated the second I crossed the starting line. The BIG D starts and finishes at the historic grounds of the State Fair near the Cotton Bowl. The fairground’s stunning landscape and art deco architecture set the mood of the day despite the impending weather.

After leaving the State fairgrounds, runners headed north and soon reached the impressive neighborhoods that surround White Rock Lake – often described as the crown jewel of central Dallas. For the first 5 miles, the winds were gaining momentum as a slight drizzle trickled down. Growing up in Michigan and surrounded by lakes, I surveyed the lake’s border and knew a torrential thunderstorm was quickly approaching the Dallas area.

The route headed into a part of the course with tree-lined parks to one side and gorgeous homes on the other. As I crossed Mile 6 and grabbed a Gatorade from a water station, the clouds decided it was time to let all their pipes burst at once.  Soaked head-to-toe by the onslaught of rain hitting my body from seemingly all directions, I continued jogging uphill. I wasn’t even halfway and knew this was going to be a battle, one I eagerly awaited and would embrace!

At Mile 9, I saw Derek and Shana holding a sign reading “Go Jason! Run4Papa.com – I run for PPA!” Shortly thereafter, the hard rain was followed by thunder and occasional bolts of lightning. I never felt in immediate danger but running through puddle after puddle and being drenched was taking a mini toll on my body. My right calf cramped pretty badly and wouldn’t go away despite numerous stretching attempts. The word “quitting” doesn’t fall into my mental vocabulary so I ran/walked through the pain periodically glancing down at my hands where the words “Papa” (left) and “PPA” (right) were hand-written.

I continued filming portions of the race while getting emotional boosts on Miles 10, 11 and 12 as Derek and Shana managed to jump ahead for moral support. As runners continued to battle through the elements, we ran through Deep Ellum, the eclectic nightclub district returning to the finish line on the front steps of the historic Cotton Bowl.

Despite the 20 mph winds, down-pouring rain, periodic thunder and lightning, I completed the BIG D Half Marathon in 2:36:38!  Oddly enough, I have never seen so many runners (including myself) limping, crouching down below their knees or just propped up against a wall. The Big D had thrown every element against racers attempting to conquer its landscape and our collective exhaustion was palpable on the faces of each finisher.

And suddenly, a wry smile crept across my face.

Next stop? The Great Wall of China Marathon!

To see photos from the race, go to: Big D Half Marathon

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Where in the WORLD is Run4Papa going next?

The Lone Star State

We are flying out to the great state of TEXAS this weekend to run the BIG D Half Marathon in Dallas. This destination marks the 9th and final state Run4Papa will be visiting on this journey before heading out to the Great Wall of China Marathon in May!

This has been a unbelievable life-changing opportunity and we are greatly looking forward to running in what has been labeled “one of the most beautiful marathon courses you may ever run.”

And as we all know, EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS!

Largest 8K in the World

Shamrock Shuffle 8K: Running season opens in the Windy City

An estimated 40,000 runner’s helped kick-off Chicago’s traditional rite of spring for the 33rd Annual Shamrock Shuffle 8K providing a celebratory atmosphere of a summer festival. Today was a day of first’s:

1. First time running without a race bib – we won’t say exactly why this ended up happening, but should you have any questions, please direct them to one  Mr. Kevin Connolly

2. First time running with Opedix tights – generously donated from CEO Kim Gustafson. This product aligns the knee joint, distributing knee “load” by reducing knee pain as well as quadriceps fatigue.

3. First time running with a GoPro camera and CamelBak – you asked for footage during the race, and you will see it this weekend!

Unseasonably warm weather made for excellent running conditions. Running enthusiasts hit the start line at Grant Park as corral after corral were released into downtown Chicago. Passing by Trump Towers, Kevin and I made our way toward Mile 1 marker and stopped to give my parents a hug/photo op – no doubt immediately posted on Facebook by my father (post-race intel determined it was 3 mins afterward). Miles 2, 3 and 4 flew as we ran past the world-famous Chicago Theatre, over several Chicago river bridges and through Chicago’s “Loop,” staring down the Sears Tower with a mile-long stretch on famed State Street all while filming several minutes of footage at a time.

From the Chicago Sun-Times, “Finishing his first 8K run was downtown resident Donny Jekels, 46. He entered because ‘two years ago I couldn’t tie my shoelaces. I wasn’t fit and I thought that was a wakeup call.‘  He said he lost 30 pounds in 2 years, using exercise and watching his diet.  The father-son running tandem of Mike and Mario Woods had their own friendly competition, which the 65-year-old dad from South Holland won.”

43 mins later, slightly behind Abdelaaziz Atmani of Indianapolis with a winning time of 23 mins 18 secs, Kevin and I finished the 4.97 mile trek with the promise of a free beer at Grant Park and music being played from a stage near Buckingham Fountain.

And what about the 3 First’s? Well…we didn’t get pulled off the course because the race was relatively laid back making for a fun run: check. The Opedix running pants definitely worked! The material was comfortable, my legs felt great, and it was clear that some pressure was being distributed away from the tough wear and tear zone of my knees: check, check. The film footage?….I wish I had thought of this sooner: check, check, check.

As for the post-race festivities, I will just leave it at this: checkmate!

To watch exclusive footage during the race, go to: Running through downtown Chicago

To see more photos, go to: Shamrock Shuffle 8K

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Run4Papa Tackles Washington D.C. Half Marathon

Running around our National Treasures

Eagerly and somewhat impatiently standing in my coral waiting for the race to begin, I look forward to several wonderful experiences ahead such as meeting and jogging alongside other runners, hearing people shouting on each side of the street, and anticipating the creative signage from supporters mile after mile. As corral #12 began inching closer and closer to the starting line, I happened to be standing next to a lady who was listening to her music while stretching. I couldn’t help but notice the back of shirt: “I lost 200 lbs. I beat cancer. 13.1? No problem!” Like many memories throughout this journey, I am constantly surrounded by runners motivated by personal causes and challenges who commit themselves to making a difference in their life or the lives of others by running a particular race. There were over 22,000 runners today, many of them, like myself, have inspiring stories to share.

Imagine how many other stories we have never heard about?

Walking up to the the starting line, my hands were clammy, my mind was focused, and my adrenaline was elevated. As I crossed the start line and my chip time began, I was careful to maintain a solid pace and not allow the adrenaline to consume the moment and my body. This is often easier-said-than done, but is a vital factor in maintaining energy throughout these long-distance runs. Right out of the gate, I saw a sign that read “Free beer in 26.1 miles.” You have to appreciate people’s creativity and like every city beforehand, D.C. residents did not disappoint.

Halfway past Mile 1, I headed on East Capitol St, running alongside the United States Supreme Court as well as the Capitol Building. By Mile 3, a series of big sites came up like one domino after the other: on Constitution Ave, I ran side-by-side the National Mall for about a 1/4 of a mile. As I approached Mile 4, the Washington Monument was standing alone to my left, not to be outdone by the White House appropriately showcasing a green fountain at mile marker 5.  What phenomenal national treasures to run around during this half marathon. 

While most of the sites were frontloaded in the beginning of the half marathon, the crowd support was excellent throughout the 13.1 mile trek. Sure, some of the spectators were already intoxicated from drinking beer and downing green Jell-O shots infused with Smirnoff, but their enthusiasm was helpful in boosting momentum mile after mile. Furthermore, one of the perks to running a Rock ‘N Roll race is the organizers conveniently place rock bands every mile along the race; thus, bringing out even more supporters on the streets and providing an extra pick-me-up. On top of that, running toward and under several tunnels was thrilling because the crowd was going wild! I could hear the energy from above, and after emerging from the darkness and up the incline, people were cheering as if an Olympic torch was being carried through their city!

Upon reaching a sharp incline on Mile 8, I came across an army soldier in full uniform running with a backpack stuffed with weights. Talk about hardcore! He was running for the men and women sacrificing their lives abroad for our safety. I wish I would’ve been able to grab a picture but you will have to take my word that it was downright unbelievable to see in person.

Eyeing Mile 9, I decided to switch up my routine by running 7 mins, walking for 1. The logic behind this adjustment was to test the recovery process for China. Normally, I run non-stop until the end (for half marathons); however, in China, recovery is going to play an intricate role and will be an essential part of that challenge. With this recovery period, I regained my strength and pushed forward at a quicker pace over the next several miles. With RFK stadium ahead and the homestretch in sight, I rounded the corner and saw a sign that said “May the spirit of Saint Patrick guide your feet to the finish line.” I picked up my pace through the last mile and crossed the finish line at 2:13:13, completing my 3rd half marathon this year.

No matter how many times I visit D.C., I always look forward to seeing our national monuments and this half marathon provided a tremendous opportunity to run alongside some of the most recognizable ones in Washington. It was an honor to be part of this experience and a special day which I will never forget. And to pay my respect to Saint Patrick, I made sure to have a celebratory pint or two following the race…

Next stop? Chicago!

I will be in the Windy City Saturday March 24th, 2012 for the annual PPA Family Caregiver and Professional Education and Support Conference.

On Sunday March 25th,myself and Kevin Connolly of the CNADC will be running in the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K with 40,000 of our closest friends.

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Nothing Political About This

Next Stop…Washington, D.C.

2012 Rock ‘n Roll Half/Marathon

Despite being a not-so-closet political junkie/semi-obsessed debate addict/campaign speechwriter wannabe (for a couple months at least), I am leaving all-things political related back in Charlotte. I promise. Not one repetitive campaign slogan, no one-liners, and absolutely no cheesy overused talking points. Not one. This weekend is all about one thing, er, maybe two or even three…but the one thing we know for sure is running is definitely one of them!

Rock Our Nation’s Capitol will mark the completion of my 3rd half marathon this calendar year in preparation for the Great Wall of China Marathon this May. I am very excited to be participating in my first ever Rock ‘N Roll event and even prouder to be sharing this experience with my good friend Adam, who will be running and finishing his 1st FULL marathon as a precursor to China.

I am pumped to be heading back to Washington D.C. I have an affinity for this scenic city, the historical national monuments, and hopefully a sneak peak at the famous cherry blossoms – the nation’s greatest springtime celebration commemorating their 100th year of the gift of trees. No doubt the atmosphere will be infectious! My bag is packed and I am ready to go…

I don’t even need to catch the end of this political commentary, and in case you are wondering, it is not being DVR’d. At least, not to the best of my knowledge.

This non-political message is approved by the Run4Papa Campaign.

My first Tower Race

Run4Papa v. Hancock Building

Today felt different.

Waking up Sunday morning February 26th, 2012, I was excited, motivated and refreshed for today’s race. Before getting out of bed, I rang Barcelona wishing my studying/traveling abroad sister a Happy 21st. Following the call, I hopped out of bed as my feet hit the hardwood floor with an overwhelming sense of positive energy and optimism.

I was ready to climb.

As is my superstition with all races, the running shirt (race bib attached), shorts, socks, and shoes were all meticulously laid out the night before. I showered (yup routine), grabbed a Gatorade and power bar and walked from Gold Coast toward the Hancock Building on a clear-skied, 40-dgree (no snow I might pleasantly add) with a typical Chicago-an wind hitting my face. Rounding the corner of N. State St and E. Delaware Place comfortably lay the 100-story Hancock Building with its elliptical-shaped plaza out front and the skyscraper’s distinctive X-bracing exterior boldly enticing all racers to enter.

After filming segments for the campaign, I went inside to prepare for the climb. I met two friends-Adam Silver and Kevin Connolly- who were also participating in their first Tower Race along with my parents whom drove from Michigan for moral support. Patiently waiting for our wave to begin, we inched our way near the opening stairwell. My adrenaline was flowing quicker than Wily Coyote chasing the Roadrunner.

Like a wild animal eager to be released from its cage, I saw the race official motion to climb and I was off! During the first 30-flights, I climbed every other step hoping to gain momentum by strategically cutting down the number of overall steps. While hustling up the Hancock, I was grabbing the railing with my left hand in order to take valuable pressure away from my calves. This approach initially felt good until I hit a mini-wall on Floor 30. I was using too much energy and my body was screaming “slow down or I’ll shut you down.”

I listened.

The stairwell started to heat my internal body temperature up and I proceeded to take it step-by-step moving forward. From flights 30 – 40, I kept looking at each floor number as I looped left again and again and again. I refrained from using the railing because I wanted to simulate the Great Wall of China Marathon race (no railings are available on those steps). Upon reaching the 40th floor, I made a conscious decision to keep my head down. Normally when running a half marathon or marathon, I intentionally refuse to watch the clock or view the mile-marker, preferring to feed off the crowd’s intensity and absorb the surrounding scenery along the route. This is a proven psychological tactic (for me) and I stay loyal to these routines. Since there was no clock, no crowd and only a handful of EMS and water stations during this climb, I kept my head down rising flight after flight.

Step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, floor. Step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, floor. Step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, floor. Step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, floor. Step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, floor. Step, step, step, step, step, step, step, step, floor.

It wasn’t until I heard someone yell “20 more left!” that my heart started pumping rapidly. I couldn’t believe how quickly the last 34 flights went and my momentum instantly picked up knocking down one flight after another up the Hancock Building. Seemingly minutes later, I heard “2 more flights to go” and proceeded to sprint through the finish line eyeing my parents cheering in the distance. What a pleasure to see those two familiar faces…21 minutes and 18 seconds later!

94 Flights, check. 1,632 steps, check. 1,500 feet up in the air, check. Running in my first ever Tower Race, check. Exhausted, check.

And in case you are wondering, the record time for “Hustle up the Hancock is 9 minutes and 30 seconds if you are looking for a challenge one year from now.

I know my dad is in…

To see more photos, go to: Hustle up the Hancock

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Bring on the Hancock!

My First Tower Race

94 flights, 1,632 steps, 4,000 competitors and 1500 feet high above the ground is where I intend to be 30 mins or so after this race! I have been greatly looking forward to coming to the Windy City and tackling my first ever Tower Race in preparation for The Great Wall of China Marathon and it’s 5,164 steps along the way.

I think this will be an excellent barometer for where my current level of fitness stands and I am eager to run up this building that has a view spanning 4 states – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

The Observatory elevators of the John Hancock center travel 94 floors at a top speed of 1800 ft/min (20.5 mph). My hope is to race up these stairs and enjoy a nice cold beverage on the way down…in the elevator!

I look forward to this challenge today and cannot wait to show photos, video highlights and write a story on this wonderful opportunity and experience to run on behalf of my Papa along with all patients and families fighting against PPA…

In the battle of Run4Papa v. Hancock Building, my early predication is MAN shall conquer on this day…

Jacqueline Onassis Reservoir

A Reservoir Run

This is what the Jackie Onassis Reservoir looks like on a warm summer’s morning. The colors are magnificent, the surrounding park is breathtaking and the city skyline reflects off the water.

In the novel Marathon Man, the main character muses that, “Whoever invented the reservoir must have done it with him alone in mind. It was without flaw, a perfect lake set in the most unexpected of locations.”

Anyone who has ever run, walked, or stood watching the sun rise or set over the water feels that same way. There’s a sense of space and solitude here, unlike any other part of the Park.

Unfortunately, I did not experience this particular scenery as I took a last minute trip to visit my sister in Manhattan before she jet-setted across the pond to study abroad in the UK. As usual, I stayed with my youngest brother Jared in his apartment and we had another epic weekend in the Big Apple which included many delicious meals, a handful of alcoholic beverages, some shopping at his favorite store UNIQLO, a Knicks game (where one team showed up), and of course, a run for the Run4Papa campaign.

Location: Jacqueline Onassis Reservoir, Manhattan, New York.

Temperature and Time: a brisk 19 degrees (not including the wind-chill), High Noon.

Running attire: beanie for head, scarf for neck, winter coat, two pairs of sweats, socks and running shoes (gloves were a big oversight).

Who wanted to be at Central Park in these conditions: not my brother (but he was a good sport).

What did the reservoir look like in January at eye level? See below.

Without much hesitation, Jared quickly filmed a segment on location and I jogged the couple mile route around the reservoir as my brother patiently waited for my return (his ears getting redder by the minute!). Not surprisingly, there were other people running and even one maniac in shorts and short sleeves! Despite the weather, the scenery was beautiful. The skyline was reflecting off the water and with the many of the tree leaves gone, you could see for miles and miles.

Throughout this journey, I have relished training in a variety of unique weather and terrain elements because it makes you constantly reassess your breathing and pace. Whether it’s a shorter run like this one, or a longer one like trail runs or half marathons, training in a tougher environment helps to minimize running mistakes such as jogging at too quick a pace and fighting through mental walls throughout a given race.

My philosophy has always been and will continue to be: “Running is 80% mental, 20% physical.”

And while my training methods are neither regimented or normal by anyone’s standards, I believe they provide consistent and improving pacing results in every race. A more concerted effort toward maximizing my training runs ultimately leads to less wear and tear on my knees and ankles. Through a strong sense of visualization and will-power, I will continue to put one step in front of the other toward this campaign and every run ahead.

To watch video commentary of this run, go to: Run4Papa Meets Jackie Onassis Reservoir

To see photos, go to: Jackie Onassis Reservoir

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Headed to the Capitol

Next Stop…Washington, D.C.

2012 Rock ‘n Roll Half/Marathon

I have just registered for the Rock ‘n Roll half marathon in Washington, D.C. on March 17th, 2012.  This is one of several half marathons I intend to run in preparation for the Great Wall of China Marathon in May of 2012. I will be heading out there with my good friend Adam, who will be running his first ever FULL marathon as a precursor to the run in China.

I am pumped to be heading to the nation’s capitol  to run alongside the Potomac River, the National Mall and some of the city’s most majestic monuments!

No doubt the atmosphere will be spectacular! If you have any run this race before, please feel free to chime in…