“Participate” is exactly what I did this year. I went into the race very undertrained, with only one “long” run under my belt. The problem is that “long” training run was only 14 miles. So as expected, and as planned, the second half of my race became even more social with lots of walking breaks. And I swear, running a marathon that way can be so rewarding because you don’t miss a thing. You don’t miss a single sight, smell, or sound along the way. I think I high-fived two million people along the side of the road yesterday.

Once again we stayed with my wife’s sister and her family. Although they live about 25 miles north of the race festivities, it’s a wonderful opportunity to see family while being a part of such a great race. I wouldn’t exchange the great company, great home cooking, and the comforts of home and family for the convenience of staying in NYC. We arrived at their home in West Harrison late Friday and settled in for the weekend ahead. And I do have to say that my wife, MG, was and is a complete saint for shuttling me back and forth all weekend to make sure all of my connections were made. I thanked her a dozen times if not more over the weekend. Support like that is just incredible.

Saturday mid-day we cruised into the city to take care of my registration details and the expo (and spent a few dollars on some things I NEEDED). From there it was off to the Remi restaurant to meet Ethan and the crew for our GRS marathon team pre race dinner and gathering.  The dinner really set the tempo for what would be a great weekend.  There are a number of athletes who have done this race before and we have all developed a nice friendship so it was good to see everyone and get caught up. It was great to see guys like Paul, Sully, Craig, Angela, Becky, and many others as well as the many new comers to the group. This is a GOOD group of human beings and I am honored to call them friends.

We added about 20 more runners this year over last, including Ironman 70.3 World Champion triathlete Aaron Scheidies from Seattle. Aaron is a visually impaired athlete who I also knew from the triathlon world. I might add, he is also one of the nicest guys I have ever met and is a complete character who can eat anyone I know under the table.

After a great dinner and many laughs we started to wrap things up and head our separate ways to get things in order for race morning.  But not before I was tapped on the shoulder by the film crew of Everyday Health and asked to do a short interview about the race, and my relationship with Ethan. Hopefully that comes out well, we shall see. Shortly after that we headed back to get organized.

This weekend we changed the clocks BACK an hour so I was a little nervous about my wake up, but all went very smoothly and we left to head back into the city at about 4:45 AM on Sunday morning. We all gathered at the race’s host hotel and took care of some last minute preparation before boarding the team bus to the start.  Ethan also reached into his bag and said “I have something special for you” as he handed me a Stand Up 2 Cancer / SURVIVOR bandana.  That was much appreciated and actually turned out to be a great distraction during the race because I played with it and kept moving it around between my head…. My neck…. My wrist …… it kept my mind off of running 26.2 miles.

While we waited, I had a nice conversation with a guy in our group named Adam. This was Adam’s first marathon and he was pretty nervous. We had a nice chat and I assured him that he had already put in the hard work and there was no doubt he would have a good day. I reminded him to start off slow and to also savor the day and drink it all in. I also told him to enjoy the crowd, engage the kids when possible and high-five anyone who sticks their hand in the road. More on Adam later.

We boarded the bus and made our way to the start. At dinner I had recommended to Ethan that we write the letters F C on the soles of our running shoes. “FC” has taken on a couple of translations over the years with this group. “Fight Cancer” is one of them. The other, is not quite so G rated. On the bus ride, we broke out the Sharpies and marked up the soles of our shoes. Ethan took my idea one step further and suggested we stomp through dog sh*t to REALLY drive the point home to cancer.  Not sure how he made out with that one! Luckily I didn’t encounter any of that during the race.

Unfortunately our arrival at the start was a little rushed because the bus hit a lot of traffic delays so we actually had to exit early and walk the rest of the way to the start. Once that happened, people scattered and some of the people that I had hoped to at least start out running with all ended up in different places. No worries. I made my way to my designated start coral and waited for our start.

At 10:10 the cannon fired to signal the start of our wave. The start of the NYC marathon is actually about a one mile climb up the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. It feels steep and it’s a little chilly between the shade and the breeze from the river. But before you know it, you hit the crest and begin the descent back down the other side.

As I mentioned earlier, I was a little under prepared for this race. But I was healthy and injury free so I knew I could fake or muscle my way through it without any problems as long as I didn’t set the bar too high.  I ran the first half at pretty consistent 10 minute miles. At around 14 miles, the walking breaks kicked in and became longer in duration as the race went on. Other than feeling like I had steak knives sticking out of my quads, I felt OK. Nutritionally, I felt great. Things went relatively according to plan.

I also did get the chance to connect with a few GRS runners on the road, including Sully, and Angela. And remember Adam, who I gave advice to in the hotel? He passed me somewhere around mile 15 and gave me a thumbs up and a smile and asked how I felt. And THEN, Adam weaved his way over to the curbside so he could high five a row of kids. He listened to what I had told him and during that simple little exchange I had an emotional moment.

There were other moments as well, especially as I reflected on the fact my wife and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage. She has been such a catalyst in allowing me to achieve and realize so much in this life.

Of course, runners cannot turn onto First Avenue without being overcome with emotions. I feel like the heart of the entire race sits right there waiting for you to come off of the quiet of the bridge and erupt into a hero’s welcome.

In keeping with a little tradition that I started, I did have a couple of Philly pride moments. Most notably came along First Ave at about 79^th. A group of guys were tossing a football on the sidewalk, tossing it into the crowd of runners anytime a runner gave them a nod and a “hey, I’m open” sign. So of course I did, and the guy hit me in stride with a perfect strike. But before I tossed it back, I broke into an “E-A-G-L-E-S” cheer and fired it back to them. I thought the whole corner was going to come after me. Good thing for cops and barricades. I did the same thing to a spectator wearing a Giants Lawrence Taylor jersey. That guy just yelled back and said “I’ll remember your face”. Too funny.

So eventually, after over five hours of five borough therapy, I made my way into Central Park and across the finish line of marathon number…. perhaps 20. I am not 100% sure. I met up with MG who SOMEHOW had secured street parking just a few blocks from the finish. (a saint, I’m telling you). From there we actually went back north for a great dinner, shower, and to pack up and say goodbye to our family.

And so ends another chapter of the ING NYC Marathon.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in this awesome adventure. From my wife and family, to my warrior cancer brother Ethan Zohn and his GRS team, to each and every spectator and volunteer along the way. You all rock and I will see you next year.

Side note – please don’t forget my committment to donate all proceeds from my book “In Search of Center” to two of Ethan’s favorite charities. Details can be found HERE.

So here is my offer and our chance to all do something from the comfort of wherever you are. Effective today 100% of the proceeds received from both the paperback and download versions of this book will be split evenly between two charities which are meaningful to Ethan and I.

50% will go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and 50% will go to Ethan’s charity Grassroot Soccer. Please pass this around to your friends.

Please click below to make a difference:

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The irony in all of it is he has been training for this weekend’s NYC marathon where I will be joining him and racing for his charity; Grassroot Soccer. Ethan will also be guiding a blind athlete that we have running with our team. Check that. Not just any “blind athlete”, but world class and world champion  triathlete Aaron Scheidies. 

All systems were GO. So of course in true warrior fashion, he will still race. Perhaps not as well as he had hoped, but he’ll get it done. Someone commented that this news is “sad”. I don’t feel “sad” right now. I feel really pissed off and offended if that makes sense. But not “sad”.

In talking to Ethan yesterday, I offered the following:

Call me crazy but I feel A LOT of really positive energy around the race and your situation. Think about the dynamic…. Leading a blind athlete…. Going though treatment …. Running with another survivor … (yours truly)….. raising money for GRS and saving lives…. leading by example ….There is just so much karma and POWER in all of this….

The Hodgkins Lymphoma is just showing its ignorance by rearing its ugly head. It’s going to get chewed up.

I’ll post some updates once we get to NY on Friday. I will see Ethan and our crew for dinner Saturday night and we will all ride a team bus to the start and have our own little colony to hang out and enjoy each other’s company prior to the start.

My goal is to just hang out with Ethan during the race and make it a MISSION against cancer.

More to come.

Below is an email from Ethan that went out to our marathon team just today:

To All My Favorite GRS Marathoners,

The past 2 years as a cancer survivor have been super exciting – a trip to South Africa for the World Cup, a journey around the world on The Amazing Race, a new TV series with Jenna called Everyday Health, and running of the NYC Marathon for Grassroot Soccer. In fact, working with GRS has always been the MOST rewarding part my life.

Having said that, I have some not-so-exciting news. On September 14^th, after a routine visit to the oncologist, they found evidence of canzer. I relapsed. My f’ing canzer is back.

I have Hodgkins Lymphoma that is localized to the chest and lung area. The docs are very hopeful and are treating this with curable intent.

I’m on a super new drug called SGN-35 which was passed by the FDA on September 24,2011. SGN-35 is considered a “Smart Therapy” because it will only target the cancerous cells in my body.  Therefore, the side effects are not as bad.  Most importantly, I will not lose my jew-fro again, and that’s really my biggest concern…not this stupid cancer stuff. HA!! My first treatment was on October 18^th and I’m feeling ok.

Here’s the yucky part. Once my cancer is in remission, I will have to endure another stem cell transplant. Hola Mr. Bubble Boy!!!!  This time it will be an Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant (versus and Autologus stem cell), which means I will use another human’s stems cells and I WILL lose my hair. I will be in the “bubble” for about 40-50 days with a hard-core intensive 120-day recovery period once I’m released.

So that’s the deal….

I think the general perception of cancer is that there are winners and losers. You either beat cancer and win, or lose to cancer and die. There is no in between. The reality of my situation is that I did everything in my power to beat cancer and I did. But it came back. And that’s ok too. I’m not a failure. There are millions of people out there living with cancer and living with the reality that this horrible disease may come back.

This morning, People Magazine made this announcement, but I wanted to send a personal note to everyone. I’m going public because I hope the details of my life have the power to educate and heal others. Or perhaps enable them to connect with me in a way that helps make their journey more manageable. I’m right there with them…living and fighting each day of my life bringing awareness to this global pandemic. It’s who I am, It’s what I represent. I stand up for what I believe in.

I’m still running the NYC marathon for GRS even though I have cancer and have had my first chemo treatment.  It’s that important to me. The docs think I’m crazy, but I want to send a message of hope and let people know that cancer will not slow me down. And it doesn’t have to slow anyone else down either. I will to charge forward and continue to do the things I love, like work with GRS.

I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a horrible diagnosis and I want to do everything in my power to make sure no one else will have to go through the same crap that I’m going through…whatever that may be, cancer or HIV.

I can’t wait to see everyone this weekend and have some fun. It’s an honor to be part of something so much bigger than myself.

Who’s ready to outrun cancer and stomp out AIDS?  That’s what I thought…me too!

See you at the finish line,

Ethan

I have settled into a great 5 AM running routine but I bailed this morning. It was just too gross when I stepped outside. Training is going well though. I feel pretty focused for ironman on September 24^th. Generally speaking, things are progressing nicely. And of course the NYC Marathon with Ethan is set for November. I still need help with our cause. Donations can still be made HERE. NO donation is too small. Got that? NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL.

I have also decided to make the trip to Virginia in October to help out the USA Ultra Triathlon group with the double, and triple ironman.

There is a reason.

I have mentioned before that the double ironman has piqued my curiosity for quite some time now. I was close to racing it this year but I vetoed myself. I have been in regular contact with race director Steve Kirby and it was his idea to invite me down to really get the true flavor for this year’s race, which will better prepare me for attempting this in the fall of 2012. I’ll write a feature article on the event as well.

I’m not sure why but I have always had a burning desire to set myself apart. Not above anything or anybody. Just “apart”. Ironman is yesterday’s news and has become way too popular – and too commercial. I hate that….. or I at least dislike it. I feel it’s time to again do something that others are not doing. Much more to come on this. I’ll also need a full blown support crew … so I will be recruiting!

As a reminder, I will be meeting my buddy Todd Crandell tonight for the screening of his new documentary film Running With Demons. It will be good to catch up with him and a couple of his partners on this film.

All else is good. I’ll try to get some pics posted from the film screening tonight.

Stay cool everyone.

Please visit my fundraising page HERE to help with any donation that you possibly can.
 
Grassroot Soccer’s (GRS) mission is to educate, inspire and mobilize youth to stop the spread of HIV.

Also there are some great show coming up including Todd Crandell on January 17th and Anne Mahlum in February. Visit their websites to learn more and be sure to listen in.

I am excited about this project for a few reasons. Some of the pieces in this book have really hit home with not only me, but for others as well. My good buddy Ethan Zohn has written the foreword for me, and a portion of these proceeds will go to Ethan’s charity Grassroot Soccer. Here is a little teaser from Ethan:

“There is a general consensus in the sport of soccer that all goalkeepers are crazy – a different breed of human being. Steve was a goalkeeper. And I think the reason he is having me write this forward is because we have so much in common. Steve is an elite athlete and I’m a former soccer star. Steve has beaten cancer and I’m a recent Survivor. Steve has competed in many ironman triathlons and I have watched many ironman triathlons”

I have also received some nice initial feedback from people whom I hold in the highest regard, such as Scott Tinley:

“Stephen Brown writes with equal parts thoughtful muse and devil-may-care prose. Perhaps born of his own life challenges, he doesn’t swoon his readers as much as he shakes their own foundations of belief about what sport is and what it isn’t. In a world of slick, market-driven writers and bloggers, Brown writes for the best of all reasons—because it helps him to understand a confusing time and place. ”

Scott Tinley, author of “Racing the Sunset: An Athlete’s Quest for Life after Sport”

The working title of the book is “In Search of Center… ramblings on life and sport”. The title itself actually stemmed from an email that Tinley sent to me where he raised the question, “How can I find my center if I don’t visit the edge”? I couldn’t shake those words and had to do something with them.

Stay tuned and look for its release in the coming weeks. Don’t forget my previously released titles, which can be found HERE.

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

On 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.

First Descents is committed to curing young adults of the emotional effects of cancer and empowering them to regain control of their lives by experiencing whitewater kayaking and other challenging adventure sports in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

By the end of 2010 Ryan Sutter will have trained for 700 hours, traveled 8500 miles, and climbed the equivalent of Mount Everest four times. He has taken on this incredible challenge all while wearing the Team FD jersey in an effort to challenge 10,000 people to give $10 in honor of First Descents’ 10th year anniversary.

For more on Ryan’s mission, click HERE.

For more on First Descents, click HERE.

Great stuff. Kudos to you Ryan for all you continue to do.