I just want to take a few minutes and mention a few quick updates that have unfolded within the last few weeks. Things have been busy, but good busy.  There is a show on Comcast Sportsnet called “Net Impact” that has expressed an interest in telling my story. The show features human interest stories about people and their journey above and beyond sport. I met with show host Gregg Murphy and his camera guy Brian  last week and we shot interviews as well as some training in the pool. The cool thing was that I got to wear a head mounted underwater mini camera. I can’t wait to see how that footage turns out. We will film one or two more sessions over the next couple of weeks and the show should air in March on Comcast Sportsnet. Gregg is a great guy and I am looking forward to our next session. I will keep people posted.

We shot those Net Impact interviews and swim footage at the YMCA in Delaware County PA where I am a longtime member and board member. As it turns out, Gregg Murphy is also on the board of his local YMCA in Gloucester County New Jersey. A couple of days after we filmed, Gregg approached me about being their keynote speaker for the 100 year anniversary celebration of their YMCA. It took me about 6 seconds to think about my answer, after which I responded with an enthusiastic, “I would love to do it. Count me in. And THANKS”. That will be in March and details are still pending. It should be a nice night. And I always welcome the opportunity to connect and network when it comes to the YMCA and all of the good that organization does.

Registration is now OPEN for the Brad Schoener Memorial 5K and Music Marathon which will be held on May 19th. I am directing this race again and hope to treat you all to some new surprises this year – as soon as I figure out what they will be.

I am also working with the legendary and renown band Chico’s Vibe in helping them “orchestrate” a new 5K which will benefit hunger relief. This is still a work in progress and nothing is definitive yet but November 17th, 2012 in Havertown PA is looking very probable. Complete details will be announced once they are confirmed. Expect a FUN event, with registration and timing handled by Tim Krueger’s Run the Day. The band’s front man Dennis Chiccino, and I go back to the mid 1980’s and if the first planning meeting is any indication, this is going to be one heck of a fun trip.

Other than that, not too much is “new”. Training is going well. I feel good. Team in Training is in full swing. Our St. Anthony’s triathlon team is just starting to hit their stride and we started recruitment for the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon this week. Summer will be here before you know it.

Also, to help get you over the winter hump, please don’t forget to visit this year’s Endurance Sports Expo. The Philly area local event will again be held at the Oaks (Pennsylvania) Convention Center the weekend of February 25th and 26th.  Other locations have also been booked in the region. Be sure to visit www.endurancesportsexpo.com for complete details.

I once again can walk above the clouds with clarity and confidence . On January 23rd I had my semi-annual routine blood work with my oncologist. The weeks leading into these appointments are always filled with angst and anxiety for me. I always find myself asking all of the wrong “what if” questions. But I am happy to report that the results were spot on perfect once again. I had a great appointment and chat with my oncologist.

Also, I have just signed on to work with Philly Health Watch and am very much looking forward to this partnership. My regular monthly contribution will probably be centered around multisport racing and training. BUT I will also have the platform to be able to interview and feature some of the amazing individuals and organizations that I am connected to. And will be able to do so via a couple of different media channels. More very soon on this!

Welcome to the 4th Annual Brad Schoener Memorial 5k Walk & Run.

This is a two loop run course, (or one loop walk) in beautiful Arlington Cemetery, the resting place of Upper Darby’s beloved band director, Brad Schoener.

Along the course, runners and walkers will be treated to live music by some of Brad’s students and friends. After the race enjoy more live music right across the street at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center at the Music Marathon to benefit the Brad Schoener Fund.

Participation in this event has grown steadily over the last three years. We encourage everyone to register EARLY to guarantee your slot as we may sell out by race day.

** NEW THIS YEAR – Registration and race number pick up will also be available at Arlington Cemetery, (Toppitzer’s Funeral Home building; 2900 State Road, Drexel Hill PA 19026) on Friday May 18, 2012 from 4-7 PM.

Race day number pickup and registration will be held from 8:00 – 9:30 AM at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, (601 Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA 19026).

Click HERE to register.

Contact – Steve Brown – 267.496.7866

An awards ceremony will be held in the Performing Arts Center following the 5K Walk/Run and lead into the 1:00 pm kick off of the Music Marathon featuring talented musicians ranging from student to professional from all over the Philadelphia area.

To register visit Runtheday.com

For more details on the event, visit www.udmusicmarathon.org

You do not want to miss this great tribute to a great man. Read more of his story HERE.

Well here we are in that dead week in between Christmas and New Years. The no fly zone. Not a whole lot happens this week but it’s a nice transition period between all of the Christmas excitement and the energy that the breaking new year brings with it. I usually remain in the Holiday spirit until a few days into January and then I am ready to put everything away and fast forward the calendar to April.  All joking aside, Christmas was really nice. We got to share it with everyone on both sides of the family and it reminded me that I am surrounded by really great people… and I’m grateful for that.

I’m pretty low maintenance and don’t require very much to be able to declare it a great Christmas. I did get a couple of very meaningful gifts that I know were chosen for me and only me. My kids are dialed into what makes me tick and can hit that mark every time without fail. More importantly for me, I was able to share Christmas with those that matter the most. And I was able to see Brynn, listen to her laugh, and hold her until she fell asleep on me. I do get somewhat turned off by those people who become consumed by too much materiality… not only at Christmas, but year round. I overheard recent comments by someone who told of all of the wonderful electronic toys that they were able to purchase for their kids for Christmas – and then thanked God for all of it. No. Sorry. That is as far removed from the meaning of Christmas as one could possibly get. That’s not my God and not my Christmas. In reality, I suppose I am not as annoyed as I am saddened by that person’s values and opinion on what matters in life. But … not my issue so I’ll toss that one right out the window.

Total Recall

My wife and I did a 3 mile walk loop the other day. The driving rain had finally melted the two feet of snow and it felt like a spring day. Along the way, we stopped at the track of a local high school and I did a little track workout and some body weight strength training. While there, two college aged guys showed up with a handful of soccer balls and were just hacking around and shooting on goal. (This is also a very nice new artificial turf field). Many of you know that I spent many years in goal in my previous life and I was as passionate about that game and the art of goalkeeping as I am about multisport racing today. As I worked out, I kept checking them out and felt like I was being drawn into the net and toyed with the idea of jumping in and letting them rip a few on me. I caught up with my wife who had been circling the track and she motioned over towards the goal and said, “you should jump in there”. And that’s all it took….. I ran over and jumped in and told the dudes to be kind as it had been a while. I was good and loose from working out although I could have used a little more of a hand – eye coordination warm up. BUT I was amazed at how it all came back. They took it easy at first but after I hit the ground a couple of times and robbed them of some upper corners, they started cracking some rockets from a15-18 yards away. Yeah, I stared motionless and flatfooted at a few low balls as they flew into the corners but generally speaking, I did well and had a blast. It was a rush and so much fun. That feeling just never leaves you. I felt completely at home….after many years of being away. And it felt good to still be able to stone a couple of kids half my age.

2010 Campaign for Change

I am probably taking on a couple of lofty initiatives again in 2010. My race calendar is filling up but I also have a couple of significant charitable efforts lurking in the wings. I am already registered for the  Livestrong Challenge century ride in late August. I have never done a Livestrong event but obviously, the organization is important to me so I want to support it, and get in a good 100 training ride in the process.

I have been talking to Chris Carr, the founder of Wheels for Wells, and may participate in the last stage of their cross country tour which will take us from West Virginia to Ocean City New Jersey. It would be a week long vacation in early August to raise funds and awareness to aid the water crises in Africa. And I am once again going to race the NYC Marathon in November with my buddy Ethan Zohn and his charity Grassroot Soccer. The rest of the year will be filled with racing, training, coaching TEAM IN TRAINING, and enjoying family time at the shore. A more comprehensive schedule can be found here www.remissionman.com/schedule

I am also race directing the Brad Schoener Memorial 5k to be held in conjunction with an all day music marathon on June 12th. Many of you have read my posts on Brad and I encourage you to visit or revisit them as time permits. And come on out on June 12th. This is going to be one heck of a great day. Online registration will be available in a couple of weeks.

I guess that will about to it for today. Keep the positive vibes coming for Ethan who is undergoing a stem cell transplant in this next phase of lymphoma treatment. So far things are going well. Except for his message of “Merry Christmas HEAVE” that was sent on 12/24/09.

Happy New Year

Brad was the music director in the Upper Darby (PA) School District where he was respected and adored by students, faculty, parents, and peers alike.  My own daughters played under Brad which is when we were first introduced to his unbridled passion for music, for people, and for life. Brad didn’t do anything halfway. Brad didn’t do anything small. When it came to his family, his music, and the students that he loved, Brad did everything huge. Brad lived big.

When Brad became ill he and I became much friendlier. We bonded as we joined forces as fellow cancer survivors. We spoke often about treatments, nutrition, life, and yes – music. He also approached me about doing a triathlon; which he did – twice. And he did it big. Although we will miss Brad on Falls Bridge this year, his presence, and his spirit will echo loud and clear through the talent of several of his students who will man the bridge and play in his honor.

If you are running on Sunday, please savor the sounds you’ll hear on Falls Bridge and take a minute to remember the brilliant life that those sounds represent.