Speedracer

It's official - Evie has run her first road race in a big way. Last week the little wild woman and I competed in the Ithaca Festival Mile, one of Ithaca's latest great traditions. The run preceeds the great parade which starts the festival weekend. We have been "training" for a few weeks and she has been wildly excited. We committed after getting the all clear from her cardiologist and she competed in beautiful form. She took a few breaks along the route and as I would check in with her she'd bolt off weaving through runners leaving me to catch up.



The race is great because it builds to a finish where thousands of people line the route. I couldn't believe the number of folks who knew her yelling her name throughout. She'd scan the crowd to try to ID them and then take off. Of course she also finished strong. Outstanding memory from and outstanding girl.

Eyes of a Tiger

Evie continues to be a striking young lady. Sweet blueberry eyes. Ever since I "won" the NYC Half Evie keeps asking about running a race. So, we took the opportunity last weekend to run her school's fun run. Very sweet, though not completely satisfying for the little girl.



She now asks if she can join me for runs - and sometimes I humor her. Took a run/walk through Collegetown this weekend and got some gem smiles and comments including "Way to work it out girl!!" Continues to be an inspiration to all especially her little sister. She is setting her sites on the Ithaca Festival Mile next month. As always we'll take cues from her.

Race Day

It was loud, crowded and at times wonderfully obnoxiously, just like NYC. Race day started early - with my sister Steph and brother-in-law Rob and I rolling into the City around 6AM under a "Super Moon". The Teamsters got me to within a short walk of the Central Park start. A cold wind whipped through the Park as the pre-race rituals were taking place. After a considerable lead up we were off. A crowded field of 10,000 snaked through the winding roads of Central Park. Pretty limited movement for a least 2 miles while I tried to shake the cold off me.


Limbering Up Pre-Race


Lots of folks out along the route through the Park. At about 4 miles I started thinking about how large the Park actually is - and of course again what a urban planning marvel it is. A full loop marked 6 miles which is the point when I prepared my strategy to shift from a steady, dogged pace to a more aggressive one. I went from running in line with a pack to regularly "picking people off" as we moved through 8 miles and out of the park. Bands and people lined the street and the field move by the Carnegie Deli and made the turn a Times Square. I still felt myself building and body feeling pretty decent.


Skirting through the Park


It wasn't until about mile 10 when I felt I needed to channel the great energy of the 50 plus contributors of this great cause - and of course my sweet girls - and the kids that this fundraising effort would benefit. Feeling beat it helped me at least keep pace for a fast final mile. Crossing the line, with a time of 1:44.18 (sub 8 minute mile), I smiled thinking about the effort and the beautiful collaboration of contributors. Over 4 dozen folks made donations, baked cakes, played cards, voiced great support for the effort. OUTSTANDING. It couldn't be done by any one - it was so meaningful because of the support of many. Sometimes it definitely does take a village.


NY's Finest...Socks


Absolutely, it means a great deal to know that together we will be able to sponsor not one, but two surgeries for two kids that need it (I will pass along details of those specific families that benefit when I have it). Adding to that is the invaluable message I hope this provides to my two young girls, Evie and Kellyn. We've been given an unbelievable gift and with that is the distinct opportunity to contribute to the health of people and communities in need. Congenital Heart Disease need not be a limiting factor, I'd argue just the opposite - it provides you with countless opportunities. I once heard someone say that in difficult situations, there are opportunities you just need to find them. In this case, the opportunity seemed pretty clear to me. Believe me I am going to aggressively keep looking too.


My host, guide and sweet youngest sister Steph


I arrived home to the beautiful affection of my ladies along with some sweet signage and balloons. My girl Evie came bolting up to welcome me. Noting the race medal around my neck she asked "Daddy did you win??!!" Yeah baby - I won - won quite a bit before the race even began.

Thank you all - I'll never forget it.

Ducks Feet

It was a groggy January morning at the office. The Ducks had just lost the National Championship game a few hours earlier and I was doing my best to make it through our morning staff meeting. After reporting on the status of a few projects I announced to the staff that I was going to run the New York City Half Marathon in an effort to raise the $2,000 needed to sponsor a heart surgery for a child overseas through the International Children's Heart Foundation. You see, after both of my daughter's were born with Congenital Heart Disease that required open heart surgery at less than three months I felt compelled to assist another family through this difficult situation. The announcement of my effort was met with great enthusiasm, enough to jolt me from my post National Championship loss haze. My boss jested, "I'm not supporting the effort unless you run the race with a pair of those socks the Ducks wore last night!" Referring of course, to the loud, controversial neon socks they wore special for the big game. I laughed, then the wheels started turning, that could be a hell of a good idea to promote this effort.



I dropped a line to my good buddy Brent Harrison, Associate Director of Recreation Programs at UO, to see what he thought. He loved the idea, and connected with Head Football Coach Chip Kelly's office. Supporting the effort, Coach Kelly agreed to send a pair of socks my way.



These socks are loud, "Volt Green" loud, and are complete with the "Win the Day" Duck Football mantra that I have adopted. So much so that I think its accounted for over $500 in donations. It added some excitement to an already exciting effort. Fundraising has exceeded expectations, with over 50 people providing support, to the point where the effort will now be able to fund surgeries for two children (http://www.active.com/donate/doyle_run_4_hearts). Words can not express how very thankful I am to all the family, friends, coworkers and even strangers who have contributed.

Interestingly enough I recently heard that former University of Oregon runner, Olympian, now professional Galen Rupp, decided to enter the field at the NYC Half next weekend. Probably heard about the socks. See you there Galen, I'll be the guy in Volt Green drafting off you (two miles back).

Ironheart Racing Team

With just about a week to go until the NYC Half I am overwhelmed with the outstanding support that leaves me just $200 short of my goal of $3,500 which combined with donations from last year - will result in two heart surgeries for children overseas - one surgery for each of my daughters born with a similar condition.

I am going into the race as a new member of the Ironheart Racing Team. The team consists of "everyday athletes on a mission. It's quite simple: Compete endurance races across the globe while raising awareness for healthy heart living and congenital heart disease." I stumbled across this group of tremendous athletes and knew I had to be involved. I'm honored to be a member of the Team - and consider the NYC Half just the first of many future efforts. I join even despite that fact that founder Dave Watkins is a UW Husky supporter - arch rival to my Oregon Ducks. I encourage you to check out the amazing efforts of Ironheart Racing Team members.

Training update: It has been a brutal late winter in Ithaca - which has sent me through a training regimen similar to that in Rocky IV. Had a whopping 2ft. of snow this Monday - real easy to run through that. Few weeks prior I ran 11 miles in a wind advisory and sprain my knee on some ice. Little gimpy, but confident after Ithaca's best PT, and my buddy, Rob Kaplan gave me some pre and post run strategies.

I'm continuing to ask my friends and family to support me (and my girls Kellyn, Evie and Ruth) in my final push of the fundraising effort to sponsor surgeries through the International Children's Heart Foundation. I've established a secure website through active.com to coordinate this effort - http://www.active.com/donate/doyle_run_4_hearts - you may make a donation anonymously or contact me directly should you prefer an offline contribution. Help us do this in honor of my girls (The Mighty Warrior Women) and TWO families overseas anxious for a chance.

Thank you.

Spencerport Fundraiser Nets Nearly $1K!

Last weekend, my sister-in-laws' Roberta D'Agostino and Becky Owens put on a fundraiser in Spencerport, NY on behalf of my girls for our efforts to sponsor a surgery for the International Children's Heart Foundation. The Euchre Tournament and Cake Auction was a rousing success. The event raised close to $1,000 for the cause. Thank you so much to Roberta and Becky as well as the attendees that included Mike and Julie Kludt, Chris and Kristine Barrett, Dave and Stephanie Barrett, Barb Barrett, Rose Merle, John and Lynn Rodriquez, Mike and Katy Elphick, Walt and Gail Cramner, Dan and Diane Doyle, Laura and Stu McFarlane, John and Michelle Barrett, Chuck and Sharon Patt, Kevin and Becky Owens, Kyle and Jen DeFranco, Karla (Miller) Lislow, Jen Swartzott, M. and Nancy DroegMuller, Mary Muller, Abbey and Hannah Owens, Tara Friedman, and others including the great pastry chefs who contributed efforts including Dariele Drake and Jason Gorman. Thank you so much to all.

At the last minute a double ear infection on Evie kept us in Ithaca, so sadly we missed out, the nearly $1,000 that resulted from the event has caused me to readjust my goal to $3,500 which when combined with donations from last year would result in two surgeries!

Good work continues - track the efforts or consider a donation here. Race in two weeks! Thanks so much for all the wonderful, humbling support.

Heartfelt Fundraiser

Help my family and I help children around the world with heart disease.

Here we go! Big time Euchre and Yahtzee Tournament and Cake Auction sponsored by my sweet sister-in-laws' Roberta D'Agostino and Becky Owens. Fundraiser is going down next Saturday evening, Feb. 26th, at 5PM. Location is Arrowhead Golf Course, Gallup Rd., Spencerport, NY. $30/couple gets you in - pizza and wings provided. Questions and RSVP to Roberta at jdagost1@rochester.rr.com or Becky rowens06@rochester.rr.com. Good time guaranteed. Very thankful to this kind ladies and this effort - certain to finish off the big fundraising effort.

____________________________________________________________

Having two sweet young girls born with congenital heart disease (CHD) that required open heart surgery prior to 3 months old has had a profound affect on me. Many children born with CHD do not have the opportunity for surgery. We want to help provide that opportunity to a family who's child born with CHD.

The International Children's Heart Foundation (ICHF), specializes in providing those opportunities to children overseas. This organization typically spends about 2 weeks in a given country and performs about 20 surgeries per trip. They estimate that it costs about $2,000 per child to perform a surgery. Speaking from personal experience this is a fraction of what it costs stateside.

I decided that my first effort to raise funds for ICHF would be a run. Specifically, the New York City Half Marathon. Why the NYC Half? Its high profile, early in the year and a distance that I couldn't churn out today, but have the time to train for.

I'm asking my friends and family to consider supporting me (and my girls Kellyn, Evie and Ruth) in this effort. I've established a secure website through active.com to coordinate this effort - http://www.active.com/donate/doyle_run_4_hearts - you may make a donation anonymously or contact me directly should you prefer an offline contribution. Help us do this in honor of my girls (The Mighty Warrior Women) and for a family overseas anxious for a chance.

The race is coming up quick (March 20th) so your consideration in the approaching months is most appreciated. Let's give it a shot and see if we can sponsor a surgery! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Valentine Like None Other

CHD Awareness Week - the week prior to Valentines (Feb 7-14) - is an annual awareness effort to help educate the public about Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs). Participants include individuals, local support groups, national and local organizations and congenital cardiology centers throughout the world.



By sharing experiences and providing information, we hope to raise public awareness about conditions that affect approximately 40,000 babies each year in the United States alone. It is our sincere hope that efforts to educate the public will result in improved early diagnosis, additional funding for support and educational services, scientific research, and access to quality of care for our children and adults.

This year skip the chocolates and make Valentine's day truly special. Help me help children around the world with heart disease. Having two sweet young girls born with congenital heart disease (CHD) that required open heart surgery prior to 3 months old has a profound affect on me. For one, going through this experience - twice - has caused me to focus much more on the present day. Also, as I sat by my younger daughter Kellyn's bedside as she recovered from surgery this October, I couldn't help but be struck by how fortunate I felt. Yes - fortunate. As horrific as the diagnosis, high risk birth and surgery had been, we still were very fortunate in that we knew about this issue and had an opportunity for surgery. We had the opportunity in part because of the fact that my girls were born in this country. Many children born with CHD do not have that opportunity. I wanted to help provide that opportunity to a family who's child born with CHD.



I came across an organization, the International Children's Heart Foundation (ICHF), that specializes in providing those opportunities to children overseas. This fantastic organization works all around the world - India, Peru, Russia, Pakistan, and many other countries - providing surgeries to families on long waiting lists. They typically spend 2 weeks in a given country and perform about 20 surgeries per trip. They estimate it costs about $2,000 per child to perform a surgery. Speaking from personal experience this is a fraction of what it costs stateside. I quickly decided to shoot for raising $2K to sponsor a surgery. This effort is real and its big time - a life saving surgery!

I decided that my first effort to raise funds for ICHF would be a run. Specifically in 2011 I would run the New York City Half Marathon and ask my friends and family to financially support this effort. Why the NYC Half? Its high profile, early in the year and a distance that I couldn't churn out today, but have the time to train for.

I'd like you to consider supporting me (and my girls Kellyn, Evie and Ruth) in this effort. Perhaps you would be willing to contribute to this effort or organize a fundraiser? I've established a secure website through active.com to coordinate this effort - http://www.active.com/donate/doyle_run_4_hearts - you may make a donation anonymously or contact me directly should you prefer an offline contribution. Help us do this in honor of my girls (The Mighty Warrior Women), a family overseas anxious for a chance, for yourself, for your Valentine! Heck - drop me a line and I'll even write a personal Valentine to your special someone telling them how much you rock for supporting this effort.

The race is coming up quick (March 20th) so your consideration in the approaching months is most appreciated. Let's give it a shot and see if we can sponsor a surgery! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Help Me

Help me help children around the world with heart disease. Have you ever been hit with an experience that affects your daily mindset, but also calls you to act? Having two sweet young girls born with congenital heart disesase (CHD) which required open heart surgery prior to 3 months old has had that affect on me. Certainly going through this experience - twice - has caused me to focus much more on the present day. As I sat by my younger girl Kellyn's bedside as she recovered from surgery this fall, I couldn't help but be struck by how fortunate I felt. Yes - fortunate. As horrific as the diagnosis, high risk birth and surgery had been, we still were very fortunate in that we knew about this issue and had an opportunity for surgery. We had the opportunity in part because of the fact that my girls were born in this country. Many children born with CHD do not have that opportunity. I wanted to help provide that opportunity to a family who's child born with CHD.

I came across an organization, the International Children's Heart Foundation (ICHF), who specializing in providing those opportunities to children overseas. This fantastic organization works all around the world - India, Peru, Russia, Pakistan, and many other countries - providing surgeries to families on long waiting lists. They typically spend 2 weeks in a given country and perform about 20 surgeries per trip. They estimate it costs about $2,000 per child to perform a surgery. Speaking from personal experience this is a fraction of what it costs stateside. I quickly decided to shoot for raising $2K to sponsor a surgery.

I decided that my first effort to raise funds for ICHF would be a run. Specifically in 2011 I would run the New York City Half Marathon and ask my friends and family to financially support this effort. Why the NYC Half? Its high profile, early in the year and a race I wouldn't feel like a neglegent parent training for.

I'd like you to consider supporting me (and my girls Kellyn, Evie and Ruth) in this effort. Perhaps you would be willing to contribute to this effort or organize a fundraiser? I've established a secure website through active.com to coordinate this effort - http://www.active.com/donate/doyle_run_4_hearts - you may make a donation ananomously or contact me directly should you prefer an offline contribution.

The race is coming up quick (March 20th) so your consideration in the approaching months is most appreciated. Let's give it a shot and see if we can sponsor a surgery! I'll be ramping up the mileage in the Ithaca winter while trying to shake my plantar facitis! Thanks for your time and consideration.

Rolling in 2011

2011 has started really, really solid. Last Monday we rolled back up to Rochester for Kellyn's 3 month follow up. It is always an anxiety provoking event. She has seemed really great, interactive and gaining weight like a champ. Still its tought to tell what's happening inside. She was run through a series of tests including EKG and oxygen - EKG read normal (for having surgery) and oxygen levels were 100%. Dr. was really pleased with how she was doing and did not require an echo. We were really pleased as this takes an already long appointment and makes it a full morning affair. Also, at her age she has to be sedated which is another bear. He was further so pleased that he said she didn't have to head back for 6 months! For those counting at home - she'll be over a year at that point! Really beautiful appointment and really impressive work by the little girl.




Big sister continues to do well and is continually impressive assistant. Soaking up the winter days and the sledding that they bring. Ruthie is gearing up for easing back into work part time at the end of the month. Aside from an ailment - that began with Evie developing as bronchitis moved to massive head colds for Ruth and I and ended with sweet Kellyn as an ear infection - all is looking really solid on our ends. 2011 - destined to be a good year.