Thursday, July 30, 2009

5K to help Greg fight cancer

I'm long overdue for an update on my stuff, including badwater, but this is more important. Greg has been a friend of mine from almost the day he moved to the city. We worked together at JackRabbit for over a year and he was a member of my first Texas Independence Relay team in '08.

Greg Hamilton was diagnosed with testicular cancer in June of 2009. The cancer has spread, so he is currently undergoing four months of chemotherapy, and if that is not successful he intends to undergo major surgery to remove the cancer from every part of his body. Before the diagnosis he was training to run his first Ultramarathon, a 50 miler. Now, between the disease and the chemo, he struggles to climb the stairs to his apartment. His dream of joining the FDNY has been put on hold while he focuses all of his energy on getting better.

Greg is 22 years old, and has worked at JackRabbit since he arrived in NYC almost two years ago. As an assistant manager first in the Union Sq store and now in the Brooklyn store, Greg has helped thousands of people start running, get faster, and reach their goals. This is our opportunity to give back for all the support he’s given us over the years.

There are all kinds of costs when fighting cancer, and only a few of them are covered by medical insurance. Greg’s parents live in Washington State, so travel and lodging are big expenses. Greg’s cell phone bill has doubled. Transportation to and from treatment, plus dozens of co-pays, adds expenses. Greg needs extra medical supplies while he is recovering from chemo, and all of his food needs to be delivered. While he is working at the Brooklyn JackRabbit occasionally, his income is nowhere near what it was and will not be at least until chemo is complete in October. If he has to undergo surgery, that’s another 3-6 months of recovery from the surgery where Greg’s expenses will be high but his income will be low.

When: Tuesday, August 25, 7p

Where: Prospect Park, the race starts at the Bartel Prichard lot near the movie theatre.

Race Registration: $20. (ALL proceeds go to helping Greg with his fight against cancer. There is no T shirt so that more of the proceeds can be directed to fighting cancer)

'Team In Greging' T-Shirt: $20. ALL proceeds from the sale the the 'Team In Greging' shirts will go towards helping Greg fight cancer.

Make a donation - if you would like to make an additional (non tax deductible) donation please do so through the registration link.

Online Registration & Donation Link: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1775486&assetId=9d464e64-c31f-4a78-a987-34bde72eaf1d

*Volunteers Needed - if you or a friend would like to help out on race day or with pre-race day preparations please let us know at programs@jackrabbitsports.com

Monday, July 20, 2009

Monday

Nothing special today. 5.9 mile run with Run Club at sub 7:00 pace. Then hit the pool for a 30 minute swim.

In news unrelated to me, Chrissie Wellington recently smashed the women's world record for the Ironman. She's going to dominate the women's field for a long time to come.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Newtons


I got a free pair of Newtons while I was at Badwater. I did my second run in the Newtons. The first was just a quick 20 minute run the other night to see how they felt. Tonight I did a 6 miler to really give them a test. I definitely felt like I was getting a slightly higher turnover, especially while running uphill. Toward the end of the run I could definitely feel my calves were a little tight. I could feel the lugs a bit when running downhill, which I wasn't a fan of.

I'm not a convert, but I don't dislike the shoes. I'll probably rotate them in and use them as a supplemental shoe, maybe running in them once a week.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Big finish!

Pam powered her way away from the guy who was gaining on her and finished in 29:02. 2nd place woman.

I don't think any of us have an ounce of energy remaining. I have a whole new appreciation for those of you who came out and paced me at knickerbocker 60K.

I will post a wrap up eventually, but I just don't have the energy.
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Long, long ascent

Pam is still ascending. Pacheco blew by earlier. Pam has another runner closing in. She's still moving but is running on fumes. We are doing what we can to rejuvinate her.

I can barely keep my eyes open. Everytime I blink my eyes burn. If I stop moving I instinctively start to doze off.
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Back from the dead

Pacheco is now running this brutal ascent and is hot on the trail...
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And up the mountain

Pam is on her way up Mt. Whitney. We split up the team to resupply and have a short bit of downtime. I just took the best swim of my entire life. I was caked in dirt, salt, and stench. I feel even better than when I brushed my teeth. I have new socks on. Less than 15 brutally vertical miles left.
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A woman posessed in lone pine.

Pam was blazing. She's slowed down just slightly, but she's still moving. Almost at the 120 mile check-in.
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Pacheco bonks.

Pam just passed him. He's walking. He was with the leaders last night.
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