It's happening...the toughest part of my training is done, and there's only three weeks left until I run the NYC Marathon on November 4th!

That's me in the picture trying to finish my most difficult run thus far, a three-hour, 18-mile trek across Brooklyn and down the Bay Ridge Promenade. The weather was brutal for the first day of fall: 80 degrees and sunny. And the promenade has no (as in ZERO!) water fountains and no shade.

But it's over. And yet another long run is under my belt.

I remember finishing my half-marathon four years ago and feeling dead tired after 13.1 miles. Then I watched the full-marathoners gracefully shoot past me, looking completely fresh. I wanted to reach that point, and now I have. Well...I wouldn't say I'm fresh at 13.1, but I definitely know now that I can go further.

I can't overstate how much I owe to my coaches and mentors with Team in Training. They've not only helped me get fitter but also allayed my fears and helped me manage expectations. My family and friends have encouraged me and given me the reinforcement I need during the physical and mental toll of these longer runs.

And no matter how tough things get, I also remember that things are much tougher for those suffering from blood-related cancers, people who struggle every day with problems much more dire than a simple run. I remember that THEY are the people I'm running for. People like my grandmother Seretta, who passed away from lymphoma when I was 14 (and to whom I'm dedicating my run).

The funds I raise will help aid research and treatment for current and future generations of blood-cancer patients, and you can help me out, even if it is just a small donation. All contributions are tax-deductible.

I'll continue to give updates in the next few weeks leading up to race day, and I hope to hear from some of you along the way. Feel free to hit me up with any questions you have about my run or about Team in Training!

Take care, and see you on race day!

Sincerely,

Rich

Yes...I'm at it again.

It's been too long since I've done a competitive race, and I've decided that now is as good a time as any to finally put my money where my mouth is and take on the juggernaut that is the NYC Marathon.

I've never done anything quite like this. I've done a few sprint triathlons, and I completed the San Diego Rock n' Roll Half Marathon four years ago (also with Team In Training). As I keeled over, exhausted from running 13.1 miles, I watched as the full-marathon runners breezed passed me. I thought: How???

Well dammit...now I'm gonna find out. I've already begun my training by watching "The Fast Runner" and "Chariots of Fire." It's a start. But I'm going to need your help too! And don't do it just for me - do it for the millions who suffer from blood-related cancers. The tax-deductible donations you guys contribute will help fund ongoing research and treatment!

My goal is $3,450, and you guys have already done an amazing job getting me past the $1,000 I needed to qualify officially. Let's keep it going!!

I'd also like to say that I'm running the race in memory of my grandmother, Seretta Kleinerman, who passed on from lymphoma 17 years ago, and also in memory of Ramie Speight, one of the dearest and best people I've ever known.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

I'll be thinking about you guys as I'm in the latter stages of the race, recalling the words of Ed Norton in "Fight Club": "I ran...I ran until my muscles burned and my veins pumped battery acid. Then I ran some more."

Love you guys, and I'll be sure to keep you updated on my progress!

Sincerely,

Rich