Moving Ahead in 2010 – Grassroot Soccer & NYC 26.2

By Steve | Published: June 21, 2010

As I shift gears away from my Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man of the Year campaign, it’s time to start promoting another high profile fundraising initiative that I have taken on in 2010.

GRS_Marathon_For_Feature2On November 7th 2010, I will be teaming up with my buddy Ethan Zohn again to race the New York City with Ethan’s charity Grassroot Soccer. Grassroot Soccer uses the power of soccer and many influential leaders as a vehicle to educate and raise funds and awareness for the children of Africa in an effort to fight back against HIV/AIDS. You can help us with this initiative by making your tax deductible donation HERE.

As always, thank you for your continued support. Please do what you can. $5 and $10 donations can really add up to be very powerful and can facilitate positive change.
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Thank You from Ethan and Steve

By Steve | Published: September 6, 2010

Soccer Clinic with Ethan team cropJust a quick follow up note to all of you who registered for yesterday’s clinic. I hope the participants and parents had as much fun as Ethan and I did. I thought things went very well and I couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon.

The donation that was made in registering each participant for this clinic was generously matched by the Haverford Soccer Club. Combined, we were able to make a very substantial donation of close to $3,000 to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to aid in the fight against blood cancers. Thank you for that.

The venue in Manayunk, as well as all balls, pinnies, cones, etc. were also very generously donation by YSC Sports. Successful charity events don’t just happen without dedicated and caring people pitching in and doing their share to help.

Soccer Clinic with Ethan Ethan and SteveEveryone’s time, energy, and contributions are greatly appreciated. Thank you to all for helping to make a difference.

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In Memory of Jim MacLaren

By Steve | Published: September 3, 2010

Jim MacLaren, who at one time was the world’s fastest amputee triathlete, passed away Monday evening August 30th. His life was short but amazingly impactful. After getting hit by a New York City bus while on his motorcycle back in 1985 and having his lower leg amputated below the knee ,  the former Yale football player reinvented himself and became the Babe Ruth of amputee athletes, running a 3:16 marathon and going 10:42 at the Ironman in Kona, Hawaii.

In June of 1993, while competing in a triathlon in Orange County, California, MacLaren was on his bike when a van went through a closed intersection, hit the back of the bike and propelled him into a pole. When he arrived at the hospital he was told that he was a quadriplegic and would never move again from the waist down. 

Bob Babbitt, Jeffrey Essakow and Rick Kozlowski, three of his many friends from the sport of triathlon, created a triathlon in San Diego after the accident to buy Jim a vehicle that he could drive with his hands. The goal was to raise $25,000 and they ended up raising $48,000 through the first ever San Diego Triathlon Challenge. “At that event,” remembers Babbitt, “a number of other amputee athletes came up to us to thank us for what we did for Jim, but to also let us know that there were so many other athletes out there that needed help. Insurance would cover a walking  leg, but anything having to do with sport was considered a luxury item.” 

From Jim’s second tragedy, the Challenged Athletes Foundation was born and in the 17 years since, CAF has raised over $28,000,000 to help disabled athletes stay in the game of life by providing grants to help purchase the equipment they need to stay in the game of life through sport.

“CAF is Jimmy’s legacy,” continues Babbitt.  “I’m proud to say that, through the athletes that we help every day, his impact will live on forever.”

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Ethan Zohn & Steve Brown to Host Charity Soccer Clinic

By Steve | Published: August 25, 2010

Ethan Zohn and Steve Brown, in partnership with The Haverford Soccer Club, are hosting a soccer training session for Middle and High School aged boys and girls.  The session will be held at YSC Sports on Main Street in Manayunk Pennsylvania on Sunday September 5th at 1pm. All clinic proceeds will benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Ethan Zohn & Steve Brown

Ethan Zohn & Steve Brown

Ethan Zohn was a professional soccer player and  the winner of the reality TV show SURVIVOR Africa. In 2002 Ethan co-founded Grassroot Soccer through which he trains professional soccer players to teach African children through a tailor-made curriculum about HIV/AIDS prevention.  More recently, Zohn has also been very public in his own personal battle against cancer; a battle he is well on his way to winning.

Steve Brown grew up in Havertown Pennsylvania. He is a former soccer player and is himself a leukemia survivor who spends countless hours raising funds and awareness for blood cancer research as well as a number of other causes.  Brown and Zohn will also reunite in New York in November to run in the ING NYC Marathon while raising funds for Zohn’s charity, Grassroot Soccer. Brown is a marathon and ironman triathlon veteran as well as a triathlon coach, speaker, and writer.

A mutual friend connected Brown and Zohn upon Zohn’s cancer diagnosis and these two cancer warriors continue to use their energy and resources to help make a difference wherever they can.

Only a few clinic spots remain. For additional information lease contact Steve Brown at stephensbrown@verizon.net or 267.496.7866

For more on Ethan Zohn visit www.ezohn.com

For more on Steve Brown visit www.remissionman.com

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Taking the First Step

By Steve | Published: August 25, 2010

Today, I’m sharing a story from Jackie Fiore, a young woman who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when she was a student at Boston College. Source: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society newsletter.

Being in my third year of college, most people would have thought that I was simply a “run down college student”. During my first semester back at school after a fun filled summer, I was having trouble getting out of bed, stopped attending many of my classes and was not taking part in the many fun college activities that I once had. I had thought I was just in somewhat of a mental depression, so I did not bother telling my parents how terrible I was really feeling. My mother’s instincts could sense that something was seriously wrong, though, so over Christmas break she insisted that I see my doctor.

A few days after being back at college, I received a phone call from my mother telling me that my doctor had called with the results of my blood tests and he explained that my white blood cell count was low. Unfortunately, it wasn’t clear yet that there was something wrong with me, so it took several months, blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy before I would find out that I had AML.

In just a few days I was at the hospital receiving high doses of chemotherapy. I was so scared, but there was no doubt in my mind that I wasn’t going to fight off this disease. It was so hard for me to go through such a long, harsh journey at the young age of 21. If it weren’t for the support of my family and friends, I would have had a very rough time making it through. Another very hard part for me was the loss of my hair. Physically, I felt very vulnerable. I fought my mother on the idea of a wig, but when I found the right one and took my mom’s advice, emotionally, it saved me. I could walk out of my house and not feel like a “cancer patient”.

I have now been in remission for four years and one month, and I feel wonderful! I recently moved into my own apartment with two friends that is a quick walk from the beach, and I am receiving my Masters in Elementary and Special Education. I am also giving back as much as I can. I found out about Team In Training in January of 2009 when I was in Disney World and saw Team In Training everywhere at my hotel and during their race through all the parks. As soon as I got back from my trip, I looked up information about it and soon registered for the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon. Since then I have become even more involved with LLS by walking and fundraising for Light The Night Walk, and I have been mentoring a 22-year-old girl recently diagnosed with cancer as part of the First Connection program.

During my whole experience as a cancer patient, I reminded myself of an inspirational quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. that I hope will be just as helpful to anyone facing a similar situation: Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.

Your support makes a difference. For more information about LLS’s vital work, visit www.LLS.org .

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Philadelphia Marathon Nears Registration Capacity

By Steve | Published: August 20, 2010

Organizers now turn efforts to making Philadelphia marathoning’s best host city.

(PHILADELPHIA) August 20, 2010 – The 17th annual Philadelphia Marathon is sprinting to the finish line and reaching its capacity, as organizers turn their efforts to making Philadelphia marathoning’s best host city.  More than 20,000 runners, families, spectators and residents will enjoy an expanded calendar of Race Weekend activities.

Registration has surpassed last year’s total at this time, with more than 15,000 runners signed up for the event’s three races since registration opened April 1. So far, more than 9,500 runners have registered for the marathon, which has a capacity of 11,000. The marathon is on target to sell out earlier than ever before in its 17-year history, reflecting a trend world-wide of the sport’s growing popularity.  Spaces are open for the Half Marathon and Rothman Institute 8K, but they are expected to fill up quickly as race-day approaches.  

“We are excited to welcome the more than 20,000 expected runners to Marathoning’s best host city,” said Marathon Executive Director Melanie Johnson. “Our spectators are passionate and it’s a true city-wide event with great collaboration involving our hotels, restaurants, retailers, more than 2,000 volunteers, runners and charitable organizations.”

The course is fast and you should be, too! Race organizers encourage runners to avoid the last-minute rush and secure your spot by registering on-line at www.philadelphiamarathon.com.

Registration for the marathon is $125. Registration is $100 for the half marathon and $45 for the Rothman Institute 8K. Last year, more than 20,000 runners registered to participate in the marathon, half marathon and Rothman Institute 8K.

Marathoning’s best host city welcomes more than 20,000 runners to Philadelphia for a family-friendly series of events over Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend, November 20-22, 2010.

Produced and hosted by the City of Philadelphia, Marathon Race Weekend features four races in a city “born to run” — the 17th annual Philadelphia Marathon, Philadelphia Half Marathon, Rothman Institute 8K, and a Kids Fun Run.  Other activities to welcome runners, families, friends, spectators, businesses and residents include a free two-day Health & Fitness Expo; a free course map complete with city discounts and promotions; 22 spectator cheer zones; and an enhanced pre-race pasta party. Runners pass many of Philadelphia’s famous attractions on the swift and scenic USATF-certified course, which is a Boston qualifier. Take the first step to experiencing 26.2 miles of fun, beauty, history and excitement by visiting www.philadelphiamarathon.com.

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Laying Life’s Bricks

By Steve | Published: August 17, 2010

0814101843-00The more seasoned and experienced I get (note – I didn’t say “older”), the more I understand the importance of what we leave behind. Although I know I still have many decades of life, love, and laughs in front of me, I recognize that someday there will be a final curtain. And I don’t say this with any doom and gloom, I simply want to point out that someday, we will run out of tomorrows, and that should place a greater emphasis on the importance of today.

Lately I have been thinking about whatever legacy I will leave behind. What will my footprint look like? How will my grandchildren talk about me in 50 years? That matters to me. I care about the mark that I am leaving behind me. My signature stamp is important to me. God knows that I have made my share of mistakes, but I have always tried my best to rectify them. And I think I am doing the right things. I want people to be able to look back at some of the things that I have done with a certain fondness and hopefully even continue to carry some things forward.

Do I want my kids and grand kids to be runners, cyclists, or triathletes? I want for them whatever they want for themselves. I would love for them to find something that they are passionate about, and devour it. I want them to be able to figure out what pushes their buttons, and go for it. It doesn’t really matter what that something is. And if they can channel that passion in a way that might benefit others, better still. And yes, I am proud at the thought of someday someone opening a scrapbook or a box of finisher’s medals or reading some of the things that I have written and gaining a better understanding of just what all of this meant to me. It’s good. It’s all very good. I am one of the luckiest people I have ever known.

While I don’t always know exactly where I am headed, I typically have a pretty sound belief that the direction I am traveling is the “right” direction. I try my best not to leave too much litter and debris along these roads that I travel. (It’s also OK to revisit a road travelled years ago and perform a little retro clean up. You’d be surprised the difference that can make. Out of sight is not always out of mind.)

Unfortunately there is no magic formula for any of this stuff. Sure there are books and experts of which a small fraction probably add any legitimate value. Most people find their way simply by finding their way. They follow the stars, trying doors and paths along the way and hope they chose correctly. Sometimes they will and sometimes they won’t, and that’s OK. How you realign and correct your navigational path is more important than making an initial wrong turn. This is as exact as it gets.

So if there is a message in this (other than my typical fragmented yet therapeutic banter), I think it is that we should all just think about what we are leaving behind. Are we cultivating gifts of compassion that we hope will be passed down the line? Are we living our lives with dignity and respect for others?

What will others say about us when we leave the party?

Be remembered for the right reasons.

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XTERRA WETSUITS and Swim Across America Team Up to Fight Cancer

By Steve | Published: August 13, 2010

SAN DIEGO, Calif. –As America’s number one selling triathlon and open water swimming wetsuit and America’s premier open water swim series, XTERRA WETSUITS and Swim Across America (SAA) are proud to announce a partnership for the remainder of the 2010 season.

With SAA making waves to fight cancer, XTERRA WETSUITS welcomed the opportunity to support SAA participants in their efforts to fund cancer research at some of the best institutions in the US. In its 24th year, SAA will host dozens of swimming events from coast to coast, each raising money for cancer but each with their own courses, beneficiaries and distinct personalities. This year, SAA will host four new open water swims including its inaugural Baltimore Open Water Swim, with Michael Phelps as the official race starter.

“SAA hosts world-class open water swims that include swimmers of all ages and skill levels, as well as competitive athletes and Olympians,” says Janel Jorgensen, SAA Executive Director. “They all participate in SAA fundraising swims because they are passionate about finding a cure for cancer, and about swimming. SAA is a National family and partnering with XTERRA WETSUITS gives us the chance to reward our MVPs  with some of the best swim gear in the world. We created ‘Club XCELLENCE,’ an exclusive group within SAA, to show appreciation to our top fundraisers by giving them XTERRA WETSUITS merchandise. Partnering with XTERRA WETSUITS was seamless for us because our swimmers want the best wetsuits that money can buy, and XTERRA WETSUITS wants to see their product on the backs of committed and charitable athletes.”

XTERRA WETSUITS prides itself on being America’s number one open water swimming wetsuit and gives back to the community by supporting numerous charitable athletic organizations and events nationwide.

“Swimming is our specialty, so Swim Across America is a natural fit for us,” says Erin Merz, XTERRA WETSUITS Event Sponsorship Director. “It’s always encouraging when athletes use their ability to benefit others. By offering special discounts on our wetsuits and rewarding those who meet certain fundraising goals, we’re enabling these commendable swimmers to maximize their fundraising efforts.”

To date, SAA has raised over $30 million for cancer research, prevention and treatment by holding open water and pool swims across the country in cities like Boston, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago. XTERRA WETSUITS looks forward to helping that number multiply considerably in the years to come.

About XTERRA WETSUITS
In 2009, XTERRA WETSUITS became the best selling triathlon and open water swimming wetsuit in the United States and maintains that dominance today. Dedicated to achieving maximum performance and comfort, XTERRA WETSUITS provides an entire lineup of wetsuits, including entry-level to high-end models. To learn more about XTERRA WETSUITS, please visit www.xterrawetsuits.com.

About Swim Across America
Swim Across America, Inc., (SAA) is dedicated to raising money for cancer research, prevention and treatment through swimming- related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more about SAA, please visit www.swimacrossamerica.org.

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2010 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend Events

By Steve | Published: August 12, 2010

PHILADELPHIA (August 12, 2010) – The City of Philadelphia is gearing up to welcome more than 20,000 runners and more than 40,000 spectators for an even better schedule of events, which includes the Philadelphia Marathon, the Half Marathon, Rothman Institute 8K, Health & Fitness Expo, Kids Fun Run, Runners’ Pasta Party and more than 20 spectator Cheer Zones to catch all of the competition this November.

Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend will attract thousands of athletes for the opportunity to run through the city’s streets and get a real taste of hip and historic Philadelphia’s beauty, culture, heritage and hospitality, as part of a full weekend of fun activities designed for the whole family.

2010 PHILADELPHIA MARATHON RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Friday, November 19 and Saturday, November 20: Health & Fitness Expo
Noon – 9 p.m., Friday, November 19 (NEW EXTENDED HOURS)
10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, November 20
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall D, 12th & Arch streets
Entry is free and open to the public. In addition to activities, vendors and seminars, the Health & Expo is where runners register and get their race packets.

Saturday, November 20: Rothman Institute 8K
7:30 a.m. (NEW DAY AND TIME!)
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Saturday, November 20: Kids Fun Run
Onsite registration begins at 9 a.m.
Races begin at 10:30 a.m. at 22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art (NEW LOCATION)
The Fun Run is for kids, ages 4-12, accompanied by an adult. The entry fee is $15.

Saturday, November 20: Runners’ Pasta Party
4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Spaghetti Warehouse (NEW LOCATION), 1026 Spring Garden St.
$20 for adults 13 and up, $10 for children 5-12, free for children under age 5

Sunday, November 21: Marathon + Half Marathon
6:55 a.m. Wheelchair and Handcycle competitions; 7 a.m. Competition for runners
22nd Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near the Philadelphia Museum of Art
More than 20 designated spectator Cheer Zones will line the course on race day, featuring unobstructed, transportation-accessible, fan-friendly locations for fans to take in all of the exciting action. To add to the race experience, some spectator zones will include hot chocolate and pretzels, and several are near cafes offering discounts and specials.

For further information on the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend, visit www.philadelphiamarathon.com.

About the Philadelphia Marathon

Established in 1994 with a competitive field of just 1,500 runners, the Philadelphia Marathon today has emerged as a top city road race, spotlighting 26 miles and 385 yards of history and boasting 20,000 runners. The marathon is one of the nation’s best races and continues to attract high-level athletes because of its furiously fast and scenic terrain. The race begins and ends near the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It showcases Philadelphia as a world-class city in which runners and spectators have an opportunity to experience Philadelphia’s wealth of cuisine, culture, entertainment and history. For more information, visit www.philadelphiamarathon.com

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Kelly Aneser – Honored Patient

By Steve | Published: August 7, 2010

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TNT is truly an unforgettable experience, made even more meaningful by your honored patient – a local blood cancer survivor whose courage provides motivation and inspiration – a special partner whose challenge is greater than your own.

“A young family growing quickly, we had a three-year old boy, nineteen-month old Kelly, and eight-week old twins! Then in an instant, everything changed. A doctor visit with Kelly revealed that she had acute leukemia. Within three days, she had transfusions, a bone marrow aspiration and a port put into her chest for chemo. Try explaining that to a baby. Treatments lasted for a tough 2 1/2 years.

It may seem odd, but ten years later we look back at that time with gratitude. Research funded by LLS helped save our daughter’s life and today, Kelly leads a normal, happy and healthy life. I’m an LLS volunteer and a multiple Team In Training alum. I’m also compelled to ask you now: Please join us today! No child should have to go through cancer treatment. Help LLS find cures so they won’t have to.”

- Ken Aneser, Kelly’s dad

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Searching

By Steve | Published: August 5, 2010

I think people take on the challenge of endurance events because they love the challenge. They love the idea of pushing themselves, managing their own demons, and that incredible feeling of victory at the finish. (and victory can be defined very differently for every athlete). I was drawn in to the ironman because it scared me and I couldn’t conceive how the human mind, body, and spirit could endure 140.6 miles of racing. The more I didn’t understand it, the more I was drawn to it. And eventually I reached the point of magnetism as my coordinates locked on and the rest is history.

A decade ago it was easy to keep the motivation up to train for an ironman (or a marathon for that matter). But as time marches on, and the medals accumulate in a box, that well of motivation seems to become a little more finite than it once was. The races don’t become any easier, they sure as heck don’t get any shorter, and training motivation gets tougher; so that’s a potentially dangerous combination.

 As much as I remain committed and addicted to the sport of triathlon, I find myself searching for that slightly different flavor of the sport. Years ago, the ironman was considered THE quintessential brass ring of the sport of triathlon. Completing an ironman was the ultimate measure. I don’t believe that anymore. Ironman has become saturated, much the way the marathon became to the running community. And what happened to road racing when the marathon became a little old news and stale? The ultra marathon was born. Runners found a way to push beyond “normalcy” and create new and longer distances. And as the masses catch on to ultra marathoning, I’m sure that bar will again be raised.

Ironman just isn’t unique enough anymore. Everyone now has become an “expert” and you can practically pick up a training plan at any local convenience store. So with ironman becoming a little too common place, what’s next? What is the next drug of choice for endurance sports junkies? I can hear and feel the underground energy as athletes search for that next …. “thing”. Eventually, endurance athletes reach a point where they feel the need to either go faster or farther.

Adventure racing is gaining a stronger foothold but I still think there is something mystical in the swim/bike/run format that John Collins gave birth to in the late 1970s. I think we will see a surge in more off road triathlons such as the XTERRA series and I even suspect we’ll see more iron distance off road triathlons being offered. But for me personally, I have a difference answer to that “faster or farther” question. I see the double ironman and triple ironman becoming the next true measure of mettle. I have had many conversations with double and triple ironman triathletes and race directors and find myself in that same position of being drawn into something because I don’t understand it … and am afraid of it.

 Stay tuned.

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