Kicking Neuroblastoma's Butt

Memorial Day Run - Never to Forget.

2010-05-30T18:38:00.004-04:00

In approximately 12 hours I will begin a Memorial Run to honor our fallen War Heroes, especially 1st Lt Joseph Helton, my son's Commander while he was serving in Iraq, who was KIA Sept 8, 2009.

Not forgetting what this is all about I am also running to remember all of my Little Buddies who lost the fight against Neuroblastoma., more valiant warriors cannot be found.

May God bless All of the families who have lost loved ones not only on this memorial day, but everyday of the year.

Gj/

For Military Heroes who paid the ultimate price – Honor their sacrifice because of it we can freely work to find the cure for childhood cancer

2010-03-17T19:09:00.004-04:00

OUR HEROES: See the bottom of the page – today I added the names of our US Air Forces Academy Heroes - those who freely gave their lives for our freedom. I am working to obtain the heroes names from West Point Military Academy and the US Naval Academy. These heroes will forever be listed on this blog site because without the sacrifices they made, we would not have the freedoms we have today. I am proud to be an American and to recognize these most fine men and women is my honor.

Please don’t question the placement of their names. They are listed at the bottom since they are the symbolic bedrock on which we can build a brighter future and continue our work for the cure for all childhood cancer. They represent the hundreds of thousands who paid the ultimate price for our freedom today and for our future. Let’s not waste it –

May this tribute be of some comfort to the families of these heroes - I love them all.

Please note that in addition to the names listed below, the names of our heroes who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan are listed in our other blog -http://www.circlethelakeforthecure.blogspot.com/

God Bless

Grandpa John – a proud American who believes that we can find the cure....

To Our Nation's Leaders: Stand up and Fight Childhood Cancer

2010-03-15T18:04:00.003-04:00

Neuroblastoma is unrelenting in its quest to create New Angels. In the last week far too many Angels gained entry into Heaven and joined the Angelic choir singing sweet songs of praise, unheard by our ears to our Heavenly Father. Solace only comes by knowing that our beloved is at rest, pain free and sitting by the feet of our Creator. May all of creation rejoice for Heaven’s newest residents and raise the cry of those left behind: No more!

The outcry of the all too few, but far too many, seeking a cure falls on the deaf ears of our leadership-you. It seems that you, like others, are fearful to discuss childhood cancer; tackle this curse head-on. I wonder why? We are talking about our children. You cannot hide from them! The ever present faces of our suffering warriors and angels will not go away and I for one will not let them leave my heart. Keeping them in our memory helps serve as the battle cry you must hear - They will be heard! “Hear our cry and ignore us no longer. Help us fight neuroblastoma or any form of childhood cancer by “Funding” at an acceptable level Childhood Cancer research.

So to our elected officials I further ask: How will you write history? What story will your leadership tell? Through your lack of action will we, as a nation, be accused of turning our backs on our most precious children? Maybe it’s because they lack a vote, or there isn’t money to be made by industry in researching a cure for neuroblastoma or childhood cancer? How shameful indeed if this is the case. If no corrective measures are taken to stem the ever rising tide of neuroblastoma, childhood cancer death, I am ashamed to say that history will not be kind to this generation.

My prayers are for and with the families of our beloved Little Buddies Samuel Thomas Hutchison, Layla Grace Marsh, Sydney Marie Dudley and Sophie Atay.

..if I have failed to mention any angel it is my oversight alone and I beg your forgiveness. Please bring it to my attention so they too, may join our forever Honor Roll.

Another Angel; Prayer a Most Wonderful Blessing

2010-02-25T17:57:00.004-05:00

Another Angel - Yesterday I learned that another Little Buddy warrior lost the battle to this horrible disease. It saddens my heart, and while we deal with the pain of such great loss, we most assuredly should take comfort in knowing that the angelic choirs singing songs of praise welcomed home Zachary Combs. May we too sing songs of praise with an unending love as we wait impatiently for that glorious day when we shall join him. My most heartfelt condolences, love and prayers are with the family of Zachary Combs

Prayer a Most Wonderful Blessing: During my web travels searching for answers to my many questions, I found a most wonderful website for all with sick ones battling pediatric cancer, or any other illness in need prayer warriors. As all of you have my unending prayers, yet I believe that unlike my favorite cookies, you can never have too much prayer or too many people praying for you. Please check out this most wonderful site – C.O.L.E’.s Foundation and since I believe with my whole heart in the efficacy prayer and its importance to our entire life, the link to the Foundation is above just under Childhood Cancer and Neuroblastoma facts.

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. - Mother Teresa

Till later remember that though we may never meet, YOU are loved by me. I Love You.

Grandpa John

Quick Post - Childhood Cancer & Neuroblastoma Facts

2010-02-20T13:00:00.000-05:00

Childhood Cancer Facts - This morning after my training run I went back to read of last year’s adventure (From the Border to the Bridge - http://fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/ ) and noticed that some had made a comment back in Dec 2009, one which I failed to see earlier. The comment was that since I am promoting awareness of Childhood cancer I should put more about the topic in my writings. I thought that links provided would be enough to lead anyone to sources with much more knowledge than I. But, in today’s’ fast paced society maybe the writer is correct. So I am correcting that oversight and will add more info on childhood cancer to our blog site. But it will only be copied from the other web sites I visit. To ensure proper acknowledgement is given, source are identified.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt

Till Later -

Gj

2010-02-11T16:38:00.002-05:00

New Angels & Assistance Requested to update Angels Honor Roll Memorial

2010-02-10T04:32:00.003-05:00

New Angels: So much time has passed since I last updated our Angels list that it is almost overwhelming to know that I have so many Little Angels to add. Yet, there is a comfort in knowing that they no longer have to endure the paining and suffering that comes with fighting neuroblastoma, childhood cancer.

Today I know the heavenly hosts welcome Juan Santiago Wall and Erik Ludwinski to the angelic choir. May they forever sing songs of joy that only our creator can hear and we in our hearts wait patiently for a blessed reunion sure to occur.

Assistance Requested to update Angels Honor Roll Memorial: Over the next week or so I will attempt to recover many of my emails over the months past and update our Angels Honor Roll memorial accordingly. However, I fear that many of the notices may be unrecoverable. So I ask for your assistance - would you please send me the names of our angels that I have missed or over looked.

"Love can make you do things that you never thought possible"
Phil Collins

God Bless Gj

Circle the Lake for the Cure -

2010-02-07T12:13:00.002-05:00

Please click title ^above^ to go to the new blog site for Circle the Lake for the Cure

The war is not Over! Many Little Buddies and their families still fight bravely on to beat the foe neuroblastoma. And sadly others have become angels …Therefore

While I have been absent for far too long I am BACK! And planning and preparations for this year’s big running event is under way.

The run will be called:

“Circle the Lake for the Cure - Fight Childhood Cancer:
A Memorial to All Warriors Big & Small”

Date: September 7 & 8, 2010 (tentative)
Location: Houghton Lake MI.
Length of Event: 36 hours. – How far will ol’ Gj go in 36 hours is anybody’s guess, but I bet it will be farther than a mile…. :)

Over the course of 36 hours I intend to run walk or crawl around Houghton Lake MI and cover as many miles as I possibly can. One lap of the lake is approximately 32 miles – can I make 3 or more laps in that time frame? Who knows? Regardless of distance traveled I will be doing all I can to raise awareness of Childhood cancer neuroblastoma, the entire distance. ….I am figuring on some crazy stunt , but not sure what just yet… and hopefully let’s see if I can do better in the fund raising department this year as opposed to last year.

As most of you know my son made it safely home from Iraq last Sept. However, such is not the case for his group or wind commander 1st Lt. Joseph Helton, USAF. On September 8, 2009 he was KIA while defending and protecting us from those wishing to do harm to the innocents. That is the run is a tribute to the Big warriors too. The big warriors are all of those defending and protect us where ever they may be serving. It is to their honor and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice a memorial – Thank a vet if you cherish your freedom. ..

Men do less than they ought, unless they do all they can.
Thomas Carlyle

Till later, God Bless

Grandpa John

Dedication The Big Race - Sept 26, 2009

2009-09-21T16:45:00.005-04:00

Dedication: My Family, I am overjoyed to let you know that my son made it safely back stateside from his year's tour of duty in Iraq. Yet, I am very sadden too. Approximately 4 days after he arrived at his duty station my son was informed that his former Wing Commander in Iraq, became an Angel on 8 September, 2009. And like my Warrior Buddies, a true hero indeed.

This weekend I am running my first 50 mile race and in addition to dedicating this race to all of my Little Warriors and Buddies, I am making a special dedication to honor the memory of 1st LT Joseph Helton, USAF. And for my son and for all who serve in the USAF Security Forces, I will carry you and your comrades with me in spirit to honor the memory of all fallen Security Force warriors. All of you have my unending gratitude - God Bless you.

I will provide a more comprehensive update after the race this weekend. Until then I again reitterate my promise to you, my Little Buddies and Families:

"I promise that I shall not stop running till the cure is found. If I should become too old or weak to run, it is then I will ask our Heavenly Father to carry me to the finish line - The Cure Gj

Till later God Bless.

Grandpa John.

PS: Carson Clark: I just have to let you know that you are my hero Little Buddy and this race is especially for you too.

I AM BACK; NEXT RACE; THE BIG RUN NEXT YEAR

2009-09-02T09:39:00.002-04:00

I’m Back: Wow! It’s been far too long since I provided an update. Truth be told, since the long run I have been somewhat lazy, but now is the time be reenergize and continue of fighting the good fight and running for my Little buddies. Over the course of the next couple of weeks or so I’ll be getting our Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication updated and updating oterh areas of the Blog as necessary.

NEXT RACE/DEDICATION: What is new on the near horizon? Well I am glad that you asked that question, I am going to be a hippie (again or is it for the first time since I was in the army during that period) that is I am “Running Woodstock;” no not in New York, but right here in Michigan. It will be a far out weekend just choke full of running and wild times (not too wild for ol Gj) and may be just a flash back to the younger days. The race I will run is a 50 miler. Yep, you read rightly. I am going to do the Peace Love 50 Miler, my first. Now mind you there is a 15 hour time limit for this run and should make it. I know 15 hours seems like an awfully long time and the trail is the very difficult 12.5-mile loop of the Potawatomi trail in the Pinckney MI recreation area. But I just ain’t gonna quit till I get the 50 in for my Little Buddies. They will help me thru the difficult areas and times - I will be carrying all of the pictures I had with me on our journey run the entire distance.

Dedication: I dedicate this race to all of my Little Buddies, especially Noah Scott Biorkman who is having a pretty rough go at it right now, and his family and to the memory of all of our Angels. I know I’ll never hit a major league home run Noah, but I do promise you that I will finish this50 Miler for you. My prayers are with all of you.

THE BIG RUN NEXT YEAR – In planning stages...will it be “From the Border to the Bridge Part II???” Who knows? Stay Tuned.

Special Note of Love: Even though most of us have never met and probably never will have the opportunity to do so, I just can’t put into words just how much I love every one of you – I promise I won’t stop running till the cure is found.

Grandpa John

“It is not wise to win a battle for the sake of glory just to lose the war. We will complete the race before us and will not stop till the cure is found” Grandpa John

The 330 Mile Run Report - Fighting Neuroblastoma - Childhood Cancer

2009-06-02T17:32:00.002-04:00

Please follow this link to our other blog to read the report on the run to the Mackinaw Bridge:

http://www.fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/

God Bless you till Later,

Grandpa John

PS: If you'd like to see the pictures please send me an email and I will send you the link to my MySpace account wherein the pictures reside - Thanks, Gj

Newest Sponsor; Countdown to the Run - T minus....

2009-05-04T17:59:00.002-04:00

Newest Sponsor - Folks if you're ever in the Mount Pleasant , MI area, please stop by our newest sponsors hotel, "The Comfort Inn & Suites University Park" Just click on the picture of the Bridge above and follow the links on the other blog site for the run. And please be sure to tell them that Grandpa John sent you :)

Countdown to the Run: T Minus 010:14:10 and counting....

Till later I am off and getting ready for the run...see you soon..

“So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” Morrie Schwartz

God Bless

Gj

Letter from Governor of Michigan-Well Wishes; Count Down & New shirt; New Sponsor; Say Who Is This fellow?

2009-05-03T16:15:00.009-04:00

Letter from Governor of Michigan-Well Wishes: I’ve been writing so many letters to so many people to be honest, I cannot for the life of me remember if I wrote to our governor explaining the who, what, and why of the upcoming 330 mile run. Yet, somehow, I received a letter from her expressing her well wishes for the upcoming run and an Irish blessing J I am forever grateful for that letter as I now know that one more person is aware of neuroblastoma and its horrors; thank you Governor Granholm your letter and blessings means very much to me. Here is a picture of it:

Count Down: All Systems are Go! As of 11:30am Sunday, May 3, 2009 we are in countdown mode. We are at T minus 11 days, 20 hours, 30 minutes and 0 seconds until Friday, May 15, 2009 at 8:00:00 AM (Detroit time) See our count down timer above

New Shirt – Here is a picture of one of the shirts I be wearing while I run the “From the Border to the Bridge” run.

Front:

Back:

As you can see I did not distinguish between our Warriors and Angels. If anyone asks who is who I’d be able to tell them, but that is not the point I am trying to make. “Anyone’s child could be stricken with this horrible disease - do you know which one?” That is the same for our Poster board pictures….which one??? Our Warrior and Angels look very health…but looks are deceiving, aren’t they? Hopefully, those meet during the run feel the impact of what is not being said.

New Sponsor: (See "From the Border to the Bridge Blog"- click on picture of bridge above) My thanks and appreciation goes out to Quality Inn of Gaylord Michigan for providing me and my support crew (Missus Gj and Babee) one of our nights lodging. So folks if you’re ever traveling through the Gaylord MI. area please plan on spending the night at one of our most wonderful sponsors. If you cannot stay then please stop to let them know you heard about them from Ol’ Gj.

Last Two Weeks – Action packed; that is all I can say! First we continued finding lodging for our nightly slumber and then last weekend Missus GJ, Babee and myself traveled the last 130 miles (or so) of the route.

Early last Saturday morning we left for Clare Mi.; the city where we stopped our route verification the previous weekend. Traveling northward we drove through Harrison, and verified one of our sponsors addresses (meaning - could we find it) and there approximately 200 yards off our route stood Lakeside Motel and Cottages...how beautiful, right on Budd Lake. Missus Gj and I will most definitely plan a few days vacation here later in the summer.

Out of Harrison we continued north going through Higgins Lake, and onward to Grayling MI. About 12 miles or south of Grayling we got lost, or should I say the map was mismarked giving directions without actually names the roads we should take. What is really surprising is that we actually found our way to Grayling just by following the road we were on till it dead-ended and turned right ….

Leaving Grayling we made our way to Gaylord without much ado. As we traveled north of Gaylord we passed a little park we stopped and took a few pictures (see previous posting.) Pressing on we made our way to Indian River (our final night before Mackinaw City). We didn’t spend any time there as it was starting to get late and we needed to make our destination at a reasonable hour. Finally we arrived in Mackinaw City - the finishing point of this year’s run for of love (all of my runs of love J ones (Again the picture are in the previous post.)

No one will have to tell me to go and jump in to the lake. I will jump into the lake when I arrive – I will do so willing as a refreshing break from the many miles….I just hope Missus Gj get pictures of the shocked look I’ll have on my face…that water is very, very cold.

Say Who is this fellow?

I’ll give you 3 guesses, and the first two don’t count…I was rummaging through some old pictures and found one of me from my late of coming hippie days (Actually, I was in the Army during the 60’s/70’s hippie movement.) This picture was taken at Jacob’s Ladder Folk Music Festival in Kiryat Shmona, Israel circa 1991 – I was a late bloomer for sure and loved every minute of it

God Bless, Till Later,

Whew! Completed Dry Run of the 330 mile Run.

2009-04-25T18:03:00.010-04:00

Whew! Today was a long day for ol' Gj and the Missus, so I'll make this short. We began at 8am and headed north to completed the last third of the dry run for the 330 mile run. The further north we traveled, the more hilly the terrain became; a runners dream (or is that nightmare?) What really surprised us was the maps provided by Google dot com maps - for the most part were right on, and within a tenth or so of the mileage indicated. We did however get lost twice, and each time it was because the directions were very vague, reading something like turn right and head towards such and such road, but no mention was made of the name of the road we were to turn right or left on. So we worked ahead and worked our way backwards to where we were and it worked. (Not to mention the help of several locals along the way)

Missus Gj is napping, Babee is sleeping right next to her..Ahh life is good I am blessed...all systems are go!

Here are a few pictures of todays journey:

Park Just North of Gaylord

Portion of the Route

Bridge in the Distance

The Fort Entrance

Our Destination- The Bridge! May 25th, 2009

Find the person who will love you because of your differences and not in spite of them and you have found a lover for life.

Leo Buscaglia

God Bless each of you now and always and in all ways.

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OF MY LITTLE BUDDIES & FAMILIES; THE BIG RUN-A GOOD START ON THE AWARENESS POSTER

2009-04-12T16:11:00.006-04:00

Happy Easter - I know this is almost late...I'd like to wish all of my Little Buddies and their families the bestest and mostest Happy Easter ever and that the Easter bunny left loads of chocolate and candy eggs and all sorts of good stuff. Remember, all of you are in my daily prayers -
"Happy Easter" Little Buddies."

THE BIG RUN-A GOOD START ON THE AWARENESS POSTER: Time surely has away of creeping up on us. In just a few more weeks Missus Gj and I will be off and running our 330 mile adventure raising awareness of neuroblastoma and childhood cancer by promoting bicycle & pedestrian safety and driver alertness all the way. I am getting so excited :) Well, this weekend we got a great start on our awareness poster. Just a few more information cards to print and mount and to print all of the pictures that were sent to me (boy oh boy, you guys and gals are really handsome and pretty :) ..it will be awesome...we'll tell everyone we meet that we're not quiting till the cure is found and they can help with a small donation.!!! Oh, before,I forget here's a picture of our poster board

Till later as now I am off printing the picrures you sent me; all of you have blest me so much -thank you

“Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. Love still stands when all else has fallen.” (Author unknown to me)

God Bless,

Far Too Many New Angels....I shall Never Quit!.

2009-03-09T19:23:00.002-04:00

As I attempt to catch up with all of the happenings within the world of NB, I am becoming all too well aware that far too many Little Buddies are becoming Angels far too early. My heart aches for all of my Little Buddies, and their families fighting this horrible disease. With so many relapses of late and several new angels, it is it’s hard to figure out the why as there is no reason other than our humanity. My solace resides in my faith knowing they are sitting at the loving Hand of our Blessed Lord for all eternity. My joy is the hope and knowledge that someday I too will join them.

This past Saturday, I learned that a very special person to me (all of my Little Buddies are very special to me) left us to join our ever growing Angelic Choir. Cody Johnson, although I never met you in person, I must know let you know that you are why I started running for my Little Buddies and their families. I had dreams that one day you and your very special dad, Mickey and I would run a marathon or at least a half marathon together; beating all odds, we would conquer the unconquerable.

Well, now that will never be, or will it? I will carry you in my heart, and your name will take its place of honor and in memory on our Angels Rainbow racing shirt. Every mile I run and every race I race will be for you and for your family and for all of my Little Buddies and their families. If I am really lucky maybe one day Grandpa John will not have to run another single mile fighting NB as a cure will have been found. But until that day happens, I again make you and all of my Little Buddies this Promise:

“I will continue to run to raise Funds (I pray so) for research and awareness for the cause until my legs gets too old or tired to run; then I’ll just let my Heavenly Father carry me onward in my racing till the cure is found. I Shall Never ever quit!”
May the Peace of our Heavenly Father grant peace and bestow a special healing potion of love to the families and friends of our newest Angels: Cody Johnson, Emilio Gravez, Jacob Stovall, Noah Tyler Bell, Shu Qinpet (pet name Xinxin) and Jenna Mussolini.
Their names will be added to our Angels Forever memorial and to my Angles Rainbow Racing shirt.
Please inform me if I have misspelled or misnamed any one of our most precious and beautiful Angels, I will correct immediately- Thanks Gj

Gj’s Whereabouts, Angels Swan Song, Border to the Bridge is still ago, Getting excited

2009-02-16T07:56:00.003-05:00

Gj’s Whereabouts: Finally, time is starting to smile giving me an opportunity to update a sadly neglected blog. Actually, since just before Christmas work and family issues have taken over my life allowing very little opportunity to keep our blog current. I won’t’ go into the details since they are really boring; suffice to say “I am Back!” and I will work really hard at keeping you all updated on progress made.

Angels Swan Song: My dear friends please accept my apologies for not keeping our “Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication updated. So many new angels have joined the heavenly choir that my heart is overwhelmed with sadness. I know many of my Little buddies have gained their wings ; so many since my last update that I am not sure if I have all of their names. So, if you see that I have missed someone, please send me their name and I’ll add them to our honor roll. My condolences and prayers go out for all of the families and love ones who have gained a new angle within their family.

A light snow fell during last Saturday’s training run. It was beautiful. As the snowflakes landed gently on my brow I became aware of an inner voice whispering “Hey Grandpa John, please add our names to the Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication list. We do not want to be forgotten.”

Well now, I don’t know about you but when I get a request from my inner voice I listen, besides I made a promise to all of my Little Buddies and their families too that I would not let them be forgotten, I’d do all I can to be a voice for the voiceless. The heavenly choir’s newest angels singing sweet melodic songs are Nicholas Pagano, Trooper Dante Tareboreli, Carter Wax, Zachary Finestone, Cora McClenahan, Little Roy Gutierrez and Chloe Smith

Border to the Bridge is Still a Go: All Systems are Go for May’s run - Stay tuned more to follow. All I can say is that I am glad that I am not in the logistics field.

Getting Excited: I just have to share with my family that Daniel, my son who is currently stationed in Iraq, will be home on R & R in a couple of months and I am getting really excited. I’ll be so happy to see him as it’s been almost 2 years since we’ve had the opportunity to be together. Please pray for all of our men and women who are in harms ways; they deserve no less - Gj

The Never Ending Song, A New Addition to Gj's Family

2008-11-24T16:18:00.004-05:00

The Never Ending Angels Song: Monitoring my email over the weekend I received notice of another Angel joining our ever growing Angelic Choir. Such news always saddens my heart. Yet, a calm peace over takes my soul for I know that our newest beautiful Angel Kyah Milne will never again feel pain but only joy as he/she sings melodic melodies to our Creator. Praying for the day when we reunite for eternity, I offer my sincerest and most heart felt condolences to the family of Kyah Milne. My next race will be to honor her memory.

A New Addition to Our Family: Late last week Missus Gj informed me that a co-worker of hers had a beautiful puppy that she had to give away because with rheumatoid arthritis she could no longer care for the baby in an appropriate way. Since I was looking for a running companion I was interested. So, on Saturday we went over to the coworker’s house to see this beautiful animal…I was surprised! Brindle in color, stood a strong, but beautiful little 4 month (?) old female American Pit Bull. Prior to going over to the house I knew that we’d be seeing a pit bull, but I had to do my homework first since I've heard so much bad publicity about these dogs. Well, to make a long story short, what I found to be true was that while these dogs can be animal aggressive, most if not all, pit bull attacks are a result of poor training & caused by human neglect. I further found that this breed of dog is very athletic, and when fully matured looks forward to walking (read running :) 5 to 10 miles daily, an ideal running companion for me to be sure. With that said however, I am not naive. To be a responsible owner of such a fine animal, I will be taking “Babee” to Obedience Classes right having her spayed and given all of her shots. A chore to be sure, but one I look forward to as I have already fallen in love with her and look forward to training her as well – I will be the alpha male in our house…well at least as far as she is concerned I will be, to Missus Gj wellllll that is another matter altogether. :) Belwo are a few pictures of our new Babee, I just think she is so sweet)

Hi! It's me Babee.Yes, I am Cute, Aren't I?
Babee getting Warm after our Walk

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu

Till Later, God Bless,

Gj

Race tomorrow - Angel's Rainbow Shirt updated.

2008-11-08T13:22:00.005-05:00

Our Angel's Rainbow Racing Shirt has been updaed for tomorrow's race, "The Rugged Man 4.8 Trail Run / Walk " Along with Pictures of some of my Little Buddies this is the shirt I'll be wearing. Since it is almost the end of the running season, I'll be retiring this shirt soon, But I will make up a new one for the 2009 Racing series and it will have all of our angels names on it too.

If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!
D.L. Moody

Till Later,

God Bless - Gj

Again, Today I Hear of Another New Angel

2008-11-07T18:05:00.004-05:00

Again, Today I Hear of Another New Angel: It always saddens my heart to hear of and report on another of my Little Buddies earning their Angels Wings. Yet, again today I learned that my Little Buddy, unknown to me until today, Jay Jay LeBoeuf is now singing angelic songs of love to our creator. At times, I think I hear the faint melodic refrain of love as the choir joins in welcoming their newest angel, Jay Jay.

As with all of my Little Buddies I make the promise to Jay Jay's family:

"I shall not quit running until the cure is found. If too old or weak to run, I shall ask our Heavenly Father to carry me to the finish line - the cure."

My most heartfelt condolences to the family of Jay Jay; may God’s grace heal the wound of such great loss. – Gj.

"A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world.”
Leo F. Buscaglia

All of you are a Blessing to me, You enrich my Life - Thank you - Gj

Rest peacefully in His Arms of Love,

Grandpa John

New Angels to Grace our Memories; Our Other BLOG - Recently Updated: New Fund Raiser Link

2008-11-06T18:07:00.012-05:00

New Angels to Grace our Memories: Sadly, this morning I again learned of two new Angels. My heart aches for them and their families. Yet, comfort was mine through the knowledge that they no longer suffer in this earthly body, but are rejoicing at the feet of our Heavenly Father for all eternity. Singing most wonderful songs of love, as the angelic choir welcomes Kody Edwards and Brody Hurt into their midst my heartfelt condolences go out to their families and friends May we find comfort in His loving mercy now and for ever as we too shall join them on that glorious day when we are called home (Our Angels Rainbow Racing shirt and Race dedication will be updated with Kody and Brody's names. I will post a picture of it when the ink is dry)

Our Other BLOG - Recently Updated: If you haven't had the opportunity to visit our other Blog, "From the Border to the Bridge - Fighting Childhood Cancer - a 330 mile Running Odyssey" please do so by following this link:

http://fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/

NEW Fund Raiser Link: Ol' Grandpa John is helping to promote this excellent Fund Raiser Soooooooooo, please click on the Press On Store button (above) to give a gift of fragrant, white, super easy care paper whites and support childhood cancer research at the same time! For each gift purchased, 15% of the price will be donated to fight neuroblastoma. Choose super large, top quality paper white bulbs in a stylish ceramic square to brighten the window sills and desks of your friends,family or coworkers and take this opportunity to support important cancer research work. Just type PATRICK into the Discount Code/Special Offers field as you checkout and 15% of your gift order value will be donated to Press On: The Patrick R. Chance Fund for Neuroblastoma Research.

Well Folks, it's time to call it a night as Missus Gj requested that I join her for a cup of bed time tea. So till later, remember this:

I Love Each and Everyone of You for You just being You.

Love is always bestowed as a gift - freely, willingly and without expectation. We don't love to be loved; we love to love.
Leo Buscaglia

God Bless, Rest peacefully in His Arms

Till Later,

Gj

The Half marathon Report...long

2008-10-20T19:57:00.018-04:00

Since the half marathon report is so long I'll catch you all up on the other events of the day within the next few days...Please enjoy the read.

The Report:

It’s 3am race day and I am fully awake and being ever so quiet so as not to waken up Missus Gj. It’s a wonder that we got any sleep at all considering the noise outside our hotel room window. (And noise it had to be since we were on the 15th floor) Surely it had nothing to do with the fact that a RAVE night club was right across the street and all patrons ere being frisked before entry. Yes we could see that from our window (ahh, security at its finest. Every so slowly time marched on.

After showering and eating my pre-race ritual meal, it was approaching 5:30am; time to put the coffee on for Missus Gj. As the aroma of the coffee filled the room, Missus Gj’s nose twitched once or twice and like a bolt of lightning she was out of bed, had her first cup of coffee, showered, ate a light snack and off we were to the race: Time 6:20am.

Going to elevator we again found it to be out of order (during our stay, 3 out of 4 elevator banks were down for repair, save once when 2 banks were working) geesh, just what we needed, not only was I going to run the half, but I was also going to walk 15 flights of stairs down to the lobby, not to mention the toll this had on Missus Gj, who by the way, is not a runner. Down the stair we walked….

Reaching the lobby we noticed that about 30 or 40 runners were milling around waiting to depart to the race. Since we are slow walkers, Missus and I left immediately for the starting line which was about 4 blocks away (the race director strongly suggested that we be in or corrals by 6:30am). Getting closer to the starting line we noticed that thousands of runners and spectators were already there (yes, thousands) lining the beginning of the course. Some runners had already made it to their respective corals; whereas after a quick kiss, I left Missus Gj at the corner of Michigan and Washington Streets. I still had to walk a couple of blocks to find my coral lettered P. Yes, one of the blessings in being slow is being placed way to the back of the pack.

I am not too sure about the number of people in our coral, but I sure was glad to see that many of us were in about the 10 minute pace range or so…fast enough to have fun but not so fast where we’d be called speedy by any stretch of the imagination. Suddenly the loud speakers blared bringing all runners to a quiet whisper. The MC announced that the Canadian national anthem was to begin followed by the Star Spangled Banner…all was quite till the end…I must say both anthems were sung beautifully, ours (the American) by “The Shades of Blue” (Oh How Happy you Have Made Me). The time had arrived….

First it was the special runners, those in wheeled bicycles, then the marathoner runners and walkers. Finally it was our turn, us half marathoners. Runners.. Ready...Set...Go... Time: 7:15 we were off. Well, not really since there were a few thousand of us, it took several minutes for the group to start moving. About two minutes later we moved a few feet, then a few more; off and running the crowd began its 13.1 mile journey..

Trying to gain momentum and achieve pace was almost impossible. As we moved down Michigan Ave, volunteers were lining the street warning us of cars, yes cars, still parked on the street. And since we had only the south side lanes, thing became quite tight every now and then. In fact I tried to gain momentum by running on the sidewalk, only to trip myself on a curb I did not see as I crossed the road. Ouch, my knees, or should I say pride. But, up I jumped and continued on. Turning left on Rosa Parks we headed south to Fort Street where we’d turn right again and start our journey towards the bridge at about mile 3 or so…that is where the major bottle neck slowed all runners to a crawl. In fact, my pace was reduced to over 16 minutes per mile, less than 4 mph…it was then I realized that my sub 2 hour goal was out the window. So, I did what I intended to do all along; I enjoyed the run and conversed about my Little Buddies to all who would listen.

The sun was just beginning its westward journey as we ran across the Ambassador Bridge. How beautiful Windsor’s skyline is set against a rising sun. It was breath taking, I wanted those few moments to last forever. All too soon however we were in Canada and rounding the bend on the truck exit to to the right. Traveling down this road we were finally on the waterfront edge were we’d be traveling for a few miles prior to entering the Windsor Tunnel to head back to the good Ol’ USA via the marathons world only International underground mile. I can’t thank the folks of Windsor enough. Great aid stations with friendly and smiling volunteers…the Canadians really came out in force to cheer us runners on. Truly this is an International event worth running.

As we entered the tunnel, my body began to give me little signs that I was going to be in for a battle, a small one, but a battle nonetheless. Shortness of breath, thanks to over 40 years of smoking, caused my body to scream for more oxygen. I did slow down just a tad in response, but I continued on running. I would not quit. As much as I loved the idea of an underwater mile, my body was demanding fresh air and a cool breeze How much further? It was the longest mile of my life. Finally however we exited the other side (Ahh! Blessed Fresh Air) where a few dozen border guards kept informing us runners to make sure our bib numbers were visible. Up and out of the tunnel we ran and turned left on Jefferson Ave heading straight toward Cobo and the Joe Lewis Arena, where we then turned left and headed toward the river front again by taking a sweeping ramp around and down to the right. I saw a sign were it said that we were at kilometer 15 of the race, or just a little over 9 miles. Only 4 miles to go.

Making a few more turns we ran a short distance through historical Cork town. Crowd support was wonderful here too and I think I saw Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (Heat Wave) performing somewhere along here too. Oh how their music brings back memories of a youth so long ago. Turning left on Michigan Ave we were getting close to the final stretch; only about two miles to go. Here the course started to open up. Far too late for a slow poke such as myself, but I was having the run of my life, or should I say time of my life (So many asked about my Little Buddies and my 330 mile run next year). Suddenly we were where it all began.

Turning left we headed north on Washington Blvd toward Grand Circus Park where we’d make a right turn go one block and turn right again and head south on Woodward to the Finish line just past State St. Weird, I thought I heard someone call my name. Who would know me here? Hey Grandpa John, is that you? Looking around I noticed that another runner was calling my name. She told me her name was Alex (forgive me if I misspelled your name. I am ashamed to say that you were speaking in my left ear which is about 80% deaf). She too was running to the memory of our Special Friend Angel Mitchell Butler and that if Mitch had run the half he would have finished a half hour ago. She also told me that she had heard that I was running from the Border to the Bridge next and that she would monitor my progress. With that she was off like speeding lightning.

As we turned south towards the finish, I knew the race was almost over…..picking up speed I so wanted to have a good finishing kick, but that wasn’t to be. A runner by my side was bent over and appeared to be getting ready to lose her stomach. I slowed to a crawl and asked if she was ok? T o that she struggled to say yes, but just a little sick to her stomach. I walked a few feet with her as she regained her composure. Once I was sure she was o.k., I was off and only had a half block to go. Before I knew it, I sped across the finish line hands raised high into the air. Victory will be ours. Childhood Cancer will be beat! My time: 2:06:35…..not bad, not too bad at all.

Post Script: Missus Gj was supposed to meet me at the finish line. I looked and could not find her anywhere. Ultimately, it took us over 5 hours to find each other….where? At our hotel of course.. I even had the front desk called the police to make certain my sweetie wasn’t in the hospital somewhere or worse…talk about crossed lines of communication..LoL

Pictures:

Sun set from our hotel window:

Gj in Running gear:

The Runners at the Start

Michigan's Governor Granholm - She's quite the Runner from what I hear..and fast too.

Angels Rainbow shirt updated; Promotion of Next Year’s 330 Mile Run

2008-10-17T19:56:00.002-04:00

Angels Rainbow shirt updated: Finally had a chance to add Eliza’s and Brandon’s name to our Angels Rainbow shirt. As can be seen, our 2008 Angel’s Rainbow shirt is showing some wear, but not too bad considering that it’s been through 8 maybe 9 or so races this season ranging from 5K’s up to and through our extreme 50K Ultra marathon, which was more akin to a Ranger’s qualification course (well that might be just a little exaggeration, but not by much). Now it stands ready to be worn again for the onslaught of the 13.1 miles this Sunday.

Promotion of next Year’s 330 mile Run: Below is a picture of the back of our Angel’s Rainbow shirt with a sign promoting our next year’s run. What is really exciting is that a running bud of mine made several similar signs made up and has been asking coworkers and friends to wear one as they run either the half or full marathon. At last count I think Lisa handed out 12 or so signs, and I made up and additional 40 signs and will be handing them out to any runner willing to wear one. I also will be handing out the promotional cards I had made up.
As soon as I find out the names of all the runners promoting our cause, I add them to a new listing which I will call “Our Little Buddies Friends” or something like that.

Well, I am getting ready for Sunday's run, so I will close for now with these words:

Undertake something that is difficult; it will do you good. Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

Ronald E. Osbornun

God Bless,

Another Angel –Brandon Loose, A Special Friend Angel – Mitchell Butler, Another Step Closer to the 330 Mile Run

2008-10-07T19:13:00.004-04:00

Another Angel - At times, when I run I swear I hear the NB Angels calling my name and cheering me on to run just a little faster and just a little further. Today was no different except the Angelic c choir sang a sweet melodic refrain of love as a welcome to Brandon Loose as he joined the heavenly hosts…forever pain free and sitting by our creators feet..Brandon, we patiently wait our turn to join you in heaven where together will sing songs of praise for eternity….My condolences to the family and friends of Brandon…I shall continue to run until the cure is found or my feet too tired to carry me, then I’ll ask my heavenly father to carry to the finish line: “The Cure.” That is my promise, I shall keep it!

A Special Friend Angel – Mitchell Butler: As I ran my 5 mile training run tonight I came across a memorial built on the side of the road where several young men and a young lady with heads hung low were paying tribute, to what I was to find out, a very special friend killed in a most tragic accident. I won’t’ go into detail but suffice to say they were wounded to the quick. I can’t, as with our NB Angels, even fathom the pain felt by the family. As I stood there also paying tribute to Mitchell, I told them who I was and why I run. I promised them that I would also run the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon in Mitchell’s memory…So I shall!

I know the depth of love of my NB family and how they all too knowingly understand the pain of loss, and hopefully in some small way the love I have for them by running in honor and memory of their children, my "Little Buddies." My condolences to the family, friends and all at Redford Union High School whose lives were touched by this fine young man, Mitchell Butler.

Another Step Closer to the 330 Mile Run –Today I received the “business cards” (if you want to call them that-see Picture below) that advertise the “From the Border to the Bridge Journey Run” I’ll be running next May. Along with wearing my Angel’s Rainbow shirt and my Little Buddies pictures, I will be handing them out at the upcoming Detroit Free Press Marathon/ Half Marathon October 19, 2008).

Hopefully, this will help raise awareness to a new level (If you have visited the blog site for the run: www. fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com - please forgive me as I am way behind in updating it. I will update it in a few days- ).

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

God Bless & Rest Peacefully in His Arms

Grandpa John

An Angel Reminded Me

2008-09-28T08:01:00.004-04:00

At 5am, the air was refreshingly cool and the skies very clear as I began my morning’s training run. Stating out from home, I wound my way down the road to Lola Park, which I find very enjoyable to run since it borders the Rouge river flood basin. Here and there every so often my headlamp would catch the glimmer of some small (or not so small) animal scurrying about in attempt to hide from the light my lamp provided. I could never completely make out who the visitor was. I do know that on previous runs I had seen squirrels (way too early), skunks (hmm hope not), possums, raccoons, and every so often a ground hog. I felt overwhelmed with thanksgiving knowing God has given me so much. I thanked him as I ran on with prayer stirring in my heart; all too soon I had reached the half way point, time to turn around.

As I turned to begin the journey home, I noticed that a fog started to settle in the low lying area giving a very eerie glow and twinkle to the few lights bathing the area. The fog continued to thicken, yet the twinkling lights were become brighter, not dimmer. What’s happening? I wondered. Another strange event is that I thought I heard someone speaking to me. Looking around I saw no one. Yet the voice continued, but I couldn’t make out what was being said…Until I heard, “Hey Grandpa John did you forget about me? Before I could ask, forget about whom, my question was answered:

“It’s me, Eliza S. I’m an angel now, but I didn’t see my name listed on our “Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication” list. You didn’t forget me, did you?”

Oh my, I must quit procrastinating I thought …

“No Eliza, I didn’t forget about you, I never could. Forgive me, I have no excuse. I’ll add your name as soon as I get home. I’ll tell all about our meeting and just how special you are and how you are singing gloriously sweet melodies to our creator and that you’re patiently waiting for us to join you as you are loving held in God’s hand.”

“I knew you didn’t forget me GJ, I just had to remind you,” was Eliza’s reply.

Oh, the twinkling lights...that easy. The twinkling lights were all of the other Angels trying to get my attention.

My condolences to Eliza’s family, may God comfort & bless them as they too wait patiently for that glorious day when we are all reunited in love.

"Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all"
.....Dale Carnegie

God Bless, Till Later….

Grandpa John.

Spur of the Moment - St Val's Fun Run, The Big Adventure & Next Race

2008-09-23T19:04:00.016-04:00

Spur of the Moment -St Val's Fun Run: Sunday’s St. Valentines church “5K Fun Run and Walk” was a spur of the moment decision Yet, one I gladly made since it gave me another opportunity to spread the word about my “Little Buddies,” which I freely did to all who would listen. In fact many folks asked about the pictures around my neck If I were to guess the total number of runners and walkers, I would have to say that about 190 folks participated in this fun filled event made even more beautiful since Sunday’s weather was made for running, about 70 degrees with a cool breeze blowing out of the west. The starting time was 3pm or there abouts. Nothing was left to chance nor were “things” overly stuffy and laden with rules and regulations. In fact, the starting time was delayed a few minutes to allow for runners running a little late (pardon the pun). At 3:10 the color guard marched up to the starting line and as the St Val’s choir sang our national anthem (Although most were quiet, it still surprised me that so many didn’t know that they should have placed their right hand over the heart during the singing of our nations song – you do know the proper practice don’t you?) A cheer went up as the choir finished singing. The run was about to begin.

Sirens blaring and horns a tooting, we runners took off. Since I waddle more than run I was at the back of the pack. Yet, I found myself overtaking many runners, only to see the reason why- stretching across the street were about 15 or 20 walkers walking abreast and beside them were several youngsters pedaling their bicycles, some still were using training wheels. How wonderful to see so many families and children enjoying each other so much; smiles and giggles wafted through the air. As we turned the first corner we runners were able to side step the walkers and shoot for the gold, which surely would be ours for the taking at the finish line.

Ever so slowly the pace and tempo of the run increased. But what is this I am hearing? Clomp, Clomp, Clomp! I turn my head slightly to look and what do I see a youngster of all about 8 or 9 running totally flat footed and over taking me like I was standing still. How could this be? I do not know. Yet I continued on and making the first mile in a little over 8 minutes I knew this would be a good race…until I turned the corner on 5 mile road there walking was Clomp Clomp…I asked if he was ok..He indicated that he was fine but he had a side stitch…ouch…haven’t had one for years but I remember them well...So, I slowed to a walk and asked his name. It was Andy. Seeing the picture hanging around my neck Andy asked who they were. So I told him all about my little buddies and why I run and I asked “Andy would you like to wear one of these pictures? My Little Buddies always give me help when I am having trouble with my run. Andy replied “sure.” So I pinned a picture on Andy’s shirt and true enough, my our little angels must have gave him strength as he was off like lightening. In fact, Andy started running so fast that I didn’t catch up to him for about a mile or so and that was only about a half a mile from the finish line…

As I turned what was to be the last corner in the race I saw the finish line about 400 meters up ahead…turning up the steam I let no one pass me as I kicked it in gear and pushed my lungs to their limited capacity crossing the finish line in 27:27. Surely not as fast as I could, but it was a fun run. Wasn’t it?

The Big Adventure: Mark your calendars now folks OL’ Gj will be doing the journey run next May - Exact date still TBD.

Here is the link to the blog site (needs to be up dated badly) tracking the details of this adventure which will be called “From the Border to the Bridge – Fighting Neuroblastoma”

http://fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/

Next Race: Oct 19, 2008 - The Detroit Free Press Half Marathon or Oh, how I love distance

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"I love you, not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you."

Roy Croft

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I love each of you

Till Later - God Bless,
Grandpa John

Mini-Race Report or Better Late than Never.

2008-09-13T10:43:00.010-04:00

Run Statics:
50K – 31.0685 Miles

Elevation Gain over 50K: 9, 572 ft
Elevation Loss over 50K: 9,570 ft

Avg. pace: 16.03 (You had to be there to believe it )
Avg. Speed: 3.7 mph

Max Speed: 11.7 mph

Age Group Standings: 5th of 7 runners

Overall Standings: 112 out of 133

Total Time: 8:49:59.73 – Now that’s a Butt Kickin slow Whew!!!!

Temperatures were around 50 degrees race day morning. Not wanting to be late, Missus Gj and I headed out from our hotel room around 5am. The drive took twenty minutes. Parking attendants directed us to our parking spot, about 400 meters from the stat/finish line. This was necessary since the Relay teams had to use chase vehicles to meet the respective team runners at the various relay points; their race begin their race at 8am

Although we arrived early there where many runners already readying themselves for the arduous journey ahead (and that is not an understatement). I began to double check, no make that triple check my equipment: My Buddies pictures - check (Please note that I did not carry them around my neck due to the many hazards I would encounter on this run – Missus Gj held them for me at the finish line – she did show them off for all to see), Hydration pack – check, power bars & gels -check, trail shoes – check, drop bag – check, safari hat – check, all is ready

Suddenly, the race director called out “All you Krazy ultra runners to the starting line now, the racer starts in 5 minutes”. All too soon, the starting time (6:15am) was upon us; head lamps were going to be needed to see the trail for the first leg or so of the race. Runners Set...Go, we were off…

The runner’s headlamps made it look like hundreds of fire flies were lighting the trail as we set out. Since the starting line was out in the open at the beach it initially didn’t seem too dark until about a quarter mile later when we entered the foreboding wooded trail, made more for a goat than a human to be sure. At first we runners were bunched up as we snaked our way down the winding trail, looking ahead you could see the flickering of the headlights as the runners weaved in, out and down the darken path. As we proceeded, the pace smoothed out, our rhythms found. For safety reasons none of the runners attempted to pass; besides it was still way too early in the race to do else wise. The sun started to crest over the tress as we neared the end of this part of the race; it was a beautiful sunrise. In fact, I had to stop and marvel at its beauty as we turned down “Monks Rd (running west to east). The orange globe filtered thru a rising fog gave a surreal look to my path forward (it was so beautiful that I thought that maybe this is what heaven is like for my Little Buddies). Appropriately, this section was called the Awakening, 4.75 miles in length and technically would rate a scale of 1 on a 1 to 5 rating with 1 being easiest. That rating would soon be nothing but a pleasant memory living within a horrible reality.

The next several sections of the ultra were technically more challenging and would be worthy of rating of anywhere from a 3 to 5. Most time trails were nonexistent as we blazed our way through poison ivy patches, nettle bushes, around fall tree and 3 knee high streams with muck and mud abounding - It was heaven. As I started to land after jumping a hefty tree blocking the trail, my left calf felt like a hammer hit it. Looking down I didn’t notice any blood so I continued on… this was somewhere around mile 9 ….I should have looked first since on the far bottom side of the truck was a broken limb just waiting to give me my first and only injury of the race. Only now a week later is the bruising evident….

I could go on and on about how beautiful the weather was last Saturday, how challenging the trails were and much I enjoyed the “Dances with Dirt Ultra” race, but there are not enough words to describe it adequately; it has to be lived, experienced - for through the pain of the 31.0685miles I found life and was able to spread the word about my Little Buddies to many runners….

Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.-- Brian Tracy.

God Bless Everyone of you...

Till later,

Tomorrow is the Big Day

2008-09-05T12:23:00.001-04:00

I am so excited! Months of training and preparation have prepared me for tomorrow’s big race, the "Dances with Dirt Ultra Marathon". I can’t wait to tell all who are present about my Little Buddies and Angels....Start time 6:15am

I want to take these brief few moments before I head out to remind all as to the reason I run. It’s contained here in this blog. I run to thank God for giving me back my health; I run because I am blest; I run….I run…I run…. To raise awareness of Neuroblastoma and to overcome the tears which come with that dreaded disease; I run to honor all of My Little Buddies, I love each of you very, very much; And I run to honor the memory of those Little Buddies of mine, who fought so valiantly but are now Angels: Austin Melgar, Courtney Saunders, Cooper Riley Proscia, Emily Adamson, Victoria Houston, John Eric Bartels, Kathy Ann Wilkinson, Alara Curran, Spencer Dolling, Marissa Monroe, Olivia Weber, Alexa Aigner, Joe Daily, Ryan Willians, Janie Kashino, Dustin Cobb, Alyssa Chappell, Addison Whipple, Amber Mastey, Katie Krize, Gustavo-Alexis, Kelvin Harper, Maggie Achuff, Kristin Hope, Kahlilla Blyss, Arden Quinn Bucher, Douglas Swift, & Max Mikulak.

My “Little Angels” please help Ol’ Gj should I weaken at anytime during the race tomorrow. I’ll do my best for you, and all who are still here, earth bound till that wonderful day when we are reunited in heaven for eternity.

God Bless

Gj

Update to Race Day Angels Rainbow Shirt.

2008-09-02T18:46:00.004-04:00

Just a short posting to let you all see the shirt I will be wearing this Saturday for the Dances with Dirt Ultra. It contains the names of all the Angels I've been made aware of since I began this blog back in the April time frame.

Well I have much left to do prior to Saturday mornings race starting time of 6:15am so till later I leave you with this:

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.”

Karen Ravn

God Bless, Gj

Newest Angels & My Promise to My Buddies & Their Families

2008-09-01T14:51:00.004-04:00

Newest Angels: Since I've begun this journey of mine I am amazed at how quickly our Angelic Choir grows. Arden Quinn Bucher, my little buddy, I was going to run the Dances with Dirt 50K in her honor, now I will dedicate this run to her memory. Joining her are Douglas Swift and Max Mikulak. I did not have the privilege of introducing myself to these fine young men , but I will most definitely added them to our “ Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication” list and will, along with Arden, run the Dance With Dirt Race in their memory too. My prayers and condolences to the families of Arden, Douglas, and Max and May God’s Peace be theirs now and forever.

My Promise to My Buddies & Their Families:

In April when first began this quest, my (our) Angelic Choir had one member to sing us sweet songs of love. Now within the last two days, three new members have joined the host of angels singing sweet songs of freedom. This brings the Angelic Choir to a total membership of 28 Angels; far too many in such a short time span.

Therefore, I reiterate my Promise to all of my Little Buddies and their families:

“I will continue to run for the cause until my legs get too old or tired to run, then I’ll just have to let my Heavenly Father carry me onward in my racing till the cure is found…

Yep! That’s my promise to you, all of you, and I will keep it."

I love each of you with my whole Heart

Grandpa John

A New Angel Joins The Angelic Host & Race Dedication

2008-08-26T17:16:00.005-04:00

Our Newest Angel- Today I received notice that heaven gained its newest angel, most beautiful Kahlilla Blyss join in sweet song pleasing to our ears. May Kahilla's family take comfort knowing that she is forever singing lovely songs to be heard by all of creation. My condolences to Kahailla's family during these most difficult of times.

Race Dedication: On September 6, 2008 I will be running the Dance with Dirt ultra marathon (50K). I will dedicate race to our newest angel,Kahlilla Blyss

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. ~C.S. Lewis

Till Later, God Bless

Gj

Belated Update to Angels’ Listing, Son’s Deployment

2008-08-21T17:39:00.002-04:00

Belated Update to Angels’ Listing - Surely as time passes, or so it seems, our Angelic Choir continues growing.

The entire Angelic choir was on hand to welcome into heaven our newest Angels: Alyssa Chappell, Addison Whipple, Amber Mastey, Katie Krize, Gustavo-Alexis, Kelvin Harper, Maggie Achuff and Kristin Hope please sing a sweet refrain most pleasing to our ears. May we receive comfort from the fact that all of you are now pain free & sitting by the feet of our Heaven creator for all eternity. Please save a seat for us as we wait our turn to join you. My condolences and prayers for all of the families during these most difficult of times.

Sons’ Deployment - As I ponder the thought that my son, SRA Raschke (soon to be Tech Sgt) will shortly be deploying, a fear grips my soul, and many “what ifs” enter my mind. Yet, I normally do not live in fear, nor entertain such “what if” thoughts. Therefore, I will do my best not to go there now. However, as an expression of my love for him, I offer to you an open letter to my son Senior Airman Raschke.

Dear Son,

It seems like just yesterday I took you to Ted Nugent’s “Camp for Kids”, you were just 12 years old. How proud I was to see you standing by Ted’s side as you had a bow and arrow shoot off with the Motor City Mad man himself. Do you remember? You scored a “Bulls eye, in the deer silhouette, while Ted shot the outer ring (I may be biased, but to this day I really think he missed). Oh, how I cherish such memories. I guess that is one of the blessings of growing older.

Now as you ready for deployment I wish I had words of advice that would help ease any ill feeling you may have. Well, for once I must admit I don’t, I am speechless, except for this: Rely on your Training and Each Other, Never Quit, Never Under Estimate the enemy, and Do Not Hate them. I say this because that is what makes us so much different than they; if possible in war do all you can to rise to a higher moral plain and protect those whom you have sworn a Holy oath to God to do. Anything else I might be able to say would be inadequate.

However, if God were to grant me one wish it would be that I was still in uniform. I’d love to join you and stand by your side and fight the good fight together as father and son (and maybe in some small way we are). Alas though, the circle of life is almost complete; my son this journey is yours and your teams’ to make. Daniel, you have blest me in so many ways. Please know that you are loved as I know I am.

Son, thank you for your sacrifices and for protecting us from those who would do us harm. I ask God’s Blessings and His protection for you and your brethren daily. I love you.

Dad

"Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow."
Dorothy Thompson

Meeting Some of My Little Buddies, Angels Honor Roll Update, Setting up Camp and Supper & Sleep, & The Race

2008-08-07T04:05:00.023-04:00

Meeting some of my Little Buddies - Right after the race on Saturday, Missus Gj & I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet 3 of my little Buddies actually more when you count family :) This was the most wonderful day ever for Ol' Gj. I just have to tell you that I LOVE ALL OF YOU Here are a few pictures to enjoy. God Bless

Gj's idea of what Heaven will be like

Angels Honor Roll Update: Over the last weekend I became aware that our heavenly Angels Honor Roll choir was on hand to greet its newest members: Katie Krize, Amber Mastey, Kristin Hope and Gustavo-Alexis sing a sweet angelic melody for us to hear. Set free from the bonds of earthly existence rest pain free in His gentle arms for eternity as we wait our turn to reunite with you in love when our day comes

Setting up Camp and Supper & Sleep - Friday afternoon saw Missus Gj and Grandpa John setting up camp at Sleepy Hollow State Park. Bordering a line of tress with a really big walnut tree just off center of our lot and just across from the camp showers and bathrooms our camping site was beautiful, if not to say convenient (which for us old’ guys is really appreciated J First, we unloaded the Trailblazer and then proceeded to set up our sleeping area, the tent; next, up went the screen room which was our cooking and eating area. By this time, it was almost time for me to go and pick up my racing packet for the morning race.

It only took a few minutes for me to get my packet and by the time I got back, Missus Gj had put the finishing touches on our camp site: swept the tent, made the bed, set up our collapsible chairs by the fire ring and even readied the stove for he evening meal (She is really a great help). It was then we noticed that we had forgotten to pack several needed items, especially the bug spray, so it was off to the local Wal-Mart about 10 miles away.

Ready to wear race day

After getting our necessities at Wal-Mart we noticed an Applebee’s just across the street….well, by this time it was getting close to 6pm and we really didn’t want to eat too late. So in we went and ate our fill of glorious carbs and proteins….

Arriving back at camp, Missus Gj and I settled by the fire ring and gazed off into the fire I had just started, all too soon though it was bed time. The slumbering world of dreams had called on us. Sleep although interrupted several times by nature (and the noisy kiddies) was restful and all too soon race day morning had arrived.

The Race: It was really a fun race and a very beautiful day for running. The temp was about 65 degrees at starting time (0800), a slight breeze was blowing off the lake, the humidity not too bad. We started on a little hill overlooking Lake Ovid which is located in Sleepy Hollow State Park, about 15 or 20 miles north of Lansing MI. As we went down the hill we round a little bend and started to head towards the trail we’d all too soon be running. About a quarter mile into the race we entered the forest trail which would be our home for the next 10 miles or so.
Everything was going very well, not too many muddy patches and by mile 4 we had crossed only 1 little stream with little mud or for that matter water (I really wanted a big stream with lots of mud and ooze to play in– must be a guy thing). Then like a sudden thunder storm, things turned dark rather quickly.

First, I happened upon a fellow runner who had just fallen and was limping along. Being a couple of miles from help, I asked if she needed any assistance. Like a true runner, all I heard her say was Nah! I’ll be fine, go on. Turning to run again I immediately saw a runner hobbling along, hardly at a walking pace. Stopping again, I asked if he needed assistance, help of any kind. My inquiry was not well received. After a few choice words he indicated that he was OK and would make it on his own…Then it was my turn.

About mile 4.5 I was running down a hill when all of a sudden my trail shoes dug into some soft soil (soft soil on a heavily traveled trail? Surely sabotage) which because of momentum threw me forward rather awkwardly. To avoid tumbling and to slow down I stated to bound, or weave from side to side. Well, on my second step a broken tree limb jumped out of nowhere and smacked me really hard on my right leg, about 2 inches below my knee cap. Ouch!!! Not seeing any blood nor immediately knowing the extent of my injuries, I trudged on. Every so often though I felt a muscle pull or a stabbing pain just below my right knee, but looking down every s saw nothing.

It was around mile 7 or so that I finally noticed that I had been bleeding quite a bit from my injured leg. Was my race finished for the day, was this the race wherein I’d have to wear the DNF (did not finish) tag the rest of my running career? NO! This would not stop me: I had promised my Little Buddies this race was theirs and I was not going to let them down. Besides it was at my weakest moments like these several times before that my Little Buddies and Angels came through; they never let me down they gave me the courage and strength to carry on.
Angelic voices filled my mind and soothed my body .First it was my “Forever Heroes” carrying me forward: Austin Melgar, Courtney Saunders, Cooper Riley Proscia, Emily Adamson, Victoria Houston, John Eric Bartels, Kathy Ann Wilkinson, Alara Curran, Spencer Dolling, Marissa Monroe, Olivia Weber, Alexa Aigner, Joe Daily, Ryan Willians, Janie Kashino, and Dustin Cobb singing a song I never heard before; it was beautiful. Not really a song or spoken refrain, rather thoughts of love, beauty and pain free acceptance flooded my spirit. Like a lark on high and not remembering much I flew down the trail. Then as I near an exhausted state my Little Buddies with me in spirit all chimed in a melodic chant. Well not so much a chant, but a loud roaring cheer: Justin Gaudineer, Jackson Boyd, Nick Franca, Kerry Leary, Serena Lambert, Sammy Klimas, & Melina Riniolo all with me in spirit were hollering Go GJ! You can do it, you’re almost there, just around the bend and up the hill and you’ll own the 10 miles. Sure enough as I round the bend I saw the small hill; up I went striding all the way. As I crossed the finish line I knew we did it! The 10 miles was ours!!!

Race day Pictures

Getting Close top the Finish

Crossing the Finish Line

Want some Water?

Till Later, God Bless

A Remembrance and Honor; Updated – Photos and Angels Rainbow Memory shirt, & Camping

2008-07-31T16:49:00.006-04:00

A Remembrance and Honor: As I ready myself for Saturday’s run I wish to hold high the memory of all my Little Buddies who are now Angels especially: Olivia Weber, Alexa Aigner, Joe Daily, Ryan Williams, and Dustin Cobb. As I run the Legend in their Memory, I am also running to honor Little Buddies “Justin Gaudineer, Jackson Boyd, Nick Franca, Kerry Leary, Serena Lambert, Sammy Klimas, and Melina Riniolo. I’ll be carrying all of them with me on race day.

Updated – Photos and Angels Rainbow Memory shirt: The pictures below are of the photos and shirt I will be wear on Saturday for the 10 mile race.

Camping: Missus Gj and I will be camping at the state park where the race is being held this weekend. We both are looking forward to a couple of days of relaxation. Nah! I don’t think that will happen, but we are excited that we are getting away for a couple of days. It’s been quite a while since we’ve be been camping, but I never remember it being so labor intensive…Oh well J I am sure we’ll have a few stories to share with you when we get back.

“Great Men Cultivate Love…only little men cherish a spirit of hatred”

Booker T Washington

God Bless ,Till Later

Update to Race Dedication & Poll Question

2008-07-24T18:48:00.004-04:00

Race Dedication Updated - Welcome Melina; we'll have fun race day.

Poll Question - Please take a little time to answer our poll question: Should I allow advertising on the blog to earn funds as doantions to the Band of Parents? If the poll affirms the question I'll take the necesary steps to garner advertisers...monies not much but a little at a time over time can really add up.

For some strange reason I like this message ----

God Bless,

From the Border to the Bridge- Our Other Blog - An Update

2008-07-21T17:11:00.004-04:00

To see a map of my proposed route, please follow the link above (clik on the picture of the Mackinaw Bridge) to our other Blog

"From the Border to the Bridge - Fighting Childhood Cancer - a 330 mile Running Odyssey"

Now it's off for a little Crosss training.

Till Later

God Bless,

Gj

Angels Update, Touched Again & Update to our Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication and Race Dedication Listing

2008-07-20T16:27:00.004-04:00

Angels Update, Touched Again: A mist filled the air, as I ran along on my 10 mile training run this morning. I know the weather man had forecasted rain, but it was supposed to be later in the morning, not at 8am. Memories flooded my soul; the last time I ran in the rain I communed with our Angels. Would it happen again? Sure as rain is wet, a bunny hopped by, then another, a mother duck waddled along with 6 or 7 ducklings, and off in the distance a ground hog scurried along to hide in his hole. But what’s this, a lone butterfly, in the rain, fluttering by my cheek. Surely I am, again, being touch by our Angels. In their way, they are letting me know that the Angelic choir gained two new members this past week and that all is well in Heaven. Janie Kashino and Dustin Cobb sing a sweet refrain for us, forever pain free in the bosom of our Heavenly Father.

My condolences and prayers go out to the Kashino and Cobb families. May His Grace comfort all of you.

Updated Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication and Race Dedication Listing: Today I added Janie and Dustin to our Angels Honor Roll, and added Serena Lambert to our Race Dedication Listing. I do have a couple of more Buddies to add, but I am waiting for the Ok from the parents.

Below is a picture of the update to our Angels Rainbow Racing shirt.

Fighting Childhood Cancer ---

--- "Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."

Leon J. Suenes

God Bless You. May You Slumber Restfully in His Heart Tonight and Always,

An Angelic Cleansing, Missus Gj Day and MY Garden

2008-07-12T15:09:00.011-04:00

An Angelic Cleansing: Today I was at mile 14 of a 24 mile training run when it just decided to rain, not just a light sprinkle, but a heavy down pour; I was completed soaked in less than a minute. Oh well, I do enjoy running in the rain so I continued on…until Thunder reared its ugly head. Now, I do enjoy listening to thunder and truth be told watching electrical storms. But, I do not run in such! So I headed home, only two miles away.

As I headed home, the rain continued its rhythmic beat, drenching my soul with bliss rarely felt. It was then I remembered the last time I felt so; it was our Angels again cleansing my spirit with their tears. These were not tears of sorrow, rather tears of joy experiencing a pain free existence unknown to us earth bound creatures. The thunder I heard was merely the angelic band keep rhythm for the choir welcoming the newest member to heaven. Sing and play on Joe Daily, and Ryan Williams, as we wait our turn to join you.

Missus Gj Day: For all of her support and love, which without I would never be able to accomplish anything, I proclaim tomorrow, Sunday July 13, 2008 Missus Gj Day. To honor Missus Gj, I further proclaim that she will do no work around the house. I will do her daily chores. I will also take her to a movie of her choice and to dinner at a restaurant of her choosing. Thank you for loving me so much honey, I do love you so. The flowers are for you Sweetie

My Garden: Oh, how I love the beauty of flowers. Their aroma intoxicating and each provide a floral display so pleasing to the eye. My garden, it is where I commune with my Creator daily.

Please join and enjoy with me what I see very day.

Hold Dearly those you Love for they are precious beyond measure.

God Bless,

How Time Flies, Picture Mailings, Building our Honor Team, T shirt Layout

2008-07-03T19:40:00.002-04:00

How Time Flies - Wow, it is truly amazing how quickly time flies. Its’ been almost 10 days since I last updated our blog. I apologize for such delay. Yet, not one to offer excuse I must say that the tempo at work increased, and my home chore list really needed tackling; so here I sit offering excuses galore J In the future, I’ll really try to be more punctual in updating our blog.

Pictures Mailings - About 2 week ago I promised to send out the pictures I wore at the last race to my honor buddies. Well, I didn’t forget. I was waiting for some race pictures I ordered to come in from the photographer and they still haven’t arrived. So, over the weekend, I’ll be mailing your pictures out to you. When the other pictures do arrive, I’ll be putting them in the post or will email you an electronic copy – Stay tuned.

Building our Honor Team – I am in the process of building our honor team for my next race, “The Legend” There are so many Little Buddies I want to run this race in honor of that I may over-look a few. So if you’d like Ol’ Grandpa John to run this race (and wear your picture during the race) in your honor, please contact me and let me know. I really wish I didn’t have so many Little Buddies, but hey, isn’t that why I am running? We’ll Kick Neuroblastoma’s butt for sure; it’s not if, but when!

T-Shirt Layout –My Band of Parents friend, Carolyn, is working with our t shirt customizer (Unspoken Love- please visit Terry’s site, it’s most wonderful. Use link to the right- thanks) on our design and should have some more information for us with the next few weeks. These shirts really rock and tell the story. They will be cotton, but I am also working on getting tech shirts made for us runners too – so this is another “Stay Tuned!”

“Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow” Dorothy Thompson

God Bless and Slumber Restfully in His Arms

Gj

Angel’s Honor Roll – A permanent Dedication; Where have I been & Training update

2008-06-23T20:14:00.002-04:00

Angel’s Honor Roll – A permanent Dedication: It is so important to me that the memory of our angels not be forgotten that I have decided to begin the “Angel’s Honor Roll – A permanent Dedication” list. This list will contain the names all of our Angels (that I have been made aware of) that either have had a race run in their memory or will have one run for them. They will never be forgotten!

Where have I been? From Tuesday through Friday of Last week Ol’ Gj was ether fighting some bug, or so run down from over training (Missus Gj’s contention anyway) that his system decided to let him know that he had to slow down just a tad. You see, early Tuesday evening last, I did some very aggressive speed work after which I felt Ok, but later that night and Wednesday morning, Ol Gj felt very ill, nauseous and very weak. If fact, I made all of 30 minutes at work before I decided to go home. .. Fast forward several days… Saturday saw me fit enough to run (waddle) my long run (20 miles) for the week. I feel fine now, I just don’t know about last week though…really strange. Regardless of Missus Gj’s contention, I swear it had to be the chicken salad I ate for lunch last Tuesday. but I’ve been married long enough to know that Missus Gj is always right :) It’s really great to have someone love you so much.

Training Update: I resumed training after a brief illness of last week. Last week I was to train 48 miles but only got 34 in. This week is a down week so my system will get more rest; total mileage scheduled for this week – 36 miles.

Total Mileage To Date: 264 miles

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey. We are spiritual beings on a human journey.- Stephen Covey

God Bless, Rest in His Arms Safely tonight, always and in all ways.

Gj

The Flirts With Dirt 10K Race Report

2008-06-16T19:54:00.007-04:00

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.

Update to Race dedication - A New Angel

2008-06-13T16:11:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-11T18:31:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-06-05T20:52:00.010-04:00

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.

Grandpa John Receives a High Honor

2008-06-03T19:22:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-02T18:17:00.002-04:00

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

2008-05-28T19:03:00.004-04:00

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

2008-05-25T19:55:00.008-04:00

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.

2008-05-22T20:07:00.003-04:00

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

2008-05-19T19:56:00.002-04:00

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

The Never Ending Sadness, Training Update, Spreading the Word & Hug Your Family Night

2008-05-16T17:41:00.001-04:00

The Never Ending Sadness – Again, this morning I learned of another new Angel singing pain free songs of joy. As with all of my little buddies, my heart is saddened when I learned of them earning their wings, yet my spirit is overjoyed for John Eric Bartels. Sing a sweet song for us John; my prayers are with your family during these trying times.

Training Update - So far this week I have I have 22.4 miles in. Sunday and Tuesday had me at 6 miles each day, Thursday I got 8miles in and today I ran “treadmill hills” for 2.4 miles. I anticipate that I will have 30 to 32 miles in before week’s end; so far so good, no indication of muscle soreness or injury.

Spreading the Word – Early this morning I sent a query to the local monthly newspaper asking if they be interested in either publishing a press release or a short story about my fund raising efforts for the Band of Parents and the good work they and Memorial Sloan-Kettering are accomplishing. Well, checking my email later in the day I see a response from the editor. The editor, Lisa, stated that they would run my story in their June edition and that she’d be calling me next week for further information. Circulation for the paper stands at 22000 homes. Oh, I am so happy to get the word out on such good work, but not only that hopefully, this will bring more donations in for my “Little Buddies”

Hug Your Family – Friday is hug your family night; turn the TV off, and just be with your loved ones. Let them know how precious they are and how you treasure their being just who they are. Love them by spending time with them.

Before I go and hug my family, Remember, Please “Say Yes to Grandpa John” by donating the cost of a cup of coffee to the “Band of Parents. It’s easy to do, just follow my link and please be generous. You’ll never know just how much you are loved for donating. And if nobody has told that they love you, I will!

I love you for you just being you. Thank you for enriching my life.

God Bless

Gj

Grandson'sFirst Communion & My Run in NY.

2008-05-14T18:27:00.026-04:00

I am sad to say that I have very few pictures of my grandson's First Communion, but here's Missus Gj and #1 grandson right after. Don't they make a beautiful couple.

Here is #1 grandson and #1 granddaughter. It's easy to see why no distance is too great to travel to see our grandchildren. So far...I guess we'll just have to move to NY.

Running: There is much beauty on the Erie Canal

Well, that about wraps it up for tonight. Remember "Say Yes to Grandpa John" and donate today to the Band of Parents. It's easy to do, just follow my link to their website
Rest Peacefully in His Arms .

Gj

PS: For some reason, (probably operator error) I am having problems uploading my pictures. Maybe with more practice I'll get better...Pleae forebear with me as I get'er right.

Sad of Heart –Blessed Spirit; Thankfulness; New York –Training

2008-05-13T19:30:00.011-04:00

Sad of Heart, Blessed Spirit- Today on arrival home and opening of email what do I find? Another of my Little Buddies has gone home to be with our Heavenly Father. Such loss makes my heart very sad, I can only imagine how the parents must feel. Yet, amidst all this angst, my spirit rejoices knowing that Emily Adamson is singing pain free, angelic melodies of praise. My prayers are going heavenward for Emily’s parents and family. May they be given Peace which only our Heavenly Father can give.

Thankfulness - Today, I am thankful for being so blessed. This last weekend I had the opportunity to attend my grandson’s First Holy Communion. An aura of Holiness permeated the Sacristy as the elements were being readied. Looking over I noticed Justin looking on in awe knowing full well that in just a few moments he would be receiving the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Savior Jesus Christ. And here am I, a very unworthy person to be witness such splendor.

As my grandson walked up the aisle towards the priest, his face was a glow; a radiance hereunto never seen by me before. Surly this was God’s love filling his heart, radiating outward a bathing calm of love to all. I was blest to soak it in.

New York – Training- We arrived around 5pm Friday night; we were ready to rest (sleep and snoring were all I thought of) after a 7 hour car trip. Yet, at 7am, Ol’ GJ was more than ready to run the Erie Canal. All were sleeping as I headed out for what I thought would be a 4mile run, not very long at all, just enough to get the blood pumping. Little did I know that the beauty of the morning would hypnotize me. My 4 miler soon became an 8 mile jaunt. All along the canal, folks, young, old, and lovers too were strolling along at this early hour. I was hoping that this would last forever, yet I knew I had to end it soon, since I had to ready myself for church; all too soon, my run was over.

Sunday’s run was almost a repeat of Saturday’s except I only ran 6 miles and took a few different paths back home, another beautiful day all in all. In fact any run make any day a good day. I was and am blest at having had the opportunity to run Erie.

Total Miles for the weekend - 14 Miles
Total Miles for Today – 6 miles

I am having problems with posting my pictures so I'll post them tomorrow since I do have some chores to catch up on so I'll close for now

Don't forget to "Say Yes to Grandpa John." Please donate to The Band of Parents,it's easy, just follow my link to their site.

Thanks and God Bless

Loved Bunches; New Training tool and First Holy Communion

2008-05-08T20:16:00.004-04:00

Loved Bunches: Wow how loved can a guy be? First and most importantly I am making several new wonderfully beautiful friends. Here’s a really big howdy to Janie, Charli and Katilyn. I can’t wait for the next race. I’ll be carrying your pictures around my neck for sure. And I am still trying for more…. I just have to be careful or I’ll be weighted down so much that I won’t be able to move (that’s OK too) Not only am I making many new friends, there might be something very special in the works as far as it relates to the “Say Yes to Grandpa John” campaign…I can’t really say yet as the particular are still be worked out...stay tuned.

New Training Tool: On top of all of that, my beautiful Bride, Missus Gj really surprised me yesterday…On arriving home from work I see this big box sitting in my “easy chair.” Well Sir, no one or no thing sits in Ol’ Gj’s (However, I do allow all of little buddies to sit in it anytime they want) easy chair. I grabbed that box and was about to say something when I realized that it contained a present for me and what a present it was. It was a Garmin 305, what a toy..oops training tool and I used it this morning on my five mile run. Whew it has all the bells and whistles: It mapped my run, recorded my heart rate; recorded my time and my elevation gain and loss. Here are the stats for this morning: Distance 5 miles; Pace 10:23; Calories Burned - 829; Avg. Heart Rate - 144; Total Ascent - 681 ft.; Total Descent -735 ft (hmm I must live in a hole?). There’s a lot more but I think that give you the idea. Yes, this really is one heck of a training tool. Thanks Hunny, it’s a wonderful present

First Holy Communion: Folks I’ll be out of pocket for the next few days as I’ll be attending my grandson’s First Holy Communion. I am so excited and to share that with him is a real blessing. Please look forward to the next update sometime around Wednesday of next Week. And remember please “Say Yes to Grandpa John.” Please donate to the Band of Parents – When? Now would be nice…

God Bless you.

GJ

A Quick Update: Our Newest Angels, Grandkiddies & Training

2008-05-05T20:33:00.000-04:00

Our New Angels - As I stated yesterday, I had one Angel to add to my “Angel’s Rainbow” shirt. Well, today I learned that indeed not one, but two Angels are singing glorious melodic pain free songs for us. If I listen closely I think I hear them; can’t you? Tonight their names rest on our “Angel’s Rainbow” shirt: Courtney Saunders and Cooper Riley Proscia will run the next race with me. My heartfelt prayers are with the families during their time of sorrow.

Grandkiddies - I am so excited! Missus Gj and I are reading ourselves for a weekend trip to visit the grandkiddies in New York. This is a very special occasion for us as Justin, our grandson, is making his First Communion. I can’t wait to see them. I think the first thing I am going to do is tickle them both (granddaughter Erin J (after a lots of hugs and kisses of course). Well maybe not since they are becoming very big now since Erin is 9, and Justin 7. Oh well….I’m still happy.

Training - With all the happenings of late, I failed to keep all posted on my training. Since Saturday, I have logged approximately 16 miles, as broken down: Saturday – 5k Fun run, 3.1 miles; Sunday LSD (Long Slow distance), 8 miles; tonight 5 miles. Ever so slowly the miles will be increasing until I begin executing to my actual training plan as indicted at the bottom of the page.

Don’t forget the reason folks – Say Yes to Grandpa John

If not you, Who? If not now, When?

Slumber restfully in His Heart

Gj

Another Angel's name Added to my Angel's Rainbow Racing Shirt

2008-05-04T15:48:00.002-04:00

I was going to write of yesterdays activities and how much fun Missus Gj and I had the Cinco de Mayo festivities. But all of that pales in comparison to the sad news I just received. Folks, my Angel’s Rainbow racing shirt is growing again. Today, I have the sad task of adding another name to it, and from what I hear another "Little Buddy" of mine is close to gaining his wings.

With honor, but sadness in my heart, I add the name of Courtney Marie Saunders, our newest Angel to my racing shirt. I will, for as long as I run, run in her memory and the memory of all who are now Angels and will carry their names with me.

We can spend billions and billions of dollars to take life, yet we can’t afford the research to eliminate this horrible and dreadful disease that claims far too many of our little ones, my “Little Buddies” as I fondly and dearly call them. There is something drastically wrong with that; let’s make the change needed We Can Do it! But it requires something of you, me..all of us.

Folks, I invite you to join me today in this fight, and say yes to my “Say Yes to Grandpa John” campaign by donating just the cost of a daily cup of coffee to ”The Band of Parents” who with a working relationship with the fine doctors at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center are doing the research to fight on. Soon I will have my PO Box where you can send your donations to (to help me reach my Goal), but until then please follow my link to the Band of Parents and be Generous in your Giving to them.

IF Not Now, When? If Not You, Who?

God Bless You

Grandpa John

Interesting Day - The Post Office, a Stress Echo Cardiogram Test, & More

2008-05-01T19:31:00.002-04:00

For those of you who visited us before you’ll notice that a few changes were made to the blog’s format. I am going to keep it this way for awhile to see how it works for us. I might have to tweak it here and there a little, but hopefully we have a good layout meeting our needs.

The Post Office: As mentioned at the bottom of the page (How to Donate), I should have had a PO Box by now for mail in donations. Well, can you believe that Redford’s Post Office doesn’t have one open slot? Not to worry though, I was informed this morning that I am on the waiting list and should have a box within two weeks. But hey, don’t let that stop you from donating; just follow the link to the Band of Parents and you’ll be all set to go!

The Stress Echo Cardiogram: For those of you not in the know, about 3 years ago I experienced what I thought to be a significant cardiac event. Well, I wasn’t’ surprised! I weighed in around 250 pounds and I had been smoking for well over 40 years (yes I started very young and was a full blown smoker by age 14). After 3 days in the hospital and after much testing it was found that I did have 2 blocked arteries; 50% each, not enough by protocol to warrant stents. Testing also revealed that I had really bad GERD, Acid Reflux. As I was being told all of this, I remembered the day I came to the hospital…I had a cigarette in the parking lot (Hey, I might be in the hospital for a day or so.) and that thought just sickened my stomach, I had had enough! I entered the hospital December 16, 2005, and that was the last day I ever smoked a cigarette. And to this day I don’t miss them one bit. Anyway, back to the stress test.

I am not sure just how long on the treadmill is considered good, but after I was prepped and given my first EKG and the ultrasound (echo?) of the heart they put me on the ol’ mill. Going and going and going, I told the EKG and Ultrasound techs that I was a runner and just started training for an ultra marathon after a 3 month layoff. (I owed Missus Gj big time since she supported me through 2 marathons last year. So, I remodeled the kitchen for my hunny). And on I went for a total of 15 minutes. That means I went through 5 - 3 minutes cycles wherein each cycle means the treadmill increases in speed and elevation. Now the tech told me that the machine maxes out in 21 minutes and that he was impressed with my 15 minutes. I told him next year if I did not max out, I get at least 18 minutes in. My doctor should have the results in about 5 to 7 days.

More: The more tonight is this: Turn the TV off, grab your hunnys hand and look them in the eye and tell them how special they are to you. Putting your needs aside for tonight, talk about anything which is important to your partner. Give of yourself to them totally for the next hour or two…you’ll be glad you did.

I’ll be right there hunny…

Gj

The Half Marathon Just Whooped ME!

2008-04-28T17:13:00.011-04:00

Honesty must prevail. I did not break two hours, nor did I even come close to matching my best time of 2:06. My chip time was 3:03. Yep! That’s right, 3 hours and 3 minutes for 13.1` miles…Oooah disgustingly slow! I will not offer excuses. I did not run my best race. However, I did identify some weaknesses that were within my control. But first, I will identify those which were not.

1. The trail was mostly a single path and if you were behind someone slower than you, you were just, well, stuck until you could get enough room to pass them on the trail.

2. The scenery was just too beautiful. Many times, I lost focus and slowed down to enjoy creation, many smaller inland lakes, streams, meadows and Really Big Hills...I cant’ wait to run the course again.

Within my Control:

1. Not conditioned for the rigors of the trail course; inexperience in trail running - my first trial race
2. Need more Hill training. Hills -heck they were mountains (not but It sounds good eh?)
3. Pacing need to have better control over my pacing
4. Better hydration. Need to hydrate more often

That’s enough. I think you get the picture. Regardless of my time, I really enjoyed the course and its demands. I can’t’ wait till next year. To get the most enjoyment, I think I’ll just have to run the Full marathon.

In the future I must remember to carry a disposable camera, least I fall and break my good one; a happening which Missus Gj would hold me in contempt I am certain. . Because of that fact, I only have a few pictures of the starting line and couple of my running buddy and me afterwards. On to the races (Did I mention the really Big Hills?)

The Trail map outlining the elevation or where the big hills beat me up.

It was a cool April morning. A chilly breeze was blowing off the lake as we waited for the race to begin. Here's Ol' Gj & his running buddy Joanna waiting for the race to begin.

Getting anxious we surveyed the starting line.

The early starters got off without a hitch, next up the brave regulars

I didn't get any pictures of the regulars-I was busy cheering them on.

An hour later it was our turn..The start went as planned. Since there were so many of us half marathoners, a staggered start was used. Since we were cold, we complained about the extra wait, but to no avail. Little did we realize that the staggered start made a whole lot of sense, especially after we saw the hills (I did mention the hills didn't?

The first few miles were quite uneventful, save for a young lady who might have hurt her ankle or maybe, worst broke a bone (we prayed not). But a good looking hiker offered to carry her out; the day was saved (hmmm.. this is mushy stuff that love stories are made of).

Then it happened, the first of many hills. Actually, there were many hills, but I only remember three of them. The first round of "Biggies" was around Mile 5 and lasted through mile 7 or so. As I approached its base, I knew I was in trouble when looking up I could not see the top. This was not too mention that we runners had come to a walk to scale this mammoth beast, one I named "The Matterhorn"

As we reached the plateau, our walking turned into a slow jog as we slowly began our descent, which only last for a minute or two, or so it seemed. And therein around mile 9, my eyes beheld and even more ugly brute....Could the gods have designed a hell more befitting us runners? Me thinkest not, since they must have thought us profane for even being in their domain. Again we were reduce to a crawl..a fate worse than just stopping for going ever so slowly one becomes clumsy..Blam. I tripped over a root of minor dimensions. Stumbling I fell forward, but recovered shortly before hitting the ground. It was sight to behold I am certain as I was told I looked like a gosling trying to take flight for the first time. Out of frustration, I named this one "Mt. McKinley" Why? I don't' know.

Miles 10 and 11 were rather like a little flat land wherein some lost time could be made up, OR so I thought! MILE 12 revealed itself to be Beelzebub for sure. The god of Hell..can it be he found us? A fate worse than death..up, up up we crawled; skinned knees and blistered hands was our sentence. But we did not quit....For all too soon like an airplane on approach we began to land, just a short tenth of a mile to go. Noticing the camera man standing to the side of the finish line, I did what any good runner would do. I straighten up , stuck my chest out and ran like a banshee on fire. I made it! I finished the run for Austin. My heart raced as I thanked the volunteers for their help; then I realized although I didn't even place, the prize was mine. I finished..Ohh the name of the last hill? Why, it's Mt Everest of course (Again I don't know why).

I really had a great time at the race, but folks you know the real reason why I ran. Double click on my picture and take a closer look at my shirt; you'll see Austin's name, one of my little buddies. I am raising funds for the Band of Parents for neuroblastoma research ..Won't you please

"SAY YES to GRANDPA JOHN" and as a minimum donate the cost of a cup of coffee today?

As Tony the Tiger would say " You'll FEEL Great" if you do.

In His Arms...

Race Day Prayer

2008-04-27T03:02:00.002-04:00

Dear Lord,

You know that my best time for running a half marathon is 2 hours 6 minutes and 50 seconds. However, today Lord I ask that you grant me special blessings and give me the strength to run my race in sub two hours; give me the wings of an eagle and the legs of deer that I may run, no fly, with a speed hereto unknown to me and not get weary. I ask this not for me Lord, but to honor the memory of my buddy Austin Melgar

Also, Lord early this morning I heard some sad news about John Eric Bartels, Please comfort John Eric and his family and bless them with Your Peace this day.

Finally please allow all to open their eyes to see the wonder of your majesty by giving me the strength to achieve my ultimate goal in helping to find a cure for neuroblastoma.

Grant this I pray – Amen.

Grandpa John

Too Great a Loss - Dedicated to Austin Melgar.

2008-04-25T03:46:00.001-04:00

Losing a loved one is never easy, especially when it’s a young child. I wish I had the magical potion that would heal such wounds, but I don’t. Yet, being a man of faith I know where it can be found: Wrapped in the arms of true love itself - God.

May God Bless the Melgar family always and in all ways, especially during this most difficult of times and may His Peace flood their hearts. I know that Austin is looking down from Heaven, smiling and saying to us: “Please don’t cry, I am in His arms now. I wait patiently for you and look forward to our reunion…”

Grandpa John

I dedicate my first race of the season this Sunday, April 27, 2008, to the honor and memory of Austin Melgar.

The Game Plan, or How I ‘m gonna Gett’r done!

2008-04-23T19:42:00.005-04:00

Whew! Raising $100K impossible….not!!! That is, not if you are willing to continue on when all of the odds say else wise, kindda like the children fighting this disease; regardless what, they continue on. Or like the marathoner, or ultra runner, they continue on even though their entire being says stop! Never! They continue on till the end; so too shall I. But to be successful, you need a plan; so here is a brief outline (not inclusive):

1. A writing campaign. Write letters requesting donations to everyone I know. Explain what I am doing and why.
2. Get an on-line donation account – this can also be done at the Band of Parents website.
3. Get a mail box number for mail in donations
4. Design and sell “Running thru Hell for those who Can’t” and “Say Yes to Grandpa John” Tech t shirt’s for the athletic among us, normal cotton t’s for those who aren’t.
5. Do a mass emailing to all businesses within my community and request a donation. Get the list of email addys from the local Chamber of Commerce.
6. Do Bucket Drives at local businesses. Just as the name alludes to just hold out a bucket and ask for donations to such a worthy cause. Get local government permissions if required and that of the business.
7. Never, Never Quit!!!!!!!!

Would you give up just one cup of your daily coffee or one serving of your favorite beverage today and donate its cost to the Band of Parents. Please follow my link to their web site and if you donate on line, please tell them that Grandpa John sent you.

Till Later

God Bless,

GJ

Training update & Just a short note.

2008-04-22T03:21:00.005-04:00

Training:

Training is going along rather well. This past Sunday and Monday I ran a 4.48 miles each day. At least that's what the course measured out to be using the "map my run" tool. So give or take a bit I just rounded it down to a 4 mile easy run for each day, which gives me the following mileage totals:

Weekly Mileage: 8

Total Mileage: 29.5

Note:

So all may see our progress, I've added a fund raising thermometer. And yes, I have established a goal of $100,000. I know that's a hefty goal, but it's surprising at just how quickly the pennies, quarters and loose change can add up. Besides, I am currently working on some fund raising ideas, which might add some significant sums to our total bar. But, it's just a tad premature to reveal what they are - Stay Tuned, the action is about to begin.

With that said, how about donating the cost of a cup of your favorite daily beverage to the cause. For round numbers I'll use $1.00. If 100,000 of you donate just $1.00 each, our goal will be met...now if 1,000,000 give each that amount, we'll be rocking....

Till Later,

God Bless

Gj

Race, Training, Blessings...

2008-04-19T17:25:00.007-04:00

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...

2008-04-16T19:16:00.003-04:00

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

2008-04-14T17:47:00.000-04:00

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 -

2008-04-13T16:37:00.000-04:00

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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....

2008-04-12T07:58:00.000-04:00

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..

2008-04-10T18:53:00.001-04:00

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

2008-04-09T18:24:00.000-04:00

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

2008-04-07T18:30:00.001-04:00

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!!!

2008-04-04T18:58:00.000-04:00

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....

2008-04-02T19:02:00.000-04:00

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