Marcy from Team JR286 was interviewed by Univision!  She is the first runner interviewed.  

Congrats to all our runners who trained long and hard for the LA Marathon and who all crossed the finish line. So far we have raised $73,979 of our $75,000 goal for pancreatic cancer research.

Marcy's Univision Interview

Standing in for lighting test at Hirshberg Foundation research lab photo shoot

The seed was planted last October.

My client, the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research announced the LA Marathon will be having a relay for the 1st time which is only available for people running with official charities. The foundation being an official charity had available slots and I was totally excited to be a part of the Hirshberg Training Team.

It was also time for me to start a new goal. I was ready to get back into running and training for the marathon has not only tested my physical strength but mental strength as well.

During those moments of what the hell was I thinking or this hill sucks, I thought of the families that have been touched by pancreatic cancer and, especially Agi Hirshberg for her strength and passion to find a cure. Going the distance or battling some weird road rash didn’t seem as hard. My mental mantra became “You Can Do It!”

As the web administrator for the Hirshberg websites, I get to see and hear about this deadly disease firsthand and meet the people supporting its research. I am so proud to be around a group of people that have passion and strength to fight for a cure and assist families touched by pancreatic cancer.

My goal is to raise $1,100 for pancreatic cancer research.

I am now READY to RUN and am very close to meeting my fundraising goal.

Please donate any amount if you can. Thank you in advance and see you at the finish line.

Jennifer Mola

Martin dyed his hair purple for pancreatic cancer!!!!

Martin loves running, especially in the Marina early Saturday mornings!

One person can make a difference!

For me that one person is Sarah Reinertsen and she was the guest speaker at the Summer 2012 Go To Market Meeting for JR286/NIKE Accessories where I work.  Sarah is a Nike athlete and is the first female leg amputee to complete the Ironman Triathlon.  She told her story of how she began to run track and broke the 100-meter world record for female above-the-knee amputees at the age of 13 and was the youngest member of the 1992 US Paralympics Team.  She then started to run marathons completing her first NYC Marathon in 1997.  Sarah shared the details of her struggles and triumphs in training, winning and even some failures.  After conquering Marathons, she put it out there that she wanted to complete the Ironman Triathlon even though she could not swim or ride a bike.  She DID learn to swim and she DID learn to ride a bike and she DID get disqualified in her first attempt when she failed to meet the qualifying time for the bike leg by 15 minutes.  She DID complete the Ironman Triathlon World Championship the next year in 2005.

Everyone was so inspired by Sarah’s story – especially how she put it out there and then figured out how to get it done.  And she does this as an amputee!  The night after her presentation, I got to thinking what should I put out there?  So I had been thinking of maybe doing the LA Marathon to raise money for The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer.  I did The Country Music ½ Marathon in 2008 and raised $9,600 for the foundation and checked off running on my “Bucket List”.  But the Hirshberg Foundation is now an official charity for the LA Marathon and we have a cheer station at mile 21.  A few people at work did the LA Marathon last year and in the rain, maybe I could do a full marathon.  The next day at the end of my presentation, I put it out there that I would commit to the LA Marathon and raise $10,000 for the foundation.

Several others at work also put it out there that they will run the LA MARATHON and we have what is now TEAM JR286 on the HIRSHBERG TRAINING TEAM – there are 11 of us, and it started with Sarah!

While running I keep the following quote in mind and it helps me through the difficult patches:

“You have to wonder at times what you’re doing out there. Over the years, I’ve given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement.”  – Steve Prefontaine

My “Running Mantra” is “Get it done” Thanks to Coach Robert.

What helps be get through the hardest part of my run is my team mates that are running with me on Saturday training runs – we all help each other.

I love to run by the beach.

No solid foods for me – I like GU gels – especially with caffeine – any flavor will do.  Shot Blocks are the gummies for me – especially Black Cherry.  Also started with Carbo Pro added to my hydration – Coach Robert recommends and it seems to help with the long runs.

Martin & Elissa at the 2011 LA Marathon Cheer Station (before the rain really hit!)

Martin with coach Robert Mills at the 2010 LA Marathon celebration dinner

Martin speaking about training for a marathon at the 2011 LA Cancer Challenge

I started volunteering for the Hirshberg Foundation because Agi asked me to help with the first run event back in 1999 – The adidas Three Stripe Challenge. I showed up early and was assigned to help with registration. Agi came by, took my hand, led me to the tee shirt and pledge prize booth and said “We need you to help here – make it work!” And so I did. After all these years, I am still on the LACC Planning Committee. Running the T-Shirt & Pledge Prize Booth is still my gig, and is affectionately referred to as Martin’s Booth.

The best part about being on the planning committee is getting there the morning of the run (at 5:00 a.m.!) and knowing that the event is about to start after all of the planning, meetings and hard work. The energy builds and builds – it is always a great day. Personally exciting for me this past year was the new and improved Gift Bag/Tee Shirt/Pledge Prize/Info Booth. It is always a challenge to successfully help and service all of the wonderful runners and walkers and this was the first big re-vamp in over ten years. We received great feedback on the new set-up and location and all went well. I am already thinking and planning for the 2011 LACC.

In 2008, the year I was turning 49 years old, I joined the Hirshberg Training Team and completed my first 13.1 mile race, The Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville, TN. It was a challenging goal to set for myself, but I did it and got great donations too. I am committed to volunteer for the Hirshberg Foundation as long as they need me. I am in it until there is a cure for Pancreatic Cancer. Agi is committed to find the cure and so am I.

“The best part of volunteering for the Hirshberg Foundation is that I am helping with a great foundation that is doing great things. I know that my time and efforts help the Foundation with their mission to find a cure for Pancreatic Cancer.” 

See Martin’s story in the 2011 Hirshberg Foundation Newsletter

Martin & Elissa getting ready to cheer in the monsoon of the 2011 LA Marathon

Martin with Lisa Manheim & the Toy Story family at the 2009 LA Cancer Challenge

Martin & Doug at the 2009 LA Cancer Challenge

This is my brief evaluation of gus, gels, bars and running food.

This will probably not be helpful to anyone but myself seeing as everyone I have discussed this with has wildly different things to say.  Regardless, I am going to tell you my discoveries from my past three months of training.

Gu Energy Gel:

They taste like frosting.  No matter the flavor, they taste like red-lidded Betty Crocker frosting tubs that you find a month later in the fridge and scoop out with your finger.  Every flavor instantly reminds me of sneaking frosting from friends’ refrigerators. They are a little much on the tummy and they can be messy and they are kind of a lot to eat all at once.  Personally, I like the ones with caffeine, frosting taste or not, I will only do the caffeinated ones. I’m thinking 2 maybe 3 tops on marathon day.  Favorite flavors:

• Chocolate Outrage
• Tri-Berry
• Jet Blackberry 

Clif Shot Bloks:

They are square gummy bears.  Seriously.  One of the women in our training group had her son steal these thinking they were gummy candies.  And he was totally right; they are gummy candies for active grown-ups.  They also have caffeinated ones (do you see the trend?  I like caffeine and there is no way I’m drinking a cup of coffee before I go running, thank you for understanding Gu & Clif!).  I also like that I can tuck them into the side of my cheek and slowly eat/have them dissolve.  I like alternating the caffeinated and non-caffeinated ones.  I have yet to eat a whole package in one run but they keep well for 2 or so weeks.  Favorite flavors:  Tropical Punch, Citrus, Black Cherry, Margarita (3x sodium to prevent cramps)

Real Food:

Say what?!?  I did, I said real food.  I’m not talking a steak dinner or anything, just whole foods like nuts and dried fruits.  Euri, our training coach eats an Egg McMuffin.  Lisa, our Executive Director, eats dried apricots dipped in chocolate gu.  Last week someone mentioned a guy who eats bean burritos and hummus.  Everyone’s got his or her own thing going on.  I like to eat roasted salted almonds, dried apricots and Smyrna figs.  The salty almonds are a nice change from Gatorade and the fried fruit helps to ensure little almond bits aren’t stuck in my teeth.  I only eat these during my walk breaks.  It really helps my stomach digest all the gu and gummies to have some actual food.  But like I’ve said, you have to try it out for yourself and see what works for your body.

Bars:

I started out training with these, specifically mini Lara Bars, my fave being Coconut Cream Pie and Cashew Cookie.  These are just not for me.  I felt like I had way too much food in my mouth and that I had to chew eat bite 10,000 times before I could swallow.  Personal problem, I know.  Others in the training team swear by Clif Bars and wont run without them.  To each their own.

What are your favorite running supplements?  Any suggestions on which foods we should try on our next run?  Happy snack testing!

February 11th Run Update:

So we did a 10 mile “recovery” run but added some hills (thanks for having hills LA Marathon!) and tested out some new snacks along the way.  I realize maybe the term “snack” is not the most appropriate but neither are food, treats, goodies, bites, nosh, nibbles or refreshments.  So snacks it is.

Clif Shot Energy Gel:

This stuff is gross!  Sorry Clif, you make great Shot Bloks and wine to take on hikes but the Shots are a dud.  It tastes nothing like the wonderful frosting flavor of Gu.  It felt chalky and the second it hit my tongue I could feel it making my tummy upset.  I did have the Mocha flavor with caffeine which might have been the mistake.  I gave it the 3 taste trial just to ensure that I truly hated it and I did.  Again, this is my personal opinion.  Clif Shots may be your favorite thing in the entire world, you may eat them while watching TV or instead of meals because you love them so much.  Rock on you lovers of Clif Shots you.  I will not be joining you but we can still run the marathon together.  Of note: they do have a fancy little “litter leash” which I love since my pet peeve is finding running snack wrappers along the beach.  I mean, really runners?  We all train along the same stretch sand every weekend, let’s just keep it clean and beautiful, Heal the Bay already has enough beach clean up days on their calendar.

Justine’s Honey Almond Butter:

Or any other one of their nut butter packets are my new favorite food, in the world, EVER.  They are amazing.  All natural nut butters that are tons of protein and have a bit of sugar with a touch of salt.  In a word, delightful!  They have chocolate, honey, maple and plain almond butter; chocolate, honey and plain peanut butter; and chocolate hazelnut butter.  I know, let’s repeat that slowly, cho-co-la-te ha-zel-nut butter.  In a pouch, to take on your run.  I will direct you to my new favorite blogger for further expounding on the joy of the chocolate-hazelnut combination, take it away Joy the Baker.  But let’s go back to the fact that all these treats (Justine’s deserves the term treats) fit perfectly into whatever pocket, pouch, contraption you carry your other snacks in.  Honestly if I could carry an apple in my running pants to use as a vehicle for consuming greater amounts of Justine’s nut butters I would.  Maybe Doug and I can work out a leisurely wine & dine marathon similar to the Bordeaux Marathon post-race “Balade,” which is a 10K walk through the vineyards.  The verdict is in, I <3 Justine’s.  You don’t have to, but you should probably go try it, just to make sure you aren’t missing out on your new favorite food.

Happy snacking!

Doug Atkin (yellow t-shirt)

I’m old.  Not I-voted-for-Abraham-Lincoln old but I used to play LPs . . . and 45s . . . and 78s.  And I remember being broke for an entire weekend on more than one occasion because I failed to get to the bank before it closed on Friday.

I began running nearly 30 years ago quite by happenstance.  I had worked at the UCLA Medical Center during my college years – yes, Bill Walton was on the basketball team but he was a senior in my freshman year – and some nurses invited me to run the Westwood 5K with them.  It sounded intriguing and I almost said yes but then I thought, “OMG (present-day, hip text lingo), what if I can’t run 3 miles without stopping?” I passed on the race but it nagged at me for a good week or so.  I had been a swimmer and water polo player in high school and I had rowed for UCLA Crew during my sophomore year.  I was also an avid backpacker at the time and I had been backpacking with some of these same people.  Surely I was in better shape than they were!

A few days after the race I went down to a local high school, climbed the fence after dark and ran 25 laps on the track (in 48 minutes, no less).  OMG, I could run!  (LOL!)  That was in November 1982 and I’ve been running ever since.  I ran my first official 10K less than two weeks later and I ran 10Ks on the next two weekends after that.  I also ran them in blue OP corduroy shorts, a red t-shirt and yellow Nikes but they seemed fashionable at the time.  A couple months later, I had such bad shin splints I could barely walk but who knew in those days that you needed days off?  I’ve learned a lot by trial and error.

The following Easter (1983), I showed up at my family’s house having run 17 miles from my place in Torrance with no food (or GU or Cliff Shots or Sports Beans) or water.  Three months later, I ran my first marathon.  It was the Palos Verdes Marathon (in the days when the Palos Verdes Marathon was actually run in Palos Verdes and not in San Pedro), and despite the hills and a base of less than 30 miles per week with no long runs, I finished in 3:39.  I am an hour slower these days – there is simply no substitute for youth in training – but I am still running and Los Angeles will be my 68^th marathon.

I will expound on Heather & TEN and my history with the Hirshberg Foundation in future blog entries but first, here is some of what I’ve learned in my many years of running.

•  Think of long races as scavenger hunts.  There are 26 markers hidden on a marathon course, 13 in a half marathon and 6 in a 10K, and in between each two markers is not a mile but rather an arbitrary chunk of time.  Each chunk of time is different – a different length even – but if you just relax, keep moving and make the time pass, the markers will magically appear on their own.  Find them all and you’re done.
•  Don’t compare yourself to the runners around you or in front of you.  Compare yourself to your friends and neighbors and the population at large.  Most of them would be hard-pressed to run three miles, let alone 13.1 or 26.2, and you’ll be ten miles down the road before most of them are even out of bed.
•  Listen to your body and take a break from time to time. Rest days are some of my most important training days (and some of my most enjoyable).
•  No one sleeps well the night before a long race so make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before that.  A nap the afternoon before your race will also get you off your feet, rest your legs and help compensate for the sleep you’ll miss that night.
•  Lastly, race the way you train.  If you typically have a beer or wine with dinner, it’s okay to do the same the night before your marathon.  Moderation is they key unless of course you’re a raging alcoholic (or me).

Doug’s Donation Page

]]> http://blog.hirshbergtrainingteam.com/doug-a-team-heather-ten-ccjmt/feed/ 0 http://blog.hirshbergtrainingteam.com/arianne-cortes-team-jr286-2/ http://blog.hirshbergtrainingteam.com/arianne-cortes-team-jr286-2/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:09:12 +0000 httadmin http://blog.hirshbergtrainingteam.com/?p=111

My story… Completing a marathon has been on my bucket/life to-do list… and I knew that I wanted to do it before I turned 30! Why 2012? Well- our team leader, Martin Fung came into the office and announced that he had signed up for the 2012 LA Marathon. I admired him for signing up and committing so early- marathons are crazy! Before I knew it I had this gut feeling that 2012 was going to be the year for me to do it. Then I signed up and recruited fellow teammate Melissa Black to run as well! So here I am, still nervous, yet so excited for all of the support. More than anything, I feel like I am running for a lot of people- for all who will benefit from The Hirshberg Foundation’s Research for Pancreatic Cancer someday, for those who have been generous with donations, and for myself.

My favorite inspirational quote: “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” (not super inspirational but I live by that- on many levels!). What gets me through my runs: It’s a mind game to me, really. Whatever it takes to cheer myself on. Visualize where I want to be. What my goals are. Put on one of my power songs to pump me up- MUSIC is so important to me. But the hardest part of my run- knowing how good and proud I will feel after I’m done!

I run along the strand- Manhattan Beach, Redondo, El Segundo, Playa del Rey, and Santa Monica. Love it all. I love being by the water! I love seeing others along the way, and I especially love watching the sunset while I’m running.

Here is my running snack breakdown:

• MY FAVORITE: GU Energy Gel – Vanilla Bean 
• -AM runs – GU Energy Gel (any flavor w/ caffeine) right when I wake up or 15-30 min prior to run OR an apple
• -Other runs – Energy gel, apple, or a small bar (Special K Strawberry 90 Calorie) an hour prior to run
• -During run – Clif Shot Blocks (Strawberry), Gatorade (G2-Grape), or another GU Gel
• -After run – Milk. Fruit (apple, banana) and/or bar – within 30 minutes of completion! Need to refuel

My biggest run accomplishment to date is the 18-mile run I completed on January 21, 2012. I’m about to exceed that this Saturday, February 4^th with 20 miles!

I love music! That’s my favorite part about running. I’m in my own world- I love to see what’s around me, listen to my music, listen to my thoughts, focus on my breathing, keep myself motivated with positive thoughts.  I have a lot more songs but here are some of my current favorites, my power songs:

• The Hand That Feeds – Nine Inch Nails
• Thunder – Nuttin’ But Stringz
• Mr. Brightside - The Killers
• Till the World Ends – Britney Spears
• Save Me San Francisco – Train
• Maximal Crazy – Tiesto (Bassjackers Remix)
• Britney Spears Chris Cox Megamix
• We Found Love – Rihanna
• Levels – Avicii
• Right Here, Right Now – Fatboy Slim
• Cinema (Skrillex Remix) – Benny Benassi
• Give Me Everything – Pitbull
• Animal – Neon Trees
• I Wanna Go – Britney Spears
• My Kinda Party – Jason Aldean
• Country Girl (Shake It For Me) – Luke Bryan
• Bomb Intro/Pass that Dutch – Missy Elliott
• Moves Like Jagger – Maroon 5
• Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO
• Take Over Control - Afrojack

That's me!

Arianne’s Donation Page

Jonathan Moerschel, Violist, Calder Quartet

Jonathan Running the 2011 LA Cancer Challenge

I came to understand the devastating effects of pancreatic cancer about 9 years ago when I lost my first wife to the disease.  She fought it bravely for four and a half years, but lost the fight in 2003.  Having seen, first-hand, the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer, I am especially motivated to do my part to help raise awareness about this disease and help raise money to fund vital pancreatic cancer research.

I ran track in high school and used to try to keep up with running in college, but didn’t stick with it.  I had been a short distance runner and never had run more than 2 miles.  I seemed to always have ankle and knee pain, so I ended up giving up on the idea of running.

A year and a half ago, I started running again after a 12-year hiatus. I had been reading about barefoot running, so I decided to experiment with it.  To my surprise, I was able to slowly build up the mileage without any pain.  I have since run the LA Cancer Challenge 5k twice and have decided to raise the bar for myself and run my first marathon, the 2012 LA Marathon.  I plan on running the marathon barefoot, but will carry along my trusty Luna sandals just in case.

I do most of my running in my Culver City neighborhood.  For longer runs, I hit the Ballona Creek bike trail, which goes right by my house, and run down to Playa Vista and back.  Occasionally, I do some trail running, which is a nice change and particularly fun barefoot!  As far as hydration goes, I like to wear my North Face hydration pack.  It carries 1.5 liters of water in the main pouch and has two small hip pouches that hold my Cliff Shot Blocks and Hammer Gels.  I also usually carry a granola bar on longer runs to get me through to the finish.

With the Hirshberg Training Team’s help and support, I am getting ready to meet this challenge as I, in turn, help to raise money for the Hirshberg Foundation.  I will be running the Marathon in memory of loved ones I have lost to cancer and will proudly wear the Hirshberg Training Team jersey.

Jonathan’s Donation Page

The Espinoza Family Holiday Photo

I am running the LA Marathon for 2 reasons:

1) As I turn 40 this year, I want to be able to say I ran a marathon! I have never been a fan of running long distances and so this is one challenge I am pushing myself to conquer this year.

2) In the last few years, I have been personally affected by cancer in all forms, not just pancreatic. So I am running in honor of my friends and family whom I continue to support and those whom I will miss dearly: Rhonda Faye (Survivor and Dear Friend), Alyson Rodriguez (Sister In-Law) and Desiree Sanchez (Dear Friend).  I chose the Hirshberg Foundation because I know the Foundation personally and truly support their cause. I believe in the work they are doing to find a cure for pancreatic cancer, and in turn help find a cure for all forms of cancer. I would not run the LA Marathon without supporting them.

During my runs I remember the quote “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is” from Vince Lombardi. My running mantra is “Go Big or Go Home.”  Keeping that in mind reminds me of why I am running, and that I am not just doing it for myself but for all those affected by pancreatic cancer and all cancers.  What helps get me through the hardest parts of my runs are by far my running partners! I would not be able to get through this on my own.

Lisa Espinosa with her kids at the beach

My favorite runs are along the beach where there are no cars to run into!  I survive my runs on my GU Brew and Cliff Shot Bloks.  The anticipation of a White Mocha from Starbucks post-run is also a motivating factor, and knowing I will get to catch up with my running partners to discuss the run when I’m done.

Lisa’s Donation Page

Dona McBride running one of her many marathons

I am running the LA Marathon with the Hirshberg Training Team because I love to run.  The 2012 LA Marathon will be my 24^th marathon.  I started running 7 years ago and I hope to be a lifelong runner.  I am raising money for the Hirshberg Foundation because they do such wonderful work. Heather Stevens, who was a member of my running club in Long Beach, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the Hirshberg Foundation was so kind and such a lifeline to her during her fight and after she passed away from pancreatic cancer.

During my runs I keep this phrase in my mind, “Fill your mouth with praise, fill your mind with gratitude, and you will fill your heart with rejoicing!”  It motivates me through the rough patches.  Listening to music keeps me from having to use a mantra, some of the phrases from songs will carry me through the toughest spots: I will run and not grow weary!  You can’t catch me, and if you get too close, I’ll be gone like a cool breeze!

My favorite place to run is along the path in Huntington Beach, with the waves rolling in, the sea birds skirling overhead, and the surfers changing by their cars.

I like to snack on dry roasted almonds.  I eat gels when I race.  After the race is over I love a grilled cheese sandwich!  Oh, I am 60 years old.

Dona’s Donation Page