Over 7 Billion Gifts Given by Santa

Santa and his team worked hard last night delivering over 7 Billion Gifts to all around the world.  Let's help Santa through out next year to continue to give! 

The following is a proof from NORAD of his achievement!

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Don’t you give up Elijah at the USA Track and Field Long Island Championships.

Today, for Father’s Day, I was looking forward to watching my youngest take on the 4x100m relay, 800m and 1500m at the USA Track and Field Long Island Championships. I was especially excited to see how my little one would do in the 1500m. He’s only been training for the past 4 months at The Sports Center, and I’ve been amazed with his toughness on certain occasions.

They do plenty of interval training that includes a bunch of 200m, 400m and some hill work in a 90 acres grassy field of Flowerfield in St. James. On occasion I get to run with the kids, and each time I go to train with them, they all zip right by like I was standing still. It’s helped me stay the course as I train for my third NYC Marathon.

Apparently, I have lost all of my fast twitch muscles at my age, because I never really used them over the years. So my dreams of running a 3:15 to qualify for the Boston Marathon will be extra tough to achieve. Thank goodness as I get older, they raise the qualifying time. So I am excited that the kids are putting those muscles to work so they have less of a chance to lose them. They will be able to be fast when they get to my age!

On the far side of the WC Mepham High School track in Bellmore, Elijah starts running after the starting gun popped under cloudy skies. I see him in last place as he comes across the finish line for the first time, and a few of his teammates cheer him on. He has 3 more laps to go.

As he was about to pass his coach by the start, Elijah hesitates. With a little tough love, Coach Grant says, “Don’t you give up!” I think most kids would have cried, stopped and walked off. As Elijah, came around again, you could see his eyes welling up with tears, and he kept on going. More of his teammates, yelled, “Let’s go Elijah!”

Around the bend, the few of the female shot-put contestants say this little boy run pass their event and they cheered for him to keep going. He kept this turnover going, as he was about to pass us for the third time. This time more teammates cheered for him and even the people in the stands were cheering for this little boy whose singlet reaches his knees, and all you can see is his ankles in motion. Being that cute has its advantages!

This time the shot-put event was temporarily paused, as all the contestants cheered on Elijah. As he made his final kick, with the agony shown in his face, the little boy gathered a roar of the crowd. The race official stopped what he was doing and leaned over to tell him that he did a great job. Coach Grant walked over to him to tell him he did great and Zachary handed him a Gatorade.

I am so proud of him for staying in the race and toughing it out. Seeing him cry is not easy.  I know he does not like coming in last. He needs to know that he is running with older kids. Someday soon, he will be leading the pack, and wooing girls all around the track!

He opted out of running in the 800m, which gave him enough time to gather his composure to run with his team to come home with the Gold in the 400m relay!

We gathered our cooler, chairs and tent at the end of the day, and loaded the SUV. I bent over to tell Elijah how awesome he did, and he says, can we go get my medal. I smiled and said sure. As I walked over to the officials table, I noticed they were still downloading the results. I asked Elijah if he wanted to wait or get his medal from Coach Grant tomorrow. First he said he would wait, then I was surprised when he said, “That’s okay, I will get it tomorrow.”

There will be more accolades to come.

Sunset 5K in Kings Park 2012

My friend Erik invited me to run with him at the 2012 Nissequogue River State Park Foundation 5K Sunset Run in the Park. I immediately created Facebook event and I invited all of my friends. It’s so cool to see the usual band of friends, and those from High School. I really get excited when new runners join our group. This time new runners, John and his wife, Lisa were included in the fun. My kids decided to watch Captain America in the truck, oh well!

The William T Rodgers Middle School temporary race village was manned by many volunteers in yellow shirts, swarming with kids getting ready for the 1K fun run, and many runners talking to friends and warming up for their 3.2 mile race. Mike Taylor was signing some great classic rock songs, as the sun came out from behind the clouds raising the temperature that worried me. Its tough running in warm weather, but the clouds came back and cooled the start of the race.

Around 15 minutes to the start, we headed down to the start somewhere on Old Dock Road. The downhill slope looked inviting; however I anxiously anticipated the uphill workout somewhere waiting for all of us to climb. Erik and I talked about our injuries as we waited.

Around 5:30, there was a little jingle sound and everyone rushed forward to follow the police escort in front of us. As I let gravity help me down the hill, I caught up to Irene. I said, “You’re doing great!” and I passed her. For about 3 minutes, I was doing my best and Erik came running past me. It was great that he was running in front of me, because I was working harder to keep up with him.

That first mile, I clock a 7:39 pace, and we entered the park. I could feel my lungs breathing harder, and my quads began to strain! I am not sure where I lost Erik, because I put on the blinders and concentrated on each peak as they came into sight. It was a challenge not to pause and walk a little bit, but “Do your best!” was being repeated in the back of my head. I did not think too much about anything else.

The trail was lined by trees. However, the park is home of the abandoned Kings Park Psychiatric Center. It's kind of erie running past those huge empty buildings that were once filled with unusual and often misunderstood people. Erik and I were thinking they should have a Halloween Run or a Zombie Run to go with the scary buildings.


As I neared the finish, I could hear the race announcer rattling off names as they crossed the finish line. As I made the left into the parking lot of the school, I ran up next to this guy and he looked at me and started quickening his pace, as I started to out kick him. He could not catch up as I noticed the clock read 26:30, I have a good chance to make it under 27:00. I finished with a 26:52 and it felt really good to run an 8:39 pace!

I turned around to cheer on the other runners, and I cheered on all of my friends. Erik PR’d! And John and Lisa completed their first race. They were looking forward to their next race which is the JP Morgan Chase Challenge in Central Park! I gave Nancy a high five as I walked further down the course for Irene. As I saw Irene make the turn, I ran next to her, so we can include additional finish line photos in our album!

A few of us headed to Napper Tandy’s to celebrate and catch up!

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My First Track Meet – Rolling Thunder Invitational



As I drove up to Hauppauge High School for the Rolling Thunder Invitational, I was excited to participate in my first track meet along with Elijah. I would have loved to participate with Zachary as well, but his growing pains have him in an immobilization boot until his tendons and ligaments catch up with his growth.
I run in different 5K’s and noticed the Green Singlets of Rolling Thunder Track Club. They have an incredible club which includes many nationally rank runners and many run in the Special Olympics. Each member of their club has so much heart and we can all learn so much from them.

Elijah brought home a silver medal in the Long Jump, silver in the 400m and gold in the 200m. As for me, that is an entirely different story!

As I waited for my 400m race, I noticed 2 guys that were older than me. Ok, maybe I will come home with something, but then 2 other people handed in their stickers to run. Maybe I can come home with something now? A few minutes later, I lined up in lane 6 and waited for the starting gun to fire. The official says, “On your marks” and I hear a pop. I ankle tried to hold but, but after 25m, the horrified look on my face was seen by all, especially by the others on our Track Team! All I could do was shake my head as 4 other runners pass me with ease, about 75m, the person in lane 5 stopped and I passed him, but I still was so far back. There was no way my legs could move that fast! During the final stretch, I noticed Zachary up in the stands cheering me on and watch me come in 4th by default. By the time I got to the finish, I think my heart was about to jump out of my chest.

My next race was the 1500m, which had me line up with Coach Brian and another parent, along with other Rolling Thunder runners. After 2 laps, 2 Rolling Thunder Runners lap me. After 4 laps, I was again crossing the finish line last with my lungs about to explode. I probably had my fastest mile, but I will check out the results as they are posted.

While I ran about 4.5 miles in the morning with Irene, I don’t think any amount of running would have helped me gain entry to the podium. It was a learning experience, and I know I will be doing more intervals with Elijah at the running club!

More importantly, Elijah is having so much fun and becoming very comfortable with running and competition. Zachary is anxious to get running and catching up the medal count with his brother!

St. Patrick's, NYC Half Marathon and now I am an Uncle!

I’ve run a few races since my last running post, and I plan on posting a few updates from my last 2 races shortly. The month of March had me run in a St. Patrick’s Day 5K run and the NYC Half Marathon. Both will be great stories, especially the NYC Half, and I am excited to finish both entries.


The past several months have been very busy. Work, business, running, and now I can add a new title of Uncle. Yes, my sister gave birth of a bundle of joy today, after starting her day at the hospital at 5:30am the day before.

I am anxious to get back home after traveling to Alexandria (Olde Town) and hold that little boy in my hands. I wonder if holding him, will want me to have another one. That will be a discussion; Irene and I will probably have after our visit with the new parents and new life that has entered our lives. I know my kids are excited to finally have a 1st cousin to play with.

Turning in early in my hotel room tonight will help me get up early and run for about an hour so I can enjoy my time along the Potomac. Hopefully, the run will squeeze out the soreness I feel after changing my running form from the past few weeks.

The kids joined a sports training center for track and field. They really enjoy it. The great part is that we get to join them for the runs, and learn good running form as well. The new techniques will help me run faster without pain. At least, that is the idea!

So far, the heel and knee pain that I have been experiencing for the past 4 years has gone away. Now, my muscles, especially my calves are going through an adjustment. I hope they adjust fast, because they are on fire!

Just Call Me Amanda-St. Patrick's Day 5K

I woke up a little later than expected for my 5K in Smithtown to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this morning, and for that you can call me Amanda! As part of my marathon training or lack there of, I schedule myself to run 7 miles to the course, grab a bagel, get my bid, run with a few friends from high school and a couple new friends that I made along my journeys, run the 5K at an easy pace, break bread with my friends, and eventually run 7 miles home.

I put on my running and headed out. Of course, I noted all the down hills, and enjoyed the pull of gravity as I made my way towards Smithtown. As I got toward the Rt 25 an Rt 111 intersection, I looked behind me and said, “Damn!” I am going to have to run up that incline for about 2 miles, why!!!!!!

Eventually, I made it to the gym and waited on line to receive my bib. It’s a simple bib with the RFID tag built glued on the backside! I headed back towards the hallway to meet up with my friends and pinned the bib to my right leg. We all headed outside to brave the 32 degree clear weather. We watch the fun run kids dash for the finish, as we gathered by the starting line.

I glanced over to one of my friends bibs and notice their name printed on their bib, so I looked down toward my right leg trying to make out the name. Guess what! Call me Amanda L 18 year old Female. Sorry Amanda for the slow sub 10 minute mile, but I just ran 7 miles to the race and will be running home for another 7 miles.

I am always proud to accomplish a goal for myself, like a 5K. What makes me really happy is when someone else is able to accomplish a goal that they set, especially a friend. When the dream becomes reality, that’s real magic! Today, I saw 3 friends run a 5K for the first time. The great thing is that they plan to continue. Keep it up!

Next race is the NYC Half Marathon with Irene!

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Turkey Trot-Making room for Thanksgiving Dinner?

Turkey Trot-Making room for Thanksgiving Dinner?

Are you enjoying your “coma” induced Thanksgiving Dinner?  It’s a annual tradition to let loose and kickback with family and friends.  It’s a time to give thanks for what we have.

You sit on the couch using a toothpick to pick out the little pieces of turkey caught in your backset of teeth.  The rubbing of your belly is making room for more food despite the fact that it has been stuffed with extra servings of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potato, backed russet potato, dinner rolls, honey glazed ham, cranberry sauce (either from the can or made fresh).  The football game flickers away on your new flat screen television, as your eyes start to roll back.  Your last thoughts are plans of your onslaught on the dessert table when you awake from your recovery nap. 

The tryptophan finally wears off and your eyes focus on the desert table.  Your thoughts plan out the perfect plating and balancing of that slice of apple pie, pumpkin pie, cannoli, and cheese cake (from the Cheese Cake Factory).  Remember the whipped cream!

The next day, with the sunshine in your eyes and your iPhone calendar alert chimes away to remind you of your Turkey Trot.  A few months ago, it seemed like a good idea that you and your friends planned for the inevitable holiday waist expansion.  Besides providing some funds to a charity, burning off a few calories from last night’s dinner might be a good thing to do.

You notice on the print out of your application that the Trot is a 5K, and you think that should be enough to burn off the 4500 calories that an average person ingests on the Forth Thursday of November.  However, you will probably need to run another 42 miles to even out what you ate in 2 hours.  42 miles can take about 6-8 hours to complete!

Here are some food stats for Thursday and miles to be run!

Turkey Breast: Serving Size: 3 oz; Cal: 115, 1 mile run

Turkey White Meat and skin: Serving Size: 1 cup diced; Cal: 276, 3 mile run

Turkey Dark Meat and skin: Serving Size: 1 cup diced; Cal: 309, 3 mile run

Prime Rib: Serving Size: 6 oz; Cal: 330, 3 mile run

Roast Turkey with Sage Stuffing and Gravy: Serving Size: 8 servings; Cal: 1126, 11 mile run

Mashed Potatoes: Serving Size: 1 cup; Cal: 237, 2.5 mile run

Sweet Potatoes: Serving Size: 100 gm; Cal: 90, 1 mile run

Sweet Potato Casserole: Serving Size: 8 serving; Cal: 267, 3 mile run

Sage Sausage & Apple Stuffing: Serving Size: 4 dinner; Cal: 265, 3 mile run

Green Bean Casserole: Serving Size: 8 to10 dinner; Cal: 221, 2.5 mile run

Cranberry Sauce: Serving Size ½ cup; Cal:190, 2 mile run

Turkey Gravy: Serving Size: 14 serving; Cal: 47, ½ mile run

Pumpkin Pie: Serving Size: 1 piece; Cal: 320, 3 mile run

Pecan Pie: Serving Size: 1 piecel Cal: 480, 5 mile run

Fruit Salad (fruits, nuts and Cool Whip): Serving Size: 1 cup; 2 mile run

Honey Glazed Ham: Serving Size: 15 serving; Cal: 521, 5 mile run

Dinner Rolls: Serving Size: 1 roll; Cal: 120, 1 mile run

Beverages Calorie Count and miles to be run

Mixed drink: Serving Size: 1 glass; Cal: 250, 2.5 mile run

Wine: Serving Size: 1 glass; Cal: 120, 1 mile run

Soft drink: Serving Size: 1 glass; Cal: 250, 2.5 mile run

Coffee with cream and sugar: Serving Size: 1 cup; Cal: 50, ½ mile run

Cider or sparkling grape juice: Serving Size: 1 glass; Cal: 120, 1 mile run

Eggnog: Serving Size 1 cup; Cal: 343, 3 mile run

The last thing you are thinking of doing is running a Turkey Trot.  So enjoy your day with family, and if you want to run, do it.  Just note that many Turkey Trots raise funds for those who are less fortunate than us, so it’s worth getting out there for a half an hour to an hour.  Start a new tradition with health in mind!

Visit http://www.active.com/running/turkeytrot.htm for the latest Turkey Trots!

Join Fit Club of Long Island

If you want to enjoy life to the fullest, then your health needs some attention. Join us at Fit Club of Long Island to get the support, tips, community, and advice on fitness and nutrition, so that you and your family will be rewarded.

At Fit Club, each week we take on different programs like P90X, Insanity, TurboFire or maybe Brazil Butt Lift at our FREE weekly group workouts! This is an amazing chance for you to see how people around the country are changing their bodies, their health & their lives... FOREVER!

Imagine how you will feel with less weight, improvements to your health, increased energy, toned muscles, strengthened body, more stamina, ripped core, and feeling GREAT??? Your goals can be achieved. It is not only possible, but guaranteed, if you let us guide you and you stay committed to a new, fabulous, fun way of life!

This is a huge GIFT you can give to yourself. Your future self will thank your present self! Take advantage of our time, our passion and our inspiration, and GET RESULTS. You deserve it. We believe in you. Believe in yourself!

When: TBD
Where: TBD
RSVP: runwithnoah@yahoo.com

Like us on Facebook

We are making the World a Healthier Place!

Start working out at www.noahlam.com
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Fit Club in the Park every Saturday at 8am at the Dix Hills Park Weather Permitted

Join the action and reach your fitness goals. Plenty of inspiration, motivation and calories burned! Become passionate about feeling and looking great, and taking care of your body, so your body will take care of you.

Each week we will choose a workout from a different Beachbody program... P90X, Power 90, TurboJam, Slim in 6, Brazil Butt Lift, Insanity, etc. Everything can be modified - just moving is the most important thing! Nutritious drink and bar samples will be served post-workout. Appointments for one-on-one fitness counseling will be available, as well as information on upcoming, related community events. (There's a pretty exciting one coming up!)

Weather permitted every Saturday at 8am at Dix Hills Park (Golf Course) for a really fun 30-40 minute "outdoor" Fit Club. All fitness levels... there will be modifications for everything we do, so no matter where you're at, you'll get a great workout. No charge. Invite your friends! We'll meet in the first parking lot on the right as you enter the park - just after the driving range. Please RSVP.


Also we are restarting our indoor Fit Club at the Hamlet and Commack Middle School, please stay tuned!

See you there!

For questions, additional information or to reserve your spot, email me at runwithnoah@yahoo.com or visit http://www.runwithnoah.com/p/events.html

Free Outdoor Fit Club Saturday 07/23/2011 8:00am

We're meeting this Saturday (7/23) at 8am at Dix Hills Park (Golf Course) for a really fun 30-40 minute "outdoor" Fit Club. All fitness levels... there will be modifications for everything we do, so no matter where you're at, you'll get a great workout. Everyone is welcome back to my house after for a quick Shakeology breakfast. No charge. Invite your friends! We'll meet in the first parking lot on the right as you enter the park - just after the driving range. Please RSVP by emailing runwithnoah@yahoo.com.



See you there!
Coach Noah