RUN!

Last Sunday I ran my 9th marathon and the first in 9 years. I did not train for the 26.3 mile endurance run technically. I actually haven't been running with any sort of goal in mind for quite a number of years now, but when I discovered the Bucks County Marathon I had to enter the race.  No, it wasn't a high profile race like New York City, Philadelphia or Washington, D.C.'s Marine Corps Marathon that would coax me out of my eating frenzied retirement. It was a race that literally ran past my town. It started at Washington's Crossing State Park and ran along the canal on the Pennsylvania side up through New Hope and beyond before turning around. With only 500 entries available I cast aside my worries about my lack of training and signed up for it. The allure of running in an event so close to home and in such a beautiful area was too strong to allow a lack of training to get in the way.

23 miles in

Let me tell you sports fans out there in cyber world, running a marathon is not for the faint of heart. It's raw will power that keeps one going for the hours that it takes to cover 26 miles. Everything hurts by the end of the marathon, but completing it swells one's heart with pride at the accomplishment. Yes, will power played a prominent part of my race last week, especially since I had no real training. The longest training run I had completed was just 12 miles and I did that the Monday before race day. This race had the potential to be a disaster, but I ran smart taking "salt" shots before and during the race and power shots of some gel pack they handed out along the course as well as drinking water and gatorade at every opportunity. They all helped, but the smartest thing I did race day was my pacing. Slow and steady does not necessarily mean you win a marathon, but it does guarantee you finish. Running slowly I was able to avoid any serious cramping. Cramping is a concern for me and I've suffered from it in every one of my 8 previous marathons. Even when I was in fantastic shape I could not escape cramping. But, this race I was able to or lucky enough I guess to avoid cramping. My time was 5:25, much slower than my Personal Record of 3:40, but I was extremely happy with the finish. And, though this is a competition with oneself, it is still a race and when my pacing allowed me to chug along and pass around 10 other "walking dead" racers in the final 6 miles, it was as if I had won the race outright. 

where's the beer?

The lunacy that inspired me to run 26 + miles after effectively getting out of bed is strong and not the first time I had done something like this. I completed my first marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, in 1985 despite a similar lack of training. I beat four hours in that one, but I was also in my 20's. I paid for that dearly and did not walk very well for a good two weeks afterwards. Here it is Friday, and I'm doing okay, although I'm not going to run for another few days

But then I'm going to get ready for my 10th marathon! 

worth the wait..er run

 But, not until I drink a couple of celebratory beers. 

My 9 races:
1) Marine Corps Marathon
2) Marine Corps Marathon
3) Marine Corps Marathon
4) Atlantic City Marathon
5) Honolulu Marathon 
6) Honolulu Marathon
7) Philadelphia Marathon
8) Jersey Shore Marathon
9) Bucks County Marathon

be safe!

NYC subway

Everyone I know who lives in the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, as well as friends in Delaware and Pennsylvania have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. The mayhem unleashed by this storm is unprecedented and images of the destruction are frightening. Lives were lost, homes destroyed. New York City had tunnels flooded and hundreds of homes in Breezy Point, Queens burned. The entire coast of New Jersey was hit. boardwalks and piers were torn apart. A new inlet to Barnegat Bay was ripped through homes and lives at Mantoloking and Route 35 was severed.  If your're interested in seeing more pictures of the devastation go here:
 Hurricane Sandy aftermath

a new inlet

Comparatively Team VFH escaped the wrath of Hurricane Sandy relatively unscathed. Janet had no interruption of power and except for her school shutting down two days, life has remained normal. Though I did not suffer any damage in Lambertville I did lose electricity on Monday night and at this writing on Saturday evening, I am still in the dark. The entire city will be without power much longer than anticipated. We are all in this together though and the city government continually posts updates on their website and offer advice for things like where to find shelter and showers. The state also is offering online help at http://nj.gov/ . The NJ Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) provides essential information to seek help from FEMA and Hurricane Sandy Recovery efforts offered by the state.  My situation is better than most, but because I have a well I am unable to draw water without electricity. (I guess I should break down and purchase a generator?) Without these essentials I am living in a high priced cave. Thankfully Janet has allowed me to stay at her place. It could be worse for me and when I hear tale after tale of misfortune and loss and watch the news about the devastation, I have to consider myself lucky.

Because there are many others throughout the region who have suffered now is the time to offer support or lend a hand whenever feasible, sort of like reverse mooching. Even the smallest act of kindness would be appreciated. Vacations From Home's strength though is not hammering nails but finding free things to share and in this time of need these may be especially helpful. Hopefully this blog will help those in need and if you fair reader have also discovered a way to help others, please share it with your friends.

FREE STORAGE AT U-HAUL
The U-Haul company is offering 30 days free self-storage and U-Box pod moving and self-storage to Hurricane Sandy victims throughout the Northeast. If you have to store things after being evacuated this could help! Follow the link to find one of the regional centers to assist you. Be mindful though that some smaller locations are still out of commission after the storm.

SHOWER AT MySports
The MySportsClubs franchise is making a very generous offer to victims of the Hurricane. Located all along the east coast from Boston to Washington, D.C., MySportsClubs is offering full access to their facilities. You can work out or just take a much needed hot shower. Their only requirement is that you bring your own towel. Again, be mindful that some facilities have also suffered from the Hurricane and may not be open.

HELP FROM MyAssist
MyAssist is a leading live-agent personal assistance and concierge service for individuals and companies. Now this may sound frivolous, but victims of the Hurricane can call 855-899-7161 and MyAssist agents can help arrange emergency travel reservations/accomodations, coordinate emergency medical assistance, communicate with family, friends and emergency response groups and assist in helping with any emergency needs.

FREE WI-FI
Who can't live without the internet? Well Comcast for a time will allow anyone to access their Xfinity wi-fi hotspots in several states affected by the Hurricane. Normally there is a fee, but until November 7 find an "xfinitywifi" and click on the "not a subscriber" and select "complimentary trial session". Follow the link above to find wi-fi hotspot locations in your area. 

TREES
A neighbor in Lambertville had a tree crash into the top floor of their home. A colleague at work narrowly had his car crushed by a falling tree. I have had a large limb of the Tulip tree outside my house break off and take out a light and damage some of my siding. If you have lost a tree because of the Hurricane Fast-Growing-Tree.com will replace it for you. Click the link, provide a picture of your fallen tree and they will send a new one to you, offering their prayers for a safe and speedy recovery.

FEMA

This government organization has come a long way since the Hurricane Katrina fiasco. They have been a large presence in the tri-state area offering assistance. You should contact them for help. Last year after Hurricane Irene a representative came to the house and offered much needed support. I recommend contacting them.

We at VFH Central hope these tidbits help in some way. Share with your friends and neighbors and let us know if this helped in some way.
love
greg and Janet