With sky rocketing gas prices it sure has our wanting to get into our vehicles and drive around to do our ever day errands straight up frustrating if not down right aggravating. And if history is any indication these gas prices are going to just keep going up and up, and sure not coming down anytime soon. So what to do? How can I save some money? Especially for those who are on a strict budget diet. Or those who are diving those gas guzzling SUV's. Well! Strap on those sneakers, running shoes, gym shoes or what ever you want to call them and get to runnin and walking. Thats right I said it. I know, I know...You live to far from town , I don't have the time or I just don't want to do it. There are a few good ways to overcome those excuses and make it fun, yes fun. If your town or grocery store is out of walking or running range you can always drive with in a few miles and park. Then strap on that backpack and get to walking or running. But there's not enough room in my backpack? That's not an excuse, so see if you can borrow if not find a cheaply priced baby jogger, you can usually find one at a consignment store. That jogger can now double as a shopping cart and your errand runner.
Another great thing to consider is to buddy up with a friend or neighbor, make it a weekly thing. Pick a day that works for you both and that day can become "Runnin Errand Day". By getting creative with your errand running you can save quite a bit of money per month, all by grabbing those running shoes, backpack ( I use an Osprey backpack) and your jogger.
Not only will you be saving money on gas, helping the enviroment and hey maybe even saving on a gym membership, just think of all that great exercise you will be getting, fresh air you'll be breathing and pounds you could be dropping. Its a win win! So get out there, have fun and remember to Live It...Seek It...Run It! Richard
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome? By Angela Sneed, ATC, LAT...Owner of Advanced Athletic Training Solutions
What is Patellofemoral pain syndrome?
Another common injury that I see and treat is Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). It is a syndrome characterized by pain or discomfort that seems to originate from contact of the posterior surface of the patella (back of the kneecap) with the femur (thigh bone). It is the most frequently encountered diagnosis in sports medicine clinics.
The cause of pain and dysfunction often results from either abnormal forces (e.g. increased pull of the lateral quadricep retinaculum with acute or chronic lateral PatellaFemoral (PF) subluxation/dislocation) or prolonged repetitive compressive or shearing forces (running or jumping) on the PF joint. The result is thinning and softening (chondromalacia) of the articular cartilage under the patella and/or on the medial or lateral femoral condyles, synovial irritation and inflammation and subchondral bony changes in the distal femur or patella known as "bone bruises". Secondary causes of PF Syndrome are fractures, internal knee derangement, OsteoArthritis of the knee and bony tumors in or around the knee.
Specific populations that are at high risk of primary Patellofemoral Syndrome include runners, basketball players, young athletes and females especially those who have an increased angle of genu valgus (aka "Q-Angle" or commonly referred to as "knock-knees"). Typically patients will complain of localized anterior knee pain which is exacerbated by sports, walking, sitting for a long time, or stair climbing. Descending stairs may be worse than ascending. Unless there is an underlying pathology in the knee, swelling is usually mild to none. Palpation, as well, is usually unremarkable.
Treatment of Patellofemoral Syndrome:
Exercises
Quadriceps strengthening is commonly suggested because the quadricep muscles help to stabilize the patella. Proper form is very important. Inflexibility has often been cited as a source of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Stretching of the hip, hamstring, calf, and iliotibial band may help restore proper biomechanics. The use of a foam roller may help to add flexibility and relieve pain from sore or stiff muscles in the leg.
Rest
Patellofemoral pain syndrome may also result from overuse or overload of the PF joint. Because of this, knee activity should be reduced until the pain is resolved. Those with pain originating from sitting too long should straighten the leg or walk periodically. Those who engage in high impact activity such as running should consider a nonimpact activity such as swimming or aerobics on an elliptical machine.
Ice and medication
To reduce inflammation, ice can be applied to the PF joint after an activity. The ice should be kept in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Additionally anti-inflammatory drugs such NSAIDs can also be taken immediately after an activity.
Taping and braces
In addition to physical therapy, external devices such as braces and tape could be used to stabilize the knee. These devices will not correct the underlying source but may prevent further injury. For this reason, they should be used in conjunction with and not take the place of physical therapy. The technique of McConnell taping has been helpful in some studies.
Arch support
Low arches can cause over pronation or the feet to roll inward too much increasing the Q angle and genu valgus. Poor lower extremity biomechanics may cause stress on the knees and ultimately patellofemoral pain syndrome. Stability or motion control shoes are designed for people with pronation issues. Arch supports and custom orthotics may also help to improve lower extremity biomechanics.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Great article on I.T. band issues. By: Angela Sneed, ATC, LAT Owner of Advanced Athletic Training Solutions
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
In my practice I see many people who suffer from Iliotibial band syndrome. Iliotibial band syndrome is a common injury to the thigh, generally associated with running, cycling, hiking or weight-lifting (especially squats). Also known as ITBS.
ITBS is one of the leading causes of lateral knee pain in runners. The iliotibial band is a superficial thickening of tissue on the outside of the thigh, extending from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee, and inserting just below the knee. This band is crucial to stabilizing the knee during running, moving from behind the femur to the front while walking. Continual rubbing of the band over the lateral femoral epicondyle,combined with the repeated flexion and extension of the knee during running may cause the area to become inflamed.
ITBS symptoms range from a stinging sensation just above the knee joint (on the outside of the knee or along the entire length of the iliotibial band) to swelling or thickening of the tissue at the point where the band moves over the femur. The pain may not occur immediately during activity, but may intensify over time, especially as the foot strikes the floor.
The causes of ITBS can result from one or more of the following training habits,anatomical abnormalities, or muscular imbalances:
Training habits:
Always running on a banked surface (such as the shoulder of a road or an indoor track) bends the downhill leg slightly inward and causes extreme stretching of the band against the femur
Inadequate warm-up or cool-down
Excessive up-hill and down-hill running
In cycling, having the feet"toed-in" to an excessive angle
Running up and down stairs
Hiking long distances
Rowing
Abnormalities in leg/feet anatomy:
High or low arches
Supination of the foot
Excessive lower leg rotation due to over-pronation
The force at the knee when the foot strikes
Uneven leg length
Bowlegs or tightness about the iliotibial band. Excessive wear on the outside heel edge of a running shoe (compared to the inside) is one common indicator of bowlegged for runners.
Muscle imbalance:
Weak hip abductor muscles
Weak/non-firing multifidus muscle
While ITBS pain can be acute, the iliotibial band can be rested, iced, compressed and elevated (RICE) to reduce pain and inflammation, followed by stretching. Using a foam roller to loosen the iliotibial band can help prevent and treat ITBS although the treatment itself can be very painful to some. Also, an ultra sound machine can be used around the area to relax it, followed by a machine that utilizes electrode stimulation to the area to further relax it. This can result in more comfort and/or a wider range of motion. Consulting with a doctor or referring to a registered physiotherapist, athletic trainer/therapist, or a massage therapist would be the best solutions. Custom foot orthotics may treat this condition by controlling the amount of inversion (medial rotation) of the foot and thus reducing rotation of the leg and knee (which creates friction of the iliotibial band against the outside of the knee).
A very effective way of off-loading the ITB and restoring VMO control/normal medial glide of the patella, is via "McConnell's Taping", or taping pulling the knee medially (inward). Tape from the bottom half of the patella, to under the knee over the patella tendon. When this is done firmly, they should notice it feels 'stronger' or 'less painful.'
Other treatments available for this injury use a compression wrap to mobilize the ITB where the tendon meets the knee. This is called an 'IT band compression wrap.’ In severe cases where a conservative approach has failed, surgery can be a good option.
Angela Shirk Sneed, ATC, LAT
Advanced Athletic Training Solutions
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
It's the WHY behind the journey!
Running is not only something that I love to do but it's the journey during that run. Over the years I've taken off out my front door hundreds if not thousands of times with really no reason other than to put in miles. Over the last year or so my running has made me think a lot of others in ways that I never thought before. Such as those who can't run and enjoy that "Journey" like I get to at anytime. People ask me just about every day, why and how do you run so much and they usually say to me "It's so boring" or "I hate running". No running is not fun, it's a mind set. Sometimes putting a purpose behind each run such as weight loss, better health or just training for your first 1/2 or full marathon is a good enough WHY to start running. There's a purpose behind those runs. Also I've discovered that running allows you to do lots and lots of thinking, sometimes funny thoughts pop up in your head, sometimes crazy stuff pops up, you can sometimes get emotional. Running allows you to not only get in excersice but it also allows you to clear your head. You are sometimes your own best therapist during your run.
So in the past year or so while logging in so many miles and doing some crazy thinking a thought popped up in my head. I said to myself, self, turn what you love to do into benefiting others. During one of my long runs, as I turned onto Brawley School Rd a thought popped into my head. My wife and I volunteer at our local soup kitchen so why not start "Running 4 Hunger". And so after finishing that run I came home went straight to my computer and posted what I was going to do for the Mooresville Soup Kitchen and the support was overwhelming. That was the start of the "WHY" behind the now journey of my runs.
Miles 4 Hope- Well this was not only a monumental task as far as trying run 100 miles in less than 24 hours but putting together something like this in less than 30 days.When the thought came to me thanks to my good friend Lorrie Cassanos who introduced me to a wonderful friend of hers Nilsa Maldanado. Nilsa had stage 4 cancer and thats when the light bulb went off and I asked Lorrie, what do you think about doing a run for Nilsa. She said that sounds AWESOME! So it was on. My first phone call was to 2 people who without them Miles 4 Hope would never have happened.
Starr Kiser and Coral Riley, not only great friend of mine but 2 of the most wonderful, kind hearted people anyone can meet and owners of the best event planning business in the Charlotte area. They are the owners of Slick Events and when I called Starr and told her of my crazy ass idea, she said 3 words "BRING IT ON!" And boy did they deliver and in 30 days with the help of so many wonderful sponsors, friends, my wonderful wife Andrea, daughter Alaysia and the community which a lot of them are on the side of my blog helped bring this wonderful event together.
To be able to not only do something like Miles 4 Hope and Running 4 Hunger but to have the WHY behind it all. WHY am I doing all this, well there's a reason, its for those who can't, like Nilsa. For those family's who wait in line for hours for food and who are looking for that one meal to feed there child or children, thats WHY. Giving back to my community has become very important to me and by doing it with my legs and feet is the biggest joy for me. I will never go through the pain and suffering during any run like what Nilsa went through during her bout with stage 4 cancer or that family waiting in that line at the soup kitchen hungry and hoping its not there last meal.
I will continue to have the WHY behind every journey, to do what ever I can for those who are less fortunate and for those who need the help.
So I ask you! What is your WHY? How are you going to give back to your community. It doesn't matter how small of a donation or how little of your time, it all ads up to helping that one person who may need that one last meal, one last pair of shoes or that one dollar to help them get over that hump. We've all been there in some way or another, please don't be afraid to give back and trust me when I tell you this...Its the best damn feeling ever. So Live it...Seek It...Run it! Richard
So in the past year or so while logging in so many miles and doing some crazy thinking a thought popped up in my head. I said to myself, self, turn what you love to do into benefiting others. During one of my long runs, as I turned onto Brawley School Rd a thought popped into my head. My wife and I volunteer at our local soup kitchen so why not start "Running 4 Hunger". And so after finishing that run I came home went straight to my computer and posted what I was going to do for the Mooresville Soup Kitchen and the support was overwhelming. That was the start of the "WHY" behind the now journey of my runs.
Miles 4 Hope- Well this was not only a monumental task as far as trying run 100 miles in less than 24 hours but putting together something like this in less than 30 days.When the thought came to me thanks to my good friend Lorrie Cassanos who introduced me to a wonderful friend of hers Nilsa Maldanado. Nilsa had stage 4 cancer and thats when the light bulb went off and I asked Lorrie, what do you think about doing a run for Nilsa. She said that sounds AWESOME! So it was on. My first phone call was to 2 people who without them Miles 4 Hope would never have happened.
Starr Kiser and Coral Riley, not only great friend of mine but 2 of the most wonderful, kind hearted people anyone can meet and owners of the best event planning business in the Charlotte area. They are the owners of Slick Events and when I called Starr and told her of my crazy ass idea, she said 3 words "BRING IT ON!" And boy did they deliver and in 30 days with the help of so many wonderful sponsors, friends, my wonderful wife Andrea, daughter Alaysia and the community which a lot of them are on the side of my blog helped bring this wonderful event together.
To be able to not only do something like Miles 4 Hope and Running 4 Hunger but to have the WHY behind it all. WHY am I doing all this, well there's a reason, its for those who can't, like Nilsa. For those family's who wait in line for hours for food and who are looking for that one meal to feed there child or children, thats WHY. Giving back to my community has become very important to me and by doing it with my legs and feet is the biggest joy for me. I will never go through the pain and suffering during any run like what Nilsa went through during her bout with stage 4 cancer or that family waiting in that line at the soup kitchen hungry and hoping its not there last meal.
I will continue to have the WHY behind every journey, to do what ever I can for those who are less fortunate and for those who need the help.
So I ask you! What is your WHY? How are you going to give back to your community. It doesn't matter how small of a donation or how little of your time, it all ads up to helping that one person who may need that one last meal, one last pair of shoes or that one dollar to help them get over that hump. We've all been there in some way or another, please don't be afraid to give back and trust me when I tell you this...Its the best damn feeling ever. So Live it...Seek It...Run it! Richard
Monday, January 30, 2012
Free pair of Drymax Socks on March 24th. 100% made in the USA!
The leading maker in running socks, Drymax will be out at Lake Norman State Park on March 24th. If you come out and hit the trails with us you will receive a free pair of the best running socks on the market. Also the rep will explain how and why they are the leading manufacture in the running sock market. By the way they are 100% made in the USA!!!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Why having the right socks for an Ultra is so important. So choose the best! I do!
As a lot of you know when running long distances in all kinds of weather especially running through water, mud, dust, debris and everything else that you encounter along the trail. It sure can take its toll on your feet. There is nothing worse than feeling a hot spot coming on and or dealing with that blister that you know will not go away, if not just get bigger. Thats why it is so Important to have the right socks on your feet and it is one of the most important pieces of your Ultra Running equipment. I know it sure is one of mine. I will not step onto the trail or road with out the best sock on the market. No I am not a paid spokes person, I've tried other brands and let me tell you Drymax is hands down the best and yet to this day have not encountered a blister. I've included this really cool video to show why they work so well and why I will only wear Drymax Socks.
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Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Great link to find all kinds of Ultra Races.
With Ultra Racing becoming so popular finding races is getting a little easier, but hopefully this makes it even easier. Here is a great link to find 2012 Ultras, just go www.ultrarunning.com and click on calendar and you will find Ultra's in every state. Have fun!
Charlotte Observer Article...Miles 4 Hope
'Hunk' runs to benefit sick kids
He'll run 100 miles from Greensboro to Mooresville in 24 hrs.
Lima
MORE INFORMATION
The Hunk of Brawley School Road has turned his passion for running to another cause: He hopes to run 100 miles in 24 hours this weekend to raise money for a nonprofit that helps families of children with cancer.
His inspiration? Nilsa Maldonado of Mooresville, a mother of two and former teacher who has terminal cancer.
"It is something I felt in my heart that I had to do," Richard Lima said.
Lima's story first appeared in the Observer on July 3 ("The Hunk of Brawley School Road"). He's a fashion model who commutes from Mooresville to New York City and other places. He became known locally by running along Brawley School Road to and from a part-time job.
Lima said he met Maldonado after he raised $2,000 for the Mooresville Soup Kitchen by running. He suggested a run in her honor, too, and she asked that money raised go to The Sandbox (whatsinyoursandbox.org ). The nonprofit helps patients of Levine Children's Hospital and their families.
Lima will start running Friday afternoon in Greensboro from Directions USA, an agency that represents him, and finish around noon Saturday at Lowe's YMCA in Mooresville.
"I'm excited," he said. "I love pushing myself. It's a mental and physical challenge, and I thrive on that. And it's for a good cause."
Details: www.facebook .com/Miles4Hope
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
10% off your purchase this Saturday January 21st at Charlotte Running Co. (Lake Norman) when...
Sunday, January 15, 2012
All the crazy things that go through our heads while running. Are we our own best psychiatrist/therapist?
As runners we are sometimes out on the road or trail for hours at a time, some of us longer than others but thats ok. Some of us listen to music and some of us don't. Well for some music is a great motivator and/or takes our mind of the fact that we are out there by our self's for long periods of time. Over the years that I've been running I found out that it allows us to be our own best psychiatrist/therapist. As a lot of you know we do lots and lots of thinking while out pounding the pavement or running those trails, it can sometimes get down right lonely but it is so satisfying. Let me tell you something (and I'm saying this with a chuckle) the stuff that we runners think about and the stuff that goes through our heads is down right crazy at times and it ranges from good, bad, funny, sad, serious, love, anger and just about every other emotion out there and I know a lot of you can relate to this. But you know I really do think we are our own best person to talk to, if that makes any sense. During our run's whether its a training run or its a race of any distance we think of all kinds of things, from our day we just had, the week we just had or the day that we are about to have to the argument we had with our significant other or the dealing with our kids. During the duration of a run, especially a long one our emotions go from very low to very high depending on what's going on in your life and sometimes that can make a run go by really fast because of all that thinking we are doing. The beauty of being our own psychiatrist is exactly that and then some, it makes our runs go by faster, or maybe it just makes them longer and slower. During that long run you can find yourself going through those peaks and valleys of emotions, you sometimes find yourself not only talking to yourself, but asking yourself questions, laughing, crying, yelling, singing, back to crying, back to laughing, so on and so on. But when we are all done with that daily run there is no better felling than coming back to the finish with a clear head, all your thoughts are worked out, you just finished with a good run, your body feels amazing and damn-it what more can you ask for. So the next time you head out the door and your husband or wife asks..."Honey where are you going?" Your response can be...Off to see my psychiatrist! Like I always say, running is the best therapy we runners could have. Maybe thats why when we all get together at a group run or race everyone is so friendly and happy. Dang we just spent the last month or two or three at our psychiatrists office...The road or Trail!
Friday, January 13, 2012
2 weeks off...much needed. But hard to do!
So I'm taking 2 weeks off from running and x-training. Instead I'm re-habing with Angela Sneed from Advanced Athletic Training Solutions, all those little aches and pains, doing lots of stretching which I really never do and going to the gym to sit in the sauna and steam room. Even though some rest its much needed its hard not to be doing some kind of physical activity. I've had 8 months of some serious running (with lots of miles), racing and x-training and now its time to let all the muscles rest and try to make it through these 2 weeks, and come back even stronger. I know rest is as if not more important than than training, problem is I don't do well with resting or taking time off.
Now that a lot of my running has turned more to trail than on the road, its allowed me to run more with less soreness, asphalt and concrete just beat you up. You gotta love the trails, its just so much more satisfying for your mind than battling the traffic, crazy drivers and breathing in all those awful exhaust fumes. I can't wait to get back to what I love to do...RUN!
Now that a lot of my running has turned more to trail than on the road, its allowed me to run more with less soreness, asphalt and concrete just beat you up. You gotta love the trails, its just so much more satisfying for your mind than battling the traffic, crazy drivers and breathing in all those awful exhaust fumes. I can't wait to get back to what I love to do...RUN!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Mooresville Tribune article on my attempt to run 100 miles for cancer.
He's running again, this time to help the fight against cancer
By: | Mooresville Tribune
Published: October 18, 2011
Published: October 18, 2011
» 1 Comments | Post a Comment
Not only does he run to fight hunger, but Richard Lima will now be running 100 miles in 24 hours to support the fight against cancer.
“I felt like using my running to start doing this,” said Lima, a Mooresville distance runner who prefers to raise money for good causes while running. “I want to do it and I love it, and give back in a way that benefits others.”
The benefit run, called Miles4Hope, will start on Friday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. at Directions USA in Greensboro and end around noon on Oct. 29 at the Lowe’s YMCA in Mooresville.
Lima was profiled in the Tribune in August for running on the behalf of the Mooresville Soup Kitchen. His motivation this time around spurs from Mooresville resident Nilsa Maldonado.
Last September Maldonado was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer that had metastasized to her liver and lungs. Maldonado was first diagnosed with gastro-intestinal problems in early March of last year.
“The doctors just thought it was a digestion problem at first, but then I could feel a ball in my stomach,” said Maldonado. “When my doctor felt it he immediately sent me in for further testing.”
Though doctors do not know where the cancer originated in her body, Maldonado said the cancer is very rare cancer and only 2 percent of cancer patients suffer from it.
To this day, Maldonado’s doctors still can’t pinpoint the unknown primary cause of her cancer.
However doctors are treating her as if bile duct cancer is the primary and stomach cancer as the secondary. Maldonado has been receiving chemotherapy for a year and has been on three different treatments of chemo to fight off the cancer.
Since her last CT scan the tumor in her stomach has kept growing and new tumors have appeared. She recently started the third chemo treatment two weeks ago and will go every three weeks for four cycles of treatment.
Though there is no exact cure Maldonado said she will go through as many treatments as her body can take and doctors said her average life span is 18 months to two years. It has already been a year for her.
Maldonado has two young children with her husband Brent – Francesco, 10, and Paolo, 8. She was a Spanish teacher at Lake Norman High and an athlete previous to her diagnosis.
After meeting Maldonado through mutual friend Lorrie Cassanos, Lima approached one of the main sponsors during his endeavors in the Running4Hunger campaign telling her that he wanted to do something else.
“He just spoke with so much emotion about this woman that he just met and wanting to do something for her,” said Starr Kiser, of Slick Events in Mooresville.
“When I met Nilsa she had a gentle and king spirit and wanted nothing for herself or family,” said Lima. “So I asked her where she would like the money to be donated to and she said Levine’s Hospital.”
“He’s pretty amazing just another example of generosity because he didn’t know me at all and wanted to help,” said Maldonado. “He was asking where I’d like to the money to go and people always approach me to help me, but I wanted to give back.” “Children are always so special and kids haven’t even really started their lives I’ve had my time just wanted to help families and kids going through terminal cancer and any kind of illness because it can be very expensive,” she added. “Treatment like this go up to the three digits in a year and there are a lot of people out there that need help and in more need.”
All sponsorship funds will go to The Sandbox -- a Charlotte nonprofit that works with Levine to help families. The Sandbox will then donate all funds directly to children & families of The Levine Children's Hospital for the holidays, per Nilsa's request.
Lima said he has not set a monetary goal for his running. “It’s just an avenue to get fund directly to families and all the money will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for kids and families,” said Brian Dulin, a co-founder of the Sandbox.
Dulin said that Levine’s social workers compile a list of gifts children have asked for at the hospital. “We plan to fulfill the entire list of 25-30 families during our big Christmas party,” he said.
In what would normally take six months of planning and getting sponsors for an event like this, Kiser said she has to pack it all into 30 days to be ready by the end of the month for Lima’s run.
Kiser said they would like to get a pace car to follow along behind Lima during his trek else she and her husband will be following behind.
“We’ll take video of the whole process in a documentary format and my husband will be taking pictures,” said Kiser.
Lima is still trying to narrow down an exact route from Greensboro to Mooresville. “Even by taking I-40 to 77 is roughly 82 miles, so I’ll have to take back roads and streets to make the run an even 100 miles,” he said.
Lima said he was inspired by different runners doing similar benefit runs for long distances.
“I’ve conditioned my body to run and I’m ready to run, but the mental part of it will be the toughest part and you can’t train for that,” said Lima. “I’ll be sleep deprived and your mind plays tricks on you. I’ll be fighting not so much my body but my mind and that will be my biggest hurdle as I’m constantly moving forward but it’s nothing to what Nilsa and other people have to deal with everyday.”
He does plans to stop and walk which he says he’ll “have to,” but even his slowest walking mile can be done in 12 minutes. Lima also plans on wearing all pink in support of breast cancer awareness month.
Lima said that for certain sections of the run he wouldn’t mind having someone else running with him, but hasn’t exactly thought about anybody running with him the whole way from Greensboro to Mooresville but will pick up runners when he gets into Mooresville.
Maldonado said she wants to try and be in Greensboro when Lima starts the run. And she definitely wants to be at Lowe’s YMCA when he finishes.
“He is amazing and I’m so grateful that he is taking his time and effort to training and make people aware of the cancer,” Maldonado said of Lima.
“It shows that there is hope and that there are people out there that are so giving and generous,” she said. “He has a big heart and he only knows the basics. I shouldn’t but shocked, but who does that.”
For more information about the run, to be get involved, call 704-281-7294. To donate directly to the SandBox, visit Whatsinyoursandbox.org and click on Donate.
Huntersville Herald Article...My 100 mile run for a special person fighting stage 4 cancer.
100 miles to go to save lives
by Alan Hodge
Richard Lima and Nilsa Maldonado are all smiles as they cross the finish line to Lima’s 100-mile run to raise money for the Levine Children’s Hospital. (Courtesy of Miles 4 Hope)
When Lorrie Cassanos of Mooresville struck up a conversation with Mooresville-based model Richard Lima in an Ollie’s store where he was working part-time, little did either of them realize that brief chat would lead to selfless giving of epic proportions.
Already known for his habit of running many miles to raise money for charities such as Mooresville Soup Kitchen and the Humane Society, Lima happened to mention to Cassanos that he was looking for a new cause to champion. That’s when she told him about her friend Nilsa Maldonado and her fight with Stage IV stomach cancer that has metastasized to her lungs and liver.
Initially, the plan was to have Lima run 100 miles as a fundraiser for Maldonado, but when she heard about it, things took a twist. Instead of accepting the funds for herself, Maldonado requested they be sent to The Sandbox, a non-profit for children with cancer who are at Levine Children’s Hospital and their families.
“There are a lot of people out there who need help,” Maldonado said. “Children are so special, and these kids haven’t really started their lives. I’ve had my time.”
With the help of Starr Kiser at Slick events and other volunteers, Lima set up Miles 4 Hope and began plotting his benefit run. The plan was to cover 100 miles in fewer than 24 hours on Oct. 28 starting at Directions USA, the agency in Greensboro where Lima’s modeling career is based. From Greensboro, Lima intended to run all the way to Mooresville, but foul weather got in the way.
“It was pouring rain and freezing,” Lima said. “It just kept getting worse.”
Lima made it 70 grueling miles, but had to call a halt to his effort. He was taken to Rowan Regional Medical Center and treated for hypothermia, dehydration and low blood sugar.
Nonetheless, the next day, Oct. 29, Lima was at Lowe’s YMCA where he and Maldonado were united for a victory lap and celebration.
Maldonado’s husband, Brent Burns, said the couple was moved at the work Lima and the other volunteers put into the run.
“I’m amazed at how much generosity and what a spirit of giving Richard has,” Burns said. “He did all this without knowing Nilsa very well. It’s amazing how one person can devote so much to another. He inspired Nilsa and myself.”
Lima’s fundraising run and the fact that Maldonado wanted the money to go to The Sandbox also touched others. Sponsors are coming on board. Plans are in the works for Miles 4 Hope to become an annual event at Lowes YMCA and to include not just runners, but bicyclists as well.
“I thought it was going to be a one-time thing,” Lima said. “But support is already coming in. Mooresville is the most giving town I’ve ever seen.”
Though the final tally of funds raised by Lima’s run are being calculated, donations to The Sandbox are still being taken. A website has been set up at www.whatsinyoursandbox.org.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
First ever 50k Ultra is in the books!
Well I chose the Harbison 50k Ultra on Jan 7th to be my first, kinda by accident, but great choice for a first Ultra. I decided I wanted to run an Ultra soon, so I did what most people do...get on the computer and search for a 50k. Stumbled upon the Harbison 50k down in Columbia, SC, signed up (there was only a couple spots left) so I was lucky to get in. Woke up early saturday morning on the 7th (3:30am) and made the 2 hr drive down to Columbia. First off, what a gorgeous day and very well organized race, the morning was in the low 50's so it was perfect morning weather for a 50k foot race. Going into this race I was nursing a very sore achilles tendon in my right foot, so wasn't sure how this race was going to start out let alone end up. There were a total of 200 runners and this mostly single track, rocky, rooty pretty hilly 50k was going to put my foot to the test. I started back in the pack so I didn't hold anyone up if my foot started acting up, well about 1 mile into the race I felt good and so did my foot. So I made a break to the front, picking off runners one at a time till i got up to 7th overall by the 6 mile mark. I held the 7th overall spot till about mile 17 and then my achilles starting acting up on me, so bad that I had to slow to a jog and sometime walk. I had a big enough lead on 8th place to where it took him quite along time to catch me, like 3 miles. When I got to the next aid station I popped 3 advil stretched the achilles and walked for about 10 min. By then I was 10th overall. Well the advil started to kick in and so I made a mad dash to see if I could make up any time, I caught 2 of the 3 runners who past me during my foot dilemma and ended up running in 8th place for the rest of the race and putting 18 min on one of the runners I past. So I was feeling good. Toward the end of the race the temps were in the mid 70's, kinda warm for a January day. The last 2 miles of the race I did some thinking. I had a big enough lead on 9th place (like 6 min) So I asked my self...Did you run a smart race? Did you go out to fast? What have you learned from this? Well to be honest I was pretty happy with my overall finish but would do a few things different. Some equipment changes, running strategies, training strategies (like don't run a total of 51 miles of hilly trail the weekend before the race), but all in all it was a good day. I was extremely proud of myself and my time of 4:48 and for sticking it out and overcoming my achilles issue. Now its time to take a couple weeks off of all training to rest my body. The last 8 months has been really intense with training, running and racing. Over 80 miles a week will take its toll on you and so some rest will make me come back even stronger. Now I'm in the process of searching for my next endeavor. A 50k? 50 miler? We'll see and hopefully its soon!
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