Harlem School visit- NYC Marathon
This was too funny- everyone had their hand up, some didn't even hear the question, others started talking randomly about their parents, or vegetables they like.. which eventually led to an entire change of subject.
Before Marathon Sunday, I went to visit a school in Harlem where youngsters were taking part in a program run by the New York Road Runners (NYRR) called “Mighty Milers”. The program promotes fitness among children in schools and community centers, helping them to stay active in today’s society. It is especially tough in areas of NY where there isn’t alot of safe green park spaces for kids to stay active, or among families who cannot afford extra-cirricular activities. Even in the particular school I visited, the small gymnasium was split in half and was being shared between multiple schools.
The “Mighty Milers” program offers several various running programs for kids of different ages. The childrens’ progress is tracked, as they aim to complete a full marathon, 26.2 miles (42 kilometers), by the end of the school year.
The kids I met were very cute, all full of energy but needing an outlet. Their light and innocent energy filled me up, and I hope I left some sort of impression on them to stay healthy and active. The younger generation needs our guidance, and it is up to us to show them what we all deep down know is so important- a healthy and active lifetyle.
Click on the pictures for higher resolution
As they ran their marathon miles for me around the gym, I waited on one corner to give high fives- this little guy and his twin brother were cutting across the gym, as to get more high fives.
Take note of pre-meditated gangsta pose on my left shoulder, and piece sign on my lower left. Hilarious.
ING NYC Marathon
I’m writing this quite a bit after the race, but maybe that’s a good thing. Keeping it short. Basically I trained really long and hard for this, more than any other marathon in the past. I was still dealing with sickness from Delhi, and it definitely affected my training and my performance. I was hoping to do much better, but clearly something was wrong when I couldn’t hold on going up over the bridge into Manhattan around 28k- climbing is one of my strengths. It was a super exciting race up until that point, the biggest pack together for the longest time in the history of the marathon I do believe. I was very frustrated with the situation, because I trained SO hard for weeks and weeks leading up, but all of my energy was going to my immune system, dealing with the sickness. I did get over it about a week or so later- 5 weeks after coming back from Delhi.
A big congratulations to David Weir for an outstanding performance. He looked very comfortable throughout the whole race, though I know it was a very close battle to the end. A big congratulations to Masazumi Soejima, who was right there until the end, and didn’t receive the credit he deserved for such an outstanding performance as well.
And as usual, the marathon people did an outstanding job again, making for arguably the most enjoyable racing experience every year in Manhattan. Thank you.
Neuroblastoma Canada article
Antonia Palmer, mother of a child battling with the same type of cancer I had as an infant approached me in the fall. In her research as a mother trying to do everything for her child with neuroblastoma, she realized that there were very few resources available for parents. So she decided to launch Neuroblastoma Canada, a website and resource for parents dealing with the same situation. She asked if she could do an article about myself as a survivor of the cancer, and I was more than happy to partake!
Here is the article: http://neuroblastoma.ca/blog/warrior/josh-cassidy-paralympian-and-neuroblastoma-warrior/
And the link to her website: http://neuroblastoma.ca/
Cheetah Energy Drink Commercial
My brother Zach, along with friend Matt Walter, were putting together entries for the Cheetah Energy Drink Commercial Competition. There was a cash reward in it for them, and I was looking for sponsorship. We decided it would be mutually beneficial to work together and create a good commercial that had a shot at winning. We were one of the first place finalists, in a very odd process for the contest. However in the end we still have a great demo/portfolio piece that we can all be proud of.
Commonwealth Games Delhi- Bronze
OCTOBER 2010
Youtube video- first lap and last lap.
watch?v=FJb60TjSB1E&feature=player_embedded
WATCH THE POST RACE INTERVIEW WITH CBC HERE: http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/Sports/1221284063/ID=1611980061
CBC Commonwealth Games blog entry:
HAPPY WITH BRONZE- BUT WHAT IF…
That’s it. It’s over.
I’m writing now from the airport in Delhi, on my way home already. This is the first moment in six hours that I’ve had a chance to reflect since my race and actually look at my medal.
So how do I feel? READ MORE at: http://www.cbc.ca/commonwealthgames/blog/2010/10/happy-with-the-bronze-but-what-if.html
CBC Commonwealth Games blog entry upon arrival in Delhi
SOFT TRACK RAISES CHALLENGES
I had a big personal distraction before leaving for the Commonwealth Games, as I came down with a cold/flu for a few days before leaving. Probably a combination of sitting in the cold rain at the disastrous Berlin Marathon, dehydration from traveling, and a bug going around Guelph, Ont., where I live.
It was the first time I had been sick in a while. No big deal, though, right? It’s only a flu. Well, as an athlete who’s only one week away from competition, it’s not the best time to be missing training sessions.
I also don’t experience the flu in the same way the average person does. As a result of the cancer I had as an infant, my nervous system overreacts and I get shooting pains in my legs, sides, and back. The areas that were affected by the neuroblastoma feel like they are being electrocuted every 15 seconds, or like someone is pounding me with a steel-toed boot. Pain killers do nothing, and it lasts about 48 hours. I lose lots of sleep and afterwards I feel battered and bruised. Not the best way to recover from a marathon and prepare for the Commonwealth Games!
The biggest struggle is to overcome this mentally. READ THE REST OF THE BLOG ENTRY at : http://www.cbc.ca/commonwealthgames/blog/2010/10/soft-delhi-track-raises-challenges.html
Newcastle Photoshoot
In between races, Burdus promotion hired Critical Tortoise Photography in Newcastle England to create a series of photographs for promotion purposes. Spending the day around various urban settings in Newcastle- building tops, tunnels, highway overhangs- the guys did a great job capturing a unique combination of grit in an “urban jungle” setting. Big thanks to Andy Jones, Tony Dennis, and Laura Brown- great job!
Here are a few of the photos- click for higher resolution!
Article about the photoshoot here: http://www.insideworldparasport.biz/insideparasport/8943-cassidy-chooses-newcastle-to-help-raise-profile
SHIFT sponsorship
I’m proud to officially be a member of the SHIFT Performance Training, Athletic Rehabilitation team. I have been going to Shift in Guelph for the last year now, training and receiving therapeutic treatment from staff members. Top track coach Loren Seagrave got me in touch with Wayne Burke, when I was looking for a new strength and conditioning coach. I was so happy with the training and treatment there, that it played a major role in my decision to move from Oakville to Guelph. The whole staff is absolutely wonderful, on top of knowing their stuff, they are great people to be around. The Shift is a unique environment, providing one on one and group fitness classes, in a fun but tough atmosphere. Ideal for the average person trying to get in shape, to the young athlete trying to make it to the big leagues, Shift is for everyone. Highly recommend coming and trying it out to get fit or get treatment!
A big thanks to Scott Haller for recognizing and supporting me in my journey to 2012! And thanks to all the staff and the wonderful work they do!
VISIT THE OFFICIAL SHIFT WEBSITE: www.theshift.ca
(MIS)Adventures at the Berlin Marathon
The power of attraction is something I strongly believe in. If you focus on something enough, it will come to you – whether it’s a positive or a negative thing.
Before my trip to Germany to compete in the Berlin Marathon, I heard about a German athlete who had his chair left behind, and then completely misplaced, on the exact same airline and flight I was going to be on – Newcastle, England through Dusseldorf to Berlin. I focused good energy on this matter before my trip, saying to myself, “All of my baggage will get there fine.” I really tried to be confident and to not think about the matter much.
Maybe it paid off, because my racing wheelchair arrived in Berlin in one piece. I was very satisfied. The Berlin airport (unlike Frankfurt’s) is extremely efficient. My driver was right there in the pickup area on time, and it looked like I’d arrive on schedule at my hotel in 20 minutes.
Things didn’t go so smoothly, though. Starting with a little car accident on my way to the hotel… READ THE FULL POST HERE AT: http://www.cbc.ca/commonwealthgames/blog/2010/10/misadventures-in-berlin.html
Writing blog for CBC leading up to and during Commonwealth Games
CBC asked me to write a blog for them leading up to the Commonwealth Games- my preparations, competitions leading up. Then blog during the games, a perspective from the athletes village, competition venue, etc.
My first two entries:
“At home in front of thousands of people” – As a kid, I think I imagined competing in big events so many times that, when I’m actually there, it doesn’t feel as strange as it should. Instead, I just feel a rush of adrenaline and a drive to succeed. I’m right at home in a stadium filled with thousands of people. I’ve been training hard to make the Commonwealth Games successful, and I’m aiming for nothing less than the top. I’ll be extremely disappointed with anything less than a podium finish in Delhi. READ MORE by clicking the link below
“Finding balance between my two passions”- I mentioned in my last entry that I had created some promotional artwork for an upcoming race. Illustration is my other equal passion alongside athletics. Free time is hard to come by, but when I get some I like to spend it creating art. I have equally high ambitions in that field. READ MORE by clicking the link below
All of the blog entries can be viewed here: http://www.cbc.ca/commonwealthgames/blog/author/author60fd8/