Will be working the Running USA booth next weekend at the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Expo. Stop by the booth and find out about other great races across the country.

Will be running the marathon on Sunday. My twenty-somethingth Cleveland Marathon.

The Dirty Trail Series is a new trail running series I’m directing with Vince Rucci and Jim Christ. The series includes 16 events ranging from 5K to a Half Marathon (13.1 miles/21K) across Northeast Ohio, including races in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Cleveland Metroparks, Metroparks serving Summit County and Lake Metroparks as well as some private lands. The first race, the 4 mile Dirty Snowflake Prediction Run was held on January 28. The next race, Dirty Love, is this Sunday at the River Grove Picnic Area in the North Chagrin Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks. Check it out and Do the Dirty!

First, had my most satisfying marathon in years last Sunday at the Chevron Houston Marathon: perfect weather, no major mistakes, felt good throughout. Thanks to the C Different Foundation for allowing me to participate as a charity runner. Managed to raise more than $500. Race-wise, I managed to break 4 hours chip time (3:59:50) without knowing. Had my watch set to clock time and didn’t note when I actually crossed the starting line. Based on a number of factors, I’m setting a goal of 3:40 for the Cleveland Marathon in May.

The next two days were spent mostly at the Running USA Annual Conference. Lots of great networking with other race directors, including a LOT of Ohio race staff, as well as vendors who’ve I’ve only communicated with by phone or e-mail.

Also managed to run a 1 mile road race in 6:10…and survived!!!

I would appreciate if you would Sponsor My Efforts for the C Different Foundation.

I have set a goal to raise $500.00 for the C Different Foundation and I now ask your help in raising the money for this worthy cause. The C Different Foundation works to create opportunity for visually impaired athletes to participate in athletic events. CDF also seeks out other types of opportunities for our athletes to share their message. We promote total integration — not separateness — for blind and visually impaired athletes for the benefit of society in all countries worldwide.

I hope you will sponsor my efforts, so together, we can make a difference. Please consider a donation of $5, $25, $100 or more. Your donation is tax-deductible and will make a tremendous impact.

Please visit the link below to donate to this cause:
http://www.ChevronHoustonMarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=8314&CID=343

Every donation – large or small – brings me one step closer to reaching my goals.

Thank you for reading this, for supporting me, and I hope that you and your family have a Happy Holiday season!

Joe

1. Sunday, October 23 – Tussey Mountainback (working as USATF liaison)
2. Sunday, October 30 – Run With Scissors Marathon, Boston Township, OH (running)
3. Sunday, November 6 – Bobcat Trail Marathon, Glouster, OH (running)
4. Saturday, November 12 – Bills Bad Ass 50K, Boston Township, OH (running)
5. Sunday, November 20 – Fall Classic Half Marathon, Strongsville, OH (running)
6. Wednesday, November 30 – Sunday, December 4 – USATF Annual Conference, St. Louis (attending)
7. Sunday, December 4 – Bigfoot 50K, Lore, OH (running)
8. Saturday, January 7 – Cleveland Fat Ass 50K, Cleveland, OH (tentative date)