A Smart Choice

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In 2022, I determined to run every single day for a calendar year. I set out on January 1 and I ran each and every day.

I set a lofty goal, and then, through perseverance, determination, tenacity, and will, I accomplished that goal.

I ran 1,700 miles last year, or an average of 4.65 miles each and every day. I am proud that I was able to do that.

I’m now writing a book of this experience which I hope will serve as motivation for other runners and goal-setters. We can all do more than we ever imagined. You just need to set a plan and get out there and do it.

We also can’t let failure get in the way of pressing forward. I had plenty of years when I thought about and/or tried to run each day and didn’t make it. I learned as I failed from each setback.

But last year, I accomplished my goal.

Then, on January 1, 2023, I went out and ran again. I only did three miles in a new running shoe I was trying out (the Saucony Tempus), but it was three miles and the running streak continued…

But then, on January 2, I made a very sound decision. I made a smart choice. Sanity prevailed.

I didn’t run.

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364 Means Just One More

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December 30, 2022

***

One day. Just one more day. One day to go…

For a long time, the better part of a decade (at least), I had entertained the idea of running every single day for an entire year. In most years, I rationalized that it was a bad idea. I figured it would become burdensome. I figured it would get in the way of everything else I was trying to accomplish.

Some years I thought the idea was just plain stupid.

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Pinch-Hitting for Christ

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On December 11, 2022, I delivered the following sermon at Grace United Methodist Church in Wyckoff, NJ

***

I’ll begin my sermon today by sharing some names that are out-of-date and out of season both in the holiday sense and in the sense of the sporting world.

I promise this will all come together…

Eventually.

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Special Preview: From Compton to the Bronx

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I am thrilled to share this excerpt from my collaboration with Roy White on his autobiography,

From Compton to the Bronx.

This book will be released in April 2023, but is now available for pre-order.

***

Initial reviews for this book have been tremendously positive. Here is one:

“Roy White is as dignified a Yankee as there has ever been, one of the many reasons a generation of fans (myself included) grew up imitating his stance.

Paul Semendinger does a masterful job capturing the essence of the great left fielder. This is a must-read about the most underrated Yankee of all time.”

Ian O’Connor, Four-time New York Times bestselling author of “The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter”

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A Novel Idea!

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People from across the country can’t often come to New Jersey (or nearby) for an author visit, yet people sometimes wish for signed and personalized copies of books – especially heart-warming stories of family, faith, love, compassion, and growth like Scattering the Ashes. (If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for?)

I decided to give fans, readers, and everyone the opportunity to purchase a signed and personalized copy of my wonderful novel.

Just click here or the banner below.

91.6

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Eleven twelfths.  

One to go.

91.6% through what seemed, at times, and often, like a never-ending task.

***

I once thought that it might be fun to run every single day for an entire calendar year.

Continue reading “91.6” →

Scattering the Ashes!

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It is great to be an author. It’s great to receive positive reviews for the books I write.

I just received the following e-mail regarding my novel, Scattering the Ashes:

“I want to let you know how much I enjoyed your novel.

I loved the characters and I could parallel Sam’s relationship with his dad to mine with my father in many ways. My father wouldn’t have thought to have me scatter his ashes, but if he had, Yankee Stadium would have been first and Cooperstown probably second.

The fact that so much of it happened in local NJ settings also added a nice twist.

So I wanted to congratulate you for a great job and thank you for the book. It was a fun read.”

4:38:44

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It wasn’t quite as fast as I wanted.

I thought I might be able to hit 4:19:00, but don’t get me wrong.

It was a glorious day. It was a great day. It was wonderful.

My finish time was in the top 45% of all finishers, meaning I was faster than more than half of the people who ran the race yesterday. Not bad for a guy in his mid-50’s.

I had a great first half (just around two hours) but I didn’t feel as well in the second half and my pace slowed considerably.

The New York City Marathon is one of the highlights of the year for me.

I again wore a Superman shirt. It is awesome to have people yelling, “GO SUPERMAN!” to me as I run. They made me feel like a true superman.

The crowds yesterday were AMAZING. Start to finish, the spectators were so enthusiastic. It was awesome.

I LOVE THE NYC Marathon!

***

Since I am still running every single day this year, I did a slow 2.25 miles today. It felt good to be out there.

No… it felt GREAT!