End of the Year Mark!

From Mike Wasserman at The Bottom Line:
I want to thank everyone for putting in a great amount of effort on fundraising over the past 6 weeks. As a team, we have raised nearly $22,500! That is phenomenal. 


Just to put everything into perspective, the amount of money we've raised over the past 6 weeks has already provided Bottom Line with the resources to support every student whose profile we read at our kick-off meeting for an entire year, and MORE!


I have many more miles to go and please make your donation today!

Me Hearties, I Thank Ye!

In honor of my dear friend Ron, known as Capt. Ron and had an alcoholic beverage named after him! I will speak purely in pirate:

Ahoy! Me heartie, Aditya Rathnam, I thank ye fer many pence for an old beauty o'de sea!  Arrr, your ad'ice on runnin' is appreciated Gar; for which me will follow through!  Fair winds to ye on ye journey through the Napa Valley Marathon Gar!  Never surrender! ARR! 

Shiver me timbers! THANK YE t' beauty, Cat Conley and landlubber "Mr Bill" Brian Williams for donatin't' me cause!!!  Great many thanks t' Heather MacPhee, one of me dear BEauties I had me pleasure workin' wit ye at the jolly BE and company.  Arrr, thank you for helpin' me along on my journey Garrr! For I have many hills and miles t' go! Much godspeed me needs! Yo Ho Ho! 

Avast! Cap’n RONald Tharp, THANK YE for donatin' t' me cause! It is dear to me hearties from the Bottom Line! An blimey! Ye arrr awful generous wit your loot! Next time I see ye, let’s toast over some grog an grub! ARRRRRR!!!  My treasure chest is $2294.00 full!! Ye'll ne'er get me buried booty! 

Can I get a Yo Ho Ho?!   YO HO HO!!! 

P90X at the top of the morning killin' me old sea legs!

Arrr, last eve Me ran for fi'e miles and ran up some hills. Aye, me parrot concurs.  Arrr, me muscles be sore. 

Joke: Whats a pirate’s favorite fast food restaurant?  Arrrrbys!

As my friend Tommethian Alexander would often quote: A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what the ship is built for.

Thank You Murali!!

 "Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman




Thank you to Murali Vajapeyam for donating to my cause!! I appreciate that you took the time out to think of others in need.  :-)


I am 1/4 of the way to reach my goal, with your help, I reached $2060.00!!!  I have many more miles to go in my training.  Tonight, the training schedule calls for a 3 mile run, but I'm going to push it to 5 and weight lift afterwards.  My muscles are getting sore after I run more than 8 miles :-) Everyday, I'm getting stronger and faster. 


New Years Day is around the corner, anyone have any good resolutions?  I'll post some of mine in the coming days.  Stay tuned. 






He who is not courageous enough to take 


risks will  accomplish nothing in life.


-Muhammad Ali

Thank You Thaddeus!!!

Thaddeus Stefanov-Wagner, THANK YOU for donating to my cause on my birthday!!! Thank you for helping me reach my goals, it means so much to me and most importantly to the students at Bottom Line. With your help, I was able to raise $2008.00!!!!!!     PLP represent!!!! 

Birthmas night

In this very special week, my support reached far and wide. My benefactors came far from Afghanistan, Hawaii/Toronto and California!




I have a special shout out to a great guy that I met when I was in London, England, Jeff Hushley. We met in summer of 2005 and stay pen pals even though he and his wife are on far west side of the US-Hawaii!!


Jeff and Anne Hushley, THANK YOU for your support as benefactors and friends. I am beaming with gratitude, my grin is from ear to ear. :-D




Ray Wu, PLP represent!! Thank you for your help as well! You are now part of my circle :-P No, really, with your help, I am able to reach my goals to help the Bottom Line.




Last, but certainly not least, my friend, mentor, founder of Shackleton Schools, and fellow adventurer, Luke O'Neill, I can never thank you enough for helping in my personal development. You were always there for me when I needed your help and again, you are in the wind of my sails pushing me forward. I learned so much about altruism and the meaning of social responsibility from you. I just hope that I can inspire others to serve their community the way you inspired me!! On behalf of the Bottom Line, Thank You for helping students achieve their dreams!




Best Christmas EVER! I raised $1811.00 in electronic donations and another 145.00 in check/cash donations. Bringing my total to: $1956.00!! I held no expectations about raising money.  I hope now to reach $2,500.00 by midnight, and if I do not, I won't be disappointed.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!



Quote of the day: "Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others." Plato

Christmas/Birthday!

9 miles today since tomorrow is going to be a sleet storm. Merry Christmas!




 Thank you to all of my generous benefactors for helping raise over $1,500.00 in a short amount of time.  I have many more miles to go, but your support makes each step easier!!

Christmas/Birthday Eve--oh Joy!

Yesterday, my company threw me a Birthday party :-) Yay for ice cream cake day!! 

Happy Birthday to me in 25 minutes!!  (11:35pm 12/24/2009)

My day: woke up.breakfast.shower.dress.pack car.compost.groceryshop.drop groceries at home.drive to RI.RUN.shower.dress.Christmas eve dinner.talk.reflect.eat.laugh.eat.birthdaycakes.exchangegifts.play.eat.exchange goodbyes.go to Bobby's home.watch A Christmas story.exchange gifts.eat more dessert.facebook.thankyous.blog

My favorite short run around North Lake, Barrington, RI

My run this afternoon was on slush, snow and clean concrete!

Me running in Barrington, RI today






Today was jam packed with activities, but I am happy to be able to get a 3 mile run in my busy schedule!! All the calories I lost, I gained back in 10 fold with all the sweets.  My New Years resolution: Not allow my body to eat on autopilot, meaning not eat every thing I see and be conscious about what I eat.  My Nancy Clark book came in!! I will follow it religiously. 






THANK YOU to my dear friend and fellow glass breaker/and town rival, Laura Shockro for donating to my cause and helping be get closer to reaching my goals!!!!!  



I want to say THANK YOU to Elizabeth Saypol for donating to my cause.  I met Elizabeth 10 years ago!!  We became friends hiking up 14ers and camping with 7 other Outward Bounders.  Thank you so much for your support and I wish you a Merry Christmas!!


Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Thank You 1LT. Matt Smith For Donating to my cause!

1Lieutenant Matt Smith is serving in Afghanistan and took a moment out of his life to donate to my cause.  I am truly honored and on behalf of The Bottom Line, we THANK YOU! Thank you for protecting our country, thank you for your service so I can enjoy my good life.  Thank you so much for your support when YOU need it most in this time.   Thank You!

Thank You Will Peters!!

The Boston marathon for Alexis to run

With an important cause to help someone

She’ll have to train through little sun

Never stopping till she’s done

To your mission I will donate

Because I think the cause is great

I hope you’re watching what you ate

And to your workouts you are not late

Remember to stay dedicated to it

And continue to get strong and fit

Your accomplishments will be a hit

And remember… NEVER QUIT!

Will, I love the poem and most importantly, for your support to the Bottom Line!!! This week is full of obstacles to overcome such as the holiday frenzy brought on stress, reaching my Christmas Challenge, plateauing in my workouts (already!), and I felt I lost focus of my end goal.  Your tremendous support and wise words :-) help get me "back in the zone", for that, I THANK YOU for helping me along on this adventure.     

I raised: $1,640.00!!!!  

"To get what you've never had, you must do what you've never done." – Anonymous

Thank You Elizabeth and Mario Sturla!

“Charity sees the need, not the cause”
German Proverb


Thank You Mario and Elizabeth Sturla for donating to my cause!! Every dollar goes towards helping the students at The Bottom Line! I hope to see you on Marathon Day!  Happy New Year!

Thank You Abiola!!!

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop




Thank You so much Abiola for thinking of me during the busiest time in your life and for helping be one step closer to reaching my goals!! I feel nothing but deep appreciation and gratitude.  


RAISED TO DATE:  $1,353 !!


"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

100 Sit Ups and Then Some

Quote of the Day: "As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person." -Paul Shane Spear






For the next 4 months, my soft, doughy midsection will transform into a body builder's hardrock abs.  I will need to do 100 sit ups and other various abdominal exercises for 20-minutes every morning.  Coach Muhr told the team that it is pertinent to build a strong core, otherwise when fatigue sets in your body is off kilter, thus leading to a multitude of injuries.  I do recall that when I run over 13 miles, I start to resemble Quasimodo-my upper body starts to slump forward, due to weak abdominals.  Since I was already practicing this abdominal routine, I felt I already plateaued.  Tonight, I'll take it to the next level and take on incline sit ups--Hoorah!  I only ran for 2 miles, when I was supposed to do 3.  I hate to say it, but it was a lackluster workout, my mind was too tired to focus on anything.  Tonight I can and I WILL make up for it.  



My Personal Favorites: 


 Hans and Franz will PUMP YOU UP!

Medicine Ball Lunge Crossovers
1. Stand with feet hip width apart. Take left leg and step back approximately 2 feet standing on the ball of the foot.
2. Start position: Feet should be positioned at a staggered stance with head and back erect and straight in a neutral position. Hold medicine ball in front of your chest.
3. Lower body by bending at hip and knee until thigh is parallel to floor. Body should follow a straight line down towards the floor. As you are lunging reach to one side of the leg with the ball.
4. Return to start position and repeat by reaching to the opposite side with the ball. Alternate or switch to other leg after prescribed reps.

Russian Twists

1. Stand with feet hip-width apart.

2. Hold medicine ball with both hands and arms only slightly bent.

3. Swing ball over to the right hip and forcefully swing ball forward and around towards the left side. Reverse back in the opposite direction. Keep the stomach drawn in to maximize proper usage of muscle.

Single Leg V-Ups

1. Start position: Lie back onto floor or bench with knees bent, both hands behind head. Keep elbow back and out of sight. Head should be in a neutral position with a space between chin and chest.

2. Leading with the chin and chest towards the ceiling, contract the abdominal and raise shoulders off floor or bench. Extend arms and also raise one leg up toward ceiling.

3. Return to start position.

4. Remember to keep head and back in a neutral position. Hyperextension or flexion may cause injury. To increase resistance, hold medicine ball in hands. To decrease resistance, position hand closer towards body

Medicine Ball Obliques

1. Starting Position: Lie on your back and raise your legs with your knees bent.

2. Holding a medicine ball between your knees rotate your legs to the side and then return to the starting position. Repeat to the other side.

CHALLENGE: Do this exercise, but move your legs in a figure 8, slightly lift up your upper body and do 2 sets of 20.

FEEL THE BURN!!

Lateral Flexion w/ Stability Ball

1. Starting Position: Lie on your side over the stability ball and spread your legs for balance.

2. Hold a medicine ball over your head and curl up towards the ceiling. Lay back down across the ball and repeat the movement.

3. Repeat with the other side.

Reverse Curls

1. Start position: Lie with back on floor or bench with hips flexed at 90° and feet in air holding onto a medicine ball. Position arms at sides with palms down on floor.

2. Leading with the heels towards the ceiling, raise glutes (butt) off floor or bench.

3. Return to start position.

4. Remember keep legs from swinging to prevent momentum throughout the exercise.

Courtesy Sports fitness advisor.com 

Russian Twist (V-sit with a twist)





Starting Position: Begin sitting on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Hold the medicine ball and extend your arms out in front of you, and recline back so that your body is angled about 45 degrees.


Form: Keeping your lower body still, twist your body to the right and then to the left.


Tip: The more you lean back, the more challenging this exercise becomes.  To make this exercise more challenging you can lift your feet about 1-2 inches off the floor and keep you feet in the air during the entire set. 

Crunches with a Toe Touch

Starting Position: Lie on your back with your feet off the floor and your legs pointed straight in the air. Keep your arms straight while holding the medicine ball.


Form: Exhale as you lift your shoulder blades off the floor attempting to touch your toes with the medicine ball. Hold at the top for 1 second, and slowly lower to the starting position.


Tips: If your legs are really stiff it’s okay to slightly bend your knees, but continue stretching and work up to keep your legs straight.

Your neck muscles will also be challenged during this exercise. If you cannot complete the entire set at once, perform 5 reps or so and then rest before completing the rest of the set. 




 

Medicine Ball Crunches on a Stability Ball

Starting Position: This exercise is performed very similar to the regular ball crunches. Start by sitting on the ball while holding a medicine ball. Walk yourself forward until your hips are at the edge of the ball and the ball supports your back.

Form: Hold the medicine ball over your head as you curl your body forward and lift your shoulder blades off the ball. Hold for 1 second at the top and then slowly lower to the starting position.


Tips: Move slowly, so that momentum does not take over. Moving slowly will stop you from bouncing on the ball, and will work your abs harder.
Keep the medicine ball over your head during the entire crunch movement. This will keep added tension on your abdominal muscles.
If your abs get really fatigued, it's okay to bring your arms in front of your at the top of the motion.
Just remember that the medicine ball is used to add resistance and challenge to your abs, and it only adds resistance to your abs when your arms are overhead. 

From Abcore

Team Training--Mile 8!

Date: Dec. 19, 2009
Weather: Overcast, 17 degrees
Location: Boston, MA


At 6:30am the sun was rising and I was getting dressed for the team training run in Boston, MA at Revolution Rock Gym. It was 17 degrees Fahrenheit and freezing.  I put on 2 pairs of spandex pants, spandex shirt, fleece jacket and fleece vest.  After our team talk ended at 8:45am, we started our run along the Boston side of the Charles river. There are a lot of fast road warriors, so I figured I was going to be okay with running by myself.  However, I was so happy to have a running companion-it made the 8 miles go by so fast.  I chatted it up with Kim from the Boston Partners in Education.  While Kim could talk and run effortlessly, I thought I was going to pass out from not getting enough air into my lungs while running.  It took me awhile to get used to simultaneously breathe, talk, and run.  My weight training is paying off as my muscles were not fatigued from the run and even after a day, I do not feel very sore.  After I completed my run, I looked in the mirror, my face was beet red, like I got the "Asian Flush"-body reacting to liquor consumption.  I overheated on my run, I felt the back of my vest and it was soaking wet. I quickly replenished with a PBJ sandwich, that was wolfed down in the car ride to Rhode Island, chugged 2 water bottles and ate a granola bar. It was a great run!  Next we'll be tackling Hills!

Me stretching after my 8 miler with the Bottom Line :-)


Quote of the Day: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” ~ Dr. Seuss

Update on Training

Today, I warmed up on the erg for 20 minutes then ran 5.5 miles at an efficient 9:50 min/mile...on the treadmill with a 0.5 incline to be easy on the knees.  My legs are getting stronger each day with the running/cross training, weightlifting, but most importantly stretching.  I spend about 20+ minutes stretching, which I find it is making it easier for me to run faster and farther.  My hamstrings give me the most trouble, but the nagging pain is becoming less constant.  

Moving Mountains One Stone At a Time

To raise money for a charity makes me feel like I am moving mountains. Thank you to the generous, compassionate individuals, who make this arduous effort easier and making my dream come closer to a reality-to raise money to fulfill the dreams to students that aspire to graduate college. 


Thank You to Kevin T. and Howard W. for supporting my cause!! I look forward to High 5's from Jana along my marathon run!!!  It really means so much to me to have the support from the company. Wow.  So far: $1,327 raised!!!!    




"I want to do good. I want to make the world better because I was here....If you are not making someone else's life better, than your wasting your time. Your life will become better because someone else's life is better."  -Will Smith

On the mountains of truth you can never climb in vain: either you will reach a point higher up today, or you will be training your powers so that you will be able to climb higher tomorrow. 
-Friedrich Nietzsche  




Last night, I ran 5 miles on the treadmill.  I feel my body getting stronger and more efficient at running.  I can get down to a 9:50 minute mile after running 12 minute miles for the past year.  I see my weight training is paying off :-)  I'm gonna get huuuuuuuuuge!


My reflector vest came in the mail! I can start my running in the morning now...get my knees used to running on pavement.  It's going to be a long...cold...dark winter.




One thing to look forward to is that the winter solstice is coming up, which means we'll be getting more sunlight-rejoice!




Now for some pearls of wisdom from the body building genius, Arnold Schwarzenegger:  What we face may look insurmountable. But I learned something from all those years of training and competing. I learned something from all those sets and reps when I didn't think I could lift another ounce of weight. What I learned is that we are always stronger than we know. 


My running mantra when the going gets I wanna give up tough is "I'm stronger than I know" for the most part it does help me stay focused and helps me change my attitude.  When all else fails, I switch to, "Don't be a failure!"  Hah!  Whatever works...

Conquered my 7-mile run

Saturday morning was full of indecision.  I probably spent an hour internally debating whether to run on a treadmill at the gym or to run outdoors.  Hmmm...explore my surroundings and gain a sense of place in the freezing cold or stare at the wall for 1.5 hours in a warm gym.  The decision was tough, but the coach said to get muscles used to running on harder surfaces.  I sucked it up and braved the unforgiving, winter wind and ran a straight 7.5 mile run, which included a quarter mile warm up and cool down.   Luckily the sun was shining so I was able to receive some warmth.  I was wearing spandex pants, but the stinging wind made it feel like I was running naked.  I ran from North Framingham to past the famous Longfellow Wayside Inn, in Sudbury, MA.  There were quite a few hills to tackle on my run and I was too cold to feel any pain in my legs, which afforded me the opportunity to complete my run.  Finishing the run on a wintry morning allowed me to be lazy the rest of the day.




Some pics from my run:

 

 

 

 

 

Bobby ran with me for about 6 miles, sadly, his running career ended that day as his knees nearly gave out :-(  He'll have to resort to the bike or roller blades to keep up :-D Thanks for coming out with me!

Meanwhile in another part of Massachusetts, Boston held the Santa Speedo Run.  The money raised went to the Bottom Line!  The runners wore, well, speedos!  So, I can't complain about being cold.  I hope they all wore their liquid jackets.  Here is a friend of mine running in the race:

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/specials/holidays/gallery/santarun2009?pg=7 

Motivated to Succeed

Spotlight on a Bottom Line Student

Joseph Ortiz, Claremont Academy '10 Joe has lived in Worcester all his life.  When he was barely 2 years old, he lost his mother to cancer.  With his father in prison and unable to offer support, Joe went to  live with his brother and grandmother. When Joe turned 5, his brother was taken away and placed in foster care because their grandmother could not provide for both  boys. Their grandmother continued to care for Joe in poor living  conditions, until she passed away when Joe was 11. Since then,  Joe has been in foster care. Joe says he did not value his education until he met teachers who  cared about his future. When he arrived at high school, he realized  that his education was important because it would lead him to a  better life. He is now a very active senior at Claremont Academy,  taking honors and Advanced Placement classes, playing varsity  volleyball, participating in a creative writing group, and running for  class president. Joe has almost completed his applications to Wheaton College, Brandeis University, Framingham State College,  and the College of the Holy Cross, among others. His applications will include an  essay about his grandmother. With help from his counselor, Bottom  Line hopes Joe will receive the financial aid he will need to attend  college as a student in foster care. "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; I will not refuse to do the something I can do." - Helen Keller