re: Book info
I've recently had a lot of people ask me why there is no link to the book on this site. Well, there is but it is sort of obscure. If you take your mouse and run it over the picture of my book and click on it - you'll be directed to my book's page. However, if you want to do it the old fashion way and type it into your browser, just type in www.matthewcubbler.com. OR you could go to Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble, etc. and type in my name or the book's name and order it through them. Just thought I'd put that info out there. Take care! More to come...
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Run Location Update
Hi all! I wanted to once again put out the location for the start and finish lines of the run. I will be starting the run on Thursday May 15th at 1pm at the Wawa on Rt. 322 - just over the Commodore Barry Bridge into NJ. I will run Rt. 322 to Rt. 50 to Rt. 9 then onto Avalon Blvd into Avalon, NJ. The finish line will be on Sunday May 18th at 1pm at the intersection of 21st and Dune Dr. (Veteran's Plaza) in Avalon.
Come early (12pm) if you want to take part in the festivities. There will be a large crowd, vendors, bagpiper, etc. Copies of my book will also be available for purchase at the finish line.
I will be escorted into Avalon by 2 dozen Navy and Marine personell as well as the Middle Twp. PD and the Avalon PD. It will be an exciting last few miles and I look forward to everyone being there. I will be making multiple daily entries to the blog in order to update you on my progress, my health and my thoughts. Thank you for all your support and prayers. I'll see you soon. More to come...
Monday, May 12, 2008
re: Links
For those of you who are not from around here, these are the links to the video and print coverage of the run. Just copy/paste the links to your browser to get to the page! Unfortunately, my TV appearances on Comcast Sportsnet and NBC10 are not available on-line. They should be on the website at some point in time though! Only four days till the beginning of my journey! More to come...
Channel 69 News (Reading, PA):
www.wfmz.com/view/?id=256705
Pottstown Mercury:
http://www.pottsmerc.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/Daily?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_article&r21.content=/PTM/_RSSFeed/News/TopStoryList_Story_1816982&r21.pgpath=/PTM/Home
Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.emailthis.clickability.com/et/emailThis?clickMap=viewThis&etMailToID=267147368
Times Herald:
http://www.timesherald.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/Daily?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_article&r21.pgpath=%2FNTH%2FNews&r21.content=%2FNTH%2FNews%2FTopStoryList_Story_2031500
Monday, May 12, 2008
10! Show appearance
Hi! I was honored to be invited onto the set of NBC10's show aptly called "10!". The hosts, Bill Henley and Lori Wilson were great and for those who are interested in watching it, it airs today (5/8) at 2pm. My segment is sometime around 2:25pm, but they do talk a little about it in the beginning of the show. For those who miss it, it will be available on-line a www.nbc10.com under the "10!" show listed on the left side index labled "As seen on NBC10" of the home page. It will also be available in the Philly area on Comcast On Demand. Go to "Get Local" then click on local news, then click on NBC and then finally click on the "10!" show. The episode you want is today's date - 5/8/08. Thanks again for all the support and I'll see on all soon! More to come...
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Coming down the home stretch!
Well, just about a week left till the main event! I guess I am ready - or at least as ready as I am gonna be! Anyways, I am really getting nervous and excited to get this thing going. One thing I am sure of is that I will RUN every mile. Failure is not an option - never is. I have a lot of people who are depending on me to succeed. Those who have donated deserve to have me complete the run in time and upright.
The run has taken on a life of its own. The media coverage has been great - but it definitely is an added pressure to succed. I like to think that I am the kind of guy who thrives off of pressure - I guess we will find out, won't we? Remember, if you are planning on attending the starting line festivities, it begins at the Wawa on Rt. 322 just over the Commodore Barry Bridge in NJ at 1pm on May 15th. I will be traveling by RV so if you are looking for us along the route, look for the big RV with the Banner promoting the run!
This Sunday (Mother's Day), the Philly Inquirer and the Times Herald will be running stories about the run. Just in case you cared to read them. I will try to do a blog entry everyday during the run to give those who are interested an update on how things are going and how far into the 74 mile trip I actually am.
Thank you again to those who have taken the time to donate. I have come to the realization that attaining the $50,000 goal is pretty much impossible. However, I realize that whatever amount is raised is more than the charities had when I started. Everyone is a winner when the score is tallied! More to come...
Monday, May 5, 2008
Inspirational moments
When it comes to inspirational and moving moments, this one is at or near the top of the list! After I appeared on 'DNL', I got a call at the police station from a Sgt. Dan Miller of the US Marine Corps. Now, for the record, I am prior US Army and there is a rivalry between all four of the Armed Forces branches. So, I return the call and speak to this Marine. He tells me that he had just seen my segment on 'DNL' and was inspired to contact me. Then he goes on to say "If you'll have us, the United States Marine Corps would be honored to run with you." Well, I got chills up my spine and was completely floored. I then informed him that I was never a Marine and that I was actually an Army vet. He told me that it made no difference to him and that he would be honored to be a part of the run.
I then asked him how many Marines were interested in running. His response was so prototypical of all the Armed Forces - "I can have one hundred by tomorrow if you need us!" I chuckled and told him that I might not be able to accomodate 100 Marines on the run route or coordinate the necessary logistical support that would be needed to make that happen. We agreed to think about how we could best utilize the Marines so that all who wished to run could do so.
I began to think about it. I initially thought we could set up a relay and allow two Marines to run with me and then every two miles or so, two new Marines take over. But then it hit me! Why not use the resources that were already in place. I will be escorted into Avalon by the police - probably the last 8 miles or so. Why not have ALL the Marines run in formation with me for the last leg? What better way to end this amazing journey than with the men and women who are fighting the war on terror and fighting to keep our country safe. So, it is official - I'll not only be escorted into Avalon by my brothers and sisters in blue, but also by my brothers and sisters in camo too! I can't wait to see the faces on everyone who is coming to see the finish!
I wanted to also thank a local business for their generous donation. Streamlight, Inc. is a Collegeville based company and the leading supplier of flashlights in world. They are a big supporter of police officers and the C.O.P.S. charity as well. Thank you for being a part of my cause! More to come...
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
What a day!
Hi! Well, the media blitz has begun and I am so happy with the results so far. On Weds., I was called by Channel 69 News out of Reading, PA and they came to the house and did a piece for their evening newscast. Melissa, the reporter for Channel 69, was amazing and did a nice tribute to my brother. You can see it on line at www.wfmz.com.
Yesterday, I was honored to appear on Comcast Sportsnet's show -'Daily News Live', hosted by Michael Barkann. A good friend and Comcast Sportsnet Anchor, Neil Hartman, was nice enough to arrange for me to appear on the show. I am trying to get both video's on the website, but that might take a little time. For now, if you have Comcast Digital Cable, you can see it "On Demand". Go to the "Sports" selection then look for "CSN". Once there, you will see "Daily News Live" and the episode is 4/24/08.
Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of me and the cause. I am truly indebted to each and every one of you. More to come!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Update
Hi! Well, the nasty virus I've been dealing with seems to be finally out of my system. I had to take 10 days off from running and when I went back out on Sunday for the first time, Whew!!!! I could really tell that my lungs were hit hard by the infection. I am going to slowly get myself back into the swing of things - I won't do myself any good if I am sick for the actual run.
It is a definite that I will be appearing on Comcast Sportsnet's show 'Daily News Live' this Thursday. I was told that I will be on the show between 5:45-6:15pm. Hope you all will tune in to see the show.
I drove the run route last Friday - For the love of Pete!!!!! It is going to be a REALLY long run!!! A little imposing when you drive it and watch the miles go by on the odometer. The run looks like it will be just under 74 miles from the start to the finish. Once again, I will be starting about 4 miles into NJ on Rt. 322 at the super Wawa. From there I will run Rt.322 till I get to Rt. 50. I take Rt. 50 to Rt. 9 and Rt. 9 into Avalon. The finish line will be at 21st and Dune Dr. in Avalon, NJ. I plan on coming in around 1pm so if you can find the time to be there, it is going to be a fun event. There will be a lot of press, dignitaries from PA and NJ and some other surprise guests. Not sure who they are since the Avalon people planning the event are keeping it hush hush. I am excited, scared, nervous and extremely motivated for this run. More to come....
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
re: I got bumped!!!
In TV lingo, I got bumped from "DNL" tomorrow evening. The fact that the Flyers and Sixers and Phillies are playing made them move me to next Weds. (4/23). Oh well, I guess I can understand that the pro teams are probably a little more interesting that my run!
On a side note: If you are planning on mailing in your donation, please be sure to make the check payable to: "WCA- Cubbler Memorial Fund" or else it might not get deposited in the right account. If you have mailed a check recently and want to double check that it was credited correctly into the run account, please feel free to email me. Thanks!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Health Update!
WOW!!!! When I get infected with a mutant virus, I REALLY get it! This infection really did a number on me. I was pretty much useless for three days and I am finally starting to turn the corner. It looks like I will be taking the whole week off from training - more to ensure that I am healthy for the actual run than anything else. Next time, I'll listen to my body and my wife when I am feeling rundown.
Reminder - I'll be promoting the run on Weds. 4/16 on Comcast SportsNet's live 90 minute show 'Daily News Live'. It airs from 5-6:30 pm. I'll be the bald white guy on the panel!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I hate getting sick!
Well, I guess I can chalk this up to "shoulda listened to my wife!" I started feeling like crap on Tuesday night and it sorta lingered for a couple of days. I ran Weds (7 miles) and then again on Thursday (7 miles). On Thursday, my wife told me to stay home and rest. She told me that running when I am feeling drained will only get me sicker. Well she was right! I've been up coughing and blowing my nose for two days!!!!! Oh well, thank God for Anti-biotics!
I will be appearing on Comcast SportsNet in Philly on Weds. 4/16. The show is called "Daily News Live" and I will be on sometime between 5-6:30pm. It is a live show so I don't know when I will actually be on the air! More to come.....
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Runner's
I put out a request for volunteer's to run "leg's" with me during the actual run. So far, Thursday 5/15 is covered and Friday 5/16 is covered. I still need volunteer's to run on Saturday and the final day of the run, Sunday. Each leg will hopefully be around 8 miles (as long as my body allows it!) If you have nothing better to do on Sat./Sun. and feel like helping me through this run, please contact me.
I have been running like a nut this week. Weds. I ran 7 miles. Thursday I ran 9 miles (Thanks Laura!), Sat. I ran in a 5k race with my wife and Sun. I ran 7 miles. And to think that all those miles will total a little over one day of my run!!!! Ugh!!!!!
The total donated is just about $5,000. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to give what they could to my cause. I am eternally indebted to you. God Bless!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Pottstown Mercury Article
The Pottstown Mercury wrote a very nice front page article on Sunday March 30th. If you would like to check it out, go to www.pottsmerc.com and click on the article or you can google my name -Matt Cubbler and it will come up that way. Only 6 weeks till D-day!!!!
Monday, March 31, 2008
re: Running around!
This week I really began increasing my mileage. I ran no less than 7 miles/day and got about 35 miles in this week. I had a nice surprise email the other day from a stranger who wanted to help me train and who also wanted to run with me during the actual race. Her name is Laura and we met and ran together on Thursday along the Perkiomen Creek Trail. We ran a little over 8 miles and it seemed to fly by! It is the first time I have had someone to run with since I took up this crazy challenge. It really does make a huge difference having someone to talk to while running. Laura is young and in insane shape, so it was a challenge for me just to run at an acceptable pace (didn't want to look as old as I felt!) She ran track at the University of Delaware, so running is her forte! It will be a big help having her run with me when I am feeling like crap during the run. Thanks Laura!
Friday, March 28, 2008
Update
Training is beginning to become more intense for me. I am trying to increase my daily mileage, but I am still finding it difficult to find 90 minutes a day to devote to running. Between work, family, kids' activities, etc., there just isn't enough hours in a day!!! I am confident that I will be able to not only finish the run, but do it with a little dignity as well. I have had a nice surprise throughout this entire journey - I found out that God did give me abdominal muscles!!! I don't quite have a "six-pack" yet, but a have at least a "four-pack" going on!!!! I don't think I'll ever loose that little layer of flubber that sits around the belly button area - I've had it at 150lbs and 225lbs so I think it is here to stay.
I had a very insightful conversation with a media friend named Joe. He rightfully pointed out that I might be putting too much stress on myself by placing so much emphasis on garnering donations. He pointed out that I was loosing focus on the reason for the run. How true an outside point of view can be! So, I have decided to spend my time thinking about the positive things I am doing by raising whatever funds I can raise and what those funds will do to help kids with disabilities and the families of police officers who died in the line of duty. If I do go astray again - I hope someone is there to keep my focus on the "why" and not the "how much"!!! More to come....
Monday, March 24, 2008
Re: Call for people to run with me!
I am auditioning potential runners to assist me with my run - just kidding! I could use one person per leg of the run. There will be 9-10 legs during the 72hr run and each leg will be about 8 miles or so. If anyone is interested in helping me finish the race by running with me, yelling at me to run, encouraging me to stop crying like a little girl on day three of the run - please let me know! Email me if you are interested. Thanks!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
re: Media Coverage
I wanted to let people know that I have begun to notify the media about the run, in hopes that it helps to generate interest. The local newspaper that serves the Avalon/Stone Harbor area (7 Mile Times) wrote a very nice story. The writer was Andy Jasner, son of Phil Jasner who is the long time beat writer for the 76ers at the Philly Daily News. Go to www.7miletimes.com and go to page 28 to read the article.
The Pottstown Mercury will be running a story in the next week or so. I am scheduled to do an interview next wednesday so soon after that it should be in the papers.
I'll keep you posted as more articles/interviews come up. Keep spreading the word about the run. If you have thought about donating and have yet to do so....any amount will help. Remember, it is all going to charity and you can write it off too!!! Thanks again.
Matt
Friday, March 14, 2008
re: Training Update
I wish I could tell all of you that I am 100% ready for this run, but I'd be lying. I did have a busy week though. Weds-Sat. I was in Atlantic City, NJ where I co-direct the security detail for the Maxwell Football Club Awards Banquet. I did manage to get a couple of runs in on the treadmill and I walked about 50 miles through Harrah's Casino too! On one of my treadmill runs I had the chance to workout with Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy/Maxwell Trophy winning quarterback from the University of Florida. I smoked him!!!! Okay, maybe not, but I held my own at least! I even had a chance to teach him some Krav Maga and Russian Kettlebell exercises. It was a memorable workout to say the least.
I wanted to thank the Pottstown Wellness Foundation for their donation of $500.00 to the run. They are a fine organization helping to promote healthy lifestyles in the Pottstown Area. That's it for now. Keep passing on the good word about the run!!!!
Monday, March 10, 2008
re: Donation Update
The donations have begun to pick up a little so if you have been passing the word along - THANK YOU!!!! We are now over $2,000 donated and everyday that number grows.
I wanted to thank a few people who were very generous: John Kehoe, Vince Raffeo and Jack Torrance. I truly appreciate your generosity. Each and every person who has donated will be a part of history. I think that my goal of $50,000 for charity is realistic. I know professional organizations who could not pull that number off, but I believe in the spirit of giving. I believe that if everyone takes a few minutes to donate any amount and then passes the word along to others, we can reach that goal. There are a lot of people who are behind the scenes handing out fliers and talking to people. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to join the cause. Thank God for the internet!!!!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Thanks Curt!
To my good friend, Curt Rimmel, thanks for the generous donation. Curt is also my landscaper (R & R Landscaping in Linfield, PA) so if you need a shrub, patio or your grass cut, call Curt!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
re: Corporate Sponsor's Needed!
I am sending out an S.O.S. to anyone who might have connections with corporate level sponsors. In order to even come close to the goal of $50,000 for the charities, I am going to need the assistance on corporate sponsorship. If you have any connections, please email me! Thanks a ton!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
re: Thanks!
I'm using today's update to give a shout out to those who have taken an interest in the cause:
First, I'd like to thank a good friend and one heck of a SWAT operator, Mike Odle of LAPD and LEAD Consultants for his generous donation. Thanks Mike for the friendship and support!!!
Next I'd like to thank every member of my FOP lodge, Lodge #14 in Montgomery County, PA for allowing me to address the lodge and ask for their support. The response was overwhelming and much appreciated.
I'd also like to thank Schuylkill Valley Sporting Goods, Inc. for their donation of running equipment.
Keep passing the word along to everyone you know. All donations are welcomed and appreciated!!!!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
re: Run Route
As of right now, it looks like the run will take the following route:
Wawa on Rt322, just into NJ will be my starting point. From there I will run Rt322 for a llloooonnngggg time. Once I get to Rt50, I will bang a hard right and take that to Rt 9 just outside Sea Isle City. I will then take Rt 9 to Avalon Blvd and down the home stretch to 21st and Dune Dr. in Avalon, NJ. The total for the run will be 74.5 miles, give or take a mile. Yikes!!!!! Just thought I'd let you all know in case you want to cheer me on along the way or for those who I call my close friends...heckle me!!! Later!
Matt
Saturday, February 16, 2008
BRRRRR!!!!
Well, I decided to brave to weather today and go for an hour run. Not sure why I decided to do this since it was 40mph gusts and snow squalls! Anyways, I made it through and besides some wind burn on my face, I came out of it unharmed!
On a side note, I wanted to thank the first donor to the run, an old friend from my days in the Federal Gov't - Gerry Credidio. Thanks Gerry for your generosity! A surprise donor was the one and only Pat Croce. I thank Pat for his generosity as well. Keep passing the word along and for those on the bubble about donating, just remember any amount is a good amount and will be helping many people in need.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Training
Just to fill you all in on how I plan on getting in the proper shape to complete this run without killing myself!!
Up until this month, I have been running 4 days per week and running anywhere from 5 to 8 miles per day. I also take Krav Maga 2 days per week and I am currently training to become an instructor. Krav Maga is an Isreali fighting system that is physically demanding and pretty darm cool too! Check out the website www.B2kravmaga.com.
Starting this month I will tailor my running routine to something that is similar to the charity run itself. I will be running only 3 days per week, but it will be 3 days in a row. I plan on running twice per day, starting at two 5 mile runs each day and increasing the mileage every week or so until I get up to 60 miles in 3 days. Not sure how my body is going to respond, but I'll definitely keep you posted. That's all for now. Thanks for checking in with me.
Matt
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Update
It looks as if the run will end in Avalon, NJ at Veterans Plaza. The goal is to have a check presentation ceremony and other festivities. I hope all of you can find the time to be there. Time to run!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Website is up!!!
I wanted to thank a good friend, computer guru and medical doctor, Snehal Gandhi for putting this whole website together for me. He is also going to be there during the run as my medical advisor and to make sure I end this insane run in one piece! Thanks again Dr.G!!!!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
