Wow, what an amazing experience it was! I'm really sore right now, but it was all well worth it. I never stopped running the entire race, I gave it everything I had and crossed the finish line a very proud man.

There were several times when I wanted to stop running, like so many runners did on the incline of the bridges. However, I tapped into the energy of the huge cheering crowd, thought about how many months I'd been training for this day, remembered all the incredible support I'd received while raising money for Nick's fund and of course I thought about Nick and others that are no longer with us.

My day started at the New York Athletic Club at 59th street/ 7th avenue at 6:00am, where I would catch a bus to the start line, which is located on the Staten Island side of the Verranzano Bridge. Our bus was among a long line of others that were escorted through the streets of NYC, much like a presidential motorcade. I met a nice guy, Chet, on the bus and we chatted the... more

News 12 New Jersey has produced a story that will air tomorrow night (Sunday) at 10:30pm.

If you're unable to catch it live, the video will be posted on the news section of this website shortly thereafter.

Nick's family hosted a pre-marathon dinner last night at Tony's DiNapoli restaurant on 43rd street in Manhattan to thank and honor the runners on Nick's team. Many of the runners swapped training stories as they enjoyed several delicious Italian dishes. The food was great, as well as the company. Nick's family were gracious hosts -- everyone seemed to have a nice time. I will post additional photos as soon as possible.

The fundraising total is now north of $13,000! Although the race is tomorrow, please keep spreading the word! Donations can still be accepted even after the race!

Tonight I will be laying low, getting to bed early. Tomorrow morning I'll jump on a bus to head to the start line in Staten Island at 6:30am. The race will begin at approximately 10am for me. I have a chip on my sneaker that enables you to track my progress on the marathon website (www.nycmarathon.org). My bib number is 4136.

Thank you all for your emails, I truly appreciate your ov... more

The Allendale/ Waldwick Policemen’s Benevolent Association of Bergen County, NJ, donated $1,000 to Nick's fund! P.O. Paul Stettner made the presentation today at Waldwick Police headquarters. Thank you to the entire membership of the Allendale/ Waldwick PBA for your support and generosity.

This is an extra special contribution for a two reasons. First, I grew up in Waldwick and have so many great memories there. I have received overwhelming support from so many wonderful Waldwick residents, evidenced by the large amount of generous Waldwick contributors listed on this web site!

Second, twenty years ago I was a Waldwick Police Radio Dispatcher before becoming a Police Officer in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Many of the same folks who worked in the Waldwick municipal complex are still there today, including my incredible mother, Joan. The entire staff of the municipal building and Police & Fire complex are such nice people, always have been from day one.

Waldwick is tr... more

Less than a week to go and I can't wait for the big day! Many of my family members and friends will be cheering me on along the course next Sunday. I told them to pick a spot somewhere after the 20 mile mark because that's when I think I'll really need the encouragement. It's the last six miles that is unfamiliar territory for me.

Today my training schedule only called for 6 miles, so, since I was out by my mom's house in the suburbs, I ran through the streets of Waldwick, NJ. It's definitely weird to be running such short distances now that I'm in the taper stage, but I must admit my knees aren't as sore as they usually are and I feel rested and ready. The weather was perfect today, just about 60 degrees, an ideal temperature come marathon day.

From this point until November 4th, my main focus is to stay way from people with colds, and to continue to spread the word about this worthy cause. As of today, the fundraising total is now north of $12,000! My hope is that t... more

It is difficult to put into words how special last night was for me. I was surrounded by my family, some old friends and some new, the fabulous staff of Fred's and an especially nice surprise visit from Vinny (Nick's brother-in-law). With the help of so many generous people, we ended up raising a grand total of $2,000 for Nick's Fund! Absolutely amazing!

I must send a huge 'thank you' to Fred's owners' Kimberly and David for all they did. They donated hundreds of dollars, supplied all the food, paid for the staff and in the process managed to make everyone feel right at home. Kim, she's one of the coolest chicks I know. This is one girl who I am so proud to call my friend. The staff they have assembled, they were all truly amazing, all so nice -- all wearing the 'AndyRuns.com' shirts. Kevin, my bar-tending mentor, was a blast to work with, he's a great guy, and definitely demonstrated plenty of patience while showing me the ropes. He made me feel right at home and I thank him ... more

Thirteen days left until the big day! I can't believe it's almost here. Today I ran 15 miles as per my training schedule. I stayed close to home this time, running along the Hudson river through Hoboken, Weehawken and Edgewater. It was an absolutely gorgeous day -- sunny, blue sky, temps in the 70's with a cool breeze blowing along the waterfront. The view of Manhattan from across the Hudson river is amazing, a view I probably take for granted most days, but not today.

I want to thank my friend and web-master, Joe Agresta for all his hard work keeping this site up to date. He has done all this work at no charge and words can not express how much I appreciate his contribution. He also designed the drink menu for the fundraising event tomorrow night at Fred's, which looks awesome, as usual.

I would also like to thank Danny Vitiello of Printing Techniques in Nutley, NJ. Danny printed the drink menu (in a rush) in order to have them for tomorrow. If you ever need a fanta... more

I’m officially in the “taper” stage of my training, which means last weekend was the final time I’ll run as far as twenty miles. Next weekend I’ll only run 15 miles, and the following, just four. I sarcastically threw in the word “only” because I find it hysterical that I can actually say 15 miles is no big deal.

Even though my training schedule never had me running farther than twenty miles, I feel like I’m ready to run the marathon today -- which is 26.2 miles. I’m told the excitement and energy of the cheering spectators helps keep the legs pumping in the latter stages of the race. I’m definitely counting on that being the case and I'm hopeful for comfortable running weather as well.

Nick’s mom, Barbara has emailed all the runners on the team (20 in total), to join together for a “pre-marathon dinner” on the Friday before the race in Manhattan. I’m truly looking forward to meeting my fellow teammates and sharing stories about our months of training.

Remind... more