Running For Elora

I'm back...

2007-02-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

Let me give you a run down on what i've been doing the past few months. Well last I've told you was that my father was going to be running in the Drake Well Marathon prior to Christmas. Well he ran it and he ran it well he knocked off something like 26 minutes. That is awesome especially for a 57 year old man running in his third marathon since september and in his third marathon ever. Oh yeah and let me remind you it was around a high school track.

That day I think I ended up running about four or five miles with him just to keep him going or just to keep me warm.

On January 1st I ran my first race of the year. Lyndsay and I were in Charleston, SC for New Years and decided to run in the resolution run. I was not ready for it I struggled through the whole thing but I finished and thats what counts right.

I've been running the past few weeks only running at most 4.5 miles in any one run. I'm doing ok but not as good as I would like to run, but who can I lie to, I'm not putting in the miles to make me be as good as I want to be.

What made me write this post was tonight I googled Elora and saw all of the outpouring of love that people have written about her and what people have done in honor of her. If you have ever been in my car you have noticed the picture of elora on the dash. Not a day goes by when I don't look at that picture. Elora has been on any road trip I have taken. She's been to Wisconsin, DC, MD, North Carolina. She ran with me during the 10k in October, she will be with me in my next race. Now is the time when the grieving is supposed to stop i think and the rest of your life is supposed to start. I don't think thats the case. Once people stop asking about Elora or any loss is when you are supposed to pick up and make sure that you don't forget about those that aren't with you anymore. I have noticed over the past few months that I have become more emotional. While hearing stories of people doing amazing things, or stories of people overcoming obstacles makes me want to cry or just cry in general. When I have bad days at work what I need to do is just put what is bothering aside and think of the fight that Elora had just her personality and just deal with it.

I also think daily of Dad, Leslie and Ben. I hope that they are dealing with this as best as they can. They are currently planning a trip to Ecuador to see my sister and her family. i wish I could go with them but with a possible move in the future I need to get that done before I can plan a long trip.

Anyway, as you can tell I have had a lot of stuff bottled up inside, thanks for reading if you've made it down this far.

See you on the road.

Happy Birthday Elora

2006-12-22T07:06:00.000-05:00

Today would be Elora's 15th Birthday. This year for her birthday Dad, Leslie, Ben and I are going to Titusville, PA for the Drake Well Marathon. Dad is going to be running around a high school track for 150.5 laps. Just a few times around a track. I'm probably going to run about 3.2 I'm going to run a 5k. If I feel good I might do more. I'm the one who told him about it so I'm obligated to go. Elora would enjoy something like this. I have a feeling that she would be going around the track just as long as Dad will be running. It's going to be a crazy day.

A year ago tonight I came into Pittsburgh for Christmas and we all went out to dinner to celebrate Elora's birthday. The only thing that was missing was Elora herself. She was in the hospital in a drug induced coma. We even had cake and Ice Cream for her and sang Happy Birthday. It was like a scene out of a movie on lifetime. But it was real, we were in a grimy little Mexican restaurant in Oakland, PA. Only time will tell how different this year is. I was over at Dad's last night and everything I go over there I keep waiting for Elora to walk down the stairs... But, she never does. I don't know how they do it. But they do, and they keep going.

So let me give you a little update on different things. First off on the Elora's Hope world. Elora's School held a walk a thon at there school and raised almost 3,000 dollars. Also a friend of Elora's from school or church, has asked her family in lieu of Christmas gifts she asked that people make a donation to Elora's Hope. To Date this girl is almost 2,000 dollars. A 14 year old girl giving up her Christmas presents and giving them to a charity. That is unbelievable.

Onto the running side. I've been running a little bit here and there. I have run a few races since my last post. I ran an 8k on thanksgiving and did pretty well. Except for the fact that I drank to much beer the night before, and it slowed me down. Then I ran a 5k in Chapel Hill 2 weeks ago and man did it kick my ass. Lyndsay said it was the toughest 5k she ever ran. Lot's and lots of hills. And one hill that was very steep and very long. But I got through it and am here to write this today.

Well I just thought I'd update you on what's going on, so I did. Sorry about the delay. I'm not as good at this as I thought I was.

Merry Christmas, and savor it, because you never know who is going to not be there the next year. This year we are going to be without Elora, and My Sister Wendy, her husband Andres, and my nephew Gabriel. The went and moved to Ecuador. Well Elora didn't move to Ecuador but the rest of them did. I guess it's time we share Andres et al with his family.

Once again Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Elora.

10k. 26.2 to go!

2006-11-02T21:20:00.000-05:00

First off I would like to apologize for my delay in writing this. I don't have any excuse except that I'm lazy!

This past Sunday I completed my first 10 k Race. I ran the Marine Corps 10 K. It was a great time. I ran it in 1 hour and 4 minutes. I couldn't believe I ran it that well. When I ran I felt great. My first mile I ran in 13.26 when I looked down and I thought I was crazy. That was the slowest mile that I've ever run. I made up time over the next 5 miles and only at the end did I begin to feel tired. When I hit mile 6 I looked up and saw a big hill. I've run up bigger before, but this was taxing. I don't know how the Marathon Runners did it. It was at mile 26 for them. I made it though and I saw my family at the end cheering for me. The one I heard the loudest was my mother, I was so happy for her to see me run because she is still suprised that I'm running.

The day before the race somebody reminded me that Elora passed away 6 months ago to the day on Sunday. So in six months I decided to run a marathon and although I have not made my goal yet, I will soon. I've completed a 10k I can't believe I did that. If you would have told me in April that I would have run 6.2 miles in a little over an hour I would have though you were crazy. I feel the best that I have in years. I've lost about 16 lbs, I just feel great.

Also on Sunday Lyndsay and my dad completed the Marine Corps Marathon. Lyndsay ran her race in a little bit over an 4 hours and dad completed his in under his 6 week old PR (personal record) from the Maui Marathon. I'm extremely proud of them. Dad almost didn't run the Marathon he was having knee pain during the weeks leading up to the race. He was going to sign up for the 10k, but a few days prior to the race he read something online that suggested to him that his IT band was bothering him. He bought some IT Band straps and it seemed to help him and he had no problems (or so he says).

When we returned from DC after the race I began doing some research on what marathon I should do. Looking at these races I came across this marathon in Titusville, PA http://fiddy2.org/dwmarathon.html It's run around a track. 1/4 mile at at a time. I Sent dad an email telling him about this thinking he would think this guy is crazy and file it into his head. Next thing I know he decided to run it. 155.5 laps and all. It's going to be a crazy race.

I still don't know what race I'm going to run... but it will be sometime in the next 6 months to a year. I want to do one that will be in a cool place.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Great Run...

2006-10-03T19:34:00.000-04:00

I had an unbelievable run today. Let me get that out at the beginning. I ran for about 3 or 4 miles, and it felt good. It was a hard run but it was good. I have been so tired coming home from work recently that I didn't think I could run anymore after work, but I decided to day to bring my running clothes to work and change and then not come home till I ran. So I ran...

Anyway, on the back of my ipod I have inscribed, Run Another Mile! Do it For Elora! Today was the first time that I followed the inscription. I was very tired near the end of my run... But I kept going. I felt something pushing me the last mile. I don't know if was it was Elora pushing me or just her Spirit. One of the songs that I listened to when I was running was Lucy Kaplansky's "Goodnight" This was a song that I listened to a lot after Elora's funeral and while that song came on something told me to take another trail that would lead to a longer run.

Anyway, the lyrics are...
Sleepless nights don't bother me at all
And if dawn comes I won't worry
Something deep inside keeps me awake
I wish that you were here right beside me
I recall when I was very young
And I could not fall sleep
My father sang me songs to make me tired
But memories don't come so easily
So goodnight goodnight
Wherever you are sleeping
And I hope that if you dream you dream of me
Goodnight goodnight
Wherever you are sleeping
And I hope that if you dream you dream of me
Now I lie awake and it's no fun
I'm tossing and turning
I'd call you if it weren't so very late
But telephones won't bring you close to me
I recall the nights we stayed up late
Wide awake but still dreaming
There was nothing on this earth
That could make me tired
But memories don't come so easily
So goodnight goodnight
Wherever you are sleeping
And I hope that if you dream you dream of me
Goodnight goodnight
Wherever you are sleeping
And I hope that if you dream you dream of me
And I hope that if you dream you dream of me

the line where it talks about Memories don't come so easily made me think about how I don't pay attention to the little things in my life that make me realize I love that person. it's the little things that make me love people but I don't pay attention to those things. I take them for granted. While running I thought about how I wish I kept the little things from Elora that she made for me and how I paid attention to the interaction that I had with her. But now I realize the memories won't come so easily. I need to look deep inside of me to look for them. I hope that I am able to do this with all of you that I know. I want to deepen my relationships with people and make them stronger and more memorable.

Anyway, I had a great run, and I hope that you will join me for a run someday.

10 K Here I come...

2006-09-20T17:45:00.000-04:00

Now that I gave up on running my marathon for the time being. I have decided to run the marine Corps 10k. Lyndsay would say that I have to run it as the results of a lost bet. But the bet is not over yet. At the beginning of the baseball season we bet that our home team would have a better season than the other. In case of a tie we both have to do what the other said we had to do. If the Pirates were ranked higher than the Brewers she has to go Camping for a week. If the Brewers were ranked higher than the Pirates than I have to run a 10k. We had trading deadline buyouts for either a weekend camping trip or a 5k . Well I almost took the buyout at the trading deadline. But I didn't! With 11 games to go for each team, The Pirates are 4 games out of a tie with the brewers! Anyway I ramble.

So I ran today for about 30 minutes. Wearing two new items that will help me through my runs. The first was a new pair of running shoes that I got up in PA when I was home for Elora's race. I got them at Up and Running which is near Bulter PA on Route 8. If your in the mood for a new pair of running shoes goto Up and Running ahd see them and tell them that Elora's family sent you. The other thing that I bought was an Ipod Nano. On the back is engraved, run another mile! Do it for Elora! It's nice to have some music, if I can't run with somebody at least I can run with Springsteen, Paul Simon, and the Old Crow Medicine Show.

Other than that things here are going well. At least on the running and work side. The Steelers are another thing, if only Hines would have caught that ball in the End Zone!

Oh yeah on Sunday My Dad (Dan), Step-Mom (Leslie), Aunt #1 (Sally), Aunt #2 (Bridget) Completed the Maui Marathon. Ben my little brother completed the 1/2 Marathon. I'm so proud of them, And none of them finished last which amazes me even more. If your interested in seeing their results goto www.mauimarathon.com and search for geier in the results.

Have a great day and look for me on the road!

Elorapalooza...

2006-09-13T16:58:00.000-04:00

This past sunday the first Elorapalooza race was held. It was a tremendous experience and i want to thank everybody that came out for it. We had a great time. According to the official race results we had 286 people. Including the mile walk and those that registered and didn't attend we had about 450 entrants. I had a time of 28:18. Good enough for 3rd overall.

I can think of some people that didn't come, but there was only one person that would have enjoyed this the most and didn't make it and that was Elora. This was an event that Elora would have loved and would have worn her medal for days. (especially since it had her picture on it)

I came close to crying a few times throughout the day. The first was at 5:37AM when my father called me to wake me up. The second was prior to the start of the race, we sang the start spangled banner, Dad somehow forced me to start it and I put down the megaphone and watched all 300 people singing at the top of my lungs, and once the race started I was pretty emotional. Then I couldn't get emotional I was running and I needed to focus on that. The other time I almost cried was during the awards ceremony, I was MC'ing it and I had to tell the story of why were doing this and why it was special to us. I looked out and saw Dad and Leslie crying and I told myself I couldn't cry.

Anyway, it was a great day and plan on being there next year.

One year ago...

2006-09-02T16:47:00.000-04:00

One year ago this weekend, I got up early left my apartment and caught a flight to Pittsburgh. I was going to Pittsburgh because a month earlier Elora was diagnosed with Leukemia and I wanted to go and see her. So I got into town and Dad told me that they were trying to get a leave pass for her (something very hard to get). They got a four hour leave pass and took her to Schenley park where she was given a picnic in her honor. Lots of family an friends were there and she was given lots of gifts by Aunt Sally. We took a bunch of pictures of the Bald Geiers. (Dad, Ben, Elora, and myself). About half way through the Picnic Elora turned to either dad or Leslie and said "Did you do this for me?" Here she is a little girl who is in the hospital who a month ago could run around at summer camps and is now missing school because of Cancer is amazed that people care enough about her to give her a picnic.

I keep thinking of all of the things that I missed living in North Carolina and not Pittsburgh. Especially while Elora was fighting through this. This is one event I'm happy I didn't miss. While standing next to Elora while she was in the ICU, with all of us knowing that this day would be her last. Dad told me that the picnic was one of her happiest moments. Once again I was happy to be there that day.

So today I took off running I ran about 30 minutes. Knowing that today was the one year anniversery of this picnic I ran harder than I should have. I could not catch my breath, but I made through it. the weather was perfect so it made it a great run. I just need to keep working at so that I'll be good to go next sunday. Don't forget about Elora's race on Sunday September 10th. www.elorashope.com I hope to see you there.

Sorry for the delay...

2006-08-28T21:18:00.001-04:00

Alright... I have been delaying this post for many reasons. I have been wrestling with many things in my head during the past week. So lets start at the beginning.

I went to the Doctors to get checked up and I don't think my doctor likes runners. I feel I can now classify myself as a runner. Anyway, he told me he thought it was a muscle problem and take it easy then try running. I could just tell from his attitude that he didn't think runners were smart people.

So after resting my leg for about a week and a half I ran on Saturday last week. It was a good run I only ran for about 23 minutes but my leg felt good but my legs and my lungs were tired. That got me to thinking. Was I taking too big of a chunk off at one time. Was the marathon the right thing to do at this point in my life. Should I defer my entry too October 2007, and continue running build up my base and have a better running experience? I kept thinking these things over and and over in my head. Finally I decided to talk to Lyndsay and my father about this. Both of them confirmed my questions. Both of them said, if you run and your not ready for it you will not have a good experience and will probably not attempt it again. (the It being running in general) I still kept thinking about it. During my long runs I didn't think I was ready to attempt the mileage I was adding on. Maybe it was mental, maybe it was physical, but I think I wasn't pushing myself hard enough during the previous weeks to do my long runs.

So I've come up with a new plan. I'm going to continue running. I'm going to defer my marathon until October 2007, unless I see a good one pop up and I'll go for it sooner. On October 29, 2006 I will attempt the marine Corps 10k. It will be a smaller goal. In a way I feel I've let myself down. I know that a year ago if I told you I was running then I would have thought you would have been on drugs. The fact that I can run for 40 minutes without stopping is amazing. So over the next few months I will continue running and then will add on longer runs and build up my pace, strength and stamina. So this blog will continue and will see the journey that I'm undertaking in my run for Elora. Elora will be with me every step of the way and will carry me through this.

Also join me during my next race on September 10, for Elorapalooza. If you are planning on coming please register so that we can get your T-Shirts ordered. You can print out a registration form on www.elorapalooza.com

If you see me on the road running make sure you wave!

Pain...

2006-08-17T21:39:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry if I haven't updated you all in a while. I have developed some pain in my left leg between my ankle and my knee just below my calf. I haven't run since I've returned from the beach hoping that some of the pain would alleviate but it seems to be getting worse. I'm going to attempt to goto a Doctor tommorrow. Normally I wouldn't goto a Dr. but I really want to attempt this, and I'm afraid if I run on it, it will just get worse and then I will do more damage than before. I seem to remember having pain in my leg a few years back, but I don't remember what caused it and how long it lasted. Anyway, this is scaring me a little bit and it's holding back my progress. I don't want to throw in the towel, but i'm afraid if it doesn't heal soon, then I will have to defer my marathon till next October. This is not what I want though. I have told you all that I'm going to run this and dammit I want to run this. The rest of my body feels the best it has in years. I've lost 15 lbs since March, but though are side effects of my running. My goal is and has always been running this marathon. and now it's in jeopardy. I may be blowing this out of proportion, actually I hope I am. As my mom always told me "prepare for the worst and hope for the best" Anyway, I just thought I'd give you all an update on whats going on with my running.

Also please visit www.elorashope.com for information on Elora's race. I will run that race even if I have to be in crutches at the end.

Cool Runnings...

2006-08-12T16:50:00.000-04:00

Today was the best weather I have run in since I started running. It was cool and comfortable. I ran for about 30 minutes and got back in time to listen to the Steeler Game. So I'm just going to give this quick update and get back to the game.

Reminders...

2006-08-11T17:33:00.000-04:00

Today I ran for just under 33 minutes. I only stopped twice during my run. Once because I almost fell and another time because cars were coming and I needed to not get run over. It was a decent run. I had trouble catching my breath, and my ankle hurt a little bit, but I'll be all right.

When I think back about Elora, I always try to picture her in my mind. Sometimes It's a picture of her when she would wear nothing that would match, or it's her wearing her running outfit. Or it's the last time I saw her laying in her hospital bed. But one picture is one that is clearer than any of them. It's a picture of my Grandma Geier, and of Elora. It's taken at Hartwood Acres and Elora is running around, and Grandma is in her wheelchair. I often think of that might have been the day that Grandma passed on her secret for not complaining about what was about to affilct her. See not too long after that day Elora was struck by a car and it forever changed everyones life. Grandma Geier had this wonderful resiliancy about her, she had Polio as a child, a few pacemakers, severe diabetes, a debiliating stroke, etc. etc. etc. But you never once heard her complain about what was bothering her. Unless it was one of her kids. Elora was the same way, she would complain if somebody was bothering her, but not if something was bothering her. My dad once told me that Elora one time went to school with a broken leg only for it to be discovered at school. I need to learn how to not complain about things like Grandma Geier, and Elora, So if during the course of this journey you see my complaining about this and that, please remind me about Grandma and Elora.

So as my plans for the rest of this weekend, tommorow I'm going to be putting in a floor system for a house at work, and then run tommorrow evening. Then this weekend I'm going to the beach to see my cousins and just relax and I'll be back monday evening. Hopefully with good stories of running on the beach.

Until then...

Running is a struggle.

2006-08-09T20:38:00.001-04:00

Today I was scheduled for a 7 Mile run. It started out great... I did the first mile in about 11 minutes. Good start, everything is going great. About 20 minutes in I felt great hit some hills and was feeling fine, then I started slowing down and my mind started to wander. Running is more mental than physical. The physical part is easier to condition than the mind. While I was running I kept thinking that I should walk now... no I shouldn't I should keep running. (it felt like a scene out of a movie with the devil and the angel on your shoulder) The Devil ended up winning. I started walking and then I said I'll run when I hit the bend in the trail. At the bend I ran, but after that the damage was done. My mind said it was ok to walk and not run... Next thing you know I'm walking more than running. It felt like a somebody who cheats on their girlfriend or steals a candy bar, if you do it once and don't get caught than you can continue to do it. Well I started to walk and it was easy so I continued to walk. But walking that much won't cut in DC. I know I will be walking in the marathon, just not that much.

Anyway, I've realized that I need to be more consistent in my weekly training. I need to run 3-4 times a week and then on my long day run the distance that I need to. (Oh yeah today I was out for about 1.5 hours.)

My girlfriend told me after I decided to run for Elora, she said (and I may be paraphrasing) "the decision you made to run was easy. To follow through with and complete will be the hardest thing you've ever attempted" Those words are more and more true each day! But I WILL DO THIS AND WILL COMPLETE THIS.

One more thing, on September 10, 2006 we will be holding a race in honor of Elora in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. The Race is called Elora's Hope. www.elorashope.com It is going to be a 5k and will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma society and Elora's Hope Foundation which is in the process of being set up and will establish a scholarship in her honor for future Special Education majors. Please join us on that morning and help us honor Elora!

Thank you and have a great day...

Thunder Road...

2006-08-07T18:13:00.000-04:00

The past few days I was in Charlotte attending the Habitat for Humanity National Leadership Conference, in Charlotte, NC. It was a very nice conference and I learned some things and got to meet some new people and reaquaint with some other people. Anyway, I got up Friday morning at 6:30 AM and went to the Gym and ran on the elliptical trainer for awhile and then swam a few laps. It was a nice way to start the morning. I had plans to go and do the same the next day but I had come across a medical affliction known as one to many pints the night before and I didn't have the ability to wake up that early.

Anyway, now that I'm back home I got up this morning and played some golf a game which I'm getting somewhat better at and actually enjoying. Then I decided I would run at 4:00PM today. While leaving the house I saw that we had a Thunderstorm warning. We had earlier encountered a storm so I thought that it had already passed so I drove to Nicks Creek Trail, and would run 7 miles. This would become my PB (personal best). I got to Nicks Creek and got out of the car and was just about to head out onto the trail, when I realized it was storming. I sat in the car and decided to wait it out. 45 minutes later after watching a nice light show I decided it was time to goto home and I'll run my long run tomorrow after work. So that is what I'm going to do so no running today, and lots of running tomorrow. But as a wise man once said. "Oh come take my hand, were riding off tonight to face the promised land, oh oh thunder toad, sit tight, take hold, thunder Road" I don't know how that fits into anything here but any springsteen quote can fit in any situation!

Running in the Dark...

2006-08-03T06:31:00.000-04:00

Today I left my apartment behind at 5:57 AM. To beat the heat, I checked the weather and it was 78 degrees outside, shouldn't be that bad I thought. WRONG! I felt like I was running through soup. But anyway, I ran for about 40 minutes this morning and saw two other runners.

When I started out this morning it was pitch black out, I felt like I was running in a tunnel. I ran from my apartment, and made it out to the bridge on Morganton Road and then ran back through town. I was starting to get a little bit tired around 28 minutes, I think my jelly belly's started wearing off. While the run went on though it was neat to see the world wake up around me. I think I was running faster in the dark because I couldn't see that much in front of me so I didn't see how far I had to go.

When I run, I say hello to everybody I cross, so far I've said hello to a lot of people. I know some runners want to be left alone while the run, I know this because they don't even make eye contact with me. This is one way that I'm running with Elora, she always would say hello to anybody or everybody. When she would visit me in some of my old jobs, Elora would take off and say hi to everybody before I had an opportunity to introduce her to them. She had such an infectious smile that nobody couldn't take some of that smile and put it on their face.

Anyway, it's now a little bit before 7:00AM and I need to get to work in a few minutes. I leave for Charlotte this afternoon and won't be back till Sunday. I'm going to be at the Habitat for Humanity National Leadership Conference. Hopefully I'll have some good runs in Charlotte, or at least an elliptical trainer in the gym!

2006-08-02T18:59:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day for this and my first attempt at journaling my journey.

One year ago today was a day of highs and lows. On August 2nd 2005 I began my new job working for a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in North Carolina. Later on the day when I would return home I would find out that my 13 year old sister was diagnosed with Leukemia. This was just going to be another stumbling block for Elora on her Journey through life. See Elora was hit by a car when she was almost 2 years old in 1997. Through her life Elora didn't let anything stop her from achieving what she wanted. If she wanted to be in choir she was in the choir. (although she was always off beat and rhythm she was doing it), if she wanted to complete a 5k when people didn't think she could complete 1 mile, she did. She didn't let her difficulties hold her back, if she wanted to beat you at cards... She did and she did this often. Anyway, As you are probably figuring out Elora passed away on the morning of April 29th, 2006. She passed away in a way that I want to pass away if I have a choice. Surrounded by people that loved her, and asleep.

During Elora's Funeral on May 2, 2006 I decided to do something that I never thought I would ever attempt to do... Run a Marathon. All 26.2 miles of it. If Elora could run a 5k I could run a Marathon. The last time I really ran was in 10th grade when I completed 3 miles. That was in 1995. It is now 2006 and I was overweight and out of shape. But soon after the funeral I purchased a pair of New Balance 875 shoes and had a book Marathon running for Non Runners. That really explains me. I am now in week 3 of my marathon training and I'm going to use this as my journal of my journey. Hopefully you will be able to go along the ride with me and help keep me motivated. Oh yeah, I'm running the Marine Corps Marathon with my girlfriend (this will be her fourth or fifth marathon) it will be on October 29th, 2006 in Washington DC. If you live there hopefully you'll cheer for me.

so it's now 7:20 in North Carolina today it was over 103 degrees... and I'm going to go run, do I want to go out and run, well it's hot and it's humid, but I need to run. I need to make sure that when I'm running for Elora I'm giving her my best and I'm able to stop and say Hi to everybody that passes me. Oh yeah, during the 5k's that Elora ran she started an hour before everybody else, and finished an hour after everybody, but she always, cheered on everybody! Thats my goal, to complete the race and also finish it with a smile on my face and Elora's spirit shining bright!!!!