Sexy Isra Experience

Cycle For Survival Is Coming

2012-01-26T22:17:00.005-06:00

I admit, one of the most difficult things for me to do is to ask people for money. I have never been quite good at raising funds. I always seem to achieve my targeted goal, but it is always a struggle for me. I remember when I was a young boy and I had to sell chocolate bars for my little league team or school. I would have to hope my parents would by them. Of course, my parents could not afford to do so every single time. Even though I know it can be tough for me, I still always agree to do so because I feel so strongly that it is important for me to be a voice for others. I have an opportunity to help bring attention to causes. I have an opportunity to help others. In some cases, my help may be the difference between life or death. In our world, people have to face various health issues. They can often find assistance through research and medicine which are available for them. Unfortunately, there are times where their illness may be so rare that research or treatment does not exist which can save their lives. In such cases, they can turn to Memorial Sloan Ketering Cancer Center for help. In order for a place such as this to help, we as a society must be willing to help raise funds for them. That is why I eagerly volunteered to cycle for survival on the Njoy Racing Team. The yearly Cycle For Survival event is coming to chicago and other cities across the country this February. I will take part in this event and hope you may consider helping raise funds for this cause so that those suffering with rare forms of cancer will be given a chance at life. For more information and to donate, please log on to the following site. Thank you in advance!

http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/CycleforSurvival/AG_Cycle_Event?px=2017348&pg=personal&fr_id=1601

Tanya's El Nogalar Hits LA

2012-01-22T22:43:00.003-06:00

A few years ago I had the privilege to attend a play written by the amazing Tanya Saracho. As expected, I was blown away by her work. One of the interesting things I have noticed in recent years is that when I attend a play, I have a very difficult time throwing myself into the experience. I often study the dialogue and action to figure out why it does or does not work. I am always trying to get inside the writer's mind to anticipate where she is going with the story and to question whether I would do the same. Again, this makes it difficult for me to enjoy the work, but I do my best. It is easy to enjoy the work of Tanya Saracho because she is a talented writer. I do find myself studying her play and I always walk away learning something about telling stories. In recent years, I have been lucky enough to become her friend and get a closer look at what makes her so special. One of her successful pieces has now been taken to LA where audiences there will get a chance to learn what Chicagoans have known for years about the amazing Tanya. In addition to her, El Nogalar hitting LA, there is a chance very soon the rest of the country and world will see Tanya's work on the TV screen. If you do not know Tanya, please take the time to read this article about her.

http://intimateexcellent.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/tanya-saracho-gives-it-a-go-in-los-angeles/

Kate In One Night Stands

2012-01-20T19:48:00.004-06:00

Kate Bergeron is a talented, amazing, beautiful actress, model, singer, teacher, and director who I met many years ago in acting class. She was a fascinating talent then and it was clear she was destined for superstardom. She has appeared in many commercials, online shows, and films. She can currently be seen starring in a one hour sketch comedy show called One Night Stand. If you are in the North Hollywood area, you are lucky because you have a chance to watch Kate shine on stage. You must do it before too long though because the show closes on January 29. Please stop by the Avery Schreiber Theatre located at 1150 Magnolia BLVD in North Hollywood for tickets and to watch Kate. She is spectacular and you will be more than satisfied by Kate's performance.

Sharp Look At C Different Foundation

2012-01-19T22:40:00.002-06:00

This past weekend as I attended the festivities in Houston as a member of the C Different Foundation team, there were two individuals who also attended the CDF lunch-in, Houston Half/Full Marathon, and other related events. Elisa and Marc Sharp not only attended, they captured many images which they have now published on their web sites. There is a still photos slide show as well as a video set to music. After receiving their permission, I am passing along the URL to the video here. thank you to Elisa and marc for capturing these images and for permitting me to share this link with you. Over seventy volunteers, fundraisers, company representatives, donors, and athletes joined together to make this a very special weekend. You can see them here. You will also see Jen and Stu who guided me for the half marathon, Chris who opened his home to give Jen and me a place to stay, and me walking around looking sexy. Well, maybe not sexy, but you get my point. Enjoy!

http://gallery.me.com/sharpsters#100576

Houston Half Marathon 2012

2012-01-18T21:38:00.003-06:00

My travel bag was all packed on Thursday night. I printed out my flight information and jumped into bed at midnight. I would get up at 7a.m. to get ready for a trip to the airport. By 9a.m. I was out the door and heading to the airport. It was cold, but luckily, I was heading to Houston were it would be warm. I checked in and flew through security within minutes. I sat waiting for my plane to board when I heard a lovely voice. It was my friend, Jennifer Pfaff. She sat next to me. Jen along side me would be a familiar experience throughout the weekend.

We arrived in Houston at about 3p.m. where we were met by Chris, the man who had volunteered to open his home for us. Almost instantly, the three of us bonded. Chris drove us to pick up our packets for the Houston Half Marathon. As we walked in, Chris mentioned he had met a woman earlier named Patty who told him to tell me that she said hi to Julio. Chris stated that Patty laughed and said I would know what that means. I certainly did as I responded with my own laugh. Chris took Jen and me to Nifa's for some amazing Mexican food that night. The next morning, we woke up early to get to the starting line area of the Olympic trials. The 300 best elite runners in the world would compete to represent Team USA for the Marathon in this summer's Olympic Games. It was cold. Jen mocked me for being from Chicago where it was snowing and temps were in the teens yet I was shivering for temps in the middle thirties. A thunderous roar from the crowd greeted the male then later, female runners as they ran by us. To be that close to the best runners in the world was very moving. The races were exciting. The men made their way through 26.2 miles and neared the finish. The crowd was electric. As touching as it was, I was more intrigued by the women's race. It came down to the wire as the amazing Shalane, Desiree, and Kara finished one, two, and three earning the spots to represent USA. It was a powerful moment which sent chills up my spine. It was magical to be just feet from those athletes as they celebrated their achievement.

On Saturday afternoon, Chris, Jen, and I join seventy other individuals at a lunch-in for the C Different Foundation, the non profit started by my friend, contractor, model, actor, film producer, triathlete, spokesperson, Matt Miller. The director of the Texas chapter of the C Different Foundation, David Adame, was the master of ceremonies. As Jen, Chris, and I walked into the restaurant, a car drove by and someone yelled out from inside the car, "You're my hero!" I told Chris, "I think they're talking to you." A bit later, as we enjoyed our meal, Matt Miller walked up and sat at our table. He asked, "Did you hear me earlier? I was the one who yelled out in the parking lot Israel, you're my hero!" We had a wonderful time with some wonderful people. Later, it was time to prepare for the next day's mission. Jen would be my sighted guide for the Half Marathon as I hoped to shatter my previous personal best at the 13.1 mile distance. The last half marathon I ran was in 2010 when Michael and Brian Crissie helped me to a finish time of 2:24. My hope was that I could break that by as much as fifty minutes and finish in about 1:35:00. Truth be told, that was a maybe pie in the sky thinking, but I figured I might as well set my goal high so that if I can not reach it, I will still have it and the motivation to eventually get it. Even if I missed it by one, five, or twenty minutes, I would be proud because I would still crush my current personal best. Besides, Jen guiding me, triathlete, Stu Evans would also assist by running along side and if need be, taking over guiding duties from Jen if an issue would arise.

I tossed and turned Saturday night. Jen placed my bib on my CDF top and I had put out all my clothes for the next morning. I kept trying to relax myself. I should be confident from my last long distance run, Chicago Marathon. I had reached the halfway point in just over two hours so I should be able at the very least, push myself to finish this race in under two hours. What if I could not maintain a 7:30 or 8:00 pace? What if I start out at that pace, but get tired and struggle down the final few miles? I tried visualizing positive images. I thought of other long races where I was confident and fluid. I kept telling myself just run to the next aid station. I could get to the next one, walk to recover, then pick it up again. I wanted to avoid making excuses while pushing myself in a way I have never done. I was most excited that this would be the first time ever where Jen would guide me when I was fresh. Usually, she takes over during the second half of races when I am struggling. Often, by the point she takes over, I can not maintain and need to walk. In this event, I would walk as little as possible.

Race morning. The race began at 7a.m. If all went well I would be done before nine o'clock. Chris drove us to the race. We wished each other well. He left to meet up with his friends with whom he would run the half marathon and we walked to the start coral to meet up with Stu. I was nervous. Stu and Jen went over last minute guiding ideas. Stu decided for the aid stations, he would ask what I wanted then run off and get it so Jen would guide me completely around the aid station. Jen said in order for me to hit my goal, it was important I not walk at any point. We would run from the second we crossed the start line until we crossed the finish line. I would not stop for liquids, cramps, or soreness. So much for my run to the aid station plan. I was anxious. The only other time I was successful with Jen's plan was in my very first half marathon when my goal was to run the distance. I did, but it took 2:57:08. I was going at a much slower pace. I did not know if it would be possible to accomplish that in this case. I did not think I was prepared for that. The gun sounded. We walked behind the crowd. Then we crossed the start. Okay, time to run. We moved along. I was scared. Jen informed me we were moving at a 9:30 pace well below our target. My nerves were acting up so much that I was okay with it, but I knew I had to pick it up. I did. Before long Jen told me we were at a 8:19 pace. We made it to the one mile mark. The miles rolled by. Jen and Stu encouraged me. We reached an aid station. I started to slow down. Jen insisted I keep up my pace. "No. We said no stopping at aid stations. Let's go." I had to keep going. Stu went to get my water then caught up to us. In the fourth mile, my shoe laces became untied. We had to stop. Stu tied them up as Jen nudged me insisting I did that on purpose in order to stop. Of course not, but I welcomed the pause. We started up again. We had to make up some time. At around the fifth mile I heard a voice from my left yelling, "Yeah! Go Israel! Let's go Julio!" It was Patty Godfrey. I smiled and picked it up a little bit. We neared the sixth mile. Wow, I was still running. Stu would get my water or energy drink and Jen kept pushing me. I started to feel tired. It was still early, but I felt that it was because I had not planned to run all the way through and it was catching up with me. Stu remained positive and insisted I was doing well. We made it to mile seven. Less miles to run than what I had already run. I began to notice something which was evident the rest of the race. Although my legs were tired, it was more my stomach giving me problems. I felt winded. I often kept having to take deep breaths in an attempt to relax myself. Nervous energy filled my body. Doubt crept in. I was not sure if I could continue running all the way. The miles kept piling up. We neared mile ten. I needed to stop. Jen insisted on a compromise. Although she would prefer simply pushing harder to finish faster, she would be willing to slow down so long as we kept running and did not stop to walk. She had not come to Houston to walk. She had heard me talk about how in 2012 I would no longer be satisfied with participating. I wanted to race. She would not let me walk. Pardon my language here, but if she had to go into "bitch mode" she would to get me to my goal. Jen made it clear, if I would end up walking then she would never volunteer to guide me in a race. My legs were hurting. My stomach kept giving me issues. Again, it was not upset. It was just a case that I felt winded and short of breath. Jen yelled at me to dig deep. She told me y pace. I was still hanging around 8:35 pace. It felt like we slowed down to double digit minute per mile pace, but as I later found out, we never did. It only felt that way. As I started to almost cry thinking to myself, I do not want this as badly as I thought, Jen kept pushing me to push myself. I kept slowing down preparing to walk, but Jen screamed at me to not walk and keep running. I would gather myself and then pick it up again. As we neared the final mile, Stu also began to push me to drive forward. Where before, he was telling me how well I was running, he began to focus on preventing me from walking. He began to yell at me too. I kept digging. I kept fighting the urge to walk. I knew that I needed to be like Shalane, Desiree, and Kara. I needed to show myself that I did want it that badly. I began to drive forward with such anger and such purpose as jen and Stu informed me how close we were. Others ran by me encouraging me. Throughout the run, people had run by expressing what an inspiration I was. They were telling Jen and Stu how moving it was to see them guiding me. Now these individuals were cheering me on as only a few hundred meters separated me from the end. I wanted to sprint. I had nothing left. I wanted to move faster. I could not. Then Stu said, "Raise your hands up to cross the finish." I did. Within a few feet I felt the finish line. I had done it! I had gone the distance running the entire way. I had done so faster than I had ever run my previous half marathons. I averaged 8:53 pace and had completed the Houston Half Marathon in 1:57:23. Twenty-seven minutes faster than my previous best time. Of course, I wanted this. I was also motivated by the fact that if I slowed down to a walk at any point, Jen would never volunteer to guide me ever again. I love running with Jen. she gets the best out of me. she drives me hard. I love that about her. I had to run the entire way so that I could get another chance to run with Jen.

My body was sore. I felt cramps. I did not care. Jen and Stu had helped me achieve something special. I now had a new standard and record to break. I had shown myself it is possible and I can improve. I am hungrier to continue working to accomplish much more. Might this be the first race where I truly raced? Possibly. This may in fact be the dawn of a new Israel. One who races.

After meeting back up with Chris who also rocked his half marathon race, we went home, cleaned ourselves off, and attended a Houston Texans playoff viewing party which had amazing food, drinks, and entertainment. Later in the evening, Chris drove us to the airport where Jen and I said good bye to our new friend for life and made our way back towards Chicago. Houston was an amazing time. It was wonderful to see David, Patty, and Matt again while meeting some new folks. It was wonderful to run with Jen and Stu. I loved meeting Chris who has a heart of gold. I have always respected Jen Pfaff and have appreciated her friendship. Now, my level of respect, appreciation, and love has reached new heights. She truly is one of those dear friends who has brought meaning and purpose to my life. I am grateful and know that she and I have many more races to run together. I will achieve so much more in years to come because of the amazing Jen!

Houston Half Marathon: Am I Ready?

2012-01-12T19:32:00.003-06:00

Here it is. My opening event for 2012. The Houston Half Marathon on Sunday. The entire weekend should be a blast as the best pro elites will be running a marathon on Saturday. 300 of the best runners fighting for a couple spots on this year's Olympic team. Some of the best in the world will be running just feet from me on Saturday as I plan to be watching them in person. It is going to be a great thrill to share that experience with one of my friends who has taught me so much in the last year and a half. Jennifer Pfaff. We will both be in Houston as a result of her volunteering to be my race day sighted guide for the half marathon. We shall watch the pros then she will help me attempt to set a new personal best for the 13.1 mile distance.

In February 2008, I ran my first ever half marathon in Fort Lauderdale as a part of Team CDF after founder, Matt Miller contacted me to ask if I wish to run as part of his team. I agreed and took on the challenge even though prior to the race, my longest run was 4.7 miles which I had run just seven days prior to the event. In fact, I always say that I was only given six weeks to get ready. I have always felt that was not enough time. Looking back on it, that was more than enough had I used the weeks wisely to prepare. Instead, I was not ready for the race, but did the best I could to gut it out. Going into the race, I had to goals. Run the entire distance and close the show with a spectacular sprint. I achieved both goals. It took almost three hours to finish, but I did it. The next time I took on that distance was when Michael Crissie guided me in May 2010 at the Chicago Spring Half. His twin brother, Brian, decided to join us. Together, they helped me cross the finish line thirty-three minutes faster than at the AIA Fort Lauderdale race. The goal I have always had was to cross the finish line of a half marathon in under two hours. I have only run two, but I have not been able to reach my goal. When I ran the Chicago Marathon in October 2011 guided by Kimberly Shah and Jennifer Pfaff, I was shocked to learn that I had reached the tenth mile in one hour and thirty minutes and the thirteen mile mark at about two hours and five minutes. This gave me confidence that if I work hard to ready myself, I could break two hours. Realizing that an elite runner of Jennifer's talents would not want to fly to Houston and give up a weekend simply to help me finish a race, I decided to aim higher by targeting a finish time of one hour and thirty five minutes. I did not know if I could and would be ready by the middle of January, but I wanted to try.

I have worked hard running and lifting weights as this weekend neared. I do not know if I can reach said goal. I do know if all goes well, I will beat my personal best for the half marathon distance. I also feel I can cross the finish in under two hours. I believe that I am in wonderful shape to run this half marathon. I just do not know if I am mentally ready to push my body beyond its limits. I can talk to myself in attempts to pump myself up, but come race day when pain and cramps settle in, all those encouraging words go out the window and I ease up just trying to finish. I want to do more than just finish. I want to be special! I want to be the best I can be. I always try to leave something in my tank for a final kick to the finish. It usually takes my guides by surprise which I guess is not right of me nor safe. At last summer's duathlon in Pleasant Prairie, my guide, Todd Smith was taken by surprise as I took off down the final shoot. He later told me, "If you have enough to sprint like that at the end, it means you weren't pushing yourself earlier." That is something I continue to remember and wish to change about how I run in these races. I want to be physically spent when I cross the end yet I am afraid to dare to be great. That is what I hope to strive for on Sunday morning. I want to race this year. I do not just want to show up and participate in events. I wish to race them. Mainly, I hope to destroy all marks I have previously set as my best. I want to race against myself. I want to test the limits of my ability. I admit I am afraid, but maybe the more I surround myself with amazing athletes from whom I can learn, the more likely I will begin to believe in myself and get even hungrier to achieve my best! For today, I get ready to fly to Houston with Jennifer and enjoy a tremendous weekend visiting with old friends and making new ones. I am grateful to David Adame for helping me get on the Team C Different Foundation for this race. I thank Jennifer for being willing to travel to Houston with me and run a half marathon. I hope to enjoy the journey of the distance embracing the people and atmosphere while driving myself to perform well. I look forward to Jennifer supporting me the entire distance. I also trust her to press my buttons to remind me "there is no tomorrow." May I begin to dare to be great.

Accidental Rapture

2012-01-11T22:01:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite people in the world is the beautiful, amazing, and spectacular Laura Shatkus. I first met Laura in acting class many moons ago. She was dynamite! I learned so much from observing her in class. I was always so scared whenever I had to do an in-class exercise with her because she was just so talented. In the end, she is special because not only does she bring her best work to any and all scenes, but she also knows how to get the best out of her scene partners as she did with me. Above her acting talent, Laura is an amazing woman whom I am lucky to call a friend. She has been supportive over the years as I navigate the film and athletic worlds. Now all can see Laura dazzle in a new show starting Thursday, January 12, 2012. Accidental Rapture is coming to the 16th Street Theater. It stars an amazing group of actors among who is the lovely Laura. The show runs through the middle of February and is a production all should check out. You have to see Laura. She is amazing in everything she appears so I know you will be left in awe of this amazing woman. You will also enjoy the performances of her cast mates. To see the amazing Laura or to get more information on performances, dates, and times, please visit the following web site. Enjoy the play.

http://www.16thstreettheater.org/seasonFive/accidentalrapture.html

Racing And Writing: Leaner Faster Sexier!

2012-01-05T16:09:00.003-06:00

Happy New Year!! It took a few days into 2012 for me to finally post this, but I hope you enjoy reading. I gave some consideration to what I wish to put out in the world and universe for the start of 2012 knowing I will have you, my readers, holding me to these goals and aspirations. Mainly, I will have to hold myself to these items, but it is more fun and does bring more pressure when others are keeping tabs too. As almost everyone does, I always figure that I will maintain and achieve some determined level of fitness, some standard of excellence for my writing and acting in theater pieces, films, and TV shows, and new adventures or places visited. In truth, how often do we set these goals only to shift focus away from them rapidly after the new year? I believe it is similar to those events in our lives which take place and cause us to say, "I will never take life, family, or friends for granted." Or we say, "I will seize each day for the opportunity it is." In the end, we usually fall right back into patterns with which we are most comfortable and which usually involves taking people for granted and not seizing life. I write this because I know I am all too guilty of these! I have made fitness goals and went after them for weeks before losing motivation or finding other things too distracting and more worth my attention so I drop the fitness focus. I have been inspired to write a tremendous story as a theater piece so I sit down and type away for three or four days completing a new full length play which I immediately get into a new play festival or competition of some kind, have my piece selected as one of the ones workshopped and showcased, only to then take the feedback and sit on it instead of immediately banging out a new draft thus letting time pass and the interest in my work die quietly. Every year, January ushers in the promise of a clean slate. Each year, it is time to evaluate where I have been, where I want to be, and where I am going. Of course, what gets in the way is life. I could have a plan or idea what I wish to achieve during a given year, but an opportunity to race in some event in a city which I have never visited may present itself. Maybe the chance to participate in said event with an elite world champion may come about, I would be crazy to not jump at it. There is always the possibility, as has happened two of the last three years, that while I am planning to work on an updated draft of one of my theater pieces, someone will approach me with the suggestion to turn one of my other plays into a screenplay or a TV show. Again, with interest in those projects, I should not only consider it, but deliver what is being requested of me.

For 2012, I have decided on a slogan. In previous years, I have used several of them to motivate me through a period or to get me ready for a race. I love that. For this year, I will do my best to live up to my slogan of Leaner, Faster, Sexier! As you will read, it would probably be more fitting if I went with the word Stronger, but people have come to embrace me as Sexy Isra and this is called the Sexy Isra Experience, so I went with Sexier as the third word.

I use to think that the way to get men to respect me and women to take in interest in me was to bulk up to a romping stomping hulking body. then female friends taught me otherwise as they insisted the Bruce Lee lean physique was much sexier. For one new year's resolution, I resolved to get a lean sexy physique. I planned to workout five days a week. I was not sure if my fitness motivation would last a couple weeks or months, but it was worth a try. I ended up following through for two and a half years! As a boy, I was always small and skinny. I could never gain weight to save my life. After I started bulking up in college, I ballooned up to a stunning 173 pounds. I was a beast. I was a mess. When I decided to slim down and get lean, I worked my way back down to 120 pounds before increasing and settling in at 130. Besides the nonstop compliments from men and women, I loved that I was in the best shape of my life. At that time, my very first theater piece was produced with me as the star. It was so much fun to include a scene where an actress had to undress me on stage. Well, at least, my shirt came off. The feedback from women of all ages and even some men was priceless. It made me realize that I could always include a scene in all my plays and films where I would be shirtless. I had always been uncomfortable with my body, but not anymore. A few years later, I took an interest in road races and triathlons. All of these athletes, especially the elite, are lean and sexy. I could fit right in to this group. The next challenge for me would be to reclaim my speed from my youth. I was always a sprinter prior to losing my sight. In fact, even after losing my sight, I was able to compete on my high school track team as one of the only ones in the state racing against all sighted competition. Yet, since I started running marathons and triathlons a few years ago, I have not been able to display my speed. I must ensure that I do so starting this year. If I can motivate myself to remain focus on the task at hand then I should be able to get leaner and faster for this year's races. That would also mean I would be sexier.

Each time I write a new theater piece or screenplay, I feel that I become a better writer. From time-to-time I will read early drafts of projects or some short films I wrote many years ago and I just shake my head. Did I write this? Why did I ever think these were great? I continue to learn and challenge myself to get better. I challenge myself to make every script as good as it can be. I must make them leaner. I love the sound of dialogue. I love writing dialogue. I know there are moments I write too much of it. I need to let images convey the emotions more. I need to let actors act. From what people tell me, this is not a major issue with my work, but I feel it is so I must improve that. I must get to the heart of my characters and stories faster. I also need to agonize less over every last detail and simply write so that I can get my work into the hands of agents, actors, producers, writers, directors who often request my scripts. I need to trust my talent and be willing to share it with the world more readily. I need to make them stronger so even more people will be interested on a global scale. I must make them sexy enough to intrigue audiences.

Leaner, faster, sexier! If I can stick to those with my training and writing this year then all will fall into place. I am excited about what the new year will bring. I know there are opportunities out there waiting for me. I must be ready to seize them. I will have races in Houston, Denver, and Chicago. Will I be ready to race anywhere else when the time comes? Will I have screenplays ready for submission when people in LA, New York, and elsewhere are calling for them? If my training and writing get leaner, faster, sexier then the answer will be a resounding YES.

Reflecting On 2011

2011-12-31T17:11:00.006-06:00

As this year comes to a close, I wanted to say thank you to all who have read this blog in 2011. A special thank you to those who follow my blog. Jori, Kimberly, Robert, Jen, Brendan, Todd, Michele, Denver Triathlon, Courtney, Elvia, Marrielle, Sara, and Jani. If I could I would send individual expressions of gratitude to each of you. My hope is that you will read this and know how grateful I am that you follow me.

This year was filled with fun memories running Soldier Field 10 again with Michael Crissie. There was the joy of flying to Denver for the first time to participate in the Denver Triathlon. I had the great thrill of racing the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon doing the duathlon portion where Todd Smith and I pounded out the bike. It was the first time I went about thirty miles per hour on a bike. Ensuring that speed was not a fluke, I raced through Denver with Clark Bishop. Matt Miller drove up in his car and timed us. He said we were pushing thirty-two miles per hour based on his gage. I enjoyed meeting and running with Liz Bilitz for the first half of the CARA 20 Miler. Jennifer Pfaff took me the second half in cold rainy conditions. Then of course, my crowning moment when it comes to athletics. Chicago Marathon! Kimberly Shah and Jenny Pfaff took me the 26.2 distance in an emotionally charged experience which saw Kimberly and I start the race ten minutes before the pro elites, Kimberly and I reached the ten mile mark in what to me was a stunning one hour and thirty minutes, Jenny and I receive a thunderous ovation from the Imerman Angels cheering section at mile fourteen, I hit the physical wall with nine miles to go, but found the strength to push myself down the the home stretch, and of course, cross the finish line live on NBC 5 Chicago in a time fast enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon for 2013!

I had the privilege to represent C Different Foundation, Dare2TriChicago, and imerman Angels. I look forward to representing all three again in the coming year as well as hopefully racing on behalf of some other organizations. One of my favorite moments came during a training run with Kimberly Shah one week prior to the marathon. We were running along the lakefront in Chicago when she suggested we run on the beach in the sand. I had never done that so I was excited to try. Once I got the hang of it, we started moving. Usually, the person who guides me tells me about my surroundings. The person informs me of any obstacles in the path of travel or warns me of others. On this day at this moment, Kimberly did not say a word. At first I was nervous, but I quickly became comfortable with it. Soon we picked up speed and the only sounds I heard were of the waves crashing in from Lake Michigan. All barking dogs, birds, or people went silent. The more we ran the more I embraced it. The only other sound I would hear would be Kimberly breathing from time to time. That experience was so powerful and moving because neither of us spoke yet the entire time it felt as though she and I were communicating! It was better than a runner's high. It was other worldly.

Another great thrill was flipping on TNT to watch NBA playoffs and then see a commercial featuring my dear friend, actress, model, Amanda Grace. My friend Michelle Amor's film, Of Boys And Men was released on Warner Bros Home Video and recently aired on BET. Several film festivals featured World's Largest: A Documentary About Small Towns With Big Things which one of the filmmakers, Lizzy Donius, happens to be a tremendous woman who came into my life six years ago when she was Executive Director of Chicago IFP. She was the number one reason I joined the group. I have met some amazing people and have been able to get my screenplays in front of industry people because of my involvement with IFP. All thanks to Lizzy. Some of the other talented actors, actresses, models, producers, and directors I have been able to highlight this year on this site were Brendan Hermes, Matt Miller, Laura Shatkus, Kate Bergeron, Julia Kessler, and Laura Sturm. More recently, I wrote about Wanda Cobar. I have written about one of my favorite writers, Jen Knox. She is simply amazing and I am so privileged to know her. A great thrill for me has been to follow the career of pro triathlete Jenna Parker as she attempts to become the first person to ever win Olympic gold medal and Academy Award. Besides being one of the top three triathletes in the US and top fifty in the world, she is also a wonderful actress and model. One of my goals and hopes is that one day I can write a character and screenplay which is so powerful and evokes such a strong response that it not only gets produced, but possibly stars Jenna. If she does not have her Oscar by then, maybe the role I write can at the very least be so great that it gets her a nomination if not even the award.

It has been a tremendous year filled with joyous memories and achievements far beyond my wildest dreams. It has also been a year filled with disappointment, goals unfulfilled, and broken hearts forced to mend on the fly to move on to the next experience. I could play the what if game or I can simply embrace what is and move on to the next year knowing that I am better prepared for the challenges which are ahead in the new year. I have had a small tasted of athletic greatness and a small sampling of Hollywood interest this year. The best way to approach 2012 is to place myself in a position to fully take advantage of what comes next with both athletics and artistic ventures. By this time next year I will have new stories and friends about whom I will reflect. I am excited about what I do not even know and who I do not even know. I hope you will continue to read my thoughts as I give you a glimpse into my life. People often tell me I am inspirational. I do not live my life to be inspiring. I merely try to make the best of a situation in front of me. I also do my best to be honest to myself and to you, my audience. For example, this year was the twenty year anniversary of when I lost my eyesight over night when I was a teenager. I shared my successes, disappointments, and regrets with you. I felt it was important for me to be real and express reasons I am still hurt that I do not have my sight while also sharing reasons I am so lucky that such amazing people surround me in this journey. I try to express those very emotions with every post, screenplay, theater piece I give the world. I hope you will continue to receive it.

Happy New Year!! Sexy Isra!

Cobar Collections Site

2011-12-29T19:18:00.003-06:00

A few years ago, my friend raved about one of her long time friends. I was intrigued. the more she told me the more I wanted to hear about the woman she described. She was raving about a beautiful talented artist who designed clothes. Wanda Cobar! Wanda had designed clothes which were worn by models on the runways of Chicago, New York, and Paris. More recently, Wanda designed an outfit for Steven Tyler. Yes, that Steven Tyler. Wanda is a tremendous artist who designs outfits for high school dance teams, theater wardrobes, and celebrities. She is simply spectacular. Her designs are wonderful. Of course, you are probably reading this and asking, where can I view Wanda's designs for myself? Well, I am glad you asked. You can see Wanda, read her story, and view her designs at the web site listed below. Her clothes are frequently featured for purchase so women, feel free to browse and buy Wanda's outfits. You will look smashing in them.

http://www.wandacobar.com/

Powerful Beyond Measure

2011-12-27T23:06:00.002-06:00

Every so often, I will come across a web site, blog, or link which fascinates me. While this blog has always been about promoting my athletic and artistic ventures as well as those of my friends, I get so moved when I see a video like the one I have decided to post today. I came across it this morning by accident. I know that the Ironman Triathlon channel has the broadcast of this year's World Championship available for viewing for the entire week. I have watched it several times already, but wanted to do so again. Instead of logging on to the page, I simply went to the main youtube page and typed my search. What popped as one of the results was a link to this. I watched since it stated it was a motivating piece. I was so touched by it. Later in the day, someone did describe the images to me, but what struck me were the lines from various films used as voiceover. This may have to become my go-to viewing when preparing to write a screenplay or theater piece or when I am getting ready for a race.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7I7iasuIdw&feature=pyv

Jenny Raising Funds For CDF

2011-12-23T18:20:00.002-06:00

There are about three weeks left to prepare for my first event of 2012. Usually, I am not able to find a sighted guide or race in which to participate until May, but this year worked out well as an opportunity came about to race in the Houston Half Marathon as a member of Team CDF, the organization started by my friend, Matt Miller. The C Different Foundation works to help blind and visually impaired individuals race in triathlons and road races by partnering them up with sighted guides for the events. For Houston, my friend, the talented and amazing Jennifer Pfaff has volunteered to be my eyes. Jenny has set up a fundraising page on behalf of C Different Foundation so that many others will get to experience what I will in January while many others will get the chance to do what she is doing.

Please visit the page at:

http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Donate/PersonalPage.cfm?MID=8325&CRID=33&CID=343

Jen Knox

2011-12-20T20:56:00.006-06:00

I love to write. I love when friends and strangers tell me how my words touched their lives. I love to make people think and feel. In fact, one of my friends, Dan Bernstein, the host of the afternoon show on WSCR 670 AM in Chicago, once stated that it is my responsibility to push the boundaries of accepted societal norms while forcing people to face issues they otherwise sweep under the rug. He said it is the job of any writer or standup comic who is good at their job. I enjoy when I read the work of others and it makes me think and feel. One woman who does that is the talented author, Jen Knox. I have enjoyed reading her short stories, blog posts, and other pieces. I have enjoyed the opportunities to express my gratitude for what she does. It tickles me that I can use this site to do just that. I am even more amused that I can contact her directly through Twitter, Facebook, and other avenues to say thank you for a piece which she has written. I feel lucky that Jen Knox first came into my life when she took an interest in my writing, marathon, and triathlon adventures. I have learned so much by reading her work. I have gained a wonderful friend who inspires me daily.

Jen is an amazing writer with an interesting life story. What most inspires me is how she is willing to share her story with the world. Many people have done so over the years, but as a friend pointed out to me when I was first writing my autobiographical theater piece prior to my debut as a writer and actor in Chicago theater, most people write themselves as the good person or victim, but never shine the light on who they truly are as individuals. In truth, many people like the idea of telling their stories, but few have the guts to truly examine who they are. I took pride in being honest with my readers and audiences. For those who have read or will read Jen's book, you see that Jen is honest with who she is. She makes readers feel. Please take a look at the links I provide to familiarize yourself with the talented Jen Knox. You will find links to her book, Musical Chairs. You will also read information about her second book, To Begin Again. You will learn that a third book by Jen is coming in the new year! I can not wait. I am so excited at what 2012 has in store for the talented Jen Knox. I thank you Jen for allowing us to get a look into your world and for sharing your gift of writing with the world so that someone like me can learn from you and get inspired as I work on my theater pieces or screenplays. Jen, you do a great job making me feel. I hope others will get a chance to experience what I have been lucky to experience. Thank you Jen for being my friend!

http://www.jenknox.blogspot.com

http://www.jenknox.com

Amanda Grace

2011-12-19T23:11:00.007-06:00

One of my dearest friends is the lovely and talented Amanda Grace. She is an actress, model, and singer. She is a tremendous woman, friend, and person whom I am privileged to know. Recently, the Chicago tribune's well respected theater critic, Chris Jones named his top twenty shows of 2011. Amanda Grace appeared in two of them. She is an amazing talent whose web site is a must see for all. Please follow the link below and check out her blog, videos, and pictures.

http://www.amandamarcheschi.com/

Nina Teaches Me To Run Dance Love

2011-12-15T20:10:00.004-06:00

It is always fun to make new friends on Facebook and follow people on Twitter. I use to say that I met some of my dearest closest friends in high school, college, or acting class. Now I am including Facebook and Twitter in that list. I get a kick out of being recognized as Sexy Isra from twitter. I enjoy using social media to keep up with friends who are all over the country and world. I get happy when I realize that I am tweeting back and forth with a writer, actor, or athlete. I find it endlessly fascinating when I am able to post on those people's walls on FB. What I most enjoy is being inspired by these individuals. Whether it is communicating on Twitter with Paula Radcliffe, Jenna Parker, and others or doing the same on FB, I am thrilled that I can keep track of their accomplishments and achievements. I am also tickled when someone who inspires me mentions me in a tweet. This was the case the day of the Chicago Marathon two months ago. I spent that evening and following day catching up on Twitter and FB so I was thrilled to read that one of the women I follow tweeted how wonderful it was to see the amazing Kimberly Shah guiding a blind runner in the marathon. I laughed out loud. I screamed, "That's me!" I immediately sent a tweet to that woman. She is running_nina on Twitter. I had been following her tweets for a while and was often moved by her tweets and blog. It turns out, she apparently knew Kimberly.

I read Nina's blog frequently and I always get motivated by her experiences of running the lakefront path and in races. Often, I am so pumped I go get in some miles when I had not been planning on doing so, but her words move me. Her blog reminds me I should Run after my dreams, dance to feel good, and love my life. Recently, she posted about winter outdoor running. I have only run outdoors in the winter probably two or three times in my life. Reading Nina's post made me want to arm myself properly with warm layers and go out to tackle the cold. I hope I can work it out with friends this winter so I can try it more frequently. My desire came from Nina's post and for that I am grateful. Not being one who can handle the cold, I will probably complain initially, but I am sure I will get the hang of it. After all, being able to get outside for long runs will benefit me as I do as Nina instructs, run after my dreams!

Please check out Nina's Run Dance Love site:

http://www.rundancelove.blogspot.com

C Different Foundation: For Whom I Will Race

2011-12-13T21:36:00.003-06:00

Four years ago, I reached out to Matt Miller, founder of the C Different Foundation. C Different was created by Matt to help inspire blind and visually impaired people to lead active healthy lifestyles. It was designed to help educate the world that those who are blind or visually impaired are not disabled even if they have a disability. C Different was founded to change the outlook blind and visually impaired people may have about themselves and what others may have of them. Matt began with one blind/visually impaired athlete. Then a couple more were sent his way. Before long, a few more were reaching out to Matt. With the internet and social media, it is easier to reach as many people as possible. A decade ago, it was quite different. The best way Matt could get the word out to blind and visually impaired potential athletes while getting out the word for what these blind and visually impaired individuals were doing was to document it. As the famous saying states, Go big or go home! Matt went big by taking five blind and visually impaired people to the Ironman triathlon. The first five blind and visually impaired people to ever attempt the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run in under seventeen hours. A film crew caught it all in a documentary called Victory Over Darkness. The C Different Foundation has grown leaps and bounds since Matt put together this amazing group with a spectacular dream. I have been lucky to call Matt a friend for the last four years. I have gone miles and miles as a member of Team CDF. The friendships I have made will last a lifetime. I am so proud to once again represent the C Different Foundation when I travel to Houston for the Aramco Half Marathon on January 15, 2012. I am so excited that elite marathoner, Jenny Pfaff will guide me through the streets of Houston. If you have never seen Matt, C Different Foundation, or any of their people, please take a few minutes to watch this video. This inspires me to one day cross the finish line at an Ironman.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmurrFWUepk&feature=player_embedded

Johnny Imerman Video

2011-12-12T20:49:00.002-06:00

A link which I noticed today is one which I wish to share with my readers. It gives you insight and information on Johnny Imerman, the wonderful individual who created Imerman Angels. As you may recall, Imerman Angels is the organization for which I ran this year's Chicago Marathon. For anyone interested in donating to the organization or wishing to be a part of the group, please take the time to watch this video. I am part of the Imerman Active crew and I look forward to ways in which I may be able to serve IA in the future. Maybe, I will take part in a few more races. Maybe the Chicago Marathon is one in which I will run again next year on behalf of the group.

http://www.wgntv.com/videogallery/66551004/Health/Imerman-Angels

Of Boys And Men On BET

2011-12-04T12:15:00.002-06:00

In 2007, I had the great privilege to meet screenwriter and filmmaker, Michelle Amor. Since then, she has been a wonderful friend and influence on my writing career. In fact, it was Michelle who insisted I turn my autobiographical theater piece into a screenplay. The very first piece I ever sent Michelle was that theater piece. I figured it was a great way for her to learn about Israel the person while learning about Israel the writer. She loved the play and demanded I write a film version. She has stood by supporting me ever since. She offers me advice and a guiding hand. I am so grateful for her. Today, all of you can see her writing talent on display. The film, Of Boys And Men written by Michelle Amor which stars Robert Townsend, Angela Bassett, and others will air on BET. Please check your local listing for air time in your area. Make sure to check out Michelle's film. Michelle is a wonderful person who told a fantastic story.

Giving Thanks To You

2011-11-24T18:57:00.003-06:00

This is as good a time as any to say thank you to all of you, my followers, readers, and friends! In this 2011 year I have experienced so many uplifting moments as a result of all of you. Over these months and years people who are family, friends, and strangers have raved about what an inspiration I am. Why? Because I lost my sight over night, but did not allow that to prevent me from picking myself up off the floor? I truly believe anyone in my situation would have done the same. In fact, I believe there are plenty of others who would have aimed higher and achieved more in life than I have done. Of course, none of us will ever know if in fact that is the case since only I can live this very life. I do know that since I lost my sight so many moons ago, I have been blessed to have such wonderful people come in and out of my life. Every writer, actor, director, marathoner, triathlete in my life, thank you! You are a great friend and an inspiration. There are too many of you to list. On this day and every day, I do my best to highlight your influence on me through this platform, Twitter, and Facebook. I thank all the writing and athletic organizations who have embraced me throughout this year. I hope I make you proud and will continue to do so in the years to come should you find me worthy to represent you and your organization. I hope today has been a wonderful day for you, my friends and followers. I am so lucky to count you as important individuals in my life. As always, feel free to reach out to me via any avenue you feel comfortable. I will do my best to always be available and open to you. I hope you keep visiting and reading my work on this platform. I will do my best to keep spreading the word for my friends' projects and events.

Jenny To Guide Me For Aramco Half Marathon

2011-11-23T22:30:00.005-06:00

Today, I received a call from David Adame, the director of the Texas chapter for the C Different Foundation to confirm my entry into the Aramco Houston Half Marathon to be held on January 15, 2012. It is the same weekend as the Olympic trials held on the marathon course in Houston. Because the Olympic trials are on Saturday and the Half in which I will be running will take place on Sunday, I will have a chance to watch the elite and maybe walk around meeting some of them. While in the midst of running the CARA 20 Miler this past September, Jennifer Pfaff asked about my heading to Texas. She said that it would be fun to be around all those amazing athletes. If it could ever work out, she would love the chance to guide me for that. I always kept her words in the back of my mind so when David called to get my information for the January event. I asked for an update on possible guides and home stays. He said he was working on it, but time was quickly running out. Although I had not asked Jennifer about her interest nor availability since she first mentioned it in September, I told Mr. Adame that there was always the option of Jen guiding me. He was excited to hear that and asked me to please follow up with her to inquire about her interest. I did. As it turned out, Jen was still interested. She needed to check on some details on her end, but after she did, Jen informed me that she in fact had volunteered to guide me for the Half Marathon! Fresh off her being one of the fabulous women guiding me for this year's Chicago Marathon, Jen is going to lead me through the streets of Houston. What a fun time it will be. I am most excited that Jen will get to experience guiding me when I am fresh and full of life. In the three events in which she has guided me, she has always been picking me up at the midway point of the race. she has met me at the ten or thirteen mile mark. Usually, within a short amount of time, I begin to struggle so she must drag and will me to the finish. This time, it will be different. I can not wait.

Brotherly Love For Jenny

2011-11-22T16:39:00.003-06:00

You can make all the right decisions with your nutrition, training plan, and mindset, yet when you reach race day, most of it will not matter. Of course, preparing properly to put yourself in the best position to achieve is the intelligent thing to do. Often, how the race plays out is beyond your control. What you can control is the heart and courage you display. Even if it is not your day to shine with your greatest performance, it may be your day to display how much fire and passion you have within your heart, body, and mind. On Sunday at the Philadelphia Marathon, the amazing Jennifer Pfaff put on a show. Maybe it was not her best performance. Maybe she struggled to stay in it during miles 15-20. One thing is for certain. She is an amazing talented woman and athlete who came into my life over a year ago and I have learned so much about being a great athlete and person by having her in my life. In the sixth installment of the Rocky movies, Rocky tells his son that "Life ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you get hit and still keep moving forward. How much you can take and still keep moving forward." Jenny kept fighting and crossed that finish line of another race in her successful accomplished career. Champions shine when it matters most. Jenny is a champion who shined when the chips were down and it was not her day yet she showed her heart and that carried the day! She was my guide for the second half of the CARA 20 Miler in 2010 and 2011. She also was my guide the second half of this year's Chicago Marathon. I am so lucky and privileged to know such a tremendous person.

Congratulations Caroline

2011-11-21T21:55:00.002-06:00

In 2008, I met an amazing successful, intelligent, beautiful woman named Caroline Gaynor. She could swim, bike, run circles around most people. She often did. Caroline also would often swim, bike, run along side people. She frequently volunteered to guide blind/visually impaired triathletes. I met her in New York when I went to race in my first ever triathlon. Caroline has an amazing resume of personal athletic achievements while having a wonderful resume of helping other reach their goals. Last year, she became the first woman to ever lead a blind woman through the Ironman Triathlon. The women who had completed the Ironman distance did so with male guides. When Caroline guided Patricia Walsh across the start line and through to the finish, they made history. This past weekend, Caroline added to her legend by guiding Tina Ament through the IM Arizona course in about fourteen hours. Congratulations to Caroline and Tina on the accomplishment. Congratulations to Caroline, one of the most spectacular individuals I have ever met. Caroline is someone who inspires me. She has a heart of gold and never ending talent.

Running Without Time

2011-11-16T23:33:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago, I noticed my stopwatch was not working as it usually does. I figured it was time to change the battery. I did, but the issue remained. I was hoping to get some more use out of it since I mostly use it to keep track of my miles for the run portion of my workouts. From time-to-time, I would use it to know how long my bike riding session lasted. Again, I mostly used it to keep track of my distance for running. Based on distance per run, I would add up my weekly miles to see my progress as a race neared. Unfortunately, when altering the batteries did not work, my stopwatch died shortly there after. This week, I decided to get back into the swing of running. I could not figure out how I would keep track of my miles. Eventually, I decided to use my iPod by simply picking out a play list which would last about thirty minutes or so and just run for as long as I could, if not for the entire time. As I started out, I was annoyed because I had not a clue what distance I had run. I wanted to know. One song finished. Then the next one. I soon found myself simply running. I was listening and enjoying the songs. By the time I ended my run session, I was still a bit annoyed that I did not know my distance yet there was also a part of me which felt so free! I had run free of concern upon hearing my watch give the time then calculating the distance during my run as I always do. I find myself frequently getting lost in calculations to the point I do not realize how much time had gone by until I hear my watch inform me minutes later. This time, I found myself lost in the music. My legs felt strong. They felt good running at a 7:30 pace the entire time until the end when I could no longer keep the pace and had to stop, but I had been able to run and not focus on a watch. I was not running to meet a time goal or even a distance goal. I did not have to hear my watch tell me my time. I was merely running to get in shape, because I love it, and for the enjoyment. If I continue this method, I guess I will gage my progress on at which point in my play list I stop. I am excited about running this way. I will try it for a couple weeks and see how much I enjoy it.

SF10 For 2012 Opens

2011-11-11T21:15:00.007-06:00

Two years ago, I kept running across links on Facebook for a race called Soldier Field 10 where participants start just outside the famed stadium, run 10 miles, and end up going through the Chicago Bears players' tunnel ending up on the playing surface to cross the finish line on the fifty yard line. The more I read about it, the more I wanted to do it. I reached out to the organizers eventually receiving a response from Justine Boney then of Fleet Feet. Justine was amazing throughout the process answering my questions and doing all she could to ensure I had the opportunity to run in the event in May 2010. My friend, Alison Keilty helped find me a guide. Her boyfriend. Now husband, Michael Crissie. He had never guided a runner so weeks before, we met to run about five miles along the Chicago lakefront. It was so much fun that he volunteered to guide me again were I to do SF10 in 2011. I did. He did. We beat our finish time from the first year by over ten minutes. Today, registration opens for the Soldier Field 10 scheduled for May 26, 2012. Remembering that it opens each year on Veteran's Day, I reached out to Michael wondering if he wishes to guide me for a third consecutive year. He said yes. I will sign us up soon and look forward to breaking our best time by another ten minutes if not more.

For those interested in this race, please log on to:

www.soldierfield10.com

Julia In MacBeth

2011-11-03T20:39:00.004-05:00

I enjoy dinner and a show. Do you? If so, you will get a thrill out of attending Accidental Shakespeare's Dinner And Staged Reading on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at 7p.m. For the low price of $25, you will enjoy dinner and a staged reading of William Shakespeare's MacBeth. The Titzal Cafe in Chicago will be home to this event. You will get to see my friend, Julia Kessler, play Lady MacDuff, Malcolm, and a couple other characters. Please make sure to attend. Again, it is at Titzal Cafe located at 4631 N. Clark St in Chicago. The talented, amazing, and beautiful Julia is just one reason to go. Great food, show, and price are a few more.

Matt's Cologne Commercial

2011-10-30T22:30:00.003-05:00

For those of you who are not friends with me on Facebook nor my followers on Twitter, you may have missed this. Some of of you who are my friends or followers may have also missed this due to busy schedules so I offer the following link for your entertainment too. My friend, Matt Miller, who as many of you know is one of the most amazing individuals I am lucky to call a friend is a spokesperson for Avon's Ironman Cologne. Here is the latest commercial which I believe is either airing in or was filmed in Columbia. I hope you enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R63EYU2Y13Y

Cycle For Survival

2011-10-24T23:36:00.004-05:00

I have enjoyed trying out various new adventures over the last few years since I began participating in triathlons and road races. Just tonight, I was speaking to a man to whom I was introduced by my friend, Jemma. I first met Jemma a few months back as a result of joining the Imerman Active and Imerman Angels team for this year's Chicago Marathon. She then reached out to me informing me that a friend of hers expressed interest in meeting and guiding me for training runs or races. He had never guided before, but thought it would be a wonderful experience to give it a try. We met tonight for the first time as we went out for a nice seven mile run. We exchanged stories of various races and people we have met. I discussed how far I have come in three short years in terms of the individuals I have met. I could have never imagined the people and places. I know even greater experiences are coming as I continue to build these friendships and connections across the globe. One of the events I had not heard of until recently is the Cycle For Survival. An event organized to raise awareness and funds for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. There are certain types of cancer classified as rare since few people have them. The unfortunate reality is that because so few people have them, there is no money to be made off of treatment for those who suffer from these cancers therefore, there is not any medication. I heard about this Cycle For Survival when Njoy Racing posted a link to registration on its Facebook page. The founder and CEO of Njoy is Kimberly Shah, one of my guides from this year's Chicago Marathon. When my training buddy, guide, and friend, Kimberly, posted it, I was interested in donating. After reading about the event, I decided to join the team! I will be one of the ones riding in this great event. I will be raising funds for the team 100% of which will go to the Center. There are still plenty of open slots so please consider joining us. This event takes place on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at various locations in different cities. If you are in Chicago, you can ride with Njoy at the Equinox Loop location. You will enjoy being a part of Njoy. I would love it if you joined me on Njoy so please visit the following link to be a part of a wonderful event and cause. As time progresses, I will have other links for donations and other information. I am excited to once again be a teammate of the amazing, Kimberly. I am thrilled to be taking part in my first bike only event. It will be a blast. I am sure Kimberly will ensure I will be ready to go. I look forward to training through the winter months with Kimberly and the various individuals whom I am so blessed to have in my life.

Please read more about CFS event at:

http://mskcc.convio.net/site/TR/CycleforSurvival/AG_Cycle_Event?team_id=17640&pg=team&fr_id=1601

Houston Half Marathon

2011-10-21T21:02:00.002-05:00

I am very excited that in January 2012, I will travel to Houston to participate in the Houston Marathon. I was given the option of either the half or the full distance. I decided to use the Chicago Marathon to gage whether I would want to run 26.2 miles once more in three months or whether I would rather ease up and only run 13.1 miles. The mere fact that I would consider 13.1 as easier may on some level be obvious as it is half the distance. However, I view it from the point of view of where I was mentally just three years ago. I reached out to the C Different Foundation by speaking to CDF founder, triathlete, model, actor, film producer, roofer, Matt Miller about joining his organization. After seeing Lokelani McMichael's story of being the youngest person to complete the Ironman Triathlon, I wanted to compete in triathlons. I did not know how to swim. I did not know if race organizers would even let me race, but when I found C Different on the internet, I asked Matt Miller. He immediately welcomed me to his CDF family and expressed his excitement to work with me. I believe his interest level grew when he learned of my interest and involvement in theater, film, and writing. He too had a love for using film to tell stories. Matt invited me to fly to Fort Lauderdale to run in the AIA Half Marathon. It was six weeks away and I was not sure I would be ready. Looking back on it, of course, that was more than enough time. I did not properly train for the event. I spent more time worrying about how I would complete the distance than actually going out and preparing for it. In my youth when I had my sight, I was a sprinter. I was not big, strong, or talented, but I had desire. If I wanted to go faster, I simply made up my mind I wanted to and I did. I never practiced. I just tensed up my face and moved my legs faster. I would race short distances. I do not think I ever ran one complete mile. I probably ran half a mile in gym class. I was by no means a distance runner. I went to see Matt and run in the AIA event. Brian Pearlman guided me. My longest run prior to the event was 4.7 miles at a ten minute per mile pace. My only goals were to run the entire distance and to in fact, go the distance. If I had any energy left, I would close the show with a great sprint. As it turned out, I was able to run the entire distance, go the 13.1, and still have enough to close the show. Brian and I ended up having our finish line sprint photo appear on the front page of the local newspaper. At the end of the day, it took me almost three hours to run 13.1 miles. A year later I was able to improve my 13.1 personal best by thirty-three minutes in a Chicago Half Marathon event. With each ten mile, half marathon, or full marathon, I get stronger and faster. It is clear that as long as I continue improving, I will be able to break two hours very soon. In fact, I believe that I can get to the point where in my next event I will cross the finish line one hour and ten minutes faster than I did at the AIA. I am starting to believe in my abilities. Matt has always believed in me. I appreciate Matt's high standards for me. I often feel, I have disappointed him for not reaching my potential as we both know I can. I know that I have disappointed myself because if I were to dedicate myself more during training then I would be achieving greater results. Each race and new friend I make in the athletic world teaches me how to go about becoming greater. I believe that in 2012 the friendships I have made over the last three years will pay off because I have a network of talented athletes who have achieved on a national and international stage in front of television audiences. If I truly have learned from them, now is the time to display it. Three years ago, 13.1 seemed like such a mountain. Now I believe I can prove to myself how much talent and heart I truly do have within this sexy physique. That is why I decided on the half. I will race as a member of the CDF team. I will also use the event in Houston as my jumping off point to embrace myself. I will run for myself. I will begin to believe in Israel. I am facing this next phase of training as a way to prepare for greatness. I hope that does not come off as arrogant. I simply want to reclaim the kind of swagger I use to have in my youth. The confidence which motivated and pushed me to be better. In many respects, the fear of failure drove me to success after losing my sight. In the coming year, I will have higher standards for Israel. I will begin to train and race with a purpose. I will begin my quest in January!

For more information on the C Different Foundation, please visit:

http://www.cdifferent.org

World's Largest Now Available

2011-10-14T21:05:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite people in the world is Elizabeth Donius. I first met Lizzy about five years ago when she was the Executive Director of Independent Film Project Chicago. I called the offices of IFP Chicago to inquire about membership, services, and programs. She took my call, answered all my questions, and enrolled me as a member. Every time I had any questions or attended an event, Lizzy always took time for me. One of her films, World's Largest: A Documentary About Small Towns With Big Things has been screened at various festivals all across the country. This doc, which she made with her childhood friend, Amy Elliott, is now available for your enjoyment. You can either buy a DVD of this film or you can download it from the following web site.

http://www.indiepixfilms.com/film/5387

You can also visit the doc's site to get up to date information at:

http://www.worldslargestdoc.com

A Most Memorable Marathon: Chicago 2011

2011-10-11T15:17:00.005-05:00

On Saturday night, I set out my Imerman Angels top, triathlon short, and tether. I debated on whether to set out a hat or bandana, but friend, Alison, suggested I go with the bandana so I did. After some pasta and a day with plenty of liquids, I hopped into bed shortly before 10p.m. I would get up at 4:30a.m. to get my marathon day started. I laid in bed tossing and turning. I could not sleep. What did I do? Why am I running another marathon? Then I would take deep breaths and tell myself, you can do this. Tomorrow, you will hurt, but you will fight. I have never dropped out of a race I started so of course the Chicago Marathon will become another event I complete. I started to fall asleep, but was shaken awake. I tossed and turned even more. By Sunday afternoon, I would be sore and in plenty of pain, but this would all be over. I tried filling my mind with positive thoughts. Thanks to a late push from family and friends, I achieved my goal of raising at least $1,000 for Imerman Angels One-On-One Cancer Support. Two outstanding women will be my eyes on the course. Professional triathlete and coach, Kimberly Shah and elite marathoner, Jennifer Pfaff. I will be in great hands. Still, I could not sleep. When I did, I would dream about the marathon then wake up again. Finally, 4:30 rolled around and I dragged myself out of bed. I always have a bagel with peanut butter washed by an energy drink, but today, I was nervous, I could not quite finish my breakfast. At 5:30a.m., Kimberly arrived to take me to the race.

After some pre race preparations, we arrived to the race site. I was nervous and scared. Being with Kimberly relaxed me a little. We made our way towards the start as she described how the pro runners were running along side doing their warmups. Shortly aft 7 o'clock we made our way towards the start line. Last year, I was in the open corral way in the back and I did not get going until twenty minutes after the pros. This time, I would go off nine minutes in front of the pros. When we were allowed to file into our corral, Kimberly described our surroundings telling me how the pros were getting into their start behind us. It was clear, she was in awe and excited. I was so happy for her to have the opportunity to enjoy this. As a pro triathlete and champion Kimberly has experienced so much success. To hear how excited and nervous she was was on some level very comforting for me. A few minutes before the race, Jim Cornelison delivered his usual stirring version of the national anthem. At 7:20a.m. the wheelchair division started. We would go at 7:21. Kimberly instructed me to start moving. I did. In a blink of an eye she said "Okay, we're moving." I asked, "What? It started?" She responded with, "Yes, we've crossed the start line. We're running the marathon." Thirteen miles away from meeting up with my second guide and 26.2 miles from the finish line. It was so exciting to get moving and have almost no one in our way. We moved freely. Fans cheered loudly. Cowbells rang out. One of my favorite moments was making a left turn and being greeted by a giant roar from the crowd lined up on both sides and hanging over a bridge. As would happen several times during the race, the roar was so thunderous, I could not hear Kimberly clearly. Then she tells me that that excitement from the crowd was all for us. There was no one else on the road with us at that point. Honestly, it took plenty of strength to not break down and start crying at that moment. Even now, as I am remembering it to write this, I am choking up from the memory. We made our way and people yelled out, "Go Sexy Isra!" Thank you to Jemma of Imerman Angels who I believe was the one who wrote Sexy Isra on the back of my top. As we neared a gentleman to our left, he screamed, "Go Israel. You've got this." I did not know who he was. Before I knew it, Kimberly was telling me we were at mile two. The pros would be coming by any moment. We rolled on enjoying the crowd support. Then Kimberly said, "Here they come." The police, TV trucks, and pros made their way towards us. I heard them run by no more than three feet to my right. Just a few feet over from me were fifteen of the fastest human beings on the planet including the great Ryan Hall. As they flew by at about a four minutes and thirty seconds per mile pace, more elite runners made their way towards us. As many of them passed by, they offered me encouragement, congratulations, and back slaps while saying, "Go Sexy." "Keep going Isra!" The crowd continued to pump me up and Kimberly kept expressing her excitement. I would get very happy and want to sprint out faster, but I knew I had to hold off because there was still a long journey ahead. At one point, Kimberly had to tell me to pull back because I was beginning to push the pace a little too much. I kept thinking of my friend, Michelle, who passed away from cancer this spring. She was the reason I wanted to get involved with Imerman Angels. I have some family members and friends who have survived cancer, but Michelle's death was what pushed me to truly set this goal and go after it. I felt fluid and very relaxed. Kimberly described the crowd, signs, and area around us. Music blasted. Fans cheered. Other runners continued to back slap me. The miles rolled by. In fact, I felt comfortable at our steady pace, but was not aware of our pace until we reached the tenth mile when Kimberly informed me that we had done so in one hour and thirty-two minutes. I believe that is the fastest I've ever run ten miles. At that pace, I could finish in under four hours. Yet, shortly after that, I started to doubt myself. Could I do it? I began to fear how my body would feel in ten more miles. I started to wear down mentally. This can not be. Not this early in the race. By mile twelve, I found myself very concerned and I even told Kimberly that I was getting tired. I started to slow down. With the crowd cheering, I tried to feed off of that and press forward. We reached the thirteenth mile and the exchanged point where Kimberly would hand off guiding duties to Jennifer.

There was Jenny. Ready and excited to take on the responsibility to get me to the finish. We moved along. The crowd pumped me up. Jenny's excitement gave me a boost and we moved along. We reached the fourteenth mile. Suddenly, I heard a thunderous boom from the fans. Yells of "Sexy Isra!" One woman yells out, "Isra, you're the sexiest!!" It was the Imerman Angels cheering section. It was so loud, I could not hear Jenny. I could feel my body getting weaker. I did not want to slow down or walk, but I knew it was coming. I tried my best to fight it and for a while I was successful, but before long, I was beginning to give into my fear and doubt. Our pace had slowed, but we were still making good time. By mile seventeen, I knew I had hit a wall. Even last year, when I sprained my ankle in the third mile, I did not hit a wall until exactly the twenty mile marker, but now it came sooner. This could not be happening. I made it to mile eighteen. In my mind, I was so close yet so far away. It was only eight more miles. I struggled over the next several miles. My pace was very slow. Jenny held on to the tether on my left side as Kimberly ran along my right side. Both women encouraged me. It helped that they would tell me how far away to certain landmarks or aid stations. I tried running to those landmarks. Then we reached mile twenty-one. I said to myself, five more miles. In the last few weeks of training I had been running five to six miles at an eight minute per mile pace. I would lift weights or ride a bike with the purpose of tiring my legs out before trying to run five miles to toughen me up mentally. Now is when those have to matter and pay off. Now is when I have to go after it. I started pushing through the pain. For a while I found some heart and toughness. Jenny kept telling me how I was picking up the speed. I was starting to flow. I was moving again. I pressed on. As soon as I felt I was rolling, I would want to walk or slow down. Jenny and Kimberly kept driving me to fight those urges. They screamed and yelled at me to run. I am sure they received dirty looks from the crowd and other runners for pushing me so much. There were times I wish they would stop and let me walk, but for the most part, I was so thrilled that they were motivating me. I knew that deep down inside, this is why they were my guides on this day. If I were to achieve something special on this day, it would be because two very special women would know how to get the best out of me even when I did not think I had anything left or even when others may have let me rest. These women have achieved great personal athletic success because they know when to push and how to dig. to the best of their abilities, they were going to press the correct buttons to ensure I did the same. The distance to the finish line kept getting shorter. Before long I was down to under two miles. Then just a mile and a half. It was so close yet again, so far away. I wanted to dig deeper, but I could not. I had reached my limit and whatever guts or heart I had, I had to display right then. One mile to go. Finishing was never a question. It was just a matter of how much time it would take me and if I would go after it by sprinting to the end, hang on for dear life, or get dragged to the line. As I made my way with Jenny and Kimberly continuing to drive and inspire me, I moved forward to the best of my abilities. I struggled up one final hill. Later jenny would inform me that I was moving at an eight minutes and fifty second pace at that point which was around the same pace as I was moving in the very early stages of the marathon. I was amazed that I had that in me at that point. We reached the twenty-six mile marker. Just over 300 meters to go. As with every race, I wanted to lay the hammer one last time and burst across that line. As I made my way, I could not tell if I was moving my legs or at what speed. I could not feel anything. Then Jenny and Kimberly informed me that we had crossed the finish. At that moment, I finally felt something. Cramps. Relief. Love. Love for these two amazing women who had given up their Sunday morning to get me through the streets of Chicago. As painful as the back half of that marathon was for me, I would not change anything about that experience. Well, my performance could have been better, but otherwise, to be able to now say I ran the Chicago Marathon forty-six minutes faster in 2011 than in 2010 is as a result of having two tremendous women supporting me every step of the way. Every race, I want to do well as a way to show my gratitude for my sighted guide. In this case, I was able to push myself because of my guides. Every race is special. This one is made even more special because Kimberly Shah and Jennifer Pfaff forced me to dig deep and aim for being special.

I thank Kimberly and Jenny for forever being a part of my life and a part of some very special memories. Thank you to Imerman Angels for allowing me to fundraise and run on the team this year. The great people such as Kat, Jemma, Jessica, David, Rachel, and of course, Mr. Johnny Imerman. All of you have been so wonderful and kind to me. Last year, I was just another runner in the open corral. This year, I was categorized as a visually impaired runner in the disability corral. According to the Boston Athletic Association web site, a blind/visually impaired participant can qualify for the Boston Marathon by finishing a certified marathon in under five hours. Chicago is one and I did. I do not know how events will play out from this point, but if it does turn out that I can now go race in Boston, then I will gladly accept that experience. If there is more I need to do or achieve before having that opportunity, then I will gladly put in the work and effort to do what is needed of me. For now, I am grateful for Kimberly, Jenny, and Imerman Angels. Thank you to my friends and family as well as strangers who donated to my fundraising cause, who cheered me on the streets of Chicago, and who showed an outpouring of love after I crossed the finish line.

To all who read this, it is my privilege to live then share it with you. I thank you for having an interest in my athletics and artistic ventures. Thank you for being a follower to this blog. As always, please feel free to reach out to me. I do my best to be available to you.

Kimberly and Jen To Take Me 26.2 Distance

2011-10-08T20:46:00.004-05:00

Saturday night. In a few hours, I will wake up to Sunday morning. The day of the 2011 Chicago Marathon. I have been taking in plenty of fluids, fruit, and pasta today. My back issues should not present a problem tomorrow. I hope to stay comfortable, relaxed, and fluid throughout the my run. After registration closed early this year, I was disappointed I would not get a chance to run the marathon for the second straight year, but a woman named Adriana on Twitter asked if I would run it and do so for a chairy. Of course. Charity slots! After tweeting my interest in finding a non profit, Jessica Hiltner reached out to me also via Twitter and suggested Imerman Angels. A group which provides one-on-one support for cancer fighters and their loved ones. I have family members and friends who have survived cancer. I have a dear friend from college who lost her life in April. I felt this was my chance to run 26.2 in her memory. I jumped at the opportunity. Within days Kat and Jemma of Imerman Angels were in touch with me. Shortly afterwards, I was officially signed up and ready to train. The summer brought other races in various cities. Finally, I had the chance to meet with a Saturday morning run group. Thanks to IA, I was put in touch with Kimberly Shah of Njoy Racing. She offered to be my guide for a ten mile training run. This run was the very first time she had ever guided and our initial meeting. Midway through the run, Kimberly stated she would like to guide me for the marathon. As luck would have it, I was in need of a guide. My friend, Jen Pfaff had just volunteered to guide me for half of the race, but I needed someone for the other half. There it was. Two amazing spectacular athletes offering to guide me on October 9. It has been quite a ride. I admit, I am not the best at fundraising. In fact, it is a struggle for me. Family and friends are supportive and willing to give, but I have a difficult time with it. Knowing my goal was $1,000 stressed me out. Like I just wrote, family and friends are always there. As of today, I did reach my goal! Thank you to all who donated. I am nervous about tomorrow. The distance scares me. I have run it before, but it is still tough. Luckily, I have Kimberly and Jen, two amazing women who are amongst the best athletes in the world to get me through the run. I know they will push me. I know they will motivate me to dig deep and push my own limits. Above all, I look forward to the experience of running with these women.

I wish to take this time to wish best of luck to some of the individuals who will be running tomorrow. Ruben, Mark, Randy Egge, Abby Reese, Kate Zimmer, Molly Conway, Heather K. Williams, and Adriana without whom I would not have made it to the start line. If I missed others, I am sorry. Time for bed. Thank you for reading this week and for helping me reach my fundraising goal.

Chicago Marathon Expo

2011-10-07T23:03:00.002-05:00

Today was a tremendous day! I woke up feeling a bit sore and I was concerned. Really? Yesterday's run with Kimberly is making me feel like this? What will the marathon cause me to feel on Monday? Within a couple hours, the soreness was gone. Earlier this week, I had discomfort, but it has gone away for the most part. It was in my lower back and kidney area. It still lingers, but not enough to be too painful to handle. In the afternoon, I drove to the Chicago Marathon expo. Well, it was more like Kimberly drove and I tried to entertain. In the short time I have known Kimberly, I have discovered so many wonderful traits in her. Hearing her stories inspires me. Training, racing, living life! She is great at spinning yarn. She has a heart of gold and a strong willingness to help others. She also has a great laugh. Of course, now I try to make her laugh. I do not always succeed, but when I do, I am so thrilled because then it makes me laugh. We reached the expo and made our way around the place. We picked up my bib, shirt, and other items. We headed over to meet Howard Kambara of Chicago Events Management and the Chicago Marathon. Kimberly received her runner guide bib and other items. For the first time, she became nervous as she realized how real this was. Her excitement and anticipation shown through and I was excited too. For most of this week I have been anxious, but hearing Kimberly's reaction and laugh at that very moment put me at ease. I started to laugh. Howard mentioned how we would go off in a wave nine minutes before the pro wave and what Kimberly should do on the course when the TV cameras, course vehicles, and pro runners approached us. I kept saying to myself, this is real! Of course, the reality of the moment will not truly take place until we are crossing the start then when we are running side-by-side the elite. Of course, with Kimberly and Jennifer being my sighted guides, I will be lucky to have two elite athletes along side the entire time.

We also made sure to pick up Jen's bib and other items before walking around some more and meeting some of Kimberly's friends. then we walked to the Imerman Angels booth where we were greeted by Kate who I first met when I attended an IA function in August. After a few moments, Kimberly and I spent some time with cancer survivor and founder, Johnny Imerman. What a joy it is to be around him. He is so amazing. What a gift to the world. Shortly after that, we headed home. The more Kimberly shared stories the more I was getting pumped for Sunday. It was certainly a tremendous day. Topping the day was discovering I had a friend request from a young woman named Abby who is the sister of Amanda R, one of the most amazing women in my life. I met Amanda when she was a star on the women's basketball team in college. I had the joy to watch her career and interview her in press conferences and on my weekly radio show. She always gave me her time. Even after she graduated, I would see her at games. I lost touch with her for a while, but when I reconnected with her, it was as though time had not gone by. I have since followed her coaching career and I remain a big fan of her accomplishments. She truly is one of the nicest people I know who is always very supportive. Of course, it is a joy to be friends with her sister now. I look forward to getting to know her. I also noticed that as of this afternoon, I have come just seven dollars shy of my $1,000 goal for money raised. I am stunned at how my family and friends have once again banned together to back my cause. Plus, I received some wonderful mentions on Twitter from some RunNerds who I respect plenty. Molly, Kate, and Adriana. One more day of resting and taking in fluids before 26.2 miles to cross the finish line of another wonderful year.

If you wish to donate, please log on to:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/israel/ImermanAngels2011Team

My Final Run Prior To CM11

2011-10-06T23:06:00.003-05:00

Today, I went for a five mile run with Kimberly Shah. Kimberly will be one of my sighted guides for Sunday's Chicago Marathon. I am so excited! Of course, there is still plenty of anxiety as I wonder how could I have trained better? In what manner should my training have been better than it was? It is too late for that now. Maybe I can reflect on that after the race. Or, maybe I should embrace that feeling, but not dwell on it. With each race, I am improving. With each new sighted guide, training partner, or athlete I meet, I can grow and learn. I am very thrilled at the late push I have received from family and friends as they donate to my Imerman Angels cause for the marathon. So many people have been touched by cancer so it is easy for all to identify or understand what this disgusting disease does to family, friends, and loved ones. No one is immune to it. Maybe one day cancer will die and no one will endure the struggles which come with it. For now, organizations like Imerman Angels will do their best to pair up current fighters with those who have survived so that together, those individuals can be there for each other. One of my cousins, who just finished yet another tour in the Middle East said that one of the most difficult things for him to experience was watching his wife go through cancer and not be able to help her because he could not understand what she was experiencing. He wishes he knew of IA or someone who had survived her type of cancer so that she could have had a person mentoring her and maybe another person helping him in order to help her. She passed away earlier this year and it sickens him to know that she passed away alone without someone to simply say, "I know what you're going through." He is a hero. He has spent his entire adult life serving our country. He has faced the challenges of cancer. My cousin and his wife are two individuals for whom I am running this race. Please, help myy cause so that no one faces cancer alone. Please help me help others. With the recent donations of today, I am only $150 shy of my goal amount.

As I spend the next few days resting and taking in plenty of fluids, I hope you log on or pass this link to others who can give even just a small amount:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/israel/ImermanAngels2011Team

Steve Jobs Opens Doors For Me

2011-10-05T23:33:00.006-05:00

Wednesday. As my anxiety for the marathon turns to excitement with some recent developments, I pause to appreciate Mr. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, who passed away today at the age of fifty-six years old. While I never met the man, I have read a bit about him over the last few years and found his story to be fascinating. There are so many quotes of his which I could write here, but what I am most appreciative for is that he and his company have given me the opportunity to write this entry so that you may read it. Ever since I lost my eyesight twenty years ago, I have used computers. In fact, prior to losing my sight, I was always in awe of computers, but rarely had a chance to use them. I would have the chance every week or so in school, but not very many opportunities outside of school. I would look at computer store catalogues just dreaming of owning one and writing stories or typing random thoughts as in a journal. My parents could never afford one so I had to dream and hope one day I could buy one. Then I lost my sight. I was introduced to adaptive technology for the blind and visually impaired. Mainly, computers like the one you may have been using with the only difference being, the ones I used had screen reader software installed into them. I learned basic key commands to enable me to type assignments. The internet was still an unknown and not accessible. I was given a laptop with so much software on it that it was probably worth $50,000, but within a few years, it's value was probably less than $1,000. Eventually, with the help of state agencies, I received a desktop which I could not use. The agencies purchased the computer for me and paid an adaptive tech person to train me, but they only paid for a few hours worth of training so all I learned were very basic commands. I did not even learn how to search for information which would enable me to teach myself anything beyond what I was taught. I spent plenty of time asking others if a command existed so that I may do this or that. Otherwise, I just had to cope with the fact that maybe whatever I wanted to perform on my computer was in fact not accessible. Over time, I realized that in order to keep up with tech advancements, I had to constantly upgrade my system. Adaptive technology is very expensive. Whatever the cost for a computer, I would have to shell out that amount then spend to upgrade my screen reader which for PC means having to buy a third party software costing anywhere between $750 to $2,000. Just having this software on my machine did not mean that all aspects of MS Word, e-mail clients, or web sites would be accessible. In fact, I found them to not be more often than not. Even as friends kept insisting I should have a blog or join Facebook and Twitter, I could not. Just signing up or setting up initial profiles were difficult. One friend, Angela, insisted it was not as hard as I claimed so she came over and set up my Facebook account. After just one minute, she asked how to turn off my speech because not only was it annoying, but she noticed that most of the time, it was not reading what was on the screen. I did my best to use these social networking sites for which I had accounts, but I struggled mightily. For a year, I spoke to people, read online articles, and listened to podcasts about the advancements Apple Inc had made for people with disabilities. I recalled how a friend from college was a Mac nerd and insisted Mac would rule the world. We made fun of him so much. Yet, years later, I was looking into buying one. Then I read how screen reader software was built-in on every Mac. There was an Accessibility Department at Apple. Any of my family members or friends who had a Mac could turn on the screen reader on their machine and help me troubleshoot any issues. Pretty soon, Apple's MP3 players, phones, and other items would come with screen readers built-in for FREE! Instead of having to pay thousands of dollars and not know if I could even use MS Word, e-mail, or web sites, I could buy a Mac or any other Apple product and be confident that the company would work to ensure their products met my needs. I bought a Mac and instantly discovered that I could access Twitter, Facebook, and this blog in ways I never could before. The best part is going to my local Apple Store and testing out these products then buying them. The salesperson who sold me these products was in fact the friend from college of who we made fun for his "Apple love." By the way, he now works at Apple headquarters and is quite a star in the company. There are still some issues which I have with Apple products which I did not quite have using Windows, but for the most part, Apple products have been a life changing experience for me. There are so many events and people in my life as a result of me being more involved with social networking sites. In fact, I missed out on the Chicago Marathon registration prior to it being closed. Then a young woman, Adriana, who had recently begun to follow me on Twitter asked if I would run the marathon again this year. She then suggested a non profit for which I could run. I looked into the organization and posted a tweet about the new development. Another young woman, Jessica, then replied to my tweet suggesting Imerman Angels as a non profit to consider. Within days, I had spoken or contacted several people at Imerman Angels and I signed up to run for IA. I have met some amazing individuals via the internet before I ever met them in person and I credit Apple Inc for making products which allow me to be more connected to this world more than ever before. It was because of Twitter that I joined IA and as a result, learned about Njoy Racing and its CEO, Kimberly Shah who will be one of my sighted guides on Sunday. Through my friend, Rob, who I met in acting class seven years ago, I was introduced to one of his friends, Jennifer Pfaff who volunteered to guide me for half of the CARA 20 Miler in 2010 then stepped up to guide me for half of the marathon this coming Sunday. I have found friendships which have grown with authors, actors, triathletes, screenwriters, marathoners, and filmmakers all because of Steve Jobs and Apple. The amount of joy and richness which has entered my life in the last two years can not be measured. That is why I wish to share this speech from Mr. Jobs. I found it very inspiring and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die.html

Chicago Marathon For Imerman Angels

2011-10-04T22:15:00.006-05:00

Tuesday. One day closer to the Chicago Marathon. Today, I received word that I will officially be in the Disability corral. Last year, I was in the Open corral. I had received an e-mail a few days ago stating I would begin in the Disability category, but I was not sure how it would work. Wheelchairs begin at 7:20a.m. Hand cycles begin one minute later. The elite professionals start at 7:30a.m. The rest of the field falls in behind them. This should be very interesting since the pro elite will probably come flying by with the helicopters, TV cameras, police escorts, pacers, and trucks three miles into my run as they head towards potential world record times. The paperwork will still need to be handled for my two sighted guides, but by this time tomorrow, all should be set. It is quite a joureny as I prepare to run my second 26.2 distance in the greatest city in the world. I am so thrilled at the fact that I will have two tremendously talented and accomplished female athletes escorting me on the course! I remain excited with all which will unfold this weekend surrounding the race. All the joy of racing combined with what will come of my association with Imerman Angels non profit organization created by Johnny Imerman after he overcame testicular cancer during which he learned a national database for cancer sufferers and survivors to network did not exist. He set out to create one so that future sufferers would always have someone who is approximately the same age of the same gender and who is experiencing the same type of cancer to help mentor them through the journey of overcoming cancer. IA is constantly connecting people in various cities and countries on a daily basis. Cancer is a difficult battle, but with IA, cancer does not need to be battled alone.

I hope you will consider donating to my fundraising effort as I am days aways from running the marathon. If you wish, please pass along the link to others so that together we can help many more people in this world.

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/israel/ImermanAngels2011Team

Chicago Marathon Race Week Begins

2011-10-03T20:46:00.007-05:00

Chicago Marathon race week is here!! Can you hear it? Excitement. Can you feel it? Fear! Yes, I am thrilled that my marathon journey for 2011 has reached raced week, but I am nervous about the distance. 26.2 miles is not easy any way one slices it. As I posted on Facebook this afternoon, last year in attempting my first ever marathon, I faced fear of the unknown. This year, I face the fear of the known and of elevated expectations. Having overcome spraining my ankle at mile 3.5 to still finish, I am confident that so long as I stay healthy this year, I will finish in a much faster time. Last year was about going the distance. This year is about pushing my physical and mental limits to overwhelmingly beat 2010's time. As the week goes on, I will post more about my excitement and anxiety, but for today, I want to reflect back on one year ago when I stepped to the start line of my first ever 26.2 in my home town race. It was a thrill to be guided by two amazing gentlemen who volunteered to be my eyes well before either had ever met me. In fact, the first man, Rich, met me three weeks prior to the marathon when he guided me for ten of the twenty miles which makes up the CARA Ready To Run 20 Miler. The second man, Peter, met me one week prior to the marathon when he guided me for the Buck Town 5K. If you have never seen this, here is video of me at last year's Chicago Marathon. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to pass it along.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSvMSMntrN0

Buy Book Help National Runaway Switchboard

2011-09-29T21:58:00.003-05:00

In sports, announcers, talk show hosts, and fans will often discuss a trade in terms of which team won the trade. Of course, the best trades are the ones where all the teams involved benefit so that it can be called a "win win" situation. In life, we are often presented with similar situations where our decisions will benefit our own interest while helping others. A great way to do just that is to purchase the book, Musical Chairs by Jen Knox. You will enjoy the mastery with which Jen discusses her life experiences. You will be intrigued by such a talented author. Purchasing the book prior to the end of September will also help out the National Runaway Switchboard, an organization which works with runaways and their families during difficult times in life. Jen Knox is donating 100% of her royalties from September sales of Musical Chairs to the National Runaway Switchboard. So please buy the book and consider passing along the information and link to others to also make a purchase.

Please visit Jen's site to read more about her book as well as to see the link to Amazon to buy it:

http://www.jenknox.com

Imerman Angels Video

2011-09-27T22:37:00.003-05:00

On October 9, I will be running my second marathon. For the second straight year, I will take on the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. I am excited and nervous about what is in front of me. 26.2 miles through the streets of Chicago. I am prepared to take on the miles. I know I can conquer. Mainly, I want to be able to call my experience a success. Away from the running, I want to call my involvement with the non profit of my choice a success. Similar to last year, I am running the marathon for a charity which does tremendous work. If you have read my past posts, you have read my thoughts on Imerman angels. I also plan to discuss my thoughts on the race and non profit next week as the race nears. For now, I wish to direct you to the following link which is a three minute video on Imerman Angels. In a future post, I will provide my fundraising page link so people can donate and help me reach my goal of $1,000. I am very close to achieving said goal and hope that this video will allow you to see for whom I am raising and racing so that you may consider contributing to my cause. Thank you very much.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-HNESSZpcM

Independent Ink

2011-09-25T14:00:00.004-05:00

One of the most exciting times was also filled with plenty of anxiety. It was writing my life story as an autobiographical theater piece. I had no idea where it would lead me or whether any theater group would even be interested in my story, but I wrote it because screenwriters and directors who were much more accomplished and whom I respected, insisted the play would open doors for me. Sure enough, months after writing my initial draft, a theater group in Chicago named the piece a New Play Fest winner. A year later, I was starring a production of the play. So many individuals from the theater and film world have been praising the theater piece and now the screenplay which I have also written. One of the people whose words I take with me always is writer, actor, director, monologist, author, and teacher, Robyn Okrant, who read a draft and said that she loved that I did not fall into the trap so many new young writers do when writing their life story especially when it is one of their early works. That is, painting themselves as a victim and heroic figure while not showing their many other sides. Robyn said there were times in my play where she felt I was heading down the road of an After School Special, but just as characters tossed praise my way and I painted myself as a victim, I'd pull the rug from under the reader and other characters and show a dark, mean, angry side to myself. It was quite a ride of emotions as just when people would fall in love with me, I would give them reasons to hate me. Another person who shared similar feelings was media personality and author, Jenniffer Weigel who attended one of my performances and talked about my ability to blind people from tears due to a heart wrenching moment while having them hold their sides which are hurting from laughing so hard all within the same scene. I find it a fun challenge to tell my story through play and film because while I am attempting to be true to the story, I am also allowing for the possibility that like in any other story, I can take some liberties to heighten tension and give actors plenty of material with which to play. I do the same thing with another of my theater pieces and films called Touch Of Rain. It too is based on my life. In fact, I like to call it, a fictional account of factual events. I do my best to tell this story of love, appreciation, and awakening brought into my life when a pulchritudinous princess walked in and brought me back to life! I respect the real life woman who inspired this story while realizing I have an opportunity to shape the story in a way to make it a wonderful experience for an audience. Since I rely heavily on my life experience, I am often amazed and impressed by those who also embrace their story and are willing to share it with the world. One such woman is Jen Knox. If Aaron Sorkin can work on rewrites for A Few Good Men twenty years after the play premiered on Broadway, then surely, I can continue to refine my story six years after it first made a splash in Chicago. Keeping this in mind, I am always fascinated at what I learn from Jen telling her story and her truth. I learned so much from reading this article in Independent Ink Magazine. I hope you will read it too. I hope you will take the time to also check out her blog.

http://www.indinkmag.com/2011/09/author-interview-jen-knox/

http://www.jenknox.blogspot.com

Liz And Jen Guide Me For 20 Miles

2011-09-19T21:33:00.004-05:00

On Saturday night, I set my alarm for 4:45a.m. for the following morning. I pinned my bib number to my Imerman Angels top, put out my tether, laid out my Denver Triathlon jacket, and made sure my shorts and socks were set too. At 9:51p.m. I hopped into bed. I could not sleep. I tossed and turned until about thirty minutes to midnight. I woke up suddenly to discover I had another hour of sleep to go. Finally, at a quarter to five, I dragged myself out of bed and dressed for the day ahead.

Dressed and with breakfast in my belly, I headed to the Newton 20 Miler along the Chicago lakefront. I arrived at about 6:20a.m., walked to gear check, and loaded my bag into the bus which would take the gear twenty miles south to the finish line. I waited as I heard the first few waves go off. Before I knew it, wave twenty-three had gone off and I was still waiting by the bus for my guide. I heard a voice call out my name. She walked up to me. It was the lovely, Liz Bilitz. She volunteered to take me the first ten miles of this event. We walked over to the start. Within a few minutes, we were crossing the starting line on route to heading twenty miles. It was a slow pace to start out. We were going at a twelve minute per mile pace. I was nervous. I am sure so was Liz. Being that it was her first time meeting me and guiding a person who does not have sight, I am sure she had butterflies in her stomach. Soon enough, I found myself feeling comfortable with her instructions. We crossed the first mile. She was getting the hang of it. I was much more relaxed. The footing was a bit tough, but we continued. Pretty soon, Liz told me me were under a ten minute pace. We made it to the second mile marker. Now we were starting to find a groove. There were times we were pushing closer to nine minute pace, but for the most part we stayed at about 9:30. Liz was sharing her observations describing our surroundings. Time was passing quickly. We were moving.

The miles rolled by on this Sunday morning. It was suppose to be in the low seventies, but it was much colder. Plus, it was raining. Other runners remarked that they had heard it would not rain until early to late afternoon yet other than the rainbow Liz mentioned she saw just as we had started to run, there was not a bright sun in the sky as I had hoped. The wind picked up in some spots. At about mile seven, I took a step and landed funny, but luckily, I righted my step and did not sprain my ankle. Memories of the Chicago Marathon of 2010 entered my mind. Liz kept guiding. Shortly after, I stepped funny again. My right ankle shook a bit, but once more, I righted my step avoiding a twisted ankle yet again. Before long, Liz was telling me we were within sight of the aid station of mile ten were she would hand off the tether to her friend and mine, Jennifer Pfaff. I heard Jen's voice. We had reached the aid station. After a quick break, Jen took over the guiding.

The first mile with Jen was an adjustment for me. Although I had run this same event with Jen last year, I needed to rediscover a comfort level with her calling out information. It was taking her a while to adjust to guiding again too. It was nice because it allowed me to take a break at pushing my speed by slowing down and reaching a good zone. Soon enough, we were feeling it and picked up the pace. The rain kept coming. In some spots, the wind was howling. We reached the aid station at mile twelve when I heard the voice of a beautiful woman call out for Sexy Isra. It was Jemma who I met through my association with Imerman Angels. She is a professional Board Member. As the miles piled up, many more people would yell out "Go Sexy Isra!" At one point, a young woman runs up to us and asks, "Are you Sexy Isra from Twitter?" Yes, I am. It was Adriana. A young woman who I follow and who follows me. It was so great to finally meet her. Others expressed encouragement as they passed or as we passed them. Jen kept sharing her excitement for how well we were doing. With every step and every mile marker, we were nearing the end. At one point, I was shocked to find out that midway through mile seventeen, we were moving at a 8:48 pace for a stretch. I felt good, but I found myself needing to walk in short stretches. Finally, Jen insisted no more walking until we get to an aid station. I wanted to walk. She insisted I had it in me not to resort to that. Sure enough, she was right. I kept running until the aid station which was half a mile away. We arrived at mile nineteen. One more left! I walked for a short distance then Jen made me start running again. At that point she said no more walking. Run through to the finish. I said to myself, "No more." We rolled and kept going all the way across the finish line. Twenty miles after I had begun running with Liz, I had crossed the end with Jen.

We walked around finding my bag and taking free samples of various products. We made our way to the buses which would eventually take us back to the start line way back on the north side. From there I headed home. The last big run prior to the marathon complete. I hope to get in a few more double digit runs outside with friends, but it is time to begin to focus on the Chicago Marathon in three weeks. Thank you to Jen and Liz for guiding me for the twenty miler and I look forward to the opportunity to run with them again.

Am I Ready To Run?

2011-09-17T19:47:00.003-05:00

By this time tomorrow, the question will be answered. Tomorrow will be the second straight year I will participate in the Ready To Run 20 Miler, the last long distance training run prior to the Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2011. This year, I am running the 26.2 distance as a member of Imerman Active of Imerman Angels One-On-One Cancer Support so that no one faces cancer alone. After tomorrow, it will be time to work down the mileage to remain fresh come marathon day. I hope to be able to maintain a 9:30 pace the entire twenty miles. Last year, I started slow picked up the pace, and found a second wind at the twelve mile mark which carried me through the seventeenth mile where I finally began to truly struggle. Of course, my guide, Jennifer Pfaff was not about to let me fade as she pushed me through beyond the finish line. I am excited that Jen has returned to guide me once again at this 20 Miler. She will guide me the final ten miles while her friend, a woman whom I am anxious and excited to meet, Liz Bilitz, will guide me for the first ten miles. I am nervous about running twenty miles, but I am also thrilled to spend time with Jen while getting to know Liz. I have been training putting in the running and hope it will help me through the distance tomorrow and the miles will not take much out of me so I can resume my running within a few days and continue until the date with 26.2.

My Fair Lady, Amanda Grace

2011-09-14T19:24:00.003-05:00

She may be the hardest working woman in showbiz. She truly is one of the most talented, amazing, and beautiful women whom I am privileged to call a friend. You can see the reasons when you see her in her next role. The lovely Amanda Grace will be seen in My Fair Lady at the Paramount Theater in Aurora, Il. This is a big time production featuring a big ensemble and orchestra. You will be entertained and get your money's worth. My Fair Lady runs from September 16 at 8:00p.m. with a media opening through October 2, 2011. Do not miss this great production and especially, the amazing, lovely, and beautiful Amanda Grace!!

For more information and to reserve your tickets, please visit the following site:

www.paramountaurora.com

Ready To Run 20 Miler 2011

2011-09-13T22:37:00.002-05:00

It is less than one month before I take on the challenge of the Chicago Marathon for the second consecutive year. Also for the second straight year, I will gage my fitness level and readiness by participating in the CARA Ready To Run 20 Miler three weeks before the marathon. This year it will be on Sunday September 18. In order for me to complete this task, I will need to find someone willing to run twenty miles with me. If I can not, I must find a couple individuals who want to each guide me for half of the miles. That is where the amazing Jennifer Pfaff comes in to help me. Jen, who received her first taste of the guiding thing last year at this very event, offered to once again be my guide for at least ten of the miles. I then needed to find another person to volunteer for the other ten miles. As the event neared I began to wonder where I would find someone, but once again, Jen provided a solution by offering to ask her friends. A day or so later, Liz Bilitz reached out to me and offered to guide me for the first half of the run then hand me off to Jen to take me the rest of the way. I am looking forward to meeting Liz for the first time on Sunday morning. I will meet her in the same way I first met Jen in person. I truly love participating in these events and the way in which so many wonderful people come into my life as a result of me needing guides to be my eyes for training runs, marathons, and triathlons. Some of the individuals who have gone on to be very important influential friends in my life were men and women I first met because they volunteered to guide me. In some of those cases, they would introduce themselves via phone or email, but I would not meet them until they picked me up at the airport when I would travel to their city or I would first meet them when I would pull up to their front door after flying halfway across the country to race in an event. I look forward to meeting Liz. I already know she is a spectacular woman. I hope she and I get along because I have a very good feeling she is also a spectacular athlete from whom I could learn so much. The only question which now remains is am I ready to run?

2011 GLASA Twilight 5K

2011-09-11T16:00:00.005-05:00

I was excited to return to the GLASA Twilight 5K on Saturday evening. Last year, I was able to finish second in my division while completing the 3.1 mile run in 27:30. This year, I hoped to break 25:00. Sharon Bielski, a young woman who had never guided a runner who is blind, was my guide for the event in Lake Forest. I met Sharon for the first time an hour before the event. One of my favorite parts about this race is that it is the only one which my parents have attended each time I have run it. So on a yearly basis, it is the only race in which they see me run. This year, my dad decided to run in it too. He does not train. He is not use to running, but he insisted he could complete it along the way, he could beat me. Although my dad does not train, he use to be a running, cyclying, and basketball star in his home town when he was a teen. When I was too young to remember or participate, he would take the kids to the park each Saturday morning to engage in various athletic activities. Mostly, my siblings ran. Over the years, my siblings competed in various sports and more recently, each one of them has done at least one 5K race. A couple of them have done many more. In addition, my nieces and nephews have started gaining interest in running with a couple of the younger kids wanting to follow in uncle Israel's footsteps and race triathlons.

I was excited for my dad, but also a bit nervous. I was worried whether his body could handle 3.1 miles. I was worried that he could indeed beat me. After all, on any given day with the right conditions or chain of events, the best "team" may lose. What if the conditions, footing, or destiny smiled on him and he did stun me by crossing the finish first? The Twilight 5K had what felt like its largest field. In fact, the race was delayed by ten minutes as there was a huge race day registeration walk-up crowd. After the military tribute and the moment of silence to remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 in NYC, DC, and outside of Pittsburgh, it was time to go. The horn sounded. Sharon and I made our way through a field which included World War II vets, high school track teams, and five year old boys and girls. As I remember the course, it is a fast flat course. Only, this year it was not. It was filled with uphills and long inclines. Still, we moved. By the first mile, we were rolling at a 8:30 pace. My dad who planted himself behind us prepared to have me set the pace all the way through until bolting out ahead in the final sprint, was not around. Fairly early in this race, we had been moving at a pace which he found comfortable and he stayed with us a short distance behind, but by the time we reached the first mile, Sharon and I had stepped on the gas and opened up a gap which he could never close. We coasted by the second mile marker at 17:10 and we were on our way to the final mile. At this pace, we would not break twenty-five minutes. Sharon asked if I wanted to push it a bit, but we maintained our speed. At times, we would, but for the most part, we reamined very calculated throughout the race. In fact, we only truly picked it up for a longer than normal stretch as we entered the final shoot sprinting and high stepping across the finish line. As of this, I do not know our official time, but although we probably did not break twenty-five minutes, I was very happy with our run. I truly enjoyed running with Sharon. Thank you Sharon for the opportunity and experience to run with you at this race. I hope we will get a chance to run more races together. She is a ture guiding pro!

Congratulations to my dad who pushed his body and completed the 5K with a nice sprint to the finish. He probably finished in about thirty minutes. He was spectacular. Now, he has stated that he plans to train some in the future so that he will run the GLASA 5K next year and that time he promises to go all out and beat me and any other family member who wishes to register and challenge him.

Amy Lee's Hello Opens Israel's Career

2011-09-08T21:52:00.002-05:00

In grade school and high school, I was in several plays. I experienced the excitement and anxiety of Opening Night. Five years ago on September 8, I experienced an Opening Night unlike any other. That is because it was "real." All the other times I was in a school play or musical. I was simply another cast member. Even in the shows where I was the star, they were one time performances for family and friends. I was merely memorizing classic pieces previously performed by many others written by established amazing writers. In this case, I was the star expected to carry a show and production for two months for a theater piece written by previously unproduced playwright, Israel Antonio. I was performing at the famed Prop THTR in Chicago in a show directed by one of Prop's co-founders and artistic Directors, Scott Vehill. Not only would friends and family see me, but so would complete strangers. Well respected individuals from all levels of the theater world. From small storefront theater group representatives to influential people at the world famous Steppenwolf Theatre Company would all see me perform words and scenes written by me. On top of that, media members, theater critics, and reporters would check out this show which unbeknownst to me was receiving plenty of attention within the theater world. Word had been spreading since the show's successful appearance in Prop THTR'S New Play Fest a year prior.

I arrived at Prop about an hour before show time. As my luck would have it, I had started to come down with a cold. Clearly, the pressure of expectations and a desire to fully shine had begun to break my body down. A young woman came up to me. It was my dear friend, Lisa, who I knew from college, but whom I had not seen in a very long time. The next person to walk up to me was the lovely, Sunshine. A former college classmate who had finished her work day and immediately jumped in her car and stepped on the gas to make the four hour drive to Chicago to watch me. I was then introduced to Nina Metz who was there to review my play for the Chicago Tribune. At this time, HizZoner, a play about Richard J. Daley written by and starring Neil Giuntoli was the smash hit of Prop and Chicago. As the talented cast finished another awe inspiring performance, I waited for people to strike the set and prepare the stage for my show. A long line had formed in the lobby and there was a buzz in there air. Ivan Ortega and the lovely, Madelon Guinazzo were along side ready to begin this two month journey of performances with me. I was scared. I tried remembering all my lines. Of course, ever the writer, I had been rewriting and trying out new lines as late as that afternoon's run-through. At one point, Madelon had to tell me, "You need to stop being the playwright and start focusing on being the actor." The great Neil Giuntoli, a man whose television and film work I had enjoyed and respected for years, approached me and gave me a wonderfully big embrace. He could see how scared I was and he assured me all would be fine. He offered some words of encouragement and a prayer. He told me how much he believed in me and how I too could go as far as he had in his Hollywood career. It was a great thrill to not only receive these kind words from him, but then, he decided to stick around and watch the show!

People filed in. A final announcement was made to the crowd. The opening music began. As this was my debut as a produced playwright and professional actor, I wanted the opening song to be one which captured my feelings about life. After all, the piece people had paid to watch was my autobiographical theater piece so I wanted to set the mood immediately. I selected a song written by Amy Lee in memory of her little sister who died at a very young age. Amy's lyrics, the piano, and the overall tone of the song spoke to me. I hoped it would speak too the audience. Based on the feedback I would receive, the song accomplished what I had wanted as there was not a dry eye in the house by the time it ends and I walk out to deliver the opening lines of my play and career.

The play and now screenplay have changed over the years. I have changed both as an actor and a playwright. I wanted to ensure that this five year anniversary did not pass by without me thanking all the wonderful people who made the show and experience a spectacular one for me.

For anyone interested, I am including a link to the song entitled HELLO by Evanescence so you may listen to the song which played at the start of my career:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYHJIehluMU&feature=fvsr

Musical Chairs Book Trailer

2011-09-05T19:39:00.003-05:00

Jen Knox did it to me again! She drew me in and kept my interest in her piece. Her second installment of her serial was so fascinating. The only drawback was that it ended and I have to wait until next week for the third part. I can not wait. I want to see how the story turns out and how the main characters do. While I wait for the next part, I invite all of you to purchase Jen's book, Musical Chairs. In fact, Jen Knox has announced that she will donate 100% of the royalties she will receive from book sales during the month of September to Network For Good, an organization which helps runaway teens and their parents. So buying the book will bring about a win win for everyone. You will enjoy a great book while helping out a great cause.

Here is a book trailer for Musical Chairs by Jen Knox:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcBd8OIQVqs&feature=youtu.be

Katie Morse Pushes Limits

2011-09-04T22:54:00.004-05:00

It is always fun and exciting to come across stories and people I find inspiring. In fact, one of the reasons I shy away from receiving the praise when people call me inspiring is that I do not make that my goal or life's mission. People hear about how I lost my sight as a teenager and about the ups and downs over the years then they call me inspiring. I certainly appreciate those kind words. Others may even ask me if I set out to inspire the world. After all, there are plenty of people who have an experience in their lives, but instead of allowing said experience to weigh them down or defeat them, they stand up to it and face it in the eye. They even state that their mission is to inspire others in the same boat. I believe that I can not make that call. I can not approach life with a desire of wanting to inspire. I can only live my life to the fullest. If others choose to call me inspirational, then it is their right to do so. My expectation can not be to inspire people to do anything. I may want to inspire a certain group or segment, but instead, a different group of individuals get inspired. Does that make me a failure? Does it make my inspiring quest less significant? I say no! Therefore, I live my life and allow the chips to fall where they will. I would have never guessed that a woman I only knew about through social media would ever serve as an inspiration. I never knew that a suggestion of who to follow on Twitter would result in my taking an interest in a trainer and triathlete who completed her first triathlon just over a year ago. Yet, because some friends and people I follow on Twitter also know or follow Katie Morse, I started to and discovered that Katie is a fascinating person! I have been privileged to get to know her through Twitter, Facebook, and her blog. I follow her training progress, her journey to becoming a successful professional triathlete, and her dedication to fitness and health. Katie is such a spectacular person, athlete, and inspiration. I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. One week from today, she will be pushing her body to the ultimate limit when she races and completes her first ever Ironman Triathlon. This achievement will add to her greatness. I hope you will take the time to log on to her blog and read her entry about standing on the edge of greatness one week away from swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles. Thank you Katie for being such an inspiration. Best of luck as you conquer the course at the Ironman distance. If any of you have ever considered a race, reading Katie's words will surely give you that bit of motivation to go ahead and register for an event.

Please check out Katie's site at:

http://getregimental.wordpress.com/2011/09/04/sunshine-pushing-the-limits/

Meeting Imerman Angels

2011-08-31T23:48:00.005-05:00

I had the great privilege and honor to attend an event on Tuesday night where I met the amazing volunteers and supporters for Imerman Angels. The lovely, Jemma, invited me to the function and I was not going to pass up the chance to meet my teammates who are racing various events throughout the 2011 year on behalf of Imerman Angels as part of the Imerman Active team. Johnny Imerman was diagnosed with cancer when he was twenty-three years old. It was then that he discovered there was not a national database of other cancer survivors to whom he could turn who could get him through his fight against this disgusting disease. When he was twenty-nine, having beaten off the disease, Johnny began the Imerman Angels organization to pair up cancer survivors who could mentor and support cancer fighters. The non profit pairs up individuals with the same cancer who are of the same gender, age, ethnic background. The organization does its best to find as many similarities as possible between each pairing. As most of us in this world, I have experienced cancer through family and friends who have beaten the disease over the years. Unfortunately, not all friends or family members were able to win their fight. I do not know what it is like to live with cancer. I do not know what it is like to go through the treatment. I hope I never will. I have seen others go through it and I realize that I have a chance to do my part to help Imerman Angels by running the Chicago Marathon all the while raising funds and awareness for the wonderful work IA does. I had the chance to meet so many individuals with whom I have developed friendships mainly through Twitter and Facebook. It was such a joy to finally come face-to-face with these great individuals. It was such a joy to meet Johnny Imerman. Everyone with whom I talk can not stop speaking about how amazing he is as a survivor and as a human being. I have to say, the words "amazing" and "spectacular" do not do him justice. He is such a special person. I am so glad to be on his team. I am thrilled to be a member of Imerman Angels and Imerman Active. I already know I have friendships for life through my association with IA. I hope you will consider donating to my marathon cause so that no one faces cancer alone. A donation to my fundraising cause is a donation for life to triumph over cancer!

Please log on to donate here:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/israel/ImermanAngels2011Team

A Serial By Jen Knox

2011-08-27T21:07:00.002-05:00

I just read the first installment of a serial which promises to be great! Jen Knox is a brilliant writer. Her latest venture is posting installments of her non fiction serial on her blog. My friend, screenwriter and filmmaker, Michelle Amor, once told me about how, after so many years of reading screenplays as a screenplay contest judge who has to read hundreds if not thousands of scripts, she developed a test in which she would read the opening line of a film script and would determine immediately whether it was worth continuing. Many directors of development for production companies may thumb through a screenplay to check the format and page count as an early indication of what kind of screenwriter with which they are dealing before finally beginning to read the screenplay itself. Often, they will read the first ten pages and make a judgement on whether to continue or just toss the screenplay in the garbage. Michelle does not wait until the tenth page to decide. After all, a screenplay does not suddenly get good. A screenwriter does not suddenly find talent. A few years ago, I did not know of Michelle's test when I sent her a copy of one of my theater pieces. After reading my play, she informed me of her test and told me that my play had passed the test with flying colors. In fact, she had a copy of it, but she did not have the time to read it all at once so she planned to do it later, but she wanted to at the very least, put my piece through the test. She ended up reading the entire piece right then. I had drawn her in with my opening line and kept her interest all the way through to the end. Nowadays, I will write a play or screenplay all the while keeping Michelle's test in mind. When I read other people's work, I always find myself examining that initial line. I write all this to state that using that test, Jen Knox is able to grab my attention from the initial line of her non fiction entry. I invite all to read this interesting work. It reminds me of the days gone by when so many writers made their mark and money by submitting a few paragraphs and having local or national newspapers and journals print them for readers everywhere to enjoy. Those talented writers grabbed readers' attention and left them anticipating the next issue. Similarly, Jen did so with this story. I can not wait until next week for part two!!

To read the work of the very talented Jen Knox, please log on to:

www.jenknox.blogspot.com

GLASA Twilight 5K 2011

2011-08-26T21:58:00.003-05:00

When I was growing up, I was short and skinny. I was not very strong. I weighed about sixty-five pounds in sixth grade. By the time I was a senior in high school, I had only put on enough weight to weigh 108. I always had speed. In gym, we would always have to run five warmup laps before playing the sport of the day. I would pride myself on trying to always be the first one to complete the laps. With maybe two exceptions over a two year span, I was always the first one to finish. In the summer which I turned twenty-one, I dedicated myself to bulk up. For the next five years, I pushed myself to get bigger and stronger. Along the way, I did my best to eat everything in sight so that I may turn all of it into hulking muscle. Of course, I became huge, but lost my trademark speed. When I was twenty-six years old, I took it upon myself to forgo all that heavy weight and reclaim the speed from when I wore a younger man's clothes. I had become comfortable running double digit miles. In fact, I once asked my brother to time me as I tried my best to run one mile in under ten minutes. I figured, ten minutes is more than attainable considering how fast I was when I was growing up. I performed this test on a treadmill. I started at a very slow pace increasing the speed every minute or so. I hoped that by the time I neared the one mile mark, I would have the machine rolling along at ten miles per hour. I would probably only need to run at that pace for twenty to thirty seconds before reaching the one mile mark so it would not be a big deal that my little legs would be pushing that speed. My brother kept time. I rolled along. I was huffing and puffing as he informed me I was getting close. Finally, the machine was up to ten miles per hour and my legs felt like jello. I could not hold on much longer. Luckily, he told me I had crossed the one mile mark. I checked my time which was 10:21. That could not be. A few days later, I tried it again. Once more, my time was 10:15. I had lost my speed. Even as I had hoped that I was slowly working my way back, it turned out, I was not. It was time to concern myself less with speed and focus on distance. Maybe the more miles I ran, the fitter I would become and then eventually, I would get in better shape and could return to being fast. I kept adding miles to my body. the weight kept coming off. Little by little I noticed I was at 9:30 per mile. then 9:00. 8:00. One day, I noticed I was running comfortably at 7:30. With the help of a philosophy change in my weightlifting routine which saw me go from massive weight to less weight more reps while jumping rope and dedicating myself to more martial arts training, I had lost fifty pounds and had become faster able to run 3.1 miles in 23:15.

As I have written in previous entries, I found myself having to go into production for a play which I had written and in which I was starring so I could no longer find the time to continue my work outs. Over the years, my pace for races have fallen back closer to double digit minutes per mile, but I was able to average just under nine minutes per mile at a 5K event last September. The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association's Twilight 5K in Lake Forest, Il. I had a wonderful experience running with a coach and Ironman triathlete who kept me going. In fact, at one point very early in the race, we were going just under eight minutes per mile. We settled into a nice pace and hung on at the end. It is a flat fast open course since there is usually 400 to 500 runners allowing for some wide open running. I am excited about returning for the third year in a row. Maybe this year, I will get closer to those training days of seven and a half minutes per mile. I will enjoy the experience and hope many of you come out and participate in this great fundraising event for a wonderful organization. You can see me run my minutes per mile whatever they may be this year. You can also register to hopefully set a new personal best. Either way, I hope you come out to this great race which has plenty of entertainment for the entire family with popcorn, refreshments, beer, live music, games, and a race.

For more information about the GLASA Twilight 5K, please log on to:

http://www.glasa.org/twilight/

Jennifer Pfaff For Team Refuel

2011-08-23T21:29:00.002-05:00

Last year, I happened to comment on a status on Facebook posted by a long time friend I met in acting class in April of 2004. One of his friends read my comment and responded. Shortly afterwards, I corresponded with her via FB messages and before long, she and I had become friends on Facebook. It was another two months before she and I finally met in person. In fact, the way in which we met came as a result of me registering for the Chicago Area Runners Association Ready To Run 20 Miler in September. This twenty mile run was the last long training run in preparation for the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 10. The young woman offered to guide me for at least ten of the twenty miles. I had one gentleman guide me for the first ten miles and we arrived at the exchange point where he handed me off to the talented Jennifer Pfaff to push me through the final half of this challenging run. I could not have asked for a better person to get me through what at that time was my longest distance ever. Prior to that day, my longest run was 18.6 miles at the Sugar Land 30K in Texas on a Sunday morning in December of 2009. Jennifer had never guided a person without sight and she had never met me, but she jumped at the chance to be there for me. What a fun, tough, and memorable way to meet someone for the first time.

Jen was there for me on that September day and I am excited that she has volunteered to be at least one of the guides who will get me through the 26.2 miles of the Chicago Marathon later this October. As I did last year, I will run the 26.2 mile distance and it looks as though I will do so with the help of two individuals. Two amazing talented accomplished women! I can not wait. Before that day arrives, I and all of you have a chance to help Jen become a member of Team Refuel. All we have to do is vote for Jennifer Pfaff. We can vote once a day throughout the entire time for which voting is open. Please log on to the following site, search for Jen, and cast your vote. You have the power to get her on Team Refuel which will enable her to receive a grant to fund her athletic dreams. Please vote. Tell your family and friends to vote for her too.

The link to vote for Jen is:

http://www.refuelwithchocolatemilk.com/grants/vote/

To Begin Again At A Discount

2011-08-20T11:32:00.004-05:00

Regular readers to this site have read my posts on the talented Jen Knox. I am so grateful that the work of such an amazing woman has entered my life. I receive such inspiration and motivation from Jen and her pieces. If you wish, you can search this site to find more posts about Jen. You can also link to her site and get all the information about her pieces and teaching. A wonderful way to learn more about Jen is to log on to the following link and purchase her book, To Begin Again. You will fall in love with Jen's talent and you will want to read more. The great news is more and more of Jen's work can be found online. Jen is a tremendous talent and I hope you will support her pieces. Feel free to rave about Jen to all your friends too.

To purchase To Begin Again at a ten percent discount today, please visit the link:

http://www.amazon.com/Begin-Again-Jen-Knox/dp/0984629785/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1

Ladies Night Friday Night Fun

2011-08-17T22:19:00.005-05:00

A great way to spend your Friday night in Chicago is to watch many talented women show off their ability to make you laugh. This coming Friday, August 19, you can attend Ladies Night as part of Chemically Imbalanced Comedy's Foot In Mouth Disease. One of the women displaying her talents will be one of my favorite friends and actresses, Cynthia Shur. You will love the show. More important, you will laugh and be entertained by the fabulous, Cynthia. Show begins at 8:00p.m. Tickets are $10.

For more information and to buy tickets, please visit:

www.cicomedy.com

Virtual Run For Amanda

2011-08-13T19:06:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago I came across a blog maintained by Amanda Brooks. She was discussing how she would celebrate her thirtieth birthday soon and the way in which others could join in on the fun would be to agree to have a virtual run between the dates of August 12 and August 15. In the interest of full disclosure, I do not know Amanda, but I have quickly become a fan of her blog. I am fascinated by her posts on running, health, and life. Today, I had planned to meet with coach and triathlete, Kimberly Shah for a run in the afternoon. I was not sure if she would want us to do a double digit run, meaning at least ten miles, so I did not want to over extend myself, but I wanted to celebrate Amanda's birthday with a morning run. I was able to get in 3.1 miles in 23:15. I was tired by the end, but knew I would have plenty of energy for the afternoon run with Kimberly. As it turns out, the weather prevented us from getting it in, but I was satisfied with being able to have my Amanda virtual run! I will try to get a couple more runs in on Monday for Amanda. For now, I say, happy birthday Amanda Brooks. Welcome to the thirty club.

For those interested in reading Amanda's blog, please visit:

www.runtothefinish.com

Screenplay Online

2011-08-09T21:18:00.004-05:00

In the last couple weeks, events have been moving quickly towards a major breakthrough for my writing career in the Hollywood circles. Some friends know some of the story while others have yet to hear what has been going on. It is always fascinating to me that there are times where someone will ask or say something which unintentionally opens up the floodgates or begins a chain reaction of events creating a whirlwind of opportunities. Thus was the case with a question a friend posed to me a couple Thursdays ago. A very simple question for which I did not have a good answer. After much soul searching, I discovered I only had excuses for what was preventing me from "putting myself out there" for producers, agents, and other industry folks to take notice. The interesting part is that industry people have taken notice of my talent and stories. They have expressed interest in producing my work, but for whatever reason, I have been scared to follow up with them. I truly believe that there was a time in my life when I was driven by the fear of embarrassment and failure. Yet, in these cases, I am scared off by a fear of success. Almost as though I can not believe that people who can make my artistic dreams come true would actually want to do just that. They want to read what I have to say. they believe in my ability to evoke a response, inform, and entertain. They want to give my project money to come to life. In many respects, is that not what all struggling artists, playwrights, screenwriters want? In one instance, not only did a high powered producer with Hollywood connections express interest in my screenplay, she was excited about me being one of the stars in my own film. When I wrote the piece originally, that was my dream, but as time went on, I began to realize that it may not work out that way. Yet, after my dazzling pitch, that is what she said! I would be one of the stars. I would be the one going on tour as the screenwriter and one of the stars. I would be on all the celebrity magazine shows and maybe on all the late night shows promoting my film. All I had to do was deliver a script equal to or better than my pitch. The thing is, the script was written. All papers were signed ready for delivery. Something held me back. Fear. What if I was not good enough? On the flip side, what if I was great and my career took off to overwhelming heights? With interest in this film and others scripts, why was I not making a film? Why am I languishing? Again, no real reason. Just excuses. That all changed last Wednesday when I finally decided to put myself out there. the response has been tremendous. the feedback for my film, the support from my friends, and as important, the interest from Hollywood. Unlike the past, these are opportunities I must not pass up. Writers and actors would die to have these chances I have been given and I must not blow them.

As I continue to refine my work, I have finally decided to do what so many have suggested over the years. Read everything. I have not been able to successfully download scripts from the internet. Often, the format is not industry standard. Other times, my screen reader did not allow for me to access certain file formats such as PDF. That looks to have been resolved over the years and while there are still many hurdles for me to overcome when it comes to technology, I have been able to read some scripts online in the last few days. I have taken a look at the Social Network, Phone Booth, and Pulp fiction. My question to those who check on these and other items on the internet is which sites do you recommend I visit to download screenplays to read? Now that I have apparently been able to figure out how to access them, I want to read more. I want to be able to trust the formatting and site from which I am downloading so if anyone has any suggestions, please reach out to me. thank you! Much more is on the horizon and I am excited that you will be a part of it by following this site.

Amanda Grace In Original Grease

2011-08-05T21:09:00.003-05:00

Are you a Beauty School Drop-Out? Do you look back on your Summer Nights fondly? Are you into hand jiving? If the answer to any of those is yes, then you are in for a tremendous treat with American Theater Company's latest production of the original Grease. What makes this production better than any prior to it is that this one includes the very talented, amazing, and beautiful, Amanda Grace!! She is one of my favorite people, a wonderful friend, and a spectacular artist. The show runs through August 21. Amanda Grace has been an understudy during this production, but she will star in the performances which will take place next weekend. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You will be in for a tremendous treat watching her sing, dance, and act her way into your heart.

For more information, please check out American Theater Company's web site:

www.atcweb.org

Groups of ten or more get $10 off tickets.

On Italians In Lincoln Square

2011-08-03T20:29:00.003-05:00

She is a talented actress, writer, and artist. She is a beautiful person, woman, friend. She is the amazing Laura Shatkus. You can read a poem she wrote which is published on the following web site. Anyone who so pleases can also express his or her art by drawing, painting, sculpting a work of art which takes Laura's poetic words and brings them to life. If after you read the poem, you feel you can create a piece to go with her words, then please submit your information to the contest.

http://sobs.org/Special-Projects/Art+Poetry-Chicago-2011/On-Italians-in-Lincoln-Square-by-Laura-Shatkus.html

Twenty Years In the Dark

2011-07-28T19:18:00.003-05:00

A long time agoI fell in love, but I lost her. Each day, I relive the memories we made together. She was my love. My eyesight." When my autobiographical theater piece was first produced in 2006, those were my opening words. Instead of scene numbers, I broke up the play into segments where each had it's own title. For example, the opening scene was called Last Night In Light. In fact, my last night in light took place twenty years ago yesterday. Yes, it was twenty years ago today in which I woke up on a Sunday morning anticipating another wonderful day kicked off by spending time in church praising God and Jesus for all the wonderful blessings in my life. Instead, I spent my time in church begging for the restoration of my sight. I prayed, bargined, and asked, but my words were not heard. If they were heard, then they were ignored. Each year, this is a difficult time for me. Just as I get through celebrating my birth, I must focus on what I believe to be my death. Yet, that is not quite true either. On one hand, it was my death as I stopped being the person I was prior to that Sunday morning, but on the other hand, I also feel that the day I lost my sight is the day I stopped being blind. I grew up being told that certain things were true and unwavering. I was told certain things were bad and dirty. I believed in my abilities and my worth because parents and friends told me to believe. I did not believe in other abilities and worth because parents and friends told me not to believe. In all honesty, I lived my life to make others happy. I lived my life making specific choices because they were the correct choices to please God, parents, and friends. After losing my sight, my family treated me differently. When I began to attend school, classmates and teachers treated me a certain way. They treated me like a blind person. I just wanted to be viewed as Israel. If anything, I was a sighted person who misplaced his sight. I would never be a blind person. I never wanted to be categorized as a disability. I wanted to be me and judged on who I was. I did not want to be a champion for a blind cause nor did I want to speak for blind people because I did not want anyone to speak for me. Above all, I did my best to make decisions for myself and not let others bully me into a decision.

As the years went by, I struggled to fit into both the blind and sighted worlds. In the blind world, I found individuals angry at the sighted and those who embraced blindness as their identification. In the sighted world, I found myself having a hard time proving I was worthy to hang. Academically, socially, and technologically were tough roads for me to travel. I did my best to succeed. When it came to athletics, I did not like any of the sports adapted for blind and visually impaired. They were not with what I grew up and were not for me.

Ever since I was sighted, I had always been insecure. After losing my sight, I became even more so especially when it came to women. I always felt a tough battle became more of an uphill climb when I was given a cane. I now had to prove to women that I was "a complete man." It did not help that I have never been "manly." I am not a beer drinking, hanging with the guys, watching violent gun movies, making fart jokes, objectifying women kind of a guy. I would rather drink wine, share my feelings with women, watch a romantic comedy, make sarcastic remarks, and cuddle. Having these interests may be why I do not have too many close male friends while I have been able to become close to countless women. I feel more comfortable around women. Many of them insist it is because I take the time to get to know and understand them. I often wonder had I remained sighted if I would have developed this way. Would I have become someone who wishes to connect with women on an emotional level or someone who is only interested in women on a sexual level? Would my interests as a whole have been different.

Maybe my willingness to share myself is why I have fallen into writing. To communicate and evoke a response is what I enjoy doing. I wonder if I would have found that same enjoyment had I remained sighted. I always reflect on my life whether with my writing, recent triathlon and road race participation, or my befriending so many wonderful people and think, would all this be the same if I still had my sight. I have always said that I would give anything to regain my sight. I always look at what I have achieved and believe I would have done much more if I had my sight. Yet, it was losing my sight which caused me to get motivated and inspired in ways I never knew I could during my sighted days. Each year on this date, I wonder what could have been. Each day I am grateful for what is. I still hope for the day I can see once more and still have plenty of anger and bitterness that I have not had the luxury to have had sight these last twenty years. Even if I get my sight one day, I will always feel cheated that there will always be a dark cloud over the years I did not see. I will also have a warm spot in my heart for the years I did not have sight because I learned so much about who I am. The friends and especially, the women who came into my life and remain a driving force for me to this day are individuals who would have never come into my life had I remained in light. Those women have taught me about being the best brother, friend, writer, lover, boyfriend, and husband I could ever imagine and for all that I would never trade these last two decades of my life. As I state at the end of my play, which I have now turned into a screenplay, what keeps me going on a daily basis is the hope that I will get to see once more. Until that day arrives, I am a sighted person who misplaced his sight, but who is doing his damndest to seize life in the dark!!

Denver Triathlon: My Mile High Adventure

2011-07-26T16:53:00.004-05:00

Flying high from all the birthday wishes last Thursday, I prepared for my early morning trip to Denver. I took time throughout Thursday to respond to every single phone call, email, and posting to my Facebook wall to express my gratitude to every single individual who took the time to send me their thoughts on my birthday. Finally, at 1:00a.m. I went to bed. My wake up call was set for 5a.m. I woke up, made sure I was set and rolled out to the Chicago streets on route to the airport. There, I cut through the line, eased through security, and sat quietly waiting for my plane to board. Just as the plane was ready to take off, we were informed there would be a delay due to in coming storms. After a one hour delay, the plane sped down the runway and took flight into the Chicago morning sky towards Denver. I reached Denver in the early afternoon where I was met by David Adame and his son, Brandon, who picked me up at the airport. They also were in charge of picking up, 2011 ESPY nominee, the great, Aaron Scheidies. The four of us headed to the headquarters of Acumen Contracting, one of the sponsors of the Denver Triathlon. After a few minutes of hanging out in one of the conference rooms, CEO, Matt Miller, greeted us. Shortly there after, we were joined by the Sugar Land goddesses, Patty and her daughter, Catherine. Also joining the festivities was matt's wife, Christin. Together, we headed to the Denver Triathlon VIP Kickoff Party were I ran into Cole Pauley, an Ironman triathlete I first met almost two years ago and one of my favorite people. Clark Bishop, the man who would guide me in the race on Sunday introduced himself and we began the process of bonding which would hopefully come in handy come race day. Stephanie, the daughter of another of my favorite athletes, Randall, introduced herself and before long, Clark was guiding me over to meet co-creator and co-race director, Chris Laskey who I first met in 2008 when he was the race director of the AIA Marathon in Fort Lauderdale. I thanked him for the opportunity to have spent the last few months promoting the event as a Brand Ambassador. I met some other folks too before heading off to the home where I would stay for the weekend.

On Saturday morning, Clark and I met up with other athletes who were part of Team C Different Foundation. CDF was the official charity partner of the Denver Triathlon and nineteen athletes were set to represent the non profit come Sunday. At this early morning gathering held at Wash Park, all were able to test out the tandem bikes we would ride during the race. Clark and I had the pleasure of being given a Matrix bike belonging to the great, Aaron Scheidies. It was so light weight and ran so smoothly that Clark and I were confident we would have a fantastic ride on race day. Of course we would. After all, the bike oozed of the Aaron mystique. In the afternoon, we picked up our race packet at the expo held at Invesco Field At Mile High Stadium. We heard from co-race directors, Matt and Chris. We also had a chance to walk around and try some samples from various sponsors which had booths set up all around the complex. Afterwards, it was time for the pre race dinner for Team CDF. The highlight for me at the party was when I was trying on a t-shirt and Clark mentioned that I had guns. I did not quite believe him, but was happy to hear him praise my arms.

My race day wake up call was set for 4a.m. I fell asleep around 10p.m., but woke up shortly before 3a.m. and was unable to fall back asleep. Unlike previous triathlons though, I was not nervous about the swim. My confidence stemmed from my performance at the NYC Tri in 2010. I had struggled in the Hudson River swim in 2008, but in 2010, I managed to work my way through the one mile swim with ease. If I followed the same game plan then I would be fine for the swim portion of the Denver triathlon. After all, it was only an 800 meters swim. After having our race day breakfast of waffles and orange juice, a different breakfast than my usual, we made our way to the race just after 5a.m. Clark put the tandem in transition one and we headed to Invesco Field for the second transition. He arranged our items which we would use on the run portion and we made our way back to the lake for the start of the event. Clark and I had our body marked with my number 1451 by the lovely, Michelle, who upon lifting my sleeves to mark my arms said, "Wow, you're muscular." I said that is why they call me Sexy Isra and I mentioned this blog to her to which she responded she would have to log on and check it out. I put on a wet suit, swim cap, and goggles. I took in the smell of the lake and prepared to jump in when our wave was sent out. Clark suggested we get in a practice swim. I tried a couple front crawl strokes and knew I would use the back stroke. At least, I would use my modified back stroke which I had called upon to get me through the Hudson River a year ago. After that practice session, anxiety and doubt began to creep in for the first time. Would I handle this? I started to shiver in fear. Our wave was next. Then it was time to go. I laid on my back and prepared to make my way through the 800 meters. Within a few seconds, I could not breathe. I was scared. I stood up and attempted to gather myself. I laid back in the water. Clark encouraged me. I moved a bit, but once more, I was fearful. I hyperventilated. I could not do this. there was no way I would make it half a mile. I stood up and told Clark I wanted out. He calmly reassured me that I should remain relaxed and he would get me through it. He insisted he was a strong swimmer and would do everything possible to get me through, but I needed to trust him and above all else, I needed to relax. He had me lay on the water and simply float. He told me to not swim. Just float. Slowly, he instructed me to add my arms and legs. My breathing returned to normal. I was relaxed. We started to move down the lake. As we progressed, I found confidence. We moved ever slowly, but we were moving. He kept encouraging me and praising me. I kept moving. Before long, we were at the halfway point. Soon I heard Clark saying, "We're turning for home, buddy. You're doing great!" I started to cramp. My legs were tired. I was losing control of my kick. I was sinking. We were only about halfway done. I started to be filled with more anxiety. Clark may have noticed because he assured me that we were making progress and we would complete the first part of this race soon. It was a long drawn out experience, but I knew we were going to make it. Then I heard music, cheers, and the public address announcer say, "You're forty meters away from the end. Maybe thirty." I wondered if he was talking to me. sure enough, his next words were, "Israel Antonio, you can do it! We're all waiting for you." We were within range of the finish. Then I heard a race volunteer inform me that I could stand up and walk it in. I stood up. Clark was laughing as he said, "You did it! We finished." A thunderous roar came from the crowd on the shore. Screams filled my ears. the announcer praised me for finishing and said that I was the final one to finish the swim portion thus ensuring 100% finishers of those who started. A man yelled out, "Israel, you're an inspiration! Way to go buddy." As some of my friends know, normally, this sort of thing makes me uncomfortable and a bit upset. Am I an inspiration because I finished the swim or because I am a blind person who finished the swim? Were I sighted, would I still be considered an inspiration or is it only because I can not see? For me, the ultimate sign of respect and display of equality is if I am treated like any other sighted or able bodied person. Yet on this day, none of that mattered. I did not care if I was being cheered and praised for being a blind athlete who finished the swim because on this day, I was not a blind person who made it through the swim. I was Israel Antonio, a man who had faced his fear and anxiety to gut out a swim. I wanted to stand there and embrace the compliments. I wanted to take the time to be proud of myself, but Clark and I still had work to do. We made our way to the transition area where we grabbed our bike equipment. The highlight of those few minutes was running into volunteer, Michelle, who shouted, "Hey sexy Isra, you made it. Way to go. I'm going to be checking out your blog." That more than anything made me smile. Michelle, if you are reading this, thanks for making my day and welcome to the Sexy Isra Experience.

Clark and I jumped on the tandem and began the thirteen mile ride towards Invesco Field At Mile High stadium where we would trade in the bike for our running gear. Within the first few minutes, Clark informed me that we had passed twenty to thirty people. We were flying. At one point, Matt Miller drove up and shouted words of encouragement. He drove off or so I thought. I searched inside for some extra juice as we kicked it into high gear. Then I heard Matt yell out that he had been driving along side to figure out how fast we were riding and he had noticed we were moving at 32 miles per hour. Talk about inspiring news. That served to push me even more. We rolled on through the streets of Denver eventually making our way to the stadium. I grabbed my tether and hat and began the 3.1 mile run to the finish line. I was riding high from such a spectacular bike portion, but quickly I noticed that while my legs were strong, I was breathing hard. My steps were light, but I was struggling to take measured breaths. I mentioned it to Clark who responded, "Welcome to altitude." It had finally caught up to me. I did my best to fight through it. I pushed and pulled as Clark lead me towards our final miles. Soon we reached our final aid station and it was time to lay the hammer for the final mile. Would I have enough left in the tank to close the show as I do at almost every race? I would soon find out. We neared the finish. Volunteers yelled out that we were only a few hundred meters from the finish. Clark told me we were nearing the final turn for home. The final straight-away. It was time. I pulled out my final kick. It was not there. I was able to push it to another level, but not the typical frantic finish which always takes my sighted guides by surprise. Not the same kick that my friend Brian once called the greatest final kick he had ever seen. Still, I managed to push one final time and gallop across the finish line. I had survived my early race meltdown to cross the end. Clark had been the reason I made it through the swim and was now the reason I had completed my third triathlon. We celebrated at the party post race. Matt had decided to set up kiddie pools of water and piles of ice. I tried to jump in per Matt's suggestion, but it was too cold for me. I lasted only a few seconds. Later on, I celebrated along with the rest of the crew at Lodos. It was a fun time and a perfect way to end the weekend. I took a flight out of the mile high city on Monday afternoon knowing that it had been a wonderful weekend and I would return again very soon for another try at this amazing event.

Birthday Blast

2011-07-21T23:35:00.002-05:00

There have been some tremendous events which changed my life forever or at the very least, changed my outlook on myself, family, friends, women, and life. Many of those events took place on my birthday. There are certain events which when one experiences them, they stay with one forever. Again, such moments have taken place on my birthday. Today was another day in which I had the opportunity to examine my life. There are days even now that I say that had I remained sighted, I would have lived an even greater more enriched life. Then I realize that much of who I am is a result of losing my sight. Would I still trade everything and anything in the world to get my sight back? YES! Unlike some others, blindness does not define who I am. I happen to not see, but I am not blind. I am a person who just happens not to have sight. Yet, losing my sight brought so many wonderful people into my life who have shaped and molded me into the person, artist, lover, friend, brother I am. On this, another birthday in which friends from all years of my life and from all walks of life reached out to express their best wishes for a wonderful birthday, I say thank you!! To all my loved ones, family, and friends who inspire, motivate, and support me. You are my driving force. You are the reason I succeed. when I fail, you are the ones who pick me up and ensure I not stop until the ultimate prize has been achieved. Thank you. Simply, thank you.

On Friday, I head to Denver to race in the Denver Triathlon. I look forward to this new race and the opportunity to make new friends and have fresh experiences. I still do not have my desired six pack abs, but I feel I am in the best condition I have been leading up to a triathlon. I hope the results show it. I know my heart will. May you have a tremendous weekend. I will inform you of my weekend upon my return.

Keri's Ironman Madison Adventure

2011-07-20T21:50:00.005-05:00

In November of 2009, I was informed that Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association would have a 2010 Chicago Marathon team. I instantly decided to make my debut at the marathon distance in my hometown race by being a part of the GLASA team to run 26.2 miles. In 2010 on October 10, I ran the Chicago marathon. It was a great opportunity to run for a worthy cause and organization. One of the individuals who works for GLASA is the wonderful, Keri Schindler. She is so passionate about her job and her active lifestyle that it is almost impossible to be around her and not be motivated as well. Whenever I get a chance to race on a team with which Keri is involved or race in an event with which Keri is associated, I always do it. She is simply one of the rock star individuals I know. Towards the end of last year and the start of this year, Keri joined forces with one of her friends, the amazing and heroic Melissa Stockwell as well as a couple other people to form the Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club which is USA Triathlon's first nationally recognized and certified paratriathlon club.

I made my debut with the Dare2Tri club in June when I raced in the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon where I was guided by Todd Smith in completing my first duathlon. GLASA and Dare2Tri are spectacular organizations which offer opportunities to so many youth and adults who may otherwise not have been given such chances to pursue athletic ventures. It is so wonderful that someone like Keri is involved with both groups. It will be even better if these organizations continue to expand. As Dare2Tri is still in its infancy, it needs more recognition and support from everyone. That is why I am writing this to highlight what keri Schindler is preparing to attempt on September 11, 2011. Keri is getting ready to swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles in under seventeen hours for the first time in her life when she toes the starting line at Ironman Madison. She is raising money and awareness for Dare2Tri. If you wish to learn more about the organization, please make sure to visit the web site at the bottom of this entry. Upon reading more, please feel free to donate to Keri's Ironman Madison venture.

To donate to Keri's mission:

http://www.active.com/donate/dare2tri/kerisironmanmadison

To read about Dare2Tri Chicago:

www.dare2trichicago.com

World Premiere A Second Look

2011-07-17T11:23:00.005-05:00

In my last entry, I wrote about the experience six years ago when my autobiographical piece, In the Dark, was named a New Play Fest winner by Prop THTR and premiered with a staged reading at the Cultural Center in downtown Chicago. I hope you take the time to read that entry as well since this is a continuation of that experience. After hearing what audience members, my sister and her husband, and my dear friend, Rani, had to say, I took some time to discuss the latest version with Gary Mills. He gave me some feedback and I returned home after a successful premiere overly thrilled at the road down on which I had begun to walk. On Saturday, I spent several more hours typing away editing the play in preparation for the second reading on Sunday afternoon. I made many changes. On Sunday, I went down to my local office supply store and printed out several copies for the cast before heading to the Cultural Center once more. As I mentioned in my previous post, upon walking into the lobby, I was greeted by Rani served to open my eyes that this was not a dream. It was really happening. Similarly, upon walking through the lobby doors on Sunday, I was greeted by a room full of chatter. The doors into the room of the reading had not yet been opened for the general public so a long line formed. Some friends came up to me. Many individuals I had met and befriended within the theater world were present. I was introduced to Scott Vehill. He is the co-founder and artistic director of Prop. He was anticipating this piece and was already raving about it. When the crowd finally filed in, it was a standing room only performance. During some heart wrenching moments, there was a sadness in the room. During funny moments, a thunderous roar of laughter filled the room. People were captivated. they were moved. I sat next to director, Emily Lotspeich. Based on her reaction, I knew I had written something special. When it ended, the talk-back began. Audience members raved! I had connected with them. People mentioned how powerful and meaningful this piece was and they excitedly awaited a production run. After the back and forth of comments, Scott Vehill stood up and said, "Bottom line is, as a producer, I'm interested in shows which make money. If I were to invest in this and produce it, would you come watch? Is this a show you'd spend your money on?" Audience members said yes and of course. To this, Scott responded with, "that's all I need to hear. I'm interested in doing this." Music to my ears. One of the most respected individuals in Chicago theater had just expressed an interest in producing this piece. I walked around thanking people for attending and receiving feedback from friends and artists. My friend Rob said, "I knew it was good, I didn't realize it was a masterpiece. Shakespeare, Iz. That's how good this is." Originally, I had imagined this play to be a one-man show in the spirit of John Leguizamo's many award winning Broadway smash hits so one of my acting instructors, Ted Horel, suggested I reach out to talented writer, director, actor, Robyn Okrant. I did and I was able to attend a performance of one of her successful one-woman pieces where I learned so much. Robyn attended this sunday reading and approached me to say that from the opening lines, I drew her in to the point she was already imagining ways she would stage the piece were she given the chance to direct. I was so thrilled at this because robyn was one of those I would want to direct my pieces. Another wonderful moment was when Matt Swan and his wife Judy came up to congratulate me on the piece. I took three of Matt's classes in the communications studies department when I was in college. He was my faculty advisor when I worked at WKDI-FM. He was a frequent guest on my radio program. Matt spent time at a TV station in Rockford, Il playing the character of Uncle Don on the uncle Don Terror theater. He was and remains a media expert and playwright. Matt was a supporter of my radio career and was the one who took me aside when radio was not quite working out for me to suggest I give strong consideration to taking a thirty minute film script which I had written as my final project in his media writing class and turn it into a full length feature which I could one day option to a Hollywood production company. I resisted at first, but with plenty of time on my hands, I decided to listen. It was writing the feature where I truly fell in love with writing stories. It was then that I realized I wanted to put more effort into this and would be best served to also take acting classes. While taking acting classes, I learned about the writing class offered at the school and jumped at the chance to write plays. This class was taught by Gary Mills which eventually lead me to writing In the Dark. It is fascinating to me how all these events are connected in the end.

The joy of having my first play receive this early success carried me through the next few months until I heard Prop was interested in producing performances. Eventually, I met with Scott Vehill who directed the piece as part of the Rhino Fest in September of 2006. I was so excited when Scott informed me that he wanted to produce the play, but only if I starred in it. Of course, that was my dream all along too. A year after the success of the weekend described in this and my previous post, I went into rehearsal for this play. My dear friend, Madelon, was cast as was long time family friend, Ivan. Together with Scott, we began a wonderful journey in July 2006 which saw us perform this play for audiences in September and October of that year. Each time I hit a milestone, I smile and celebrate. Just as I do this weekend. At times, taking a step back enables me to remember the excitement of that wide eye person I was when my play was first being submitted. It helps motivate me even as I work on the screenplay of this play. Trusted artists wait in anticipation of the screenplay and I am working hard to get them copies as I have promised, but writing and rewriting my life story is one of the most difficult tasks I have ever done. In my writing, I follow the same idea as in my acting. I try to be truthful in the moment. I try to have my audience connect with the piece and along the way evoke a response which makes them feel it was worth giving me their time and attention.

World Premiere Six Years Ago

2011-07-15T21:56:00.005-05:00

It was six years ago tonight that I walked into the Cultural Center in downtown Chicago anticipating what at that point was a crowning achievement for my writing. On Friday, July 15, 2005, the Cultural Center was home to Prop THTR's New Play Fest. My autobiographical theater piece, In the Dark, was receiving its world premiere staged reading for a paying public. In August of 2004, Gary Mills had suggested I write this play, but I was not too sure about it. Sure, I had a fun story of high school highlights and college successes, but beyond sharing my thoughts on what it was like to lose my eyesight over night when I was fourteen years old, what could I share with an audience which would keep them intrigued in my writing, story, and acting? I resisted the idea, but after about an hour, I agreed to give it a shot. By the spring of 2005, I had written a first draft. then Gary sent me an email that Prop THTR was in search of new unproduced pieces and he had mentioned my play to people at the theater group who were expecting a copy from me. I did not feel it was ready for submission. Gary agreed, but insisted that the only way I could grow was to send it out and get a response from a company. I did. In june, I received a letter from Emily Lotspeich congratulating me on having a story which needed to be shared. Not only had my piece been selected to be a part of the festival, but Emily would direct it. She put together a cast and I met with them. We read over the script and I went home to work on some rewrites. It was Tuesday night July 12. Only a few days from the first of two readings my play would receive. Upon returning home, I noticed I had a voicemail from my friend, Rani. I called her back and left a message. It was about 10:15p.m. I was tired, but figured I would at least read through my play once more and possibly make some minor changes until Rani would call me back. I started to read. Before long, I was making major changes. I was finding ways to improve the piece. I looked up and saw it was midnight. I was feeling a bit more energized so I kept reading and rewriting. Before I knew it, the clock said it was 3:00a.m. I was flying now. I kept editing until 7a.m. I went to bed and woke up at 10a.m. Immediately, I started up on the script. I implemented changes suggested by Emily and the cast. I also found other areas which I wanted to improve. I spent all day writing until about 5p.m. when I went to rehearsal again. On Thursday morning, I tweaked some more and was finally ready for the world premiere presentation.

I was feeling confident when I arrived two hours before show time. I walked through the lobby and the person into whom I first ran was Rani. She was there and extremely excited to check out this piece. Hearing her excitement only served to energize me even more. It also served as a eye opening moment. Wow! She is hear. This is real! Pretty soon other family and friends would be here too. To write my life story, I had to write about my family and friends so how would they react? When the show began, I was a little disappointed that the place was only half filled. After the show, Gary came up and said it was a successful night as in this one evening the theater had made more money than the entire festival run of the previous year. I was thrilled that my words were being spoken by professional actors and that people had paid to witness my work on display. I was happiest that my parents, one of my sisters and her husband, my lawyer buddy, my best friend's mother, and rani were present. There were other folks there too, but I did not know them. I was proud that whenever I would reflect on the very first time any of my pieces were presented to a paying public, I would always list those deared loved ones which are meaningful in my life. Having those individuals there is why the experience was so special! Then Sunday came along which was the day of the second reading and it was so special to have artists, familys, and friends from all aspects of my life present as the place was packed wall-to-wall and people had to stand along the walls due to an overabundance of people. How thrilling that was to hear such thunderous reactions to various moments of my show. That too was a moving experience for many reasons. As always though, that first one is the most memorable. Six years ago tonight. How fascinating my life is as a result of that moment.

An Update From Monstrochika

2011-07-14T21:56:00.003-05:00

Last Friday, I posted about a talented artist who I met in high school and who is someone whose work is on display as part of Fresh Paint in chicago. Said talented amazing artist and person has now posted a new entry on her blog discussing some of her latest art, reflections on what she is doing, and a link to an hour long interview conducted where she was one of those interviewed about some of the recent events and forms of expression taking place all around us.

Here is Monstrochika's latest entry, please check it out and make sure to check out any of her pieces on displayed:

http://monstrochika.livejournal.com/14088.html

I Will Run 26.2 Miles For Imerman Angels

2011-07-11T22:40:00.003-05:00

I am very confident that everyone knows someone who has had cancer or has cancer. Many people unfortunately can make the claim that a friend, loved one, or significant other has died as a result of this disgusting disease. I have family who survived it. I have friends and friends of friends who have been on death's door only to pull through and live. I also know friends who have died. One of my dear friends passed away just three months ago. To honor her memory and to further show my family members and loved ones that I am with you through it all, I have decided to run the Chicago Marathon this October 9, 2011 as a member of Imerman Angels Team. IA provides one-on-one cancer support to those suffering from cancer so that no one goes through it alone! This world has lost too many wonderful individuals to this horrible disease and often, those who must fight through this feel alone and that no one understands their suffering. Maybe those of us who have never had cancer do not truly understand the situation, but those who have stared death in the face and lived to tell about it can offer a helping hand or a calming voice to tell others what it felt like to endure cancer or the treatment. Above all, those who survived can share what it feels like to triumph. Maybe he or she dealing with cancer is scared and feels all is lost. He or she who is about the same age, gender, or ethnic background can give hope and offer a face behind the story of survival to give the next person the motivation and inspiration to one day be another success story!

Running 26.2 miles is like climbing a mountain. The training, miles, and effort which must go into it are demanding. I have seen the mountain those with cancer must climb and it is an even greater challenge than I am about to endure in preparation for the Chicago Marathon, but I am willing to do my part to honor those closest to me as well as paying tribute to your dear ones with cancer. I ask for your support as I prepare to write my name in the 26.2 record books once more. I will do my part to run as fast as I can. Faster than i have ever run in a race of this distance. I ask that you support me by donating to my cause for Imerman Angels so that no one does face cancer alone.

Throughout the next three months, I will keep you informed here about my progress with fundraising and training. I welcome all who wish to share their experience of how cancer has changed or touched their lives. Together we can be there for each other and can do our part to make this a better world. Please log on and donate at the following site and please pass the link to others:

www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/israel/ImermanAngels2011Team

Fresh Paint At Cobalt Studios

2011-07-08T22:37:00.010-05:00

Because of my four older sisters, I developed a love for musicals at a young age. By the time I was seven years old, I had seen some of the best productions and enjoyed Annie, Music Man, and West Side Story so it was not a surprise to anyone that when my high school's spring musical one year was West Side Story that I jumped at the chance to audition. I joined the production and was excited at the opportunity to have my moment on the stage as all four of my sisters did throughout every year of their high school careers. In the end, the best part of being in that show was the chance of a lifetime to meet and befriend an amazing talented beautiful young woman named Naomi! For all the wonderful memories of living in the world of the Jets and Sharks or Tony and Maria, the fondest memories are of being around Naomi. She has gone on to become an even greater talent whose comic books, illustrations, and paintings are often on display for those who appreciate the work of amazing artists.

Those living in Chicago will get an opportunity to see this talented artist's latest work on display starting on Saturday, July 9 at Cobalt Studios. Please make sure you check out Fresh Paint. For more information on dates and time as well as an opening five hour reception, please visit the following site:

http://cobaltartstudio.blogspot.com/2011/06/fresh-paint-opens-saturday-july-9th.html?spref=fb

The Code

2011-07-07T19:02:00.009-05:00

It may be easy to ask, where have all the writers gone? It is just as easy to answer, they are all still here. People just need to open themselves to the talented writers who are publishing wonderful work for our pleasure and entertainment. One such talented woman is Jen Knox! Her piece, The Code is the Global Short Story Competition winner for May. Congratulations to Jen on the award.

To read the story, visit the following link:

http://www.globalshortstories.net/maywinners2011.pdf

I hope the above link gets you to the story. If not, visit Jen's site for a link to it:

www.jenknox.blogspot.com

2 Friends Nominated For ESPY AWARD

2011-07-06T22:41:00.003-05:00

Each year, you might look back at that year which is coming to a conclusion and wonder what was your favorite, moment, song, book, film, experience? >You might even make your own personal list for your enjoyment or to share with friends via email, Facebook, or Twitter. Like you or many organizations and outlets in the world, ESPN does this look back to the previous year with the ESPY Awards. Fans get to vote on their favorites in different categories. This year, two of my friends have been nominated for ESPY Awards and I am hoping you will vote for them to win this popularity contest.

I met Aaron Scheidies when I raced in my very first triathlon at the New York City Triathlon in 2008. Even prior to meeting him, we spoke on the phone. I read plenty about him online and was tickled at how accomplished and down to earth he was. On the phone, he treated me as though we had been long time friends. When we met, it was more of the same. His story is so moving. It ripped my heart out to read how he had problems with his eye when he was five years old, but doctors insisted he was fine and was simply crying out for attention. He gradually lost his sight to a rare eye condition, but had discovered his athletic skills. He hoped to continued his athletic career post eyesight lost and he was able to do so by racing triathlons. In October of 2007, Scheidies, with Ben Collins as his sighted guide, broke the two hour barrier for an olympic distance triathlon by completing the race which consists of a .9 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike ride, and 6.2 mile run in one hour and fifty-seven minutes. He has also competed at the world championships for olympic distances, Half Ironman, and full Ironman triathlons. He is a world champion triathlete and even greater individual. He is nominated for Male Athlete With A Disability.

I first read about Melissa Stockwell in an online article. She had served this country as a member of the army. Melissa proudly went to Iraq to take part in the war. Three weeks after arriving, she lost her leg in a roadside bomb. She was twenty-four years old at the time. She was crushed that in losing her leg, she would no longer be able to participate in sports which she loved doing as much as she loved representing her country in battle. Eventually, Stockwell found herself in a swimming pool and discovered that while in the pool she was herself again. She began competing in swim events and discovered she had a talent for triathlons too. She raced in Chicago and soon found herself in New York City in the summer of 2010 competing in the National Championship for Physically Challenged athletes. She performed so well, she qualified for the world championship which she simply went out and won! Shortly after learning of her inspirational story, I was told about a new group, Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club of which, Melissa was one of the founding members. I was asked if I had interest in joining the team. To meet Melissa and race along side? Of course, yes! When I finally did meet her, I was in awe of the magnificent woman. She is nominated for Female Athlete With A Disability.

Please vote for Aaron and Melissa at the following site:

http://espn.go.com/espys/#!/voting/

For more information on Aaron, please visit:

www.cdifferentwithaaron.com

For more information on Melissa, please visit:

www.melissastockwell.com

A Fourth Of July Thank You

2011-07-04T22:45:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to take this time to say thank you very much to all of my readers and followers. I appreciate that I have an audience who takes an interest in my theater, film, and athletics. I hope you visit often and I am able to keep you informed and entertained. I hope that you tell your family, friends, and enemies to visit my site and read my anticipation, reflections, or promotions. I especially want to express my gratitude to those individuals who have become my friends over the years who often provide me with advice and assistance whether with my theater pieces, screenplays, or racing ventures. I often arrive to a conclusion, but ever the artist, I often question myself and the conclusion to which I have arrived so it is wonderful when others whom I trust tell me what I have felt all along. One example is how my friend, Matt Miller, actor, model, triathlete, film producer, roofing contracter, told me that I would eventually notice that my racing triathlons and road races would collide and become one with my artistic ventures. This is something I knew for a while, but having someone whom I respect tremendously say that meant plenty as he was speaking from the experience of living it. I am finding that people who help me with artistic projects are the same ones who can help with my athletic ones. Just as I find that someone who comes into my life to be a sighted guide for me to race a triathlon or marathon end up becoming friends who work in the entertainment field for their day job. It is so fascinating how these worlds are constantly colliding and becoming one.

Over the couple of years since I have been maintaining this blog, I have been contacted by so many individuals who also discover me on Facebook or Twitter and I thank all of you for becoming my friend, followers, and inspiration. Some of those talented individuals provide me with a look into what they do and I find myself motivated to keep pushing to achieve greatness. I do my best to highlight them and their work here as they too are part of Team Antonio. As always, anyone who plays a role in helping me even in situations they may not realize it, I will always shine a light on him or her!

Happy Day of declaring independence from England. I hope you are safe and have enjoyed the day and weekend with loved ones. Please continue to read my blog, tell others, and always feel free to reach out to me. Thank you!

The Eva Dress By Wanda Cobar

2011-06-29T21:15:00.003-05:00

My long time friend from high school began to sing the praises of one of her dearest friends. I was so intrigued at the amazing woman she described that I wanted to meet said friend. Then I found out that said friend was a talented beautiful clothing designer. My friend told me where to visit the clothing designer's site and before long, I was learning more about the talented Wanda Cobar. she and her designs have gone around the world. From runways in New York to those in France. From designing outfits for local high school teams to Steven Tyler and other celebrities, Wanda Cobar is a star! I invite you to check out her latest dressed featured at the web site listed below. In the future, I will make sure to post much more information about pending showcases where you can go see her work on display.

Please check out The Eva Dress and feel free to buy it:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66294130/black-dress-w-hand-beaded-back-the-eva

Pleasant Prairie Recap

2011-06-26T19:23:00.003-05:00

On Saturday night, I set my wake up call at 3:30a.m. for Sunday. I finally went to bed at 10:30p.m. but I had a difficult time falling asleep. I tossed and turned before finally sleeping only to be awakened a short time later then having to endure the process again. I could not understand why I kept tossing and turning since I would not be swimming at the race the next morning. I figured that should have relaxed me enough to sleep, bit it did not. Finally, at 3:30a.m. my alarm went off and I leaped up to get ready. I had placed my rope tether, bike helmet, and other items in my bag the night before so I only had to get dressed, eat breakfast, and go. I put on my triathlon shorts and my spanking brand new denver triathlon shirt. I had some powerade and a bagel. Shortly afterwards, Todd Smith, the man who would be my sighted guide for the event, arrived and we were off to the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon in Wisconsin.

We were on the road at 4:30a.m. so driving was smooth and easy. We reached the race site shortly after 5 o'clock and we made our way to the Dare2Tri Chicago tent. As I walked towards the tent, I took in a deep breath and found myself nervous and excited to be back on the grounds of another race. Todd lead me over to transition after a quick stop in the Dare2Tri tent. We found our tandem bike and Todd adjusted the seat for me. he put on my bib number which on this day was 8. As the race start neared, we left transition and returned to the tent. We waited as the first wave of athletes took their mark. The triathlon began at 6:30a.m., but our duathlon wave did not start until 7:16a.m. so it was tough getting swept away by hearing songs like eye Of The Tiger blasting out of speakers yet I could not go just yet. So I had to relax. We walked over to the start as we were ten minutes away from our wave start. I was nervous and anxious to get going. This was the first time todd would be a sighted guide in a race so I was attempting to figure out ways to put him at ease. It seemed as though he was anxious while relaxed so I did not have to say or do much other than give him some instructions on how to call out pending changes in the course. The time neared for our start. As part of the duathlon we would run 2.5 miles then bike 12.6 miles before closing the last leg with a 3.1 mile run.

It was time to go. Todd lead the way as our wave took off. I started off very slowly as I do in almost every race. I wanted to give Todd a chance to get into the groove while ensuring I was comfortable with my surroundings. It took almost three quarters of a mile before I started moving with a purpose. By the time we crossed the first mile, I was beginning to feel comfortable. It was a steady run which ended quickly and we jogged into transition. I took of my tether which I use for the run and put on my bike helmet. I grabbed some water as Keri Schindler of Great lakes Adaptive Sports Association and Dare2Tri Chicago suggested we not mount the bike until we walked it out of transition and on to the course. We did just that. After leaving transition, we mounted and began to roll. The couple of times I have done olympic distance triathlons, which include a twenty-five mile bike ride, I found that about halfway through is when my butt starts to hurt on the bike so I figured if I could get through the first ten miles of the bike, maybe I will only have to be concerned with my butt hurting for the final two miles as oppose to the longer rides. the moment we began to move, I was swept up by emotions wanting the bike portion to end quickly. Suddenly, I pedaled hard and fast. todd was taken by surprise and was thrilled at how strong my legs were kicking. He was laughing and kept encouraging me to keep kicking so I kept driving. Up the hills. Down the hills. I was charging. Every few minutes todd would laugh and say we were killing it. We were also hitting stretches where we rolling by groups of ten or fifteen cyclist at a time. the more excited todd became, the more I digged down deep to increase the speed. At one point Todd said we were moving at speeds greater than twenty, then twenty-five, and even thirty miles per hour on the bike. I could not sustain that speed, but we did crank it out steadily and before I knew it, todd said he could see us nearing transition. It could not have been much more than thirty minutes yet we were nearing the end of the 12.6 mile ride. We reached transition and jumped off. Keri Schindler met us and she walked with me as Todd put the bike away and grabbed my tether for the second run of the day. I grabbed an energy bar and some water and made my way to the run.

We started slow as I was in shock at what we had just achieved on the bike. Were we really pushing twenty-five and thirty miles per hour in stretches? that is incredible! It took almost a mile for me to fully get my legs under me, but I did, I found my comfort level and we cruised. Before long, we had reached the two mile mark and we were down to the final 1.1 mile of the race. todd pushed me to dig deep. I started to cramp, but I pressed along. I was fading. My ability to hear his instructions and react was becoming difficult, but I kept telling myself to stay focus. I could hear the public address announcer and music at the finish line. todd informed me that we were crossing the three mile mark. .1 miles to go. It was time to take flight. Putting aside any cramps and pain, I burst out ahead and took off. Todd struggled to keep up and he began to scream "To your left. to your right." I zigged and zagged my way through a large group of people as I pumped my arms and began to open up my stride and kick. I exploded towards the finish. the crowd grew louder and I grew stronger and truly took flight. Todd put his arms around me and we flew across the finish line to a loud ovation!

My first duathlon was in the books. We walked around getting hydrated and talking to others. Todd was so thrilled at successfully guiding and it was a joy to hear his excitement as he shared his thoughts with others on what the experience was like for him. I enjoyed hearing how nervous he became as I took off unexpectedly and he attempted to get me across without injuring myself or others. My first attempt at the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon with the Dare2Tri Chicago people was a joyous success. The next race for them will be July 30 in Chicago. The week before I will be in Denver for the Denver Triathlon. I hope the pictures from this event are great and I will be able to share them here, on Twitter, and Facebook for all to see.

Thank you again to Todd Smith for escorting me through the course in such splendid fashion. His reactions throughout the day served as the motivation for me to keep striving.

Do The "Du"

2011-06-25T15:26:00.003-05:00

It is the day before my first race as a member of Dare2Tri Chicago. The group will be heading to Wisconsin on Sunday to take part in the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon. Some members will tackle the olympic distance triathlon. Others will try their hands at the sprint distance. Still a few more will attempt the duathlon. That is the event I will be trying. It consists of a 2.5 mile run followed by a 20K bike ride then topped of with a 3.1 mile run. I have competed in a couple triathlons, but this will be my first duathlon. I am excited to be getting out there almost a month after the Soldier Field 10. After tomorrow, it will most likely be one month before my next race which is going to be the Denver Triathlon. I have never attempted a duathlon and look forward to the opportunity to have one under my belt bright and early tomorrow as the race will begin at about 6:30a.m. From what I understand, I will be a part of the first wave, but we shall see. I look forward to meeting the man who will be my sighted guide for the race. My only communication with the man, Todd Smith, has been via email. It is always fun to meet new individuals and make new friends. One of the aspects of racing which is both fun and challenging is meeting my sighted guides a day or two before the race, finding some commonality, then building up trust rather quickly. After all, whether I am swimming, biking, or running, it truly is a case of entrusting the person with my life. Often, he or she who guides me is volunteering as a guide for the first time so I know the person is anxious. I do my best to make them feel at ease as quickly as possible so he or she will be able to perform at his or her best. Most of all, I hope that the person enjoys the experience so that guiding will be something he or she will consider doing once more in the future.

My wake up call for tomorrow will be 3:15a.m. so I will be ready by the time Todd arrives to drive me to the race so I better go enjoy the rest of my day as I relax, get plenty of liquids, and prepare my equipment for the event.

Denver triathlon Discount for A Limited time

2011-06-21T23:41:00.003-05:00

Are you interested in attempting your first triathlon? Have you completed many, but do not have one scheduled in July as you wish you did? A great event for your consideration is the Denver Triathlon! Test your mind and body in the Mile High city by participating in the olympic distance or sprint distance. You can either race in the event as an individual or as part of a team to take advantage of the triathlon club challenge. For a limited time, the race directors who are organizing this spectacular event are offering a $25.00 discount for those who wish to register. Push your mind and body to the limit. You may discover your limit is much more than you give yourself credit. In addition, you will have a chance to run into me! So check out the link below and register today to receive $25.00 off your entry.

If you have any questions you can contact the organizers directly and these friendly amazing people will get back to you promptly. I guarantee.

http://www.active.com/triathlon/denver-co/the-denver-triathlon-2011

Optic Nerve Call for Submissions

2011-06-17T22:33:00.002-05:00

Since losing my eyesight as a teen, I have been jumping over obstacles continuously. A major difficulty has been with technology. I admit I am not the most tech savvy person out there, but adaptive technology is often unable to keep up with the ever changing advancements which sighted folks take for granted. By the time third party software such as screen readers catch up to an advancement, program and site developers have long since moved on to other new inventions. Frequently, such programs, equipment, or sites are inaccessible for a time. This is one of the reasons when friends kept insisting I join the social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, I could not. I wanted to, but everything I read online from other blind and visually impaired computer users stated that these sites were inaccessible for screen readers. Eventually, mobile version of these sites proved to be accessible, but I have never liked them since I feel I am missing out on the enriched experience of the regular site even though the use of Flash on them makes it difficult for my screen reader to keep up with the regular site. After years of resisting, I purchased an Apple Mac a few years ago after plenty of research showed that by using a Mac, I would no longer have to spend $1,000 to $2,000 semi annually on third party screen reader software to use a PC. Plus, a similar amount when needing to buy upgrades. As of 2005, Apple computers came with screen reader software built-in for free. All upgrades were also free. Eventually, this was the case for their MP3 players, phones, and all other Apple products. Maybe ninety percent of the world still uses PC and so many more tech experts in the field of adaptive technology were PC people, but Apple products would enable me to use a blog, Facebook, and Twitter. I created this blog with a PC, but I struggled to navigate the site to post regularly. When I switched, I discovered I was able to access my account with much more ease. I also created my Facebook and Twitter accounts using my PC. I had some early success, but discovered even greater success upon making the switch to a Mac. Every so often, I will find a couple of tasks to be a bit more difficult on a Mac and would prefer a PC, but for the most part, I find I am able to be a part of the online world with greater ease nowadays. Being able to have more access to social networking sites has enabled me to reconnect with so many friends. Many of them have found me and I am shocked they still remember me. I find it most curious to hear what many of my friends especially those from grade school think of me now as finding me and seeing my pictures on Facebook is the first time they are seeing me since losing my sight. One of my grade school friends is a talented beautiful young woman with whom I reconnected over the last year. She is one of those friends from junior high who was always so amazing and I often wondered where and how she was since we lost contact so it has been a great thrill to touch base with her again. She now works at the Museum Of Contemporary Art, North Miami. The museum has put out a call for submission for their 2011 Optic Nerve. In previous years, they have accepted submissions only from artists in the Miami and Florida area, but this year, they have expanded their search to include artists from all over the country. So if you are a filmmaker who is interested in submitting your film for consideration as part of this year's Optic Nerve, please check out the guidelines and download and application at the site listed below. Early deadline is June 26 and final deadline is July 10.

For more information on Optic Nerve, please visit:

http://www.mocanomi.org/optic-nerve-xiii/

Pleasant Prairie For Dare2Tri

2011-06-13T21:31:00.002-05:00

Last October, I ran my first ever marathon when I tackled 26.2 miles at the Chicago Marathon. I never thought I would ever run that distance, but thank you to the amazing Paula Radcliffe for her world record performances over the years which inspired me to give it a try. As many of my readers may remember, the experience was made much more special when I was able to run the race on behalf of the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association based out of a Chicago suburb. It is an organization which works with adults and youths who have a physical disability or visually impairment. GLASA also works with military veterans whose sacrifice to the USA includes suffering injuries which now forces them to live with a physical or visual impairment. GLASA works hard to organize social events and athletic competition to enable these youth and adults to reclaim their lives or in some cases, discover their abilities for the first time in their lives. Hopefully, through the use of sports, these individuals can find strength and motivation for other aspects of their lives. Many of the young kids say that the staff at Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association were the first ones to ever believe in them or give them a sense of purpose.

Keri Schindler of GLASA has been wonderful to me since the first time she reached out to me a few years ago. I had contacted a couple of the shoes and apparel stores in Chicago which have running clubs to inquire about whether I may be allowed to run with those groups and to explain that I had lost my eyesight as a teen and spent the better part of almost twelve years not participating in athletics, mainly because I could not adjust to sports adapted for the blind, but that I had begun to participate in triathlons and road races and wished to be more involved with local groups in order to make more friends while hopefully finding some more individuals who would volunteer to be my sighted guides in future races. The folks with whom I spoke were warm and welcoming. they were willing to work with me and ask their members if anyone would be interested in trying to be my sighted guide during group runs. Through the exchange of phone calls and emails, Keri received a note from one of her friends who were friends of friends of the folks I had contacted at these stores. she introduced herself and told me about what she does with GLASA. When the opportunity to run the marathon on behalf of GLASA came along, I immediately said yes. Earlier this year, Keri informed me about a new triathlon club in Chicago which she and friends were putting together geared at athletes who were paratriathletes. Physically and visually impaired athletes who had either never raced a triathlon or who had done several and wished to do more as part of a team. I was excited as I began to read a little more about the club especially when I began to read about one of the other founders, Melissa Stockwell. She is an Iraq War veteran who lost her leg when a roadside bomb exploded three weeks after Melissa arrived to serve in the war for her country. I visited her web site, blog, and youtube videos. I was so moved by her story and courage. I knew the Dare2Tri Chicago Paratriathlon Club was a group with whom I wanted to associate.

The first event for the team is fast approaching. Sunday, June 26, is the Pleasant Prairie Triathlon in Pleasant Prairie, Wi. There is an olympic and sprint distance triathlon. there is also a duathlon for those wishing to run and bike, but not swim. I am still not confident with my swim so I was leaning towards the sprint distance since the swim is 750 meters instead of double that for the olympic, but in the end, I decided on the duathlon since I will run 2.5 miles, bike 12.6 miles, and run 3.1 miles.

If anyone is interested in the triathlon:

www.pleasantprairietriathlon.com

Interested in more information about Dare2Tri Chicago especially if you are interested in being a handler or sighted guide:

www.dare2trichicago.com

Kate Bergeron Updated IMDB Reel

2011-06-08T19:23:00.003-05:00

It was late summer 2004. I had been taking acting classes for almost a year making some break-throughs here and there, but I had not quite begun to tap into what I could do. I spent plenty of time observing others in my classes attempting to learn from them. It was clear that so many of my friends would go on to be very special on stage and screen. Of course, many of them stood out immediately as being young, raw, and talented. Others were on the brink of stardom. It was just a matter of time. As it turned out, many of them have gone on to enjoy successful careers. Many of them are becoming household names appearing in plays, TV shows, films, magazines, and web shows. One of those individuals is the amazing Kate Bergeron. I had the opportunity to watch her work her magic. I also had the great privilege to work opposite her in some in-class exercises. It was such a joy! I learned so much from her. She now has an updated demo reel on IMDB which I invite all to watch. Read about some of the work she has done and prepare yourself to see this talented and beautiful actress, model, singer much more in the future.

Her demo reel can be found here:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2883568/

Kate's personal web site is here:

www.katebergeron.com

Soldier Field 10 Photos

2011-06-07T21:29:00.004-05:00

On Saturday, May 28, I took part in the Soldier Field 10. A ten mile run starting just outside of famed Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, and ending with a run through the players' tunnel, on to the field, and finishing on the home team's logo at the fifty yard line. Michael Crissie was my sighted guide for this event. The pictures are now available for purchase. I am providing this link in case anyone wishes to, at the very least, view my race day photos. There is a short video which plays once you log on to the site, but a few people have told me that they could not find me in it. You can try to look for me in case others simply missed me.

http://www2.brightroom.com/browser.aspx?eid=79422&bib=11419&pwd=

To Begin Again

2011-05-30T21:28:00.004-05:00

Lately, I have been spending plenty of time rewriting my autobiographical theater piece while simultaneously writing the screenplay version. I found that tackling the screenplay has forced me to attempt to tell the story using less words and more pictures. This has in turn helped me with immagining the play in a different way. The original piece which was first produced in 2006 was a one act play with a running time of one hour and twenty minutes. It was forty-five pages and was overwhelmingly reliant on my breaking the fourth wall to convey my thoughts and ideas of a given scene or person within a scene. As I told a friend, it was very much like Zach Morris in the Saved By The Bell program. That is something I only noticed within the last few months. My initial intension was to craft it in my own voice, but it was clear to many that there was a heavy influence from John Leguizamo's award winning Broadway shows. I was tickled when my friend, Rani, pointed out that it was very clear to see how my piece was influenced by Woody Allen's Annie Hall. At the point she made this comment, I had not yet seen Annie Hall. As a result, I made it a point to watch it and instantly, I knew what she meant. At the end of 2010 I began to rewrite the piece. I was most excited that I was willing to share new stories. These were stories I was not yet comfortable to share involving deep intimate moments especially with women. I shared many involving me and women in those 2006 performances which spoke to my insecurities, fears, and rejections, but I had not been ready to share ones which exposed even greater vulnearability. After those performances, I began to perform at schools, churches, and conferences where I tested out some of these. My friend and castmate, Madelon was so tremendous in helping me find my voice and comfort level to share these parts of my life and we both knew eventually, I would need to find a balance within to share these in my autobiographical piece. Another big shift in my telling my story was to not rely on breaking the fourth wall so much. I concluded that I needed to take my audience to a desired point in a scene and keep them there. I also needed to keep myself there so that my castmates could feel my emotions and play off of them. By turning to the audience to make a comment or share my feelings, I was taking myself out of the scene and doing a disservice to everyone especially my fellow actors. I was not quite sure how I could share my feelings with the audience without resorting to telling them directly. When I worked on the screenplay, I discovered how to do so. I was so excited that I rewrote the play. then after a few weeks, I went back into the play yet again and continued to carve out another draft until I had completed a two act 108 page draft.

I am so grateful to Facebook, twitter, and the internet because I have been able to find inspiration through other writers who have become my friends and whose work serve as wonderful resources on what greatness is and can be. One of those talented writers is Jen Knox! Having a chance to breathe again in between starting on my next writing project, I have been catching up on her blog posts and she is simply amazing. It is so wonderful to see how she communicates her honesty and truth through her creativity. I have read a few of her short stories and look forward to finally getting the chance to read her books. One is Musical Chairs and the other, which was recently released, is To Begin Again. That title speaks to me as I feel that I have begun again as I return to the piece which made me a produced playwright and an actor in a male lead for the first time. I hope everyone gets a chance to check out Jen's two books. You will be blown away by her talent.

Here is a link to the To Begin Again Amazon page:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0984629785?linkCode=shr&camp=213733&creative=393189&tag=jen04-20

2011 Soldier Field 10

2011-05-28T20:43:00.003-05:00

After the false start from a couple weeks ago when I was set to kick off my 2011 season with a half marathon, but could not due to my guide injuring himself days before the race then reinjuring himself an hour prior to the race, I was able to cross the start line on Saturday morning at the Soldier Field 10. On friday, I was able to get in one final workout in the morning and spent the rest of the day relaxing and drinking liquids. My hope was to have everything set by 9p.m. so I could go to bed around that time. Of course, it did not quite work out that way and I did not get to put my head on my pillow until 10:30p.m. I could not sleep. I tossed and turned thinking about almost everything else, but the race. I did not feel I was nervous or anxious, but maybe I was a little bit. I thought about some edits with a couple theater pieces and screenplays. I thought about some friends I have not spoken to or seen recently as well as a few with whom I have recently been in contact and have discussed getting together. My alarm was set for 4:20a.m. It was midnight and I was still awake.

Just as I was wondering, will I get any sleep tonight, my alarm went off and I realized that apparently, at some point, I had indeed fallen asleep. This morning's breakfast was peanut butter and jelly sandwich accompanied by a twenty ounce bottle of Powerade. The weather called for some possible rain and chillier temperatures so I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door just as the doorbell rang at 5:30a.m. Michael Crissie, my sighted guide for the event, had arrived and it was time to roll. We arrived at Soldier Field at 6a.m. and made our way to gear check. I put on my SF10 dry fit shirt, took off my running pants since I planned to run in my trusty triathlon shorts, and grabbed my tether which Michael would hold on to to navigate me through the course. By 6:05a.m. we were ready, but the race would not start until 7:30a.m. We walked around for a bit and it was cold. I spent most of the next hour shivering and blowing on my hands. Eventually, we worked our way to a grassy part just outside the stadium for the start. Michael was excited and feeling strong. I was a bit nervous as this would be my first double digit mile run since the Chicago Marathon last October. For the last month, I have been working mostly on my speed as I have been running at a 6:40 to 7:00 minutes per mile pace. I have not been able to run for distance and find myself averaging just under three miles at those paces. The race begins and we wait for our turn to go in the midst of a record turnout of 15,000 in the eighth year of this event which is organized to pay back the men and women of all branches of the US armed forces. The charities associated with this event work with veterans and their families as well as those currently serving around the world. We eased through the first two miles. We slowed up a bit in the third, but kept coasting along as Michael told me some stories, computed what was happening around him and relayed it to me in real time, attempted to clear a path for me as we zigged and zagged by many people. Most annoying were the ones listening to their MP3 players and unaware that Michael was attempting to get their attention. We reached the five mile turn around and we headed for home. By this point, the chillier weather was not to be found. I am sure it was still present, but with the folks around us and us moving steadily, I could no longer feel any cold. Along the way plenty of people came up to us to congratulate us for being out there. Some patted me on the back while others just offered encouragement. One older gentleman ran up and said, "I'll run with you guys for a bit. I'll clear a path for you guys." He was one of the volunteer pace setters so it was fun to run with him for a bit before he sprinted ahead and left us in his dust. One woman came up and said, "You're my hero." I said thank you. then Michael chimed in with, "She means me." She laughed and responded with, "Well, both of you." Michael is my hero. As i mentioned to my long time friend, Alison, who is Mmichael's fiance, I think people are too quick to call the blind or visually impaired a heroic person for having the courage to get out and race and they tend to forget that without the sighted guide, it would be impossible for a blind or visually impaired person to race. I have observed all that my guides do each race to prepare and to guide within the race and to be honest, I do not believe I could ever pull it off as wonderfully as the men and women who have guided me. It is a tough task keeping up with a certain pace, watching everything going on, and still have the ability to share all that information in time for he or she who is being guided to react. Suddenly, in the midst of mile six, I began to struggle. My pace slowed and I started to doubt myself. I kept plugging along as Michael noticed and began to up the encouragement. By the time we reached mile eight, I was tired, but feeling good. I heard footsteps and having breathing all around me and was pleasantly surprised that I still had not begun to breathe heavily nor stomp my feet when I landed. I was still fine. My steps were light and respiration was measured. With two miles to go, I started mentally telling myself, 3200 meters left. As we moved along, I kept estimating in meters. Then I heard 1.3 miles left. Michael prepared me for the final mile push. We arrived at the final mile and I thought, 1600 meters left. I kept speaking to myself mentally subtracting distance, but Michael noticed that I was becoming heavy and dragging. "Where's that speed work? Come on!", he shouted. Yes, I thought. This is where those seven minute miles must pay off. I can run half a mile in three to four minutes in training so let us try that now. I reached inside and began picking up the pace. Michael shouted out that we had forty feet until a turn and I would make that my goal to speed up for that distance. then he informed me we were fifty feet from the stadium entrance so that distance became my new goal. We reached the stadium and entered a tunnel. Just a few hundred meters to go. We made a turn and I heard the Chicago Bears fight song as we ran through the players' tunnel. Just a bit more and we will have made it to the field. We popped out of the famed tunnel and on to the playing surface. Just then, I heard the public address announcer call out that Israel and Michael had come on to the field. this is the first time ever I have ever the PA announcer say my name at a race. Apparently, my name is often called as I near the finish, but I never hear it. Michael urges me to sprint and I do. Of course, just then a woman in front of us slows down to record her finish with her phone, but Michael pushes her out of the way and we gallop the final fifty yards across the field and through the finish line on the Bears logo.

It was such a joy to experience this event once again. The excitement of being on that surface was like brand new today. It was such a privilege to run with Michael once more. He is such a great guide. Special thanks to Elizabeth Vincenty of Fleet Feet who I contacted about registering for this event and she ended up taking care of the entire process for me. She is so wonderful. The pictures should be up by tuesday and in the coming weeks they will probably find their way to Facebook for all my friends to enjoy.

Night Before Soldier Field 10

2011-05-27T19:53:00.003-05:00

After a good week of weight lifting and running, I decided to close the week with another lifting session and a run at at a slower pace than what I have become use to in recent weeks. I was attempting to balance between wanting to push my body and not pushing to hard as I will be running in the Soldier Field 10 on Saturday morning. I ran this race for the first time last year and truly enjoyed the experience. I met a wonderful woman, Justine Boney, who helped me through the registration process and has become a good friend. I was guided by Michael Crissie and we had fun rolling through the streets of Chicago and finishing at Soldier Field through the Chicago Bears players' tunnel, over the end zone then racing the last short distance on the field to finish at the fifty yard line. We are excited to get the opportunity again and hope to improve on last year's finish time. This year, another wonderful woman helped me through the process. Elizabeth Vincenty. I look forward to a wonderful run with Michael and hope the weather will be just right for all 15,000 runners in the event.

Denver Triathlon Charity

2011-05-23T23:21:00.003-05:00

Last week, I read an article discussing how so many celebrities are turning to triathlons as a way to achieve and maintain a great physique as well as to raise money for great causes near and dear to their hearts. Many of the names listed in the piece were the same names I had read about over several years, but a few were ones I had not known about who are now heavily involved in racing. Two of the favorite events seem to be in Malibu and South Beach. I would like to one day race in both events simply to say I did. Of course, this would mean I must spend many more hours in the pool working on my swim stroke and feeling comfortable in water. An event which is near and dear to my heart is the Denver Triathlon which takes place this year on Sunday, July 24. The organizers continue to work hard to put together a race which all participants will enjoy. From the newcomer who may be a youth to the athlete who has been racing for a couple decades, this race promises to have something for everyone. Another aspect of the Denver Triathlon which I love is the event's association with a wonderful cause, The C Different Foundation. This organization was created to inspire, educate, and change the world. C Different partners blind and visually impaired athletes with sighted volunteers who then race together in triathlons and road races all over the world. This past Saturday, C Different had five blind and visually impaired athletes who along with their guides competed in and all successfully completed the inaugural Ironman Texas. For those unaware of what an Ironman triathlon is, an athlete must swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, then run 26.2 miles. These races usually start about 7a.m. and each participant must be done with the course before midnight. Many of the athletes often have a charity tie-in to their training and racing to offer even greater meaning to their commitment.

The C Different Foundation is the reason I was able to race in my first triathlon in July 2008. They provided me encouragement, a sighted guide, and knowledge to get me through the process. With two months to go before the event this summer, anyone who wishes can raise funds for the C Different Foundation, race on the C Different team, or volunteer to be a sighted guide for a blind or visually impaired athlete as many will be traveling to Denver for this race.

The two sites to check out for more information are listed below:

www.denvertriathlon.com

www.cdifferent.org

False Start At Chicago Spring Half

2011-05-15T07:14:00.003-05:00

After posting my thoughts on Saturday night, I took it easy spending plenty of time with my little niece. For one of the rare times prior to a race, I was relaxed. I was confident and not nervous at all. I gathered my tether and race day outfit before going to bed. I set the alarm for 4:20a.m. to give myself almost an hour before Michael, the young man who would guide me for the Chicago Spring Half Marathon, would be by to pick me up. Like any other night prior to a race, I could not sleep. Maybe I was more nervous than I thought. Eventually, I fell asleep only to wake up early in the two o'clock hour. The rain tapped on my window. I thought to myself, good thing I have a race in the morning so I can get away from this rain. Then it dawned on me that if it was still raining, I would have to run in it. This was the moment at which I began to worry. I have run in cold and rainy conditions either in training or race day, but I never get use to it mainly because I do not like it. I was even more anxious for my guide, Michael, who experienced a tear in his right quad earlier this week while preparing for this race. Would his quad remain cold and tight under these conditions? Will he run the risk of doing more damage? Finally, I was able to fall asleep again. I kept waking up every so often until finally hearing my alarm go off at 4:20a.m. I put on my race day gear, tossed on some pants and jacket for the pre race fun, then had some breakfast. For today, it was a bottle of Powerade and an energy bar. The doorbell sounded and off I went.

It is always fun spending time with Michael so the ride to the race was filled with plenty of good conversation. He expressed some concern about his injury, but he was willing to give it a go and hoped he could gut it out. Of course, maybe one could gut out a 5K or 10K, but 13.1 miles would be a different story. We arrived and he decided to warm up with a quick run of a couple hundred yards. Upon his return, he informed me that he felt he caused yet another tear with his attempt. Clearly, he would not be able to run today. I was disappointed. I wanted to get out and run, but if he could not go, then it would not be worth risking especially considering he and I are scheduled to race in the Soldier Field 10 later this month. The wonderful race organizers especially, Colin, have been great to me the last couple of years. The wonderful people at Universal Sole in Chicago made this race possible for me by giving me a complimentary entry. I felt bad that I would be letting those individuals down, but felt there is a reason we were unable to run in this event. I could be mad or sad at not getting a chance to kick off my 2011 season or I could simply chalk this up to the fact that some times, it just is not meant to be. The more I register for races or keep looking to the next one, the sooner the disappointment for this one will be forgotten. If this was one of only a few races I would do this year, then it would bother me, but since this is one of what hopefully be so many, I chose to smile and say, I hope Michael heals quickly so we can romp and stomp through ten miles in two weeks as we gallop through the players' tunnel and across the 50 yard line on the turf of Soldier Field!

2011 starts at Chicago Spring Half

2011-05-14T18:39:00.004-05:00

Saturday night, May 14. A year ago tonight, I was sitting here preparing to run in the Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon the following morning. I was nervous for various reasons. It was going to be my first race at the half marathon distance since I ran in the AIA Half Marathon in February 2008. It was the first race I would be running guiding by Michael Crissie whose only experience at guiding an athlete had been weeks before when I met him for the first time and we did a quick six mile run along the Chicago lakefront. As it turned out, all went well. My favorite highlight was when I had to stop to use the rest room. Michael made a mental note of all the runners passing by so that when I was ready to resume, we turned it into a game of catch-up. It took us about one mile to catch and go by all the runners who had passed us up by the rest room. As we made the final turn to home, I stepped on it and rolled through the final couple hundred meters. It was such a thrill to hear Michael's brother, Brian, call my final sprint across the finish line, the greatest final kick he had ever seen. Michael and I are set to make another attempt at the Magellan Development Chicago Spring Half Marathon which will be held tomorrow morning at 7:00a.m. I am excited about racing in the event again. It was a fun flat fast course last year and I expect the same tomorrow. Last year, I ended up breaking my personal best time at the 13.1 mile distance by thirty-three minutes and I hope to achieve a similar performance this time.

This time, I am relaxed and confident. I know Michael will be a great guide. Just as it was last year, this race will be the first of the year for me so I hope to kick off my season with a wonderful showing. I know it will be fun as I add another finisher's medal to my growing pile of medals. Last year started with this event and concluded with my debut at the marathon distance in October. Along the way I ran through the players' tunnel at Soldier Field, shocked myself with an amazing performance at the New York City Triathlon, and went the distance in my first ever attempt at 26.2. I met and befriended some tremendous people who volunteered to be my guides for each event. In several cases, I met these individuals for the first time on race day yet in very short order, we built such a quick bond that they were comfortable guiding me and I was comfortable entrusting them with my life. In 2011, so many wonderful memories await me in the water, on the bike, and on the road. It is time to go meet my 2011 destiny!

Denver Triathlon Club Challenge

2011-05-11T21:32:00.000-05:00

For years, health, weight loss, and supplements have been billion dollars a year businesses as people choose to become more aware of their lifestyle choices. In my youth, I struggled to gain weight. I was always the smallest person in my classes. Then I reached college and I put on more weight than I even imagined I could. Around that time, I became very much involved with weight lifting so I fooled myself into believing I was simply bulking up. For a couple summers I spent my time lifting plenty of weights, performing thousands of sit ups a day, and jumping rope. I would lose about fifteen pounds only to put it on again over the next school year. Eventually, it was out of control. I put on so much weight that I could no longer run fast. I remember one time insisting I was still as lightning quick as I was in my youth that I felt confident I would easily run a mile in under ten minutes. After all, throughout my childhood and as late as my senior year of high school, I was a sprinter. Yet, with all my mental toughness, pumping myself up, and believing in my abilities, I could only manage a 10:21 time for one mile. I tried it again, but could only complete it in 10:06. Clearly, I was out of shape. As I have written previously, two friends further opened my eyes to my lack of fitness when my friend, Sunshine, told me that she felt my bodybuilding physique was disgusting around the same time that my friend, Rani, asked in a very surprised voiced, "You work out?" after I commented that my body was sore on that specific day due to a tough work out session. These moments served as inspiration for me to go get back my physique. I dedicated myself to losing as much weight as possible while increasing my strength and carving out a lean sexy physique. I fully understand that some individuals must rely on pills or surgery to help them reach their fitness goals. I understand there may be physical or medical limitations which prevent them from fully engaging in difficult and challenging fitness sessions. I did not have such issues so I had to push my body beyond its limits, make smarter eating decisions, and realize that I was not going to go through a fad to achieve my goals, I needed to alter my lifestyle. It more than paid off for me!

I achieved my fitness goals and discovered a desire to show off my physique. As a playwright and screenwriter, I could ensure my physique being on display by writing roles for myself where my character would be shirtless like Matthew McConaughey. As I started meeting more artists especially actors, actresses, and models, I learned that besides taking classes to work on their craft, they were heavily involved with yoga, pilates, running, biking, and swimming. Some even participated in some triathlon or road race events. I remember competing in my first triathlon in 2008 at the New York City Triathlon and Sunshine saying to me that it was quite overwhelmingbeing around so many hard bodies that weekend. I am so thrilled that I have been racing in so many events because it forces me to remain focussed on maintaining a solid physique. By having goals such as a pending race, I must keep running, biking, and lifting weights otherwise I will suffer on race day. Another benefit is being able to always be in good health. Still another benefit is the opportunity to travel the country seeing different cities and meeting new athletes of all levels. I have befriended so many people and it is a much more enriching experience racing with and amongst friends. If you wish to experience that feeling then please consider getting some friends together, training, then traveling to Denver for the Denver Triathlon on July 24, 2011. If you and your friends belong to a triathlon club, you might even consider being a part of the triathlon club challenge aspect of this race. For more information and to register, please log on to the following site:

www.denvertriathlon.com

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T12:31:00.004-05:00

A very happy and healthy Mother's Day to my mother and sisters who are raising tremendous young men and women poised to be the next generation in my family. Also, a very special wish to my dear friends who are mothers. Along with my mom and sisters, my friends teach me plenty about being an amazing parent able to balance parental duties with personal individual dreams and achievements. I thank the amazing women currently in my life and those who shared a brief moment in time with me over the years. All of you teach or have taught me so many wonderful lessons which I hope to apply in my life eventually, if I do not already do so. May today be set aside to praise the women who make me and all of us the wonderful individuals we are. May today be one where I can say thank you to the mothers of some of my dearest closest friends. Who these friends are to me and how they shape my life is a result of the amazing jobs you as their mother did in raising them to be such spectacular people. Who my friends have become is a direct reflection on the mothers who taught them to love. Thank you always!!

S.M.A.R.T. GAMES

2011-04-27T18:44:00.002-05:00

Fifteen years ago today, I stood outside the doors of Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, Il watching the long line of school buses, cars, and vans pull into the parking lot as adults, teens, and volunteers jumped out in anticipation of what awaited them inside. With the help of Chicago's Mayor Richard Daley, various city agencies, Coca Cola, local sports franchises, Michael Jordan's Restaurant, and so many others, the inaugural S.M.A.R.T. Games Tournament presented by the S.M.A.R.T. Games Foundation was about to take place. I stood watching all these people arriving and I was brought to tears knowing that all these individuals and corporations had come to this event because of me! I had explained my vision to a person who told others who informed even more people and before long, all were gathered to hear my dream and do their part to make it a reality.

A few years prior to April 27, 1996, I had a dream where I was playing basketball with some friends. It was quite interesting to me because in this dream, as with all my dreams, I had full use of my eyes yet I was treated as though I was blind. Ever since losing my sight as a teen, I have always been fascinated by the fact that in every single dream I have, I am always sighted. I may hold a cane or even find myself using my hands to trail along walls, but I always have 20/20 vision. In this dream, everyone treated me like a blind person even though I could see just fine. I was playing basketball against boys I had known throughout my childhood. It was one against five. I held my own against them and when I awoke, I wondered, what did I just dream? What does it mean? I stayed in bed for a while attempting to figure out what message I needed to take from the dream. After some time, I leaped out of bed and said, I've got it! I will play basketball against my sighted friends. I will figure out a way to do this so that I will be accepted by others. Of course, classmates had always accepted me, but mentally I always felt that I was fighting an uphill battle to be considered "just another kid." I especially felt this way when it came to women. I felt that for all my positive qualities and for all my ability to get them to like me as a friend, I could never quite prove myself as a boy who could be their love interest. I felt that if somehow I could play basketball against their boyfriends, I would not only be on equal footing, but I would most likely romp therefore showing that I was more of an accomplished athlete than the boyfriends. Of course, I could not come out and say that so I said all the right things in which on some level I believed too, but not as strongly as the desire to get girls to notice me. I told my friend, Dave Melzer, that I wanted to set up a basketball game or tournament where blind and visually impaired teenagers could face off against their sighted friends. Through these games, we would hopefully break down barriers of stereotypes or fear of the unknown. As the song from the musical, South Pacific, states, "You've got to be taught to be afraid of people whose eyes are oddly made." We could use these games as a vehicle for teens to tap into each others' similarities and in the process teach blind kids that the sighted are not the enemy while showing the sighted kids that the blind kids are just like you without sight. Dave told his friend, Mike, about my idea. Mike told his colleague, Mary, who in turn told others and before I knew it, the little idea I once had became a major event with the city and national companies backing it! Many months after I told Dave, I attended a planning meeting which was held in a conference room which was packed with at least twenty-five people from various agencies and companies all investing in this idea. It was Mike who came up with the name S.M.A.R.T. which stood for Sport For Mutual Admiration and Respect Amongst Teens. As the date was set, I went to my school to get teachers and students interested. In the meantime, I had hoped a grade school or high school would permit us to use their gym, but it turned out, that the folks at Maryville Academy had heard of my dream and volunteered their gyms. Since my original idea, the event had grown to include teens who had hearing impairments, mobility impairments, and who were cognitively delayed. By the time the date of the event arrived, thousands of people had committed to play, volunteer, and attend.

There I was at the front doors of Maryville Academy overjoyed that so many people had given me a chance. So many people had taken my idea and expanded it to a size I could not have begun to imagine. There I was as the kids filed in and I thought, Wow, there are so many girls here! Do they know I started this? Even before I step on to the court to shine, am I more impressive to them than their boyfriends will ever be? At the opening ceremonies, I was introduced to the crowd and I said a few words. Okay, I said many words. I tend to ramble. When I finished, I walked around personally thanking as many people as I could when my friend, Angela, walked up and said that at one point she looked around and noticed that only was everyone hanging on my every word, but there was not a dry eye in the house as I shared my story and reasons for creating this event. The cherry on top was having my team reached the championship game. A game in which we trailed by two at halftime and by five within only minutes to go before seizing control and closing the game by scoring thirteen straight points to win the gold medals handed out to each member of the winning team for each division. I received my moment in the sun, enabled many to have a wonderful experience, and found the confidence from the success of that day to then ask my friend, Angela, to be my prom date a few weeks later. It began with a dream and climaxed with a spectacular event much greater than I could have ever dreamed!

El Nogalar Closing

2011-04-23T18:14:00.004-05:00

This is the final weekend to catch the world premiere production of El Nogalar written by the amazing, Tanya Saracho! Teatro Vista and Goodman Theatre have previously collaborated to bring outstanding theater pieces to life. It was recently announced that both companies agreed to a four year partnership to bring even more coproductions to the already amazing theater community of Chicago. Critics from all around have been singing the praises of the gifted Tanya Saracho for not only writing such a spectacular play, but for using her talent and voice to discuss the social dynamics of the issues currently a very real part of daily life along the Texas Mexico border.

El Nogalar runs through this weekend at The Goodman Theatre 170 N. Dearborn Street in Chicago so anyone wishing to experience this great piece can check out the following link for more information and tickets:

www.goodmantheatre.org

Laura Sturm Epemera Interview Part III

2011-04-16T20:34:00.002-05:00

Chicago's Polarity Ensemble Theatre is currently in the midst of the world premiere production of a show entitled, Ephemera which is directed by the talented, amazing, and beautiful Laura Sturm. I credit Laura as being one of the most important and influential people in my life for being able to tap into me and reach my core to enable any potential acting talent to develop and ultimately be released into the world. Laura has a gift of being able to get the best out of people. She does this as an acting instructor as well as a director. She knows how to communicate and press the correct buttons to reach each student or actor. Her ability to do this is currently on display in the performances of Ephemera.

In this interview, part three of three, Laura discusses some details about the show. Please take a listen to this tremendous woman. If you are in Chicago, make sure to check out the show before the production run reaches its conclusion.

http://blog.petheatre.com/?p=845

Brendan Hermes For Your Next Project

2011-04-07T21:27:00.005-05:00

Have you heard of Brendan Hermes? He is a husband, father, and friend. Brendan was my sighted guide for the New York City Triathlon in 2010. He is a professional voiceover actor, TV/film producer, and video designer, online content creator, and a triathlete.

Are you interested, as I hope you are, in reading more information about Brendan? Please log on to the following site, read some more in-depth facts about Brendan's personal and professional experiences, and give strong consideration to hiring Brendan for your next TV, film, or online project:

www.brendanhermes.com

Chicago Spring Half: Complimentary Entry

2011-04-05T21:40:00.005-05:00

In May of 2010, I participated in the Magellan Development Half Marathon for the first time. It was a nice flat fast 13.1 miles out and back course on Chicago's lakefront. It was the first time I ran that distance since the AIA Half Marathon two years prior. My guide, Michael Crissie, boyfriend of one of my long time dear friends from college, volunteered to be a first time guide in the event. His twin brother, Brian, came along too excited about getting out there. It was fun to be flanked by two very accomplished former high school running stars. Both were supportive and encouraging throughout the race. The miles flew by so fast that I beat my personal record for a half marathon by thirty-three minutes. I was so thrilled and grateful to both men for helping me. I was also grateful to Colin, the event organizer, who helped me throughout the registration process to ensure all went well for my guides and me. When I first contacted him, he said I would be allowed to run with a guide, but he apologized that the event did not have a blind/visually impaired division in which I could compete. I laughed and informed him that I simply wanted a chance to run. In fact, I am probably one of the few individuals who would much rather be categorized by my gender and age as oppose to any disability. I would much rather be judged as a person who succeeds or fails based on my merits over anything else. Race volunteers were wonderful as were fellow runners cheering us on as we passed. One participant even claimed to recognize me from an online video which she said was making the rounds. I did not believe said video was of me, but she insisted it was.

Entering 2011, I was excited about returning to run the event again so I asked around to see if anyone would be available and interested, but no one volunteered. I chalked the race up into the category of "I guess not this year." Then, last week, a local running store, Universal Sole, had a status update on its Facebook page that anyone who would press "like" or comment on said status would have a chance to win a complimentary entry into the Magellan Development Half Marathon. I made a comment and discovered a few hours later that I was one of the winners who would receive entry. Once more I asked around and this time, Michael Crissie stepped up and said he wanted to run it again with me. His brother Brian was also wanting to return to the event. Tonight, I signed up and am ready for the event which takes place on Sunday, May 15 at 7a.m. I will get another chance to run the course and hopefully, shatter my personal record for 13.1 miles again.

El Nogalar By Tanya Saracho

2011-03-30T16:21:00.004-05:00

Many years ago I heard about people flocking to an underpass in Chicago to get a glimpse at the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary which had appeared. Friends who had seen performances of my play, In The Dark, asked if I would join the individuals rushing to the location? My answer was of course not. I do not believe Mary would appear under a bridge or in a grilled cheese sandwich. I shook my head at the news of those flocking to catch a glimpse and thought someone is bound to write a film or play about this. After some time, I received an email from a Chicago theater company informing their list members of the latest show appearing on their stage. Our Lady Of The Underpass. A story inspired by true events of the Virgin Mary appearing. It was written by Tanya Saracho. The more I read reviews, the more intrigued I became to see the show. I was not able to attend, but I found myself interested. Soon after, I began to see the name Tanya Saracho appearing elsewhere. She was writing more plays which were being produced. The more I read articles from the Chicago Tribune and Time Out Chicago, the more I found myself drawn to Tanya.

As the years have gone by, Tanya Saracho's work has appeared on stages all around Chicago. She has steadily become a voice for this generation of young artists. She is a playwright, actress, and director who has been receiving greater publicity in recent years. Our Lady Of The Underpass has gone on to be a Jeff nominated piece. The Jeff Awards are like the Academy Awards for Chicago Theater. This past weekend, a wonderful piece appeared in the New York Times discussing Tanya Saracho who has become a national sensation! The greatest thrill for me came last summer when I decided to reach out to Tanya and introduce myself. Since then, I have been caught up in the excitement that is the Tanya Saracho Superstar Train! My budding friendship with her has enabled me to watch a talented writer do what she does best. I find inspiration through watching her work her way through the process of writing and getting her pieces produced. It has been quite a learning experience and a joy to get to know Tanya. I look back on it and think that the best thing to happen was people insisting the Virgin Mary appeared to them under that bridge all those many years ago. For it may have been that moment which inspired Tanya to write her play which I then read about and found myself intrigued by the woman who wrote it. Many years later, I am steadily becoming her friend and find myself excited about going to see her latest play, El Nogalar, which is now playing at Chicago's famed Goodman Theatre.

For more information about Tanya Saracho's El Nogalar, please watch the behind the scenes video at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnB7vsvGN3k&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Also check out:

www.goodmantheatre.org

Falling In Love Leads To Denver Triathlon

2011-03-28T21:02:00.003-05:00

Ever since that Thursday evening in May 2007 when I watched Fit TV's Insider Training featuring Lokelani McMichael, I have truly enjoyed what has resulted from the inspiration I received. It was the fifth time I had watched that very episode. Each time I watched it, I felt more and more inspired to tackle the sport of triathlon. I did not know how to swim, but I wanted the challenge to swim, bike, and run in one event. I did not know if I could achieve my goal. I did not know if it was even possible for me to race triathlons or whether I would even enjoy the experience. After losing my eyesight when I was fourteen years old, I was introduced to sports adapted for the blind and visually impaired. Baseball, basketball, and others. I enjoyed the ability to participate in sports again, but I kept comparing the experience to what it was like playing these sports when I had sight. It was night and day. I was never any good, but I loved being out there. I loved being around my friends and every so often, impressing a girl or two. As I played sports for the blind and visually impaired, I did not find the strategy to be as big a part of the sports experience as I was use to in my sighted days. I could not be a table setter like Bob Dernier, Brett Butler, or Ricky Henderson. The baseball for the blind was not built with the idea of "get 'em on get 'em over get 'em in." When I played basketball for the blind, I could not be Bobby Hurley or Magic Johnson by handling the ball, distributing to my teammates, and driving to the basket to draw defenders in just to kick it out to an open player for an easy bucket. Nor was I able to get out in transition and drain a backbreaking three pointer. If triathlon race officials allowed for accommodations in order for me to participate, would I have the same enriched experience as someone sighted or would the adaptations cause the sport to be vastly different that I would not like it? A greater question was, would I even be allowed to race?

I jumped online and began typing in search terms like blind triathlete and triathlon racing, visually impaired. I found several articles of many athletes who were blind and visually impaired racing triathlons. I also kept coming across the names C Different Foundation, Matt Miller, and Victory Over Darkness. After finding the C Different web site, I spent time reading about the founder, Matt Miller. I read about his time as a triathlete, model, and actor. I read how much he enjoyed his life and lifestyle, but wanted to be judged by the content of his character and not on whether he looked pretty enough on a specific day. Matt decided to start working with the blind and visually impaired to give them an avenue by which they could compete in the sport he loved. As he worked with one, two, then three athletes. More began to reach out to him. Friends began sending other athletes his way and before long, Matt had a steadily growing network of blind and visually impaired triathletes as well as volunteers willing to serve as sighted guides. Another of Matt's passion is telling stories so why not combine the love of triathlons and story telling to inform the world about these athletes? Thus was born, Victory Over A Darkness. A film set to document the courageous attempt by five blind and visually impaired athletes and their guides to train for and complete the Ironman Triathlon.

After reading about all this work, I decided to reach out to Matt and his organization. I introduced myself and my racing goals. Matt welcomed me with open arms and soon others from the C Different Foundation reached out to express a desire to help me in whatever manner they could. Months later, I ran my first 5K for CDF which was soon followed by my first attempt at a half marathon at the AIA Half Marathon/Full Marathon in Fort Lauderdale where Matt introduced me to an amazing race director, Chris Laskey. I had been focussed on my road race training and had just begun to work with some wonderful swim instructors, but was nowhere near ready for a triathlon at any distance. Matt insisted I had plenty of time to work myself into shape and get to New York for the New York city Triathlon. I was not quite ready, but I agreed to be there so I boarded a plane and headed to my date with the Hudson River. Plenty of prayers and a great sighted guide, Brian Pearlman, helped me through the swim and across the finish line in my first ever triathlon! Just over a year after Lokelani's interview, I had completed my first swim, bike, run event. I had always heard that "Once you experience your first, you get hooked." After the race, I was not quite hooked. I loved being out there, but the swim was so daunting. Then my friend, Kelle, walked up and said, "Take what you learned in this one and apply it to the next one." I laughed and said, "I am one and done." Kelle laughed right back and said, "Trust me, there is always a next one." Soon I was invited to Southbeach, but I declined because my swimming was not up to par. Brian Pearlman had agreed to guide me so I know I disappointed him when I chose not to race it. He will never say it publicly, but in my heart, I believe it. So when a second chance to race New York came about, I jumped at it. That experience was so magical mainly because of how proud my guide, Brendan Hermes was for our achievement. I know Matt was proud too. The countless family and friends who remained positive in the weeks leading up to the event lifted my spirits. The nonstop support from Facebook friends was amazing. On that day, I fell in love with triathlons! The moment I realized I had fallen in love, I thought to myself, "Yes, Kelle, there is another and there will be more."

I truly enjoy the experiences which come with triathlon training and racing. I love that the sport of triathlon is not a race, but a lifestyle. An active healthy lifestyle. In just a short time, I have received so much from the sport. I have met so many wonderful athletes and friends. I have been able to travel to other cities. This summer I am adding a new city to that growing list. Denver. I will be racing in the inaugural Denver Triathlon. I will experience John Elway's city. I will compete in the mile high city and push my body to the limits in a new way at a new altitude for me. I thank the race directors, Matt Miller and Chris Laskey, for the opportunity with which I have been presented. I look forward to sharing my experience on race weekend. I am also excited about doing what I can to promote the Denver Triathlon and the sport of triathlon. I am thrilled and hope my readers will come along for the ride over the next few months.

If anyone is looking for a triathlon event, either a sprint or olympic distance, please consider adding the Denver Triathlon to your schedule. Sunday, July 24, 2011. For more information, course details, and registration, please log on to:

www.denvertriathlon.com

Columbia Condos Featuring Amanda Grace

2011-03-23T21:24:00.003-05:00

In recent weeks, you may have been watching your favorite prime time programs or your favorite sports team on a national game of the night coverage. If so, then chances are you have seen the following commercial for the Columbia Condos. If that too is true then you have seen my dear friend, the lovely and talented, Amanda Grace, who appears in the commercial. If you have not seen it, here is your chance to enjoy her work.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QZnR3bmVYY

Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon/5K

2011-03-19T15:10:00.002-05:00

In 2010, I read a story in Runners World Magazine about Emily Schaller who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was eighteen months old and was not expected to make it to her eighteenth birthday. Emily is now in her late twenties and the founder of the Rock CF Foundation. I enjoyed reading Emily's words that she believes she is on this earth to "rock CF on its ass!" On Sunday, March 20, Emily will lead the way for thousands of runners and volunteers in the inaugural Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon And 5K in Grosse Ile, Mi. Some great sponsors have donated many items which the participants and volunteers will enjoy throughout the day. Many runners who had hoped to run, but were not able to make the trip are able to contribute by either donating money to the cause or by performing a virtual run wherever they may be in the world.

The hope is that with events such as this one which Emily spearheaded and the tireless researching by some of the great scientific minds, eventually, CF will stand for cure found. When that day does arrive, everyone in the world will be able to breathe a sigh of relief that the disease has been weeded out and those with Cystic Fibrosis will be able to simply breathe. Here is hoping CF does in fact get rocked on its ass and that it happens very soon.

Please log on to:

www.letsrockcf.org

www.outruncf.com

St. Patrick's Day Collaboraction

2011-03-15T16:28:00.008-05:00

A wonderful way to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day is to watch some talented individuals performing live. Before and after the performance, enjoy great green beer, appetizers, and speaking to cast members including my dear friend, the lovely and talented, Laura Shatkus. Collaboraction presents Sketchbook: REVERB. It is a compilation of the top pieces previously produced by Collaboraction over the last ten years. This gives audiences a chance to see these actors perform a wide range of characters in various settings.

For more information such as; location, time, and price, please log on to:

http://collaboraction.typepad.com/collaboraction/2011/03/theatre-thursday-event-on-st-patricks-day.html

Laura Sturm Discusses Ephemera Set Designs

2011-03-13T16:22:00.004-05:00

Here is a second installment of a podcast interview series with the beautiful, talented, amazing, Laura Sturm. She is my dear friend, one of the most influential individuals in my life when it comes to breaking down my artistic walls, a tremendous instructor who taught me to embrace my body as an instrument to express joy, sadness, and sexuality on stage and in film, and a spectacular artist who is known for her amazing ability to act and direct. Laura is directing the world premiere production of Ephemera written by Bryce Wissel. In this interview, she discusses the set designs and props which were constructed by her husband.

Please listen to the podcast at the following site:

http://blog.petheatre.com/?p=845

American Greed Featuring Amanda Grace

2011-03-09T20:29:00.003-06:00

My friend, Amanda Grace, is such an amazing talented actress, model, and singer. She is one of the nicest sweetest people anyone could ever have the privilege to call a friend. If you read my entries on a regular basis then you have previously read what I have written about her. Tonight, all can see in working her magic on the television screen on CNBC's American Greed where she plays one of the Hollywood thieves known as the bling ring Please make sure to tune in at 10p.m. eastern/9p.m. central to watch Amanda Grace.

For more information or to check out other airings in case you miss it, log on to:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/18057119/My

Laura Sturm Directs Ephemera

2011-03-05T14:10:00.004-06:00

When I was fourteen years old, I fell in love with talk radio. I spent the next decade dreaming of and pursuing a radio career. Eventually, I realized that maybe I was not meant to be a radio star and hall of fame broadcaster so I sat down to write my first ever full length feature screenplay. After writing it, I knew I had to take acting classes. I searched online and spoke to various people about potential schools. Each time I would read an instructor's biography, I would look for a connection. I would look to see where the instructor went to school or some of the programs with which he or she has been associated. I came across the biography for Laura Sturm who received her MFA from the same school I received my BA and at around the same time. Instantly, I was drawn to her. Like a magnet. I needed to meet her. More important, I had to study with her. I could not quite understand it, but I was overtaken by this desire to have her teach me about acting and to do what she could to get the best out of me. I had not a clue whether she would be interested in meeting or working with me, but I had an overwhelming desire to do whatever I had to do to get into her classes. As it turns out, I registered for my first acting class taught by Laura. Before it was made official, I went in to meet with her face-to-face and she was so delightful and so interested in working with me that my initial meeting felt more like I was seeing a long lost friend. I spent a couple years taking every class I could which was taught by Laura. The changes she would make in my artistic style, voice, and personality was so evident that other instructors would praise Laura's ability to connect, inspire, and change me while tapping into the talent I did not even realize I possessed. There are several teachers and classmates who played major roles in bringing out the best of me, but Laura will always have a special place in my heart because she has done the most work to understand my defense walls then put on her hard hat and go to work breaking it down one brick at a time until I stepped on to a stage for the first time as a professional actor and dazzled audiences with my performances. Laura, who has been one of my greatest supporters and toughest critics, was so moved by my performance and said I was doing things, reacting, and moving in ways that even she had not seen from me during the classes she taught. Dare I say, I love Laura Sturm! She continues to support, motivate, and teach me to this day. She is such an amazing instructor, actor, director, artist, and friend. Beauty, talent, and brains. Laura is one of the most amazing individuals I have ever had the privilege of having in my life.

Please check out the podcast interview featuring the lovely Laura Sturm discussing the latest project which she is directing. The play, Ephemera runs from March 22 through May 1, 2011. As time gets closer and throughout the run, I will post more information as it becomes available. Please enjoy Laura at this site:

http://blog.petheatre.com/

Collaboraction Sketchbook REVERB Industry Night

2011-02-28T17:49:00.004-06:00

If you are looking for something to do tonight, head on over to the Flat Iron Arts Building in Chicago to check out my dear friend, the lovely and talented, Laura Shatkus, in Collaboraction Sketchbook REVERB. Monday night's performance is designated Industry Night. A headshot and resume or business card will enable you to get in for $10. It is a great deal to see a collection of wonderful pieces written by and performed by amazing artists. Again, the steal of a deal is that you will see Laura Shatkus!

1575 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago. For more info, log on to:

www.collaboraction.org

On The Brink

2011-02-24T20:50:00.003-06:00

Just under seven years ago, I met the talented, beautiful, and amazing Kate Bergeron, in an acting class. I had the great privilege to work on some in class exercises with her. I also had the great privilege to sit back and observe her as she worked on her craft. In those days, there was never a doubt in my mind as well as in the minds of others that Kate was destined for greatness in the theater, film, and television industries. I later found out that she was a model and singer as well. Sure, she had starred in many musicals, but more than that, she was the lead vocalist for an up and coming band. As Kate Bergeron becomes a household name, I wish to invite all to check out this wonderfully talented woman in one of her latest projects. She is the star of this web series entitled On The Brink. If you are a regular reader to this blog, you have seen her demo reel from the internet movie data base a link to which I posted a few weeks ago. Now you can see complete episodes of her fabulous work.

Please check out Kate at the following link:

http://www.zingfactortv.com/otbvideos.html