New Beginnings Challenge Group

If you are feeling it is time to do something, it's probably time to do something.

Email me or visit the Facebook Event Page to learn more at https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/429892553744204/?fref=ts


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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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Be Thankful and I am going to Nationals!

With the craziness that Super storm Sandy created for many people in the Northeast, we have plenty to thank. The little inconvenience of no power or hot water that we dealt with for two weeks does not compare to those who lost their entire home, vehicles and a few lost loved ones. Well last week, I got some great news, a friend was able to donate his kidney to his brother. We are very lucky and have a lot to be thankful for!


Almost two weeks after Sandy hit our shores of Long Island, I looked forward for a sense of normalcy at the AAU Regional Cross Country Qualifier for Nationals. However I wasn’t expecting something so great this day.

As I drove up, my eyes squinted and as I approached one of the cross country parents whose hands were flailing around guiding me so that my truck would be perfectly position in the empty spot next to the minivan. Eventually, the thumbs came out signaling me to slide my SUV closer to the vehicle to my right. Finally, all of the fingers were shown and my truck came to a stop on the grassy field located in St. James, NY. Funny I thought I was getting to close enough to get the single finger, not the thumbs up kind.

As the family filed out of the truck, the 100 cars that surrounded my SUV appeared to be organized in an orderly fashion. They did a great job, I thought to myself and I was quickly recruited to marshal part of the course. Having never done it before, part of my job was to make sure the racers would stay on the course. In Cross Country, the course sometimes crisscrosses back and forth across a field which can be confusing for the runner. I wasn’t running and I was confused. (Open for comments now!) Having given that short definition, I believe my career as a course marshal will be short lived. Suffice it to say, this part of the story warrants an extended entry. Just know that eating a snack during a race is not a good idea! No matter how hungry you are!

All the groups ran their races under blue skies and perfect temps for running. Both boys ran along side with about 50-75 kids in their appropriate age group event. Elijah looked happy and relaxed as a Primary. Zachary was slower than usual running on a sore right leg as a Bantam. I hope his tender calf will be ready for Nationals in South Carolina.

Eventually, the Midget group of children ranging in ages between 11 and 12 lined up for their race. Midget seems kind of derogatory, however that is the label given to that age group. With a pop from the starting gun, a few runners made it to the front, while many were swallowed up in the mass as they made the first left turn of the race. A few minutes later the lead pack rushed by my patrol area.

A few more minutes ticked past and a young lady, named Kate, donning a huge Smile came near. It was the kind of Smile that out shined the sun. That amazing Smile had no clue of the illness that she had to struggle with a few months ago leaving her with temporarily with thinned hair. That incredible Smile would have been a frown for many stroke victims, but not her. Well that Smile made my hand raise up to wipe my eyes that welled up with tears.

I felt overwhelmingly proud to be part of her “comeback.” I know so many who give up so easy, make excuses, or don’t believe they can do anything even with a tenth of her challenges. As she past, my thoughts turned to my kids. What if my kids were struck with a sickness that would render them powerless or if something happened to me, what would have been my last words said to them. It better be, “I love you.” Most likely it will be a stupid joke that we made and couldn’t stop laughing. Hopefully, the last words will never come from anger. So I am reminded to be very thankful for every opportunity with them, because you never know. I am truly blessed!

Kate was determined to finish the race, and her legs pushed her towards the back tree line of the 3000 meter course. She rounded the last 1000 meters, and I could hear father scream in the megaphone amplifier, “Runner on the course, clear the course!”

As her final 150 meters drew near, she had a gathering running with her. The scene reminded me the famous running scene in the movie, “Forrest Gump” as the group ran past my post. In fact, that was the scene that got me off my butt to do the 2008 NYC Marathon! Her 50 kid entourage ran along side of her and cheered her on to the finish. It was an amazing sight to behold.

The day was coming to a conclusion and we readied ourselves for the final races. I waited by Coach Joe and Kate walked back to my section of the course. Her Smile stretched ear to ear, as she gave him a high five and said, “Coach Joe, I’m going to Nationals!”

I have a lot to be thankful for and I wish you an awesome Thanksgiving as you take time to reflect on the important people in your life.

Frankenstein’s Experimentation or Taser

As I handed the Doctor my MRI’s, he asked me if my pants were loose enough to be rolled up. I said that I have a pair of shorts. He then closed the door behind him and I got out of my dress pants to switch to the shorts that exposed my unshaven hairy legs. A couple of minutes passed and a knock came to the door. The voice asked if I was ready for the EMG (Electromyography) test.

An EMG evaluates, records and detects electrical potential medical abnormalities that are being generated by the electrical activity in the skeletal muscle cells that are being fired neurologically or electrically. I think that is what it does.

The Doctor asked me to lie face up on the table and explained what he was about to do. He began the first test by swabbing areas of my lower part of my leg with alcohol, attached a couple electrodes to my leg, and then pushed a two pronged probe into another part of the leg. Next, he pulled a trigger that shot pulses of electricity into my leg which made my leg jump and spasm that lasted about a half second. Did I mention the Doctor’s last name was Frankenstein! I swear, I heard him whisper, “It’s alive. It’s alive! It’s Alive!!!! He might have done some testing for Taser as well!

After he shocked my bum leg several times, he shocked the good leg for a base line. He removed all of all of the electrodes and readied me for the next test. Before doing the next round, I asked him what would happen if he did the test to someone’s head. “Is it like electroshock therapy?” He grinned and I thought to myself maybe I should not distract him as he stuck a needle into my leg. I flexed my legs when he asked, and the monitor started to make a clicking sound. The harder I tensed my leg, the quicker the clicks came. Then he asked me to relax and you can still hear the clicks, this signified an abnormality because the muscle was firing when the nerves told it to stay at rest.

The next day with the EMG results faxed and my MRI in my hand, I walked into the Neurosurgeon’s office. He was tapped to be the second opinion. I met with the Physicians Assistant (PA) first, who was astonished with the size of the bulge. He then started with a series of strength test and said that my right leg was 4 out of 5. I thought at least it was a passing grade. However an 80% is not good here! In fact, it’s really bad.

The PA walked out to get the Surgeon. As I waited, I looked at the walls of the exam room and noticed his diploma and certificates from Harvard. Not sure if that means he was book smart or a really good surgeon. I emailed a few friends to check into this Doctor and his outcomes.

Immediately, the Surgeon walked in and did similar strength tests. With measured words, he strongly suggested a Laminectomy / Diskectomy. A Laminectomy is the removal of the bone covering the spinal canal. The Diskectomy removes the herniated part of the disk to relieve pressure that is pushing up against the nerve. The removal of the hernia doesn’t scare me, it’s the bone removal. It would leave a section of my back exposed. The doctor explained that there is a lot of muscle to cushion any blows should someone take a bat to my lower back. However, a knife stabbing would be a different story. I am pretty sure if I got into a knife fight, I would bring my Sig Sauer to that knife fight! Well, I usually don’t find myself walking down dark alleys.

He made it sound very urgent since it involved neurology, which can go bad very quickly. So, I should do it ASAP! In any case, he assured me that after the surgery, rest, and rehab, my running should resume. That was music to my ears J.

In the back of my mind, I thought that since he is a surgeon, and he makes a living doing surgery, of course I should expect a recommendation of surgery, as my Wellness Doctor friend suggested. He normally would recommend shots or therapy for a hernia. However the muscle weakness puts my injury into a different ballpark. He said that less than 10% have my type of injury.

Prior to going under the knife, I will be getting additional opinions and start alternative medicine. My Dad insists that I go to this Chinese Doctor in Flushing. I will make an appointment soon and do other non invasive procedures.

Let’s rewind to last week, in preparation to the 2012 NYC Marathon, Irene got her 22 mile training run in by completing the Hartford Marathon. We drove up the night before to pick up our bibs in a somewhat sparse Expo. I was disappointed at the variety of vendors. I did find an interesting 0.0 magnet for my car. And, Yes OUR bibs. Since I could not defer my entry, I might as well enjoy the streets of Hartford, CT as much as possible and enjoy the goody bag that I paid for. However, I have not earned the cool long sleeved orange tech shirt, so I will probably donate it.

After enjoying a carb up dinner with some old friends in a converted movie theater turned nice Italian restaurant located in Middletown. The next morning, we walked over to the start, which happened to be a stones throw away. We were lucky to get accommodations so close to the festivities.

The masses gathered by the start line and waited. The race announcer, tried to motivate the crowd and we interjected accordingly with cheers when appropriate. It was so great to see many hands raised when he asked who was about to do their first marathon. I am so glad I made NYC my first race, because if Hartford was my first, I might not be running right now and probably blown my back out a lot sooner or have a heart attack!

A minute before the starting shot popped, I kissed Irene and moved to the side so that I would not impede anyone’s stride that was behind me. A sense of disappointment came over me as the shot rang out. Everyone lurched forward with a slow walk, then a jog across the start line. With a sigh, I shuffled my feet as more and more runners past me by.

By the half mile mark, I looked back and noticed that I was probably the last person, or at least if felt like that. About a mile into the course, the racers must decide if they will go straight for another 25.2 miles or take a right and run another 12.1 miles.

There was no way I can go any further, so I looked for the first race official and made a gesture with my hand, motioning the fingers just below my chin signifying I am done. She said to make a right to go back to the park. The second race official noticed my orange bib and looked in horror thinking that I was on the wrong course. I assured her that I was going in the right direction by heading back to the park. She nodded and said, “Ok.”

I headed back to the finish line to let them know that I am out, and the medical tent personnel ask if I was hurt. I said no and they said ok. The least they could have acted a little more supportive. I swapped out my singlet pinned bib and put on my jacket to become a spectator. No longer am I a participant. Now, time to cheer on the runners.

It would be a while before I see Irene, so I headed back to the room. The hotel television provided great race coverage, and I watched the winners break the finish line. As soon as the credits scrolled on the screen, I headed back outside to eventually cheer Irene on and catch her near the finish. With plenty of time, I walked the last part of the course and waited for her to arrive at Mile 25 checkpoint. I actually limped my way to mile 23.5 as I held out my phone to take some snaps. She was surprised to see me out one the course and was happy!

Irene pauses for a moment then continues on to complete the race, and off she went raising her arms across the finish line. Again, I am so proud of her!

Next stop in 2 weeks is the finish line at Central Park. While I will not be raising my arms this year, I asked Team for Kids for a volunteer position by the finish line so I can still be part of the action. I am so excited to see those who achieve PR’s and especially excited to be part of someone’s first marathon experience.

There is something special about achieving your first marathon medallion, and to be part of someone’s achievement is going to be an amazing experience. 5 years ago, you would not have caught me leaving my air conditioned home. Now I have 9 marathons under my belt and looking forward to many more.

By supporting Team for Kids, many more may experience the thrill of doing a marathon. While Team for Kids has deferred my race entry to 2013, you can still support me and Team for Kids by visiting http://www.runwithtfk.org/Profile/PublicPage/7701.

Thank you for everyone’s thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. I look forward to having full strength in my legs and running with you all!

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She Passes me at Mile 4, the MRI and Possibly My Last Run

Around 6:30am, we arrived at the Springs School in East Hampton, NY early enough to park about 1000 yards from the marathon festivities. Surprisingly, the road was not closed off yet, so I made a u-turn and grabbed the next spot on the side of the road leaving a car length behind a minivan and the puddle. Irene said to pull up, and my chivalry act was shot down. Let the next person step in the puddle instead of my wife, I told Irene! Of course she shook her head in amazement. Actually, it was more like “how in the world did I marry this man in the first place” kind of amazing head shake, not the good amazing.

You have to love the feel of a small town race organization doing their best to accommodate 1650 runners, many of whom are strangers to these parts. Even people who live on Long Island are considered foreigners, called Up-Islanders. The fall –winter-spring season brings a sense of normalcy and calmness to the neighborhood, unlike when the town swells to the hundreds of thousands fighting for a parking spot on the side roads from Main Street. I guess if we lived out there, you would become accustomed to the changes that occur on the first weekend of Memorial Day. We have not ventured out east during the summer time knowing that the traffic would greatly impact our Hamptons enjoyment.

I struggled up the short flight of stairs into the gym (read further down if you want to find out about the struggling), where there were 3 table sections for the 5k, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon races. With a spring in her step, Irene arrived at the table few seconds ahead of me and already told the volunteer our names. As I reached the table and searched for my driver’s license, the cheerful person slid the number 1814 imprinted on the light blue bib. We thanked the person on the other side of the folding table, and she replied with “Have a great race!”

We shuffled off to the side to get our goodies! First came the simple and plain white tech shirts which were embossed on the front vertically “Hamptons Marathon and Half 2012” on the front and on the back came the sponsors, Equinox and JetBlue. We slid over to the right to the table with a bunch of teens manning a pile of really nice canvas duffle bags. The bags would look good enough to carry your stuff to the famous East Hampton Beaches. Well the teens look frazzled as more and more people started to swarm them. So I pointed to the navy blue towel, and they stuffed our bags with them. I pointed to the JetBlue sweat bands, and they placed them into our bags. A young lady at the end of the table asked if we wanted some scented candles, and I said, “Of Course.”

We pinned our bibs on our shirts, and walked back to the truck to drop off the goody bags. On the way back, I was still concerned that my leg still felt asleep, so I made a simple agreement with Irene. If I was keeled over on my hands and knees crying, she would continue on without me and finish strong. She and I knew the NYC Marathon was around the corner and these runs were important. I don’t think she acknowledge my request, so I said, “You must go and I will find someone to bring me back to the finish line for my DNF (Did Not Finish) status.”

Well, the numbness to my right leg started on Tuesday night before the Half. It was a busy day at the office so I decided to do some P90X2 Plyocide instead of running. Half way through, my back started to feel funny. My brain and will was still thinking “Bring it!” As I was about to do my first Burpee Frog Hop, a pain stabbed the lower back and left me screaming. Lying on the ground, I looked up at the ceiling thinking I wonder if I can run in the Hamptons Half, Hartford Marathon in 2 weeks and the NYC Marathon in a month.

And I wonder why my friend, Rich called me “overzealous.” I dragged my leg to the start line hoping a normal sensation would return to my leg. I figured the run would loosen my muscles. As we started our stride past the start line, we gave each other a peck and off we went to keep up with the masses.

Ignoring my leg was a step behind, my pace dropped around mile 3. At mile 4, I felt a slap on my behind, and Irene caught up to me and asked if I was ok. She knew something was really wrong, if she was able to catch me. I told her to keep going and as promised she pulled further and further away. The pink shirt disappeared in the crowd in front of me.

This past Monday, I saw my primary care physician and he sent me to a neurologist. He ordered me to get an MRI. With a few moments of clicking and clacking inside a gigantic magnet, I hobbled out to my car with a huge envelope with 5 sheets of images printed on large plastic sheets. While I am not a doctor and I did not sleep in a Holiday Inn Express, the blob shadow next to my spine should not be there.

A couple days later, the neurologist called and asked me to come in. He looked at my images, and even called his colleague to look at the pathology. He explained that the hernia was probably there for a long time, and a simple movement pushed it over the edge. When I weighed 245, my back would feel horrible everyday. As I dropped the weight the pain went away, however the injury was always there. Maybe it was from the college Judo, climbing Mount Everest or was sparing with Bruce Lee, not a simple leaning over.

The whole time he was explaining the hernia, degenerative disease, medicines and possible surgery to my spine, I kept on trying to figure out how I can keep running. I still have 44 more States to go! The doctor alluded to the fact that I will have to adjust my lifestyle, not sure what that really means. He was careful not to say that I could not run anymore, however I could hear it in his tonality with this carefully rehearse bedside manners. Running was going to be on hiatus for the indefinite time. Eventually, I will make a final decision must after a few more opinions.

This weekend, I will be cheering my boys in their cross country races and a friend that is doing her first and hopefully not last half marathon. I believe she will catch the running bug as I did!

With 7 more days until the Hartford Marathon, I am waiting for some reduced swelling to maybe walk the course instead of dragging my leg all over Hartford. We will see. If not, I will still cheer on the 15,000 runners including my wife.

Unfortunately, the 3:50 time that I predicted and posted on my bathroom mirror for the 2012 New York City Marathon will need to be postponed. I felt really disappointed to let the kids down over at Team for Kids. Instead of running, I requested to volunteer at the finish line to drape medallions of the finishers.

I am really grateful for the gift that running has given me, my family and friends. I’ve met so many incredible people that I would not have meet before. While this pause is quite an inconvenience, I will try to figure out what I will be doing to keep my sanity and blood pressure down that has less impact on my spine. As soon as I get clearance, I will probably modify P90X (less jumping), tune up the bike, and find a place to swim.

This bulge will not stop my support of Team for Kids. They are the ones that got me to start running and healthy lifestyle. I will continue to invite you to support our efforts to give all kids a running head start to health and wellness by visiting http://www.runwithtfk.org/Profile/PublicPage/7701

Stay tuned for the next adventure! Please email me with suggestions. All I want is something with a shiny metal objects when I finish the race J


Enjoy the journey and the recovery!
Noah
www.runwithnoah.com

2012 XC (Cross Country) Season Kickoff Classic at Flowerfield in St. James, NY

Our family has never been to a XC (Cross Country) meet, so we were excited to attend this year’s Season Kickoff Classic in St. James, NY at the 90 acre training field for Team Sports Center. As we drove up and parked our SUV along with the other 100 SUV’s, Minivans and other family vehicles. I noticed the field lined with neon pink warning tape fencing the course for the races. I was amazed that the entire field left to right was marked off and ready to run!


Occasionally, I would run the perimeter of this plot of land called Flowerfield, which is about a mile around. I would do my best to keep up with 10 year olds, and end up telling them to keep going as I huff and puff around on the tree lined grassy field. I am not sure why it is called Flowerfield because there are no flowers there now. I will find out the history about the flowers later. Now it’s an industrial park with different offices and warehouse spaces on the property.

The boys started with a winter clinic designed to get kids interested in running. Lots of fun doing running drills that are designed to create speed and agility needed to run faster and stronger, yet the boys did not realize they were getting prepared to run. It was plain fun, at the end they had an Olympics where the boys brought home a lot of medals, and we signed them up for Spring Track and Field. They seemed to enjoy that.

Fast forward to yesterday, Cross Country seems more up our ally because Irene and I enjoy long distance running that we started to do a few years back. Both of our fast twitch muscles that are needed to increase speed have long disappeared, so doing marathons is something we do now. I think it is translating to the kids running. During the spring, while track was fun, going to the meets was a difficult. We would sit around for hours between events!

So far it looks like between heats, there is less down time and more kids are running at the same time. Which made the event move quicker, and we could not ask for more! If the Cross Country events continue to be shorter in time, Irene and I will be very happy

Our youngest was in the 2K and the middle one was in the 3K. Both distances are doable and still challenging enough to get them to focus and do their best running against some of the best runners in the Northeast. There were about 40 kids in each event that toed the line and waited for the words, “Runners on your mark!” and the blast of the horn.

At the each of the 4 events, a massive wave would move down the course and eventually the faster kids would start breaking away, and at the end you can hear some of the time and be astonished at sub 6 and sub 5 min miles. Totally incredible, I know that I could never achieve that type of speed in my legs. I know that the boys are faster than Irene and I and they are a quarter of our age.

What I enjoyed was being able to cross the field several times to cheer on the runners as they zigged zagged across the field. I was able to see my boys’ pass me 3 to 4 times, get snap shots and see them have a happy or an indifferent look at the finish line.

Our head coach, Grant Stanis is a gentle giant of a man. Having been a champion himself, he is the most patient person that I know. He is determined that each child in the program improve. He knows that not everyone can come in first. He wants them to do their best. That is all he asks, and as parents that’s all we should ask as well.

At the end of the meet, the rest of the family went home, and I headed off to do a 15 mile training run. If it was a track and field event, we might not have gotten home until dinner time! We are very happy with Cross Country!

Click here for the results http://www.thesportscenterinc.com/resultsfrom915race.html

High Heels and Crying!

A few weeks ago, I ran a 5K hill, basically 1 mile down hill and 2 miles up. While my Achilles felt tight, I continued my normal routine of warming up and stretching thinking it would be ok. And I ran an 8:40 pace, one of my fastest especially going up a hill!
A week later, part of my training for the New York City Marathon, a 5K time trial was scheduled. As I started around Stony Brook University, my first mile came in around 9:00 minute mile, that was kind of slow. I could fell my right Achilles was not feeling quite right. The second mile, I started to struggle and slowing to an 11:00 minute mile. I called it quits for the first time. The throbbing from my right ankle was a little too much. The good thing is that the Achilles Tendonitis is not as bad as my sprained left ankle, right before my first marathon in 2008.

So for the past few weeks, I biked, pressed play on my DVD and worked out with Tony Horton and the P90X friends, cried like a baby at the massage therapist, cried some more using the foam roller, and sobbed as I did self massage on the Achilles. My friend suggested high heels to relieve the stress on the tendon. Does anyone have a size 10 ½ men’s stilettos?

Finally this week, the slow easy 1 mile run last Sunday was great. I’ve been doing my best to keep it slow. So far the most I have run is 4 miles and planning on 5 miles tomorrow. While I am really behind on mileage, it is so important that I do not rush. Most of the mileage has come from the track, and everyone knows how much I hate running on that oval loop. Yet, the track is a great place to get regain strength and prep the joints for the miles to come on the road. Funny, I have come to enjoy the track for this past week. In order for me to bare the incredible boredom from lack of scenery, I have really forced my mind to concentrate, and make my mind go blank to listen to my body. Before I know it, my legs will be logging those necessary marathon miles, and I look forward to running with my boys on the field where they have been training this year.

Elijah has been very productive by bringing home some track medals. Zachary is coming off of his Sever’s disease. It’s a common heel injury in kids due to inflammation of the growth plate in the heel. Without his boot, he brought home a 4th place medal in the 4x100 relay at regionals. Actually it’s his first track medal!

Coming soon, the traveling for cross country running is about to begin. I do not know anything about it, so it will be an adventure!
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Here is one of the kids I run for.
Throughout the next four months you will have the opportunity to meet some of our young runners. Kids like Erick, an eighth-grader in our Young Runners program. Erick is pre-diabetic and has behavioral and learning issues. He used to watch the other kids run laps during their Young Runners practice but was too scared to join. The Young Runner's coach, Nancy Landau-Gahres, encouraged him to join the team. “Erick is just an incredible kid,” says Landau-Gahres. “It’s difficult for him to focus and he struggles not to be last, but he doesn’t care. He just loves being part of a team.” In Young Runners, Erick found a family who accepts him and doesn’t make fun of him. “I want to do my best for my teammates,” says Erick. “I know I have to lose weight and learn to eat better which is really difficult, but I am gaining confidence every day and I have my teammates to thank for that.” Think of Erick as you begin to feel tired on a long run, and remember that your fundraising efforts will continue to help Erick learn to cope with his learning and health issues long after you have crossed the finish line.

Visit my Team for Kids Fund Raising page at http://www.runwithtfk.org/Profile/PublicPage/7701
And Give Kids a Running Head Start to Health and Fitness!

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Join me for some 2012 race that Irene and I will be doing!
July 28. 2012 - AHRC 5K Run/Walk - Southampton, NY
• This will be Elijah’s 1st 5K!
July 29, 2012 - Cystic Fibrosis 4 Miler - West Sayville, NY
August 12, 2012 - Warrior Dash - Windom, NY
September 15, 2012 - Cow Harbor 10K -Northport, NY
September 29, 2012 - Hamptons Half - Easthampton, NY
October 13, 2012 – Hartford Marathon – Hartford, CT
November 4, 2012 – New York City Marathon – New York, NY
November 30, 2012 – St. John the Baptist Turkey Trot 4K – West Islip, NY