49er Gold Rush 5K

Jason on February 8, 2013

Groundhog Day Mixed with a Race

Norm and I hanging out together before the 49er Gold Rush 5K.

Norm and I hanging out together before the 49er Gold Rush 5K.

We’ve all heard of Punxsutawney Phil, the little furry guy in Pennsylvania who comes out, sees his shadow, and declares six more weeks of winter. February 2 brings the most-watched weather forecast of the year—and the only one led by a rodent. Legend has it that on this morning, if a groundhog can see its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If it cannot see its shadow, spring is on the way.

My alarm mysteriously went off at 5am and while Sonny and Cher’s “I Got You Babe” did not start playing, I knew I wasn’t falling back asleep anytime soon. Believe me, I tried tricking myself. I figured, if this day were going to repeat itself, why not run a race on Groundhog Day!?! My friend Rachel mentioned the night before about a race taking place at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), a Gold Rush 5K. Groundhog Day mixed with a race was an easy sell for this guy. Honestly, either of those two were good enough reasons to get out of bed, but combine the both of them, and you have the start of something special!

The next steps went something like this: 1) Google the location of the race 2) Grab my scrubs and lab coat 3) Hop in the shower (for easily 45 mins) 4) Slide my feet into my newest pair of running shoes! If today were going to repeat itself, I was well prepared to do battle again and again.

Being a Northerner, you would think 25 degrees was no big deal; however, living in North Carolina for the past 10 years has warmed my blood substantially. And yes, spoiled me (guilty). Actually, it wasn’t so much cold as it was downright freezing (cue my entire family and friends in Michigan rolling their eyes)! I made my way to the registration table and immediately started getting looks from fellow runners. While most runners were covered in multiple layers from head to toe, yours truly roamed around in his medical scrubs and was being asked time and time again, “What’s Run4Papa?” The amount of attention and awareness from wearing this attire alone was worth bearing the frigid temperature.

All bundled up but raising PPA awareness!

All bundled up and raising awareness for PPA research!

I ended up running alongside 800 fellow runners. We started on a racetrack but were quickly directed toward a variety of hills zig-zagged around the beautiful UNCC campus. I happened to run quicker than normal and could feel my fingers thawing out one by one every half mile. When I approached Mile 3, there was a massive group of  college volunteers supporting runners as they made their way toward the finish line.  When I got closer, this group started going wild! “We have a doctor running this race!” As I flew by, I heard “Run 4 Papa, Run 4 Papa!” A BIG smile came across my face. Why? Because this cause continues to have a contagious affect not only at each race and venue, but by the amount of support, awareness and traffic generated online.

I thought to myself “If every day is like this one, my alarm can go off at 5am anytime. Groundhog Day or not, I will be happy to repeat this effort day after day until the 1st National PPA speech therapy trial is funded.” And by the looks of it, I am thinking this goal will be achieved within the next 135 days.

As I crept back into bed, I turned my radio on only to hear the song “I Got You Babe” playing. Seemed timely enough to me.

Positivity breeds Positivity

Positivity breeds Positivity

 

WE ARE BACK!

Jason on January 10, 2013

An Average Person Doing Extraordinary Things

We will fly anywhere, anytime to run any race.

We will fly anywhere, anytime to run any race.

Run4Papa is back and better than ever! I have been working diligently behind the scenes with Northwestern University to provide PPA patients and their families with an unprecedented opportunity.

Our Goal: Fund the 1st National PPA speech therapy trial in history.

For the first time, we can deliver this gift to families battling dementia nationwide.

I NEED YOUR HELP!

  • Today is different from every other day.
  • Make a choice.
  • Choose to make a difference.
  • Be part of the solution at www.Run4Papa.com

Stop Wishing. Start Doing.

Thank you,

Jason

Northwestern CNADC Advisory Board

Jason on November 3, 2012

Jason F. Boschan becomes youngest EVER advisory board member at Northwestern University

I am honored and humbled to be the youngest person EVER to be appointed to the Advisory Board of the Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Northwestern University! #ProudPapa

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.