The Mayans were wrong, so I'm lacing them up!

Sitting here, watching the 12-12-12 concert and reflecting on how wonderful people can be when we are forced to confront our vulnerability and embrace our humanity. The performances tonight are a reflection of entertainers giving of their talents to raise awareness and funds for the worthy cause of rebuilding lives that were devastated by Sandy earlier this year.

As I type this, I am extremely proud to reflect on my now 7 years of running marathons. I wouldn't say that running is a "talent" of mine, but the oddity of an erratically trained, not-so-svelte guy committing to these races and raising more than $25,000 over the years for a variety of charities and causes - hunger and homelessness (e.g., Natick Services Council, Pine Street Inn, Greater Boston Food Bank), cancer research (Dana Farber), and the very worthy, Justin Bailey scholarship fund in Natick - makes me smile. I am that guy. The one that runs past a crowd and who might hopefully inspire non-runners and weekend warriors alike to think "...well, if THAT guy can run a marathon, then so can I!"

As I look forward to 'lacing them up" for 2013, I want to thank everyone who has supported me during this wonderful journey.

Oh, and I've got some interesting ideas for "training" this time around, so stay tuned!!

2012 Boston Marathon - Hot! Hot! Hot!

So I'm finally trying to wrap my head around the idea of running on Monday and I just recently became aware of this terrible twist in the forecast - HEAT. Hot heat. Like fry-an-egg-on-the sidewalk kinda heat. (OK, maybe not THAT bad, but 80s in April will certainly present an interesting new challenge for me!)

While I haven't "trained properly" (not since Colorado in '09), my recent 4:06 finish in Austin and my 50 mile training week last week has me feeling "ready" if not confident about a strong showing on Monday April 16th.

For those watching the Boston Marathon locally, please watch for me wearing the Natick HS hockey jersey (#17) in honor of Justin Bailey, a 17 year old who passed away unexpectedly this past winter. The Bailey family has worked with the Natick High Hockey Alliance to create the "Justin Bailey Memorial Scholarship to honor their son's memory and to support "the underdog" high school athlete(s) whose quite, dedicated, and selfless approach to sport and team reflect the values that Justin brought to his hockey teams throughout the years.

If you would like to learn more about the scholarship and the story of the scholarship, go to: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/top_stories/x1082436406/Marathon-to-raise-money-for-memorial-scholarship-in-Natick

To help me with my fundraising effort, please go to the Town's website (link below) and click on the PayPal link to use a credit/debit card (please add "Paul Joseph - Marathon" to the field labelled "Purpose" on the PayPal form) OR you may pay by check (made out to "Town of Natick" with "Paul Joseph - Marathon" in the memo section). Checks can be mailed to Natick Town Hall at 13 East Central St, Natick, MA 01760 (c/o Martha White) OR to me at 66 School Street Extension, Natick, MA 01760 and I'll take them to the Town Hall.
http://natickma.gov/Public_Documents/NatickMA_Admin/marathon/index