Race #14 - York 5K Turkey Trot - 11.28.09

Race #13 - Winnekenni Trail Run - 11.07.09

Race #12 - Great Bay 5K - 10.24.09

This one was cold and rainy. You can tell the difference between novice runners and those that expect to place in the top ten. Clothing. I along with most of the field was covered up in compression pants and a light windbreaker. The leaders were in loincloths and flip flops. All kidding aside, this was the final race in the Seacoast Race Series. I did a select few of the race series events this year and they are always well organized and executed. We finished 283rd out of 771 runners in 24:59. This leaves Team Cameron with just two final races for the running season this year, the first of which is next week. Please help us raise awareness and research funding for Autism as our efforts directly effect the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation. If you have the means and willingness to get involved we appreciate all of the help that you have to offer. Join our team here First Giving. Again thank you to all of you that have offered us support. We appreciate it more than you will ever know.

Next up for Team Cameron is the Winnekenni 5K Trail Run on November 7th in Haverhill, MA.

Thank You All

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #11 - Joppa Hill Trail 5K - 10.10.09

What was I thinking? Why would I be running a trail K on my birthday? For Autism research of course. Well it is over thank goodness. This was and probably will be the most difficult trail run of the season crossing over stone walls and streams it was a true test. About a mile in I rolled an ankle and realized what might be the case, I was not shooting for a personal best today. Getting out of the woods on foot was the goal. A very different experience than a regular road race but much more fun and challenging at the same time. I really had a good time on this run. There will be a snowshoe race this winter at this site covering the same course, that should be interesting. Team Cameron will be participating in the Granite State Snowshoe Series as well , stay tuned for details coming soon.

Again a well organized event that only a few braved the morning to compete in as the field was only 22 or so (official numbers still unavailable as of the time of this post). I finished 8th of 22 runners in 28:34 and won my division (males 30-39) which gave the announcer the opportunity to embarrass me by making it known that it was my 38th birthday. For my efforts I was awarded a commemorative cowbell. Priceless! Next up for Team Cameron is the Great Bay 5K in Greenland on October 24th. Thanks for the emotional and monetary support and for spreading our story to your friends for help.

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #10 - Loco Moose Trail 5K - 8.30.09

(Timmy front and center at the start in the green shirt)

This was our first "trail run" and it was pretty low key. It was a mix of road race and cross country with a bit of "trail" in the middle. None the less it will be the last run for a while as Team Cameron takes the entire month of September off for family events as well as important BC and Patriot tailgates (Daddy's decision not Cameron's). Nana Lindsey surprised us by showing up at the house first thing in the morning to make the trip to Concord with us which was nice.

The race took place on the NH Tech campus near the Delta Dental complex. The tunnel we ran through to both start and finish the race was called the "root canal." All in all it was a good run and a great field of competitors. The weather held up and Team Cameron finished 36th out of 149 runners in 23:29.

Next up is the Joppa Hill "Farm Critter Frolic" 5K Trail Run on October 10th in Bedford, NH. Thank you for well wishes and please send your support along if you can.

Thank you again

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #9 - Thunder Chicken 5K - 8.06.09

This weeks race had a lot of firsts for Team Cameron. It was our first night race and our first race with a personal timing system. Gianina got me a Timex Ironman Solar (just $39 on EBay!) to keep my own split times. The surprise of the day came when we arrived at Strawberry Banke for check-in to find that we were the first entry this year. I had the dubious distinction of wearing #1 on my race bib. Ugh, lots of pressure. Not that I expected to compete for the win, though you certainly don't want to roll in at the 30 minute mark either. I certainly knew that the goal was to improve on our best thus far of 22:56.

It was a single mat race which would provide just your gun time. In these situations if you want your time to be accurate you must toe the line. As the gun sounded and we took off I felt great, continuing to warm up as we crested the first hill and then it happened. I was being passed by what seemed to be everybody and I felt as if I could not even catch first gear. I continued to hold my pace as best I could until we got to the first mile marker. There I could see an official calling out splits, hoping that my watch wasn't off by much he called out 7:15 as my group passed. Excellent, my fastest split to date. So why did I feel so defeated? What seemed to be a constant stream of people passing me got me to thinking what this was all really about.

I could not help but draw the parallel that Cameron must feel like this all the time. He is perfectly capable both physically and mentally to keep up with the others around him, though sometimes his mind and body just don't work well with one another. I had my first real battle of mind over matter. My first split time was great and I let my head put me out of the game. I should have taken a page from my sons playbook and just put my head down and done my own thing. It was a nice reminder about why we are doing all these races - for autism awareness - oddly enough I was the one that got the wake up call this week. The most valuable minutes of running I have put in since I started last summer were logged this past Thursday night on the winding asphalt roads of Portsmouth, NH.

I'll be honest, mile 2 was a blur. I was already writing this blog in my head. The emotion of what I was feeling and the exhaustion of my perception of what was happening took its toll. I finished the next split at 15:30, a full minute off my initial pace. That didn't matter now. I had learned so much about myself and my family through my weight loss, the death of my brother in-law Jay and Cameron's diagnosis with juvenile diabetes and autism. This was just a reminder that it doesn't matter how many times you get knocked down, only that you continually respond by pushing yourself back up to pursue what you believe is right.

My son Cameron and I have yet to engage in a real give and take conversation. Our communication resides on a different level. I sometimes feel closest to him when we are the furthest apart. When he is at the finish line with Gianina and Aidan and I am a mile and a half away. I can relate in a small way to the struggle that he must wrestle with every day. These self imposed challenges that I am participating in every other weekend all summer only last 3.1 miles. After that I can relax. Cameron is unable to shut off his race. He has to keep on running every day all day long, just to keep up. He is the reason I am running. If we can help raise money for autism this year great, but the importance of this endeavor is that Cameron sees his family embracing a challenge and doing something about it. Gianina and I will not ever let our boys see us play the victim card when it comes to Cameron's juvenile diabetes and autism. I am fully confident that first Aidan and then Cameron will soon join me in these races. It stands to reason that sooner than later Cameron and I will share longer runs than talks.

As I said before I feel closer to him when I am running. It will be nice to have him not only in my heart, but also by my side on the road. No conversation, just the rhythm of our hearts beating and our feet moving in unison. Drawing strength from one another to go the distance.

After all that we finished 121st of 399 runners in 23:50. The next race is our first trail run August 30th. Thank you for your support - stay involved and please tell your friends!

Timothy & Team Cameron

First Giving

Race #8 - York Days 5K - 7.26.09

So we headed down to Maine for this weeks race. Wait, did I just say down to Maine? Yup, that is how the locals always say it. Actually as a New Hampshirite I would say up. Anyway we went. It was actually the "26th Annual Amidon Family Dentistry York Days 5K Road Race" - phew! Ironically enough they were aiming for a more convoluted title for the run, but it was unable to be passed by the town fathers after being ratified 3 times in last Falls triumvirate of conclaves. Those Yorkers, they're busy people! None the less, we ran! In the rain!

It was a nice course with ample police presence and traffic control. An 8 am gun time made for a dismal spectator turnout as we winded through town. There was one great moment as I passed a "gentleman" grabbing his paper from his front walk. He stood in total disbelief that he had just rolled out of bed and 800 people were running passed his house. Punctuated by the butt scratch and belch that he offered as we went by. I let out a fist pump and a hearty "thanks for coming out!" He declined to further the exchange.

Again it was a nice run with a start and finish mat, therefore we had actual net times. Very bumpy at first as some people in the middle of the pack had trouble getting through the narrow start gate. I chose this week to start mid-pack as i find it nicer to run the first leg of the race finding a good spot as the pack begins to thin out. Also for myself as a "newbie" to the sport it is nice to build confidence by passing a lot of others as you pick your spot. All in all I still need to find my kick at the end of the runs. I could have closed faster in my opinion. As I told my wife, I need to treat the last mile as if I just stole something and the authorities are in pursuit. Alas it was a successful day for Team Cameron. The boys toughed out the weather with their Batman toys in the double jogging stroller as they accompanied Gianina at the finish jockeying for photos.

I finished 147th of 785 runners with a time of 22:56 - a new personal record for us! Our next run is Thursday, August 6th in Portsmouth. The 13th Annual (wait for it) Thunder Chicken 5K Road Race & Barbecue! Do you love it or what? Two years ago I know which part of this event I would have been competing in for cash prizes. As always thank you for being involved in our effort to raise awareness and funds for Autism and we appreciate every bit of help anyone can offer us. Please forward to family and friends if you feel compelled. Get involved now - First Giving - Thank you so much!

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #7 Harbour Trail 5K - 7.11.09

This week the travel was light and the leg was weary. Team Cameron headed off Saturday morning for the Portsmouth Harbour Trail 5K, right in our back yard. After a light week of training due to the injured right wheel that I was sporting, I never felt that I hit a rhythm. This week the goal as usual was an improvement on my personal record (23:02). Unfortunately it wasn't my day and we'll have to focus on getting stronger for the next one. I finished 94th of 375 runners with a time of 23:20.

Our next race is the York Days 5K on Sunday, July 26th. Thank you to all of those who have given us words of encouragement and to those who continue to donate to First Giving. Race #7 marks the halfway point of our 5K challenge for the 2009 running season. We still have a ways to go to reach the halfway point for our financial goal. Please get involved if you can we appreciate it, every last dollar makes a difference.

Thanks again

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #6 John Carson Memorial - 7.04.09

Our holiday was red, white and bruised. To say that Team Cameron got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement. We loaded the boys into the family truckster and were just about to head south for Chelmsford when we realized we had forgotten something. As I quickly headed back into the house madness ensued. Hurrying up the front porch my left foot never quite caught any traction with the wet lumber. Ugh! So, the left foot falls off the porch and my right shin (in mid air at this point) grates down the front of the stairs. I left quite a bit of myself on those stairs, it was a fine how do you do at 7:25 am.

We stopped the bleeding (for the time being) and headed to Chelmsford. It was a fun 2 mile run, the most populated course I have ever been on. North Road in Chelmsford is packed with people waiting for the parade that quickly follows. I promised Aidan and Cameron that I would stop and pick them up to do the last 1/8th of a mile together. We did. After all this is what it is all about, Cameron being involved in everyday things and being exposed to "typical" experiences.

Team Cameron (daddy and the boys) finished in 16:42 averaging an 8:21 mile. We'll take it considering the physical circumstances we ran under. The next race is another 5K this Saturday in Portsmouth, NH. We have some healing to do in the meantime. Wish us luck and thank you for all your support thus far. To get involved with Team Cameron go to First Giving - we appreciate all your efforts.

Thank you from Team Cameron

Timothy, Gianina, Aidan & Cameron

Race #5 Sea Dogs Father's Day 5K - 6.21.09

Team Cameron (daddy) was able to achieve another personal best this week. Timmy finished 188th of 932 runners with a time of 23:02. That time is a 17 second improvement. Next race, a fun run, just 2 miles in Chelmsford, Ma. The Carson Memorial Road Race is run in honor of CHS Class of 1989 student John Carson who passed away tragically while training with the CHS cross country team over 20 years ago. God Bless him, he'll be in our thoughts as we run this July 4th.

Thank you for all the support and continued well wishes for our success. Join our team and our challenge to raise awareness and funds for Autism. Go to First Giving - thanks.

Team Cameron

Race #4 - Lowell Fire Fighters 5K - 6.07.09

Ok, by now you are thinking is he in the same shirt again? Yes I am! It has not failed me yet. So there I am finishing the Lowell Fire Fighters 5K. While I was devising a plan on what races to run this season my friend and Lowell Fire Fighter Billy "Rubba Shoes" Corey told me about this one. A chance to dodge downtown Lowell traffic and raise money for the "jakes" while benefiting autism...why not? Well, the lucky shirt and shorts and sneakers struck again, another personal best. I finished 32nd out of 215 runners with a time of 23:19. Great weather, great atmosphere and a remarkable dinner afterwards at my parents house in Chelmsford. Life is good. Next up - back to Portland, ME for the 1st Annual Sea Dogs Father's Day 5K. Thanks to everyone for your support. Get involved now with Team Cameron as we run to raise awareness and funds for our friends at the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. First Giving

Timmy & Team Cameron

Cameron's First Day of School - 5.26.09

As I referenced in the last post, this was to be a very emotional week for us in the Lindsey household. Last Thursday was Cameron's final day of in home therapy with our friends from Community Partners as he was aging out of the program. That's right! Friday was Cameron's 3rd Birthday. We had a big family party on Saturday and the Redhook 5K on Sunday along with the departure of Brian (Poppy Rose) Gianina's Dad. If you are scoring at home they live in Sydney, Australia. Take notes, there will be a quiz at the end. Monday a day to relax and prepare for the inevitable. Our little ones first day of school. Wow. Tempus Fugit (time flies) as my old Latin teacher Mrs. Queenan would say. The reason he is off to school so early and at such a late time of year is because of his autism.

The chance of his motor skills and communication trailing off is why the school system folds them into classes so expeditiously. Why waste time and why risk the chance of him losing ground. So he is off to Woodman Park Elementary right here in Dover, NH for the remainder of this school year for three days a week. He has Mondays and Fridays off. Nice schedule huh? Over the Summer he will attend four days a week and next Fall all five. He is doing quite well thus far and we are so happy to have him in such a great program with a remarkable staff. He is not taking the bus just yet though. Cameron also has Juvenile Diabetes so I like to communicate with his teachers each morning as I drop him off as to what kind of a morning He is experiencing. A three year old with diabetes and autism is a bit of a mixed bag guessing game. He keeps us busy. My official diagnosis is that he is "sugartistic." A major milestone in his and our lives is behind us now. We are very proud of his progress.

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #3 - Red Hook Brewery 5K - 5.24.09

What could be better motivation for finishing a race than ice cold beer? Maybe taking your in-laws to the airport? I'll explain in a bit. For the time being this weeks challenge was the 12th Annual Runner's Alley / Red Hook Brewery 5K. I was able to improve on my time once again and finished 343rd out of 1,959 competitors in just 24:03. Little by little I am making decent progress. Once I finished there was no beer for me though, we were off to the airport to send off my father in-law. The beginning of a very emotional week for our family. Next up on the schedule - The Lowell Fire Fighters 5K. Thanks again to everyone who has helped us along the way with words of encouragement and donations. Get involved here - First Giving

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #2 - Sea Dogs Mother's Day 5K - 5.10.09

God bless my wife and mother in-law for this one. We were up and out the door at the crack of stupid for a 9:30 am gun time in Portland. Once again I was able to improve on my personal best and finished with a time of 25:25 which placed me at 495th out of 2,207 runners. We are so thankful for all the support from our family and friends. We hope to raise as much awareness and funding as possible this season to benefit the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. If you would like to get involved in our effort, please visit First Giving

Next up the Runner's Alley / Red Hook Brewery 5K

Thank you from all of us at Team Cameron

Race #1 - BC MBA 5K - 4.26.09

This was the first race of the 2009 season for Team Cameron. Gianina drives and looks after the boys. The boys cheer and Daddy runs. I was able to improve on my personal best from last Fall at the Eastern Bank Flutie 5K (my first ever race) in which I ran 27:16. This week I was able to trim off over a minute and finished in 62nd place out of 193 runners with a time of 26:01. Next up, Mother's Day in Portland, ME. Thanks to all those that have donated at First Giving.

Timmy & Team Cameron

A Whole New Year

Hey Everyone -

It has been a year since Cameron was first diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes (type 1) and it is also Autism Awareness Day today. Cameron was also diagnosed with Autism in June 2008. No better time than now to launch our foundation. Welcome to the Cameron Lindsey Foundation. Over the years we wish to make this site a source of information and inspiration for family, friends and relatives of Cameron and all those who have been touched by Autism and or Diabetes or both in our case. Thank you for visiting Cameron's site and we invite you to follow our journey via Facebook and Twitter as we walk and run to raise funds and awareness this coming year and in the future.

Our first endeavor of the season is in support of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation. Cameron's dad Timmy will be running all Summer long to benefit Autism Awareness. Get involved here at First Giving. Timmy's first run of the season will be April 26th at the BC MBA 5K. We invite you to join us as a runner or a benefactor. Your help is always appreciated. Thank you for making a difference.

Timmy & Cameron