by Mike Palermo | HAZLETON STANDARD SPEAKER | palermochiro.com
LATEST COLUMN
April 12, 2008
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Pic Mike Palermo, Neil Matz and Liz Swank |
Last Sunday I did something that I have not done in more than five months, I ran a foot race. I was not planning on taking a ride to Kingston but a last minute decision found me on the way to my first 5K since I ran the YMCA Run for the Gold last September. Despite Hazleton's early morning weather being cold and gloomy, just ten minutes north near Nuangola, the skies were blue and the sun was shining brightly lending to a race temperature that was near 50 degrees thus making it a perfect day to run the dike in Kingston.
This year I am celebrating my first decade of running and it was only fitting that I would return to Kirby Park in Kingston, the venue where I ran my first race which was the Cherry Blossom 5 miler hosted by The Wyoming Valley Striders. Fighting to break a 9 minute mile was something that did not seem possible for me and I remember almost collapsing in exhaustion at the finish line. I would have to check my records to verify but I believe I just snapped the forty-five minute mark.
Although I am not considered a King's Alumni, my pre-chiropractic education was completed there and I felt at home among the many Knig's students who were also participating in the Northeastern Pennsylvania Athletic Training 5K run. Near the starting line, I approached a barrel-chested runner wearing a Hazleton Cougar Football hooded sweat shirt. I introduced myself to none other than Hazleton's Neil Matz and his friend Liz Swank. Not far from us was proud father Greg Matz with camera in hand. Papa Matz was gloating over his son's upcoming accomplishment, his first race. The younger Matz appeared rather calm showing no signs of being a rookie, whereas I recall being uptight prior to my first race. If Matz was nervous he hid it in his confidence and rightfully so as he man-handled the 5000meter course with ease. We spoke briefly following the race and we were joined by Judge Cory Stevens who also made a race appearance. Apparently Neil may have caught the running bug as he is entertaining competing in The Valley 4 miler next month.
Sponsors Needed
Thank you to the sponsors who have already committed to our May 17th Valley Great 8 & 4 Miler; Attorney Joesph Ferdinand, First Liberty Bank & Trust, Physical Therapy Specialists, Death Row Motorcycles, Klesh Plumbing & Heating, Attorney Donald Karpowich and Rogue River. This will be a very challenging year for families in need as I am sure The Valley Food Pantry will be overwhelmed with requests for food assistance due to ecomonic conditions. We have lost a few Gold Sponsors so if anyone is interested in Gold Sponsorship for The Valley Great 8 and 4 miler, please mail a $100 check to The Valley Running Club, Inc. P.O. Box 333, Drums, PA 18222 prior to April 25th, $25 shirt sponsorships are also being accepted at this time.
Upcoming Events
SAT 19 10:30 AM CLINIC @ 9:30
WHITETAIL PRESERVE PA SUMMER BIATHLON 4KM Run & Shoot
Whitetail Preserve 139 Boulevard Rd. Bloomsburg Frank Gaval 788-4219
Clinic is at 9:00. PRE REGISTER FEE$18, $20 DAY OF EVENT. $2
Discount for PA Club members. All equipment provided. T-Shirts, Refreshments.
Check entry form for discription of events and Awards
SAT APRIL 19 10:00 AM WILKES-BARRE
5TH ANNUAL APhA DIABETES 5K RUN/WALK
Register next to JCC
Dr. Arthur Kibb 408-4274
SAT 19 APR 9:30 AM
FACTORYVILLE KARING FOR KIDS
5 K RUN/ 1 MI WALK
Tunnell Hill Rd
Sara Vettorel (home) 563-1594 or (cell) 540-9377
Interested in viewing information on our last Valley Running Club, Inc meeting and our upcoming May 17th Valley Great 8 & 4 Miler please visit www.palermochiro.com You will find news, pictures and our race application.
CLUB MEMBERSHIP FORM |
Michael A. Palermo, D.C. has been practicing chiropractic in Hazleton for more than twenty-three-plus years and covering running the past several years. Emails can be addressed to mikepal@epix.net or you can call if you have any questions or results.
Correspondence can be addressed to 317 W 19th St, Hazleton, PA 18201 |
PREVIOUS COLUMN
March 30, 2008
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Good Friday gave me the opportuity to more or less return home for a truly rewarding religious experience at Hazleton's Our Lady of Grace Church on Vine St. I am a former OLG parishoner and have visited the outside of the church the past few years for "The Run for the Canoli" hosted by Dino Oberto but it has been a long time since I stepped inside the church and sat down for mass.
On my way to church I had the anticipation of finding a parking space, much similar to driving to any race event. We all experience that frantic moment of trying to score the "quick park and register" so we can get to the starting line. Fortunately for me, old faithful was available on 14th Street, it was a space I have known rather well through the past decades and it was vacant, just waiting for me to arrive. My son and I then raced to the enter the majestic Roman Catholic Church which stands out among the many small neighborhood homes. Once inside, I saw old familiar faces, Dino Oberto, Larry Tedesco, Matt Mazur, Janie and Bria Edwards, it was as if I was attending "The Run for the Canoli", I felt very much at home. As I took a minute to gaze at the rest of the parishoners, I saw many other familiar faces, some of which time has forgotten to age. The interior of the church adorned with so many statues and brilliant stained glass was truly magnificent and I felt rather cozy just being there sitting quietly.
Much similar to a race, there were times during the service that I found myself deep in spiritual thought and other times when I was just coasting awaiting the finish line. In the end I came away with the same feeling that I get after a rewarding race...I felt inspired, refreshed in a sense and wanting more. And may be it is wrong for me to even try to compare running to religion but both of these things although very different from each other have given me a sense of spiritual freedom and an urge try harder so I could return again and better myself.
In closing I would jsut like to share a moment from my last marathon...at mile 18 I heard a runner over my left shoulder shout "Oh God" as we were ascending a steep hill, I blurted back to him, "No you have not seen him yet, he usually appears around mile 20". For all those who have run a marathon mile 20 is great time of hardship and a time to really define oneself physically and emotionally. I think both religion and running allows to look at ourselves rather deeply at times and lend us a chance to improve our lives, Happy Easter.
Valley Running Club Training Runs Slated for Saturdays
Interested in viewing information on our last Valley Running Club, Inc meeting and our upcoming May 17th Valley Great 8 & 4 Miler please visit www.palermochiro.com You will find news and pictures. Anyone wanting to run the VG8 course(8 miles or less) can meet at St John Bosco Church Saturdays at 8:30am now through May 10th.
Upcoming Events
SUN 30 MARCH 8:30AM
WILKES-BARRE RIVER STREET 3 MILER
3 MI. RUN/WALK
60 South River Street
Rick Evans 824-4646 fax:824-5966
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