Another race complete

Yesterday marked the 32 annual Litchfield Hills Road Race. I joined about 1200 other runners for 7.1 mile journey in the blistering heat, sun and humidity. Like always my goals included finishing and of course not comming in last. I did both with 23 people comming in after me. My official time was 1:47. Dave, Elijah and Hannah came to support me and it was great to hear them cheering as I went through the finishing corral.

Last night we went to a great burger place called Red Robin. I only mention it because Dave took this great pic of Elijah!

This week has been especially difficult. Michaels services were on Thursday. It was a very emotional emotional day. A few of the moms from the moms board either drove or flew up to support Donna during her time. Donna and Pat were strong, and Jenna was an angel. Pat spoke in front of the church and I am sure there was no dry eye left. Michaels casket was metallic blue like his favorite transformer and lined in his transformer sheets. On top sat his Red Sox baseball cap. No one should have to go through what that wonderful family went through.

Here is the wonderful obituary that Donna wrote:

Michael Patrick Ptak
August 29, 2003 - May 31, 2008
Bristol, Connecticut

Michael Patrick Ptak, 4, of Bristol, CT was granted his angel wings unexpectedly on Saturday, May 31, 2008.

Born August 29, 2003 in Bristol, CT, he was the beloved son of Patrick and Donna (Duigou) Ptak. Michael`s winning smile melted the hearts of those around him; he was creative, full of energy and excited to play with his dinosaurs, transformers, star wars, rocks and anything he could stuff in his pockets. He loved the Red Sox, vacations, chocolate chip cookies, movies, stories, snuggling, singing and sleeping late. We called him a rock star. Michael (aka `little dude`) especially enjoyed lots of family and friends over his house.

With Michael`s passing we remind others that his life is to be celebrated, as he truly brought joy to all of our hearts and will remain in our hearts forever. We are thankful for the memories that were created with him. It has truly been a privilege to be in his life.

Michael leaves behind his loving parents Patrick Ptak and Donna (Duigou) Ptak, and best friend and sister Jenna Ptak, who absolutely adored him; his maternal grandparents, `Nana and Papa` Louis and Jeannette Marinelli; Louis and Judy Duigou; his paternal Grandparents,`Grammy` Robin Ptak and Joseph Ptak; Great Grandparents Louis and Emma DeNote; Aunt Joyce Ptak, Aunt Cory and Uncle William Glaspie, Uncle Joe Ptak, Godmother Aunt Chris Champney, Aunt Joan and Uncle Don Cloutier, Aunt Lisa and Uncle Steve Maraia, Godfather `Uncle` Greg Rettich, and many wonderful cousins and friends. Michael also leaves behind caregivers and teachers that provided him much love and support at Stafford PEERS Program and Liberty Baptist Daycare.

Private funeral and burial services for Michael will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2008. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The LaPorta-Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT 06790.

Memorial contributions in honor of Michael Ptak may be donated to an established fund at Farmington Savings Bank, 475 Broad Street, Bristol, CT 06010. Condolences may be sent to the Ptak family by visiting www.laportacookfuneralhome.com

Prayers please

Please say a prayer for my friend Donna and her family in Bristol. Her son Michael was run over by his dad in his driveway today in front of his sister who is Hannah's age. He did not survive. From my family to yours Donna, words cannot express my grief for you and your family.

Michael

Week in Review

Elijah and I took our last official drive down to Clinton on Weds. He is officially done with his DOC band!! We went to take pictures, measurements and a new casting. He did very well.

He went from a 15mm asymmetry which is severe to a 2mm asymmetry which is normal!!





Today I completed my first 5k run. I had 2 goals:
To finish
To not come in last

I accomplished both goals, although the last goal was only attainable because 2 women walked the last 1/2 mile. But I did it in a time of 39:11. The nice thing about the Lake compounce 5k is that they do it again at the end of July, so I can work on improving my time on the same course.

I also mentioned that I ran with a pulled calf muscle, a sore throat and a cough.

Next up is the Litchfield county road race next month.

Parents Cover Contest

Elijah is in the Parents Cover Contest. Follow this link to vote for him. This contest dosen't win on votes, but it helps his picture get higher on the radar. I have sent most of you links already but if not you can click HERE

Training has begun

I was talking to a fellow coworker a few weeks ago who started running for the first time about 2 months before me. She ran her first 5K race and said it was an amazing experience!! We sat at work one night and looked up races in CT. I decided that before my big 7 miler I would try a 5K. So I will be doing my first race on May 25th. It is the Lake Compounce 5K. Therefore I have up'ed my training to actually completing a full 3 mile son the treadmill. In the 2 times I have done it I have already cut off a significant amount of time.

1rst time: 41minutes
2nd time: 38 minutes.

This may not seems like a lot but it is when you are running :)

All else is going well in the land of the Moskowitz's!!

2 more weeks

And Elijah graduates from his band!!! He may actually grow out of it sooner, but in 2 weeks we do the last pictures, measurements and casting!!