Good week

It's been a good training week.  I had a groin/hip injury a few months back, and a few weeks ago it was bothering me again.  Since I didn't train much last week, due to having a cold, I ended up getting plenty of rest. This week I had some really good workouts and (knock on wood) almost no pain (at least nothing a little stretching couldn't fix).  I guess the extra rest was just what the doctor ordered.  I'll have to keep this in mind in the future, especially next time I am filling a little pain!

One of those days

Rain. Heavy Rain. Very Heavy Rain. Today was one of those days you just want to curl up and get back under the covers and stay in bed. But, alas, there are forces that propel us forward. Thus, I started my day, a bit begrudgingly, as I crawled out of bed and headed downstairs to the sound of scornful rain drops pattering the kitchen window. While I was not brave enough to go out and run today (I believe I heard the phrase "Pea Soup" from the weather guy on the radio in my car) I did manage to haul myself to the gym. After warming up on a stationary bike, I ran.

Like most runners, I loath the treadmill. I'm not completely against running on treadmills, but there is nothing like the clear air and open space that comes with running out doors. However, I had a bit of a different experience today. For some reason, I found the experience more beneficial, as I practiced running at different paces. It was fun to change speeds and see how easy I held pace.

Perhaps treadmills are not so bad after all!

Better late then never

Here it is Friday, the Boston Marathon was Monday, and I've barely written a thing. What was I thinking. Like many runners, I think, I watched the race streaming on the internet while I was at work. Probably not the best use of the bandwidth, but I'm sure I didn't slow anyone else down.

I used find it difficult to watch others run. I mean, really, golf has more excitement then a marathon, right? But this time I had a different perspective. It was more like watching a how-to video. I'm not just talking about watching the elite runners. I enjoyed seeing the strategy of the runners. How the women took it slow, running as a pack as one-by-one the pack dwindled down to two runners. How the men decided to go all out from the start and weed out the crowd early. That was actually exciting. Like I said, I never enjoyed that before, but I did this time.

But there was the other part of the Boston Marathon that was exiting to me. More than exciting, inspiring. There was the wheelchair racers, who are unable to walk or run, but propel themselves 26.2 miles with their upper body strength alone. There was Team Hoyt, the father and son team. The father, Dick, pushes his son, Rick, who is physically disabled, in a wheel chair. They run to help others who are physically disabled be productive members of the community. Of course, there was Jennifer Sheridan, who ran in honor of her lost 3 lost siblings. And, the list goes on.

I was reminded that the reason we all love watching the marathon is not because we get to see the elite runners perform inhuman feats. Rather, we are exhilarated and, in my case, inspired, when we see folks, much like ourselves, cross the finish line for the benefit of others. Essentially to see everyday moms, dads, sisters, brothers, etc...perform truly human acts of kindness and love. Now, that's exciting!

Still Down and Out

While being under the weather is always a bother, I think runners find it more troubling than others, since being sick keeps us away from our favorite pass time longer than the rest of our lives. I'm still working, and I am still being a dad, but i cannot run. Of course, I should keep this in perspective. I am blessed to be health most of the time. A cold goes away, while other illnesses do not go away. I'll be running again. My hope is that my efforts will help others get out an run again soon!

Keep running. Run happy. Count your blessings!

Neal

Not alone

No training today. Mother Nature has a way of telling you to slow down, which is in the form of a cold.

I read an article in the Boston Globe about this woman, Jennifer Sheridan, who lost her brother and two of her sisters to cancer over a three year period. She has been running the Boston Marathon Since 2009 in their honor to raise money for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I would like to tip my hat to Jen and wish her the best in her efforts to help others. Check out her blog at http://begoodbestrong.blogspot.com/.

Way to go Jen!

More Honors

My brother-in-law lost his mother to cancer more than 10 years ago. She had breast cancer. It went into remission at one point, then came back. Lorraine Leavey was a wonderful woman. She was a joy to be with and an honor to know. She was always there for my brother-in-law and my sister whenever they needed her, and believe me, they needed her.

I was young when I met her, in middle school I believe, so I had a different perspective then my sister, who is 15 years my senior (sorry sis). Lorraine treated me like one of her sons, and always made sure my plate was full (very full) when I was a guest for dinner at her house. Despite my odd phases growing up, and I had many of them, Lorraine treated me exactly the same as everyone else who visited her home.

So, Lorraine, I am proud to be running for you too. May your kind heart live on in the souls of your children and grandchildren.

A Runners Groove

My Saturday morning long runs are getting fun. I'm learning how to pace myself better. As I start running more, I'm coming to realize it's important to have a steady pace. My pace over the last two Saturdays were almost identical at 9:39 min/mile and 9:31 min/mile, respectively. It's fun to keep track of these calculations, especially if you are a numbers guy like me. I'm looking forward to when my long run pace is less than 9 min/mile, but I am fine with taking my time getting there. That's another thing about runners. We don't mind when things take a while. I guess that's a good thing!

"...that would be an honor"

Training is going fine right now. On that note, there is nothing interesting to share. However, I indicated in my first post that if any of you had been touched by cancer in some way to tell me your story, and I would be running for you too. Well, I received an e-mail from my friend, Bonnie Pollen, yesterday, after sending my appeal for support. She told me that she received my e-mail "on the very day I was told my breast biopsy is positive for cancer."

Fortunately for Bonnie, and her family, the form of breast cancer she has is treatable, with a 99% cure rate. I told her that I was going to write this and she said, "that would be an honor". So today I am honoring Bonnie and offering a prayer that she and her family weather this storm with strength and humility. Bonnie, you are not alone, and know that I am also running for you.

I have added two lists on my blog page. To honor cancer survivors and those who have lost the battle. I am defining cancer survivors as those who are currently battling cancer, and those who have battled cancer and won.

If you have nominations for either list, let me know. I have decided to dedicate my run to every person who is added to both lists.

Thanks,
Neal

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. I've decided to keep a daily training blog. Don't expect long posts here, just a few notes to help me keep track of my training, log my thoughts, and keep me motivated as I train. What I am training for?

Last year I participated in the North Shore Cancer Run to support the North Shore Medical Center's Cancer Center and I raised more than $700 to help local families on the north shore of Massachusetts who are coping with cancer. This year, I want to raise more than $2000, if possible.

Visit my fund raising page donate and learn more about the North Shore Medical Center's Cancer Center:
http://nsmcgiving.partners.org/Page.aspx?pid=508&frsid=5816

My father, Joseph Grasso, lost his battle with cancer in 1995, so I am running for him. To make this fundraising effort more worthwhile, this year I am running three races for one cause:

• The North Shore Cancer Run 5K, June 24th,
• The Wicked Half-Marathon, September 22nd, and
• The Bay State Marathon, October 21st!

That’s right, a 5K, a ½-Marathon, and a full Marathon, all in support of the North Shore Medical Center! That’s three races, and an entire season of training, to support! Whatever you are willing and able to give would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance for your support. I am sure all of you have been touched by cancer. When you give you can tell me your story and I will be running for you too!

So, come back to visit often, I'll be sure to post something every I train (Monday through Saturday).