June Newsletter

Hello Team members!  We hope that you’re having a wonderful and safe beginning of your summer and that training is going well for you as you prepare for your fall races. Don’t forget, we still have Marine Corps Marathon, ING New York City Marathon, Virginia Beach Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon and Philly Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon bibs available. For more information, please visit: www.teamhopeforthewarriors.org.

Marine Corps Marathon

The highly anticipated 2013 Marine Corps Marathon is less than four months away and we couldn’t be more excited! Here is some important information regarding this great Team weekend.  Not registered yet? We still have a few bibs available and they’re going fast! To register, please click here.

 

Registration Confirmation Email

Soon after you submit your registration form to Courtney Gately, you will receive your registration confirmation from the Marine Corps Marathon.  If you have not, please be sure to check your spam folders. If you wish to transfer or defer your bib, you must do so via the Marine Corps Marathon website. The deadline to transfer and defer your bib can also be found on the site. Please click here to begin your transfer or deferment.

 

Team Hotels

Great news! Team Hope For The Warriors® now has a room block for the Marine Corps Marathon weekend! Not only do you get to run with the greatest Team members around, but you can also stay in the same hotel! We have room blocks in the following hotel:

Courtyard Arlington Crystal City / Reagan National Airport

2899 Jefferson Davis Highway

Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: (703) 549-3434
Website: http://tinyurl.com/6yjeqa
Pricing: $159 night before the race

Marine Corps Marathon Pre-Race Dinner Party

YOU are invited to the Team’s pre-race dinner party on Saturday October 26^, 2013. The time and location are still being planned but mark your calendars and join us for a fun filled evening with great food and great company!

Team Tent – Charity Hill

Not only are you invited to join us for our awesome Team Pre-Race Dinner Party, but you are invited to join the rest of the Team at our Team tent on Charity Hill in between the Iwo Jima & Netherlands Carillon. Stop by in the morning for some energy boosting breakfast and Team camaraderie. Leave your bags at the tent during the race so they will be safe and secure.  Be sure to make your way back to the tent after the race as well for a tasty lunch celebration and a well-deserved free massage. That’s right, a free massage! You can’t get much better than getting pampered, enjoying some yummy treats and spending time with the greatest Team members around!

ING NYC Marathon

We still have bibs available for the 2013 ING NYC marathon.  Don’t miss the chance to raise funds and awareness for wounded service members, their families, and families of the fallen while running in the world’s largest marathon!  By committing to raise $3,500, you will help our mission in restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.

To register, simply click here to get started.

 

FYI- the ING NYC marathon is requesting that all charity partner participants register through their fundraising platform called Crowdrise, for all fundraising.  PLEASE NOTE:  There will be a two-step process to register.  You will get a confirmation email from us after registering at the link above with directions on how to register and fundraise through the Crowdrise fundraising platform.

If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Duerr at sduerr@hopeforthewarriors.org

Tri-Slip Triathlon

On June 16, the Team was in Bayshore, NY for the Trislip Super Sprint Triathlon. Warrior Team member Manny Jimenez won first in his age group while Warrior Team member and first time Traithlete Steve Siwulec with Community Team member Patricia Knecht won second place in the mixed relay! Way to go Team!

Training Tip From The DC Road Runners

Training While On Vacation
As we head into prime vacation season, getting your miles in is important. Training through vacation is one of the hardest parts of this marathon training program. While on a vacation with friends and family, think of running as your time for yourself, even if you are travelling.  If your vacation schedule gets so hectic that you can’t get a full run in, get out there and get in a few miles.  Even a 20 minute run helps in maintaining your conditioning.  And, if you know that you can’t get your full long run in, talk to the coaches to help you adjust the schedule accordingly. We want to make sure that you don’t get injured by taking too much time off and then jumping right back in!

Fun Summer Fundraising Idea

Dog Wash

Almost everyone has a dog or loves dogs, so why not pamper these adorable pooches.  This event can be held in the parking lot of your community school or local grocery store or anywhere there is a concrete surface and a water supply. For this event you may want to rally up a few extra volunteers to make sure your Dog Wash runs smoothly. A great way to do this is to set up stations for each step of the dog wash; wash, rinse, and dry. A fun way to add a little extra sparkle to your event is to get bows and bandanas for the freshly pampered pups. This is really inexpensive. You can purchase ribbons and fabric at hobby stores or even any department store at a reasonably low cost. A fun way to maximize your event is to have a snack bar not only for the owners, but for the dogs too! For the owners you can have bottled water, soda and snacks. For the pups you can create small dog treat bags, an assortment of bones or even some donated toys.  You may also want to join up with another great cause like your local dog rescue to maximize publicity and funds. Be sure to have all dog owner’s present vaccination records beforehand, participant safety is key in making this a successful fundraiser.

 

Ride Across USA

This time next year, Tracy Draper and her incredible Team will head out to cycle across the United States to raise funds and awareness for Hope For The Warriors® in support of our American heroes. The Team of currently eight members will tackle 3,000 miles of roads from California to Florida in just 35 days! Once leaving beautiful Malibu on June 4, 2014 the Team will have a climb of 6,000 feet on their very first day. Not every day will be as taxing but there will be many days that the Team will travel over 100 miles, sometimes over challenging terrain.

Ride Across USA Team Captain Tracy (Right) pictured with friends Keith Sherrick and Ruth D'Auito.

 

Tracy and her Team will spend nearly a week taking on the Rocky Mountains in Colorado but the inclines won’t stop there. They will also be climbing the hills of Missouri and Alabama. Not only will their travels take them through steep inclines, the Team will also endure some intense summer temperatures as they ride through the Mojave Desert, the open land of Kansas as well as the hot southern humidity of Georgia. “While difficult, it will not be able to compare to what our wounded veterans face on a daily basis. We will ride for them!” said Tracy.

When looking for a military organization to partner with for this incredible endeavor, Tracy came across Hope For The Warriors®. “After spending much time researching and finding the Charity Navigator’s 4 star rating for Hope For The Warriors®, it was a very easy decision to partner with them.” Tracy reached out to Team Hope For The Warriors® Director, Jenlene Nowak to begin an incredible partnership. “Team Hope For The Warriors® is thrilled that the Ride Across USA cyclists have chosen our organization to support in their cycling journey.  Such support helps to ensure the dedication of our mission in restoring a sense of self, the family unit, and hope for our service members and their families.”

The Ride Across USA Team will get to know eight Warrior Team members before they head out on their journey. Tracy explained that getting to know these incredible Warrior Team members will give them the inspiration and drive to keep going during their challenging days. Some of the Warrior Team members will even have the chance to ride with them as they cycle through their hometowns. “It would be absolutely incredible to ride alongside our nation’s heroes” said Tracy.

Even though this amazing Ride Across USA Team will not be leaving until next year, there are still many things that need to be done and needs to be met to make this ride a success. To find out more information and how you can support this incredible Team, please visit www.rideacrossusa.com.

 

 

May Newsletter

Hi Team! We hope that your training is going well and that you are out there enjoying the beautiful weather. Summer is almost here and that can only mean one thing, the 2013 race season is in full swing! May has been an exciting and fun-filled month for the Team so far! Here are some of the incredible things all of you have been up to!

Run To Home Base

Sebastian and Tracie Gallegos at Fenway

On Saturday May 4^th, Warrior Team member Sebastian Gallegos and his wife Tracie represented the Team at the Boston Red Sox Fenway Park in Boston, MA for the Run-Walk to Home Base.  The run was hosted by the Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program to help and educate the community about combat stress and/or traumatic brain injury as we seek to mitigate the stigma and encourage veterans and their families to get the support and care they deserve. 

Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half and Full Marathon

Warrior Team members Chris Claude, Len Lacina and Dean Suthard are ready to start the race.

 

On May 5, the Team hit the streets for the 2013 Pittsburgh Marathon weekend. Both runners and handcyclists participated in the races. Warrior Team member Len Lacina finished his first ever full marathon along with Warrior Team member Steve Siwulec who finished his very first half marathon! Chris Claude and Dean Suthard also handcycled the full marathon while representing the Team on the hilly course. Way to go, Team!

 

Warrior Team member Steve Siwulec and Team Director Jenlene Nowak pose for a quick picture before running the half.

 

TD Five Boro Bike Tour

Incredible Warrior Team and Community Team members at the finish.

 

While Team members were racing around Pittsburgh, more Team members were cycling the streets for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour! Both Community Team and Warrior Team members rode together during this 40 mile tour of the five boros of New York City. Edgardo Comulada, Freddie DeLosSantos and Nathan Cruz were among the Warrior Team members participating. A BIG thank you and congratulations to our Top Fundraisers Thomas Morales and Phil Knittel!

 

The Warrior Team heads to the start line.

 

2013 Warrior Games

From May 11 – May 16, some of our incredible Warrior Team members competed in the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs, CO.

Some Team members reunite during dinner at the 2013 Warrior Games

More than 200 wounded service members and veterans  participated.  All five U.S. teams representing the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations, as well as one international team from the U.K. participated. Teams competed in seven sports including archery, cycling, shooting, sitting-volleyball, swimming, track and field and wheelchair basketball. Many of Team Hope For The Warriors® Warrior Team members medaled in their events!

SOCOM and Warrior Team member David Neumer gets some encouragement from fellow Team member Victor.

SOCOM and Warrior Team member Nathan Cruz is ready to start his race.



                 

Hope For The Warriors® is a proud sponsor of the 2013 Warrior Games Family Program. 

 

 



Warrior Team member Michael Politowicz and his wife Suzannah before the cycling competition at the Air Force Academy.

 

GORUCK Challenge

 GORUCK Challenge Class of 576

 

While the majority of the Team was sleeping soundly this Saturday morning, a brave few of our Team members were just starting out on their twelve hour GORUCK Challenge in New York. This intense challenge starting out at 1am, included challenges such as rucking, pushups and situps with a log! Not to mention, each Team member was already carrying a rucksack with bricks! To learn more about his incredible challenge, click here.



Team members rocking some pushups on the beach.

Team members taking the challenge into the water.

 8^th Annual Run For The Warriors®

Team Director Jenlene Nowak and Warrior Team members John and Colleen Rose

 

This past Saturday, the 8th Annual Run For The Warriors® Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-Mile Walk/Run took place in Jacksonville, NC. Through the generosity of longtime supporter Christian Haerter, a donation of a motorized handcycle was made. The gift was given to the Marine Corps and will reside in the Wounded Warrior Regiment for all to enjoy as a part of their Warrior Athlete Reconditioning Program.

Community Team member Scott Sunday completed the half with a weighted vest and elevation mask!

 

Some Incredible Warrior Team members are ready to get the race started.

Up Next

Memorial 100 Run

The fourth annual Memorial 100 Relay Run will begin early, Saturday May 25, at the Montauk Point Lighthouse, NY (the tip of Long Island)and ends on May 26 at Ground Zero, Lower Manhattan, New York.  

This 136 mile relay was organized by three Marines who deployed with 3rd Battalion 25th Marine Regiment to Iraq in 2005. Their battalion was tasked with training the Iraqi Security Forces and conducting stability and security operations in and around the cities of Iraq's Al Anbar province. The unit lost 46 Marines and two Sailors during the course of the six month deployment, making it one of the largest unit sacrifices in the war.

To learn more about this incredible event, please click here.

Running and Swimming and Biking Oh My!

Have you been looking for triathlon to challenge yourself this summer? Look no further! Team Hope For The Warriors® has a couple great ones coming up!

Salute To The Military Tri
Sunday, May 26 – Warrenton, VA

All Hope For The Warriors® family and supporters get 30% off their registration with code: hfw30! It’s not too late to register for this exciting event. To join in on the fun, click here.

TriSlip Super Sprint Triathlon

Sunday June 16 – Bay Shore, NY

To join us for this super fun event at the beautiful Bay Shore Marina Park, please click here.

 

 

2013 Marine Corps Marathon Bibs

Don’t miss your opportunity to run with the Team in the Marine Corps Marathon! We have just a few more bibs/registrations available!  Not only will you get the incredible opportunity to run with the greatest Teammates around, but you will also have the chance to get to know them during a couple of fun Team festivities that weekend. There will be our delicious and fun pre-race dinner at Whitlows on Wilson. Our pre-race Team breakfast at the tent and our post-race pizza party after you finish! Bibs/registrations are going fast, hurry to grab them while you can! To register, please click here.

Text To Donate

Hey Team! Got a minute? Did you know that you can support our American heroes with just a simple little text?  Text the word WARRIORS to 20222 to donate $10 to Hope For The Warriors®! It’s easy, quick and fun! This is also a fun way to get your friends and family involved.

Community Team Member Highlight: Megan Schmidt

 

Hometown: “I'm originally from Long Island, but live in New York City.”

Occupation: “I am the Outreach Officer at the International Coalition for the Responsibility to Protect, which is a network of organizations working to prevent mass atrocities throughout the world.”

How Did You Hear About Hope For The Warriors®?

“I first learned about Hope For The Warriors® through the New York Road Runners.  NYRR sent an email about organizations to run with, and Hope For The Warriors® was listed.  I clicked the link, learned about this great organization, and now proudly wear a Hope for the Warriors jersey when I race!”

What Made You Want To Join The Team?

“I find the mission and work of Hope For The Warriors® to be amazing because they are dedicated to providing support and assistance to our brave men and women in the armed forces and their families.  This is personal for me because my brother has been in the Marines Corps for 12+ years (he's a Gunnery Sergeant).  My family has felt both the pride and the worry that comes with having a member in the military, and so I especially appreciate the amazing work of this organization.”

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Being A Part Of The Team?

“The feeling that, even if it's just by running, I can do something to say thank you to our selfless and dedicated servicemen and women by supporting Hope For The Warriors®.”

What Races Did You Run Last Year?

“I ran a number of NYRR organized races of varying lengths, anything from 3 miles to a half-marathon, including: the Pride Run; Japan Day Run; Brooklyn Half; Bronx 10 miler; and Staten Island Half.”

What Is On Your Schedule This Year?

“This year I ran my first marathon ever, and on behalf of Hope For The Warriors®!!  This was the Rock ‘n’ Roll DC marathon.  While I haven't signed up for any other races yet (I was focusing so much on the marathon!), I'm hoping to fill up my calendar with a bunch.  I'm looking at the NYRR Pride Run again, Queens 10k, Staten Island Half, and want to find another marathon.  Also, I'm keeping my eyes open for any NYC based Hope For The Warriors® runs!”

What Keeps You Motivated During Long Runs?

“Good music is very helpful for me with long runs if I'm by myself.  I think the best motivator though is a running buddy.”

Do You Have Any Pre-Race Superstitions?

“I don't think so.  The only thing I do is completely prepare ahead of time by laying out my clothes, putting everything in my short pockets, preparing my shoes and bib, etc.  I can be a forgetful, so I try to be as ready as possible.” 

Megan is all smiles during her first marathon, the USA Nation's Capital Rock 'n' Roll Marathon.

What Do You Treat Yourself To After A Race?

“If I'm in NYC and run a longer race then I like to go to my favorite bar and get an order of hot wings and garlic fries to celebrate.  I know, not healthy and totally defeating the purpose of exercising, but it's become a bit of a tradition after I ran my first half a few years back.”

If You Could Run With Any Celebrity, Who Would It Be?

“Eddie Izzard!  I absolutely love his comedy and he ran over 40 marathons in seven weeks for charity, and has kept up the running since.  Plus, since he's absolutely hilarious, I think would make for a great running buddy!”

What Is On Your Running Playlist Right Now?

“I typically run with my iPod on speaker and recently have been playing Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Florence and the Machine, and the Black Keys a lot.  There are a few major hills that I have to run towards the end of my route, and I always blast the remix of 'Let's Get Married' by Jagged Edge, featuring Run DMC.  It gets me pumped.  I must admit, though, that I'll run to the likes of Britney Spears and Carley Rae Jepsen if I have headphones in my ears.” 

Have You Always Been A Runner?

“No.  I started running at the end of high school, but I feel like saying 'running' is exaggerating what it really was.  I think the first time I ever went out, I ran maybe a half of a mile and then walked for a bit.  It was huge for me when I was able to run a mile all the way through!  And I've stuck with it.” 

What Has Been Your Favorite Race? Why?

“My favorite race was running the Pride Run the day after New York voted in favor of marriage equality.  The mood at the race was just amazing and it was a historic moment for our state.”  

What Race Is On Your Bucket List?

“I don't have a specific race, but I want more than anything to run a marathon with my brother on behalf of Hope For The Warriors®.” 

What Do You Think About During Runs Or Workouts? Do You Work Out Problems, Daydream, Sing Songs, Or Just Zone Out?

“I either totally space out and am just looking around at what's around me, or I find myself working out things in my head.  I have my best ideas for work or school (I'm working on my MA thesis now!) when I'm running.”  

Anything Else You Would Like To Add?

“I would just really recommend to pick up running for people who haven't yet.  It's such a great way to see your city or town, explore new places, and challenge yourself.  Plus you can go with friends, or get some 'me' time.  And you can support Hope for the Warriors by doing it!!”

 

 

Community Team Member Highlight: Eben Wilson

Hometown: “I Currently live in Elizabeth City, NC”   

Occupation:  Coast Guard, Active Duty

How Did You Hear About Hope For The Warriors®?

“I began my search 2 years ago for a well performing, veteran-oriented charity. Found Hope For The Warriors® after seeing that there was an office at Camp Lejeune (a previous duty station).”

What Made You Want To Join The Team?

“I wanted to help in what way I could. I’m not much of a runner, but I love to ride a bike.”

What Is Your Favorite Thing About Being A Part Of The Team?

 “I’m not into competitive sports, and never have been. However, I don’t believe that the spirit of competition holds the corner on a person’s ability to boost a charity. By riding cross-country, I’m not setting any records. I’m not breaking new grounds. I am doing something a little bit different, though. I’ve chosen to struggle in my own uncommon way, by breaking away from my normal life and taking on the curious hardships that come with travelling without all the special comforts of home. Not unlike a far-off deployment involving the hauling of gear and setting up a bivouac.”

What Races Did You Cycle Last Year?

“Last year, I completed a solo, unsupported ride along the North Line Trace, one of North Carolina’s longest marked cycling routes across the state. It took 8 days and took me across mountain foothills, piedmont, and coastal plains.”

 

 

Can You Tell Us A Little More About Your Ride Across North Carolina? Who or What Inspired You?

“I began riding several years ago when I was faced with foot pain brought about by running. As I was new to biking, I tried road cycling with the local club and felt pressed to exertion without the enjoyment of my surroundings. I then tried longer distances at a slower pace. I became hooked on the feeling of accomplishment at making a bike ride out of something normal people would only attempt with a car.”

“So, as a goose flies in ever-greater circles, so did I when biking. Touring was the natural result.

"This ride across the state will be my longest yet, and it’ll involve a combination of overnight stays at parks, yards, hotels and hopefully not ditches.I am pedaling across North Carolina. This time the ride is on the longest route eastward across North Carolina known as “Mountains-to-Sea”, which begian in Murphy, NC, and ends in Manteo, NC. I’m blogging about it as I go on www.crazyguyonabike.com/Ebbonified”

What Keeps You Motivated During Long Runs/Rides?

“I feel energized when I stop and see something I haven’t before. There is something cool about being in an unfamiliar area and realizing just what it takes to get home from it. I haven’t yet been so bummed as to feel like quitting a ride for something in my mind. Part of what keeps me going is this: when I do consider what it takes to quit, I think of the trouble that others would have to go through to get me back home. Just that alone is enough to change my mind.”

Do You Have Any Pre-Race Superstitions?

“Not really. I don’t really have any ‘lucky’ habits or things I do to make things go better for me. I do make a point to make sure my wife and kids know that I love them before I head out.”

Eben sets up camp along his ride across North Carolina.

What Do You Treat Yourself To After A Race?

“Something rich in salt and fat. Lots of carbs, too.”

If You Could Run/Cycle With Any Celebrity, Who Would It Be?

“Jeremy Clarkson from “Top Gear”. That man just needs a bicycle ride really really bad”

What Is On Your Cycling  Playlist Right Now?

“Some talky podcasts, video game music with a driving beat, dubstep tunes, Johnny Cash, Chicago, Jimmy Buffett, and some My Little Pony fan music (yes, that too is entertaining).”  

Have You Always Been A Cyclist?

“I rode a lot when I was a teenager, but just started riding again about 4 years ago.”

What Has Been Your Favorite Race? Why?

“I did a 200 kilometer brevet with the Louisiana chapter of Randonneurs USA several years back and had a blast. There was lots of rain and flooded roads.  It was the longest single stretch I had ever done and I have yet to out-do it. 200k = 124 miles.”

What Race Is On Your Bucket List?

“I’d like to cycle across the USA before I become too old or too unhealthy to do it. It’d be nice to see all the sights I can see across the country from the slow pace and vantage point of a bicycle (or tricycle, in my case)”

 

 

Community Team Member Highlight: Karla Malone and her Dragon Boat Racing Team

How Did You Find Out About Hope For The Warriors®?  I

“I was wandering through the Marine Corps Marathon Expo in 2010 and saw their booth.  The shirt drew me in first, and then when I talked with the Hope For The Warriors® representative at the booth I knew I wanted to be a part of the Team.”

What Inspired You To Join The Team?

“The first thing was being able to give back to the heroes who sacrifice so much to keep us free.  Both my children have served in the military along with my dad and brother. The next thing that drew me in was the athletic program.  My love is to be able to train wounded soldiers to get back into athletics.”

What Has Been You Favorite Thing About Being On The Team So Far?

“Giving back to the veterans.  I love when someone comes up to me and asks me what Hope For The Warriors® is, what it’s about and how they can get involved.” 

Can You Tell Us A little More About Dragon Boat Racing? 

“Dragon boat competitions have been around for 20 centuries throughout southern China. It became an international sport in 1976. A dragon boat is powered by 20 paddlers, and also has a steers person and drummer. Tampa is becoming the hotbed for dragon boat racing. Several camps are held in the spring before the racing season begins.”

Can You Tell Us A Little More About Your Race On April 27th?  
“On April 27th, the dragon boat races are being held in downtown Tampa in conjunction with the Asian festival. It is an all-day event. The first race is for time to determine which division you are in A, B, C, or D.  Each division will have medals for 1, 2 and 3 places.”

How Long Have You Been A Dragon Boat Racer?

“I have been dragon boating for 3 years.”

What Motivates You During Your Races? 

“I love competing, whether it is dragon boating, triathlons, 5K’s or half marathons. I love the physical endurance and pushing each muscle to go a little faster and farther to reach the finish line first. To walk away with the gold medal knowing we worked hard and earned it.”

How Many Members Are On Your Team?

“I have 20 members on the team.”

Do They Each Have Specific Duties On The Boat?

“The boat has the two people in front who are the strokers who set the pace for the other paddlers; the middle of the boat is the engine. Each person is an intricate part of the team. The boat needs to have equal weight on each side of the boat.”

How Can Other Team Members In Your Area Get Involved In Dragon Boat Racing?

“Other team members in Tampa can contact me at malone.karla@gmail.com if they are interested in getting involved. Annual dues are a nominal fee of 115.00.”

Can Other Team Hope For The Warriors® Member Join Your Team?

“Absolutely! We welcome new members and encourage them to keep going.  Anyone is welcome to join the club. You can go to www.tampabaypaddlingclub.com to see more.  It is important to RSVP for a practice because seats fill fast in race season.”