Operation Jack supporter Sarah Emerson told me the other day she misses my WUWOJ blogs. So I said … what? What is woo-wojj? And then I realized she’s going back about six months, when I used to write a “What’s Up With Operation Jack Wednesday” blog. I told her I’d write one for her on Thursday. But I ran out of time. So I’m posting it for her today. And really, this begs the question: If a boring blog gets posted on a Friday, when social media is dead, does it really get posted?
I guess I’ll find out if anybody other than Sarah comments.
Real quick, just in case you’ve never been here before, welcome — we’re approaching last call! I’m a father of three and a marathon runner and my middle child, 7-year-old Jack, is severely autistic. He’s probably always going to struggle, but I still want him to make a difference in the world. To try to make some good out of what he goes through, I’m attempting to run 61 full marathons this year to raise money and awareness for a charity I’m a part of called Train 4 Autism.
So far, I’m through 56 of them. There’s five to go in Operation Jack, the name I gave this endeavor as a tribute to my little guy. Sarah wants to know what’s up with Operation Jack. So here goes!
Operation Jack Marathon
I guess the first thing I should do is plug the Operation Jack Marathon, which will be the 61st and final marathon I run this year. Actually, it’s the Operation Jack Marathon presented by Apriori Beauty, a company I work for that generously kicked in a very healthy donation to Operation Jack.
Registrations are moving along pretty well and I’m excited about the turnout it looks like we’re going to have. I’m actually kind of nervous, because I’m putting this race on with the help of Operation Jack supporter Jake Rome and the good folks from Train 4 Autism, and I don’t want to let anybody down. We have things under control, though. It should be a nice day running along the beach, celebrating with everybody and continuing to promote Train 4 Autism.
Operation Jack Satellite Runs
A lot of people want to participate in the finale to support what I’ve tried to do this year, but it’s unrealistic considering it’s the morning after Christmas and it’s in the Los Angeles area. So, we have a satellite run option. Run 6.1 miles, wherever you are, and we’ll send you a race t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.
I want to get participants in all 50 states and we’re getting there. I want to do this for a couple of reasons. First, obviously, it’s one last fundraiser. But also, it’s one last attempt to spread the word about Train 4 Autism. So, check out the states that we have don’t have people in and if you know anybody there, would you be so kind as to drop them a line? That’s easier than running 61 marathons in a year, right?
The cost for this is $25, which, like I said, includes a race t-shirt and a finisher’s medal. Or, if you want, set up a fundraising page at operationjack.kintera.org/61 and raise just $30 and I’ll waive the entry fee for you.
Running On Empty
Sarah already knew about the Operation Jack Marathon and the Operation Jack Satellite Runs. She’s participating in Maine and is rounding up a pretty good-sized team. So now I need to come up with something about Operation Jack that’s going on that she doesn’t know. But I don’t really know that there is much going on.
Right now, I can sense the finish line for this long, long year. I visualize it when I run. I visualize it when I walk. I visualize it when I sleep. I visualize it when I wake up in a panic in the middle of the night. I’m trying hard to promote the marathon and satellite run. But beyond that, I’m pretty much cooked.
I try not to look back at what coulda/shoulda/woulda, because while I’m confident I’ve accomplished some good, it’s easy to look back at a ton of missed opportunities and things that didn’t work out as well as I would have hoped. I kept telling myself I’d pick it up here or there later, but later is now, and I’m 23 days from wrapping this thing up. I don’t want to say I’ve stopped trying, but really, aside from making sure we put on a good event on the 26th, there’s not a lot I can do.
I don’t foresee any new promotions or campaigns because there’s no time, and it’s time for the holiday season slowdown. I have my last double of the year this weekend, with Memphis Saturday and Las Vegas on Sunday. Then it’s Tucson, Jacksonville and the Operation Jack Marathon. I got a taste of freedom last weekend because my race was on Friday, so I got to spend Saturday and Sunday at home with the family. It was just a normal family weekend, but it’s been a year since I’ve had one of those and I really can’t wait to get back into that routine.
I don’t want to say I’m just mailing it in, because I’m not. I still follow up every lead, I still train and I still do my absolute best in every race I run. But I think it’s fair to say I’m running on empty.
Please Accept My Apology!
I’ve gotten really good at dropping the ball this year. I’ve really struggled to keep up with responding to all the feedback that comes in and I know I’m not getting to a ton of things I need to do. I read every email and tweet that comes in, but I just run out of time to respond. If any of you are waiting on a response from me for something, just keep bugging me. I don’t ignore people. I just get overwhelmed and I don’t know what to attack first. If you follow up with me on something I’ve failed to respond to, you’re not bugging me. You’ll actually probably get an apology!
Along those lines, if we owe you any Operation Jack clothing, PLEASE let me know. We’re not the most well-oiled machine when it comes to getting those out and I really want to get you all everything you’re supposed to get.
If you’re not listed on the Satellite Runs page, I’m about a day behind right now. If it’s been longer than that and you need to be up there, let me know and I’ll get you listed.
One Simple Request
If I could ask for just one thing, it would be to help spread the word about Operation Jack. If you’re on Twitter, tell your followers. If you’re on Facebook, post a link to the site or the satellite run or the marathon on your wall. I know y’all come here because you believe in what I’m trying to accomplish. Getting people here doesn’t cost you anything and it’s what makes what I’m doing a success. You never know who that one extra person who will benefit from Train 4 Autism is. It might well be somebody one of your friends knows!
Do The Right Thing
On my flight from Atlanta to Memphis this morning, there was one seat available in first class and it went to … me! It was next to a teenager whose dad was back in coach. I gave the seat to the dad. I figure that someday, somebody will return the favor. And if not, I’ll still live happily ever after.
That’s Pretty Much It
I think I’ve rambled on enough. Plus, my layover here in Atlanta is just about over and I need to catch my flight. Have a great Friday, everybody (even you, Sarah). I’ll post a race report tomorrow after Memphis.
Tony Rezek says
Wow, way to pay it forward with that first class seat!
Rebecca Damon says
Wooohooo way to represent MAINE!!! We’ve got two different run locations now and about 3-4 more to add to your current list!
Keep up the good work Sam, you’re almost there!
Ps…sending in my wedding donation today 🙂
Eddie Diaz says
Sam, great post and while this explains a lot about what’s going on, I have 1 question… why 61? Is there some significance to that number?
Eddie Diaz says
Sam, great post and while this explains a lot about what’s going on, I have 1 question… why 61? Is there some significance to that number?
Brady Gervais says
The finish line is near! I’m very excited for you!
And kudos to giving up your seat. You’re an awesome guy.
Sarah Emerson says
Let me explain why I asked Sam to write this. I read this blog daily and while I love the funny stories, not so funny jokes, horror travel stories and race reports I also love why Sam is running his legs off. Autism. I know everyone else that follows Sam believes in his cause and why he is running 61 marathons this year. When I first started following Sam and his running I loved the Wednesday updates on OJ. I liked reading about how this whole endeavor was going and was it worth sams time. I truly believe in Operation Jack and everything it stands for. So that’s why I asked/nagged Sam to give us an update. After all that’s why we are here…or maybe you’re here for the jokes. Thanks Sam for writing this, for building awareness for train 4 autism, for doing this for jack, my brother zach and all the other kids out there who will benefit from t4a and thanks for the funny stories and bad jokes!
And yea, Maine is kicking butt in the satellite run!!
Anonymous says
I have a feeling your rewards will be multiplied beyond your imagination.
Keep up the great work, the end is near!
Erin F says
Almost there, Sam! Almost there! And I’m totally looking forward to the 6.1 OJ Satellite Run. It’s gonna be sweet 🙂
Jennifer small says
WOO HOO! Sarah rocks!
So happy to be a part of the OJ/T4A Team and running the Maine 6.1 on 12/26.
SO yeah, we read this!!