Nikolas's sister, Thea, cheering Nikolas on at his first marathon, the Fortitude for First Descents on 12/1/12.
Is it okay for Nikolas to run marathons at his age?
The big question. Nikolas's health and safety is our absolute top priority. No one else is going to care more about his health than his parents.
Honestly, as his mother, the idea of Nikolas running marathons and going to other countries worries me all the time - I’m his mother. It took me a long time to become comfortable with the initial idea. Believe me, we are NOT making him do this!!! When Nikolas first suggested this (see below), his dad and I had lots of questions ... We had the same questions and many more that others have asked, “Is he too young?” “Will he hurt himself?” “Is distance running okay for his long-term physical growth?” We resolved to address all of our concerns before allowing our son to embark on such a fantastic and unique odyssey.
In order to determine whether this is something that is a healthy and safe choice for Nikolas, we have reviewed a considerable amount of research and literature and have taken him for extensive medical examinations and have had Nikolas go through comprehensive evaluations and consults with medical experts, including Pediatric Cardiology and Sports Medicine Specialists. The medical doctors who have evaluated and examined Nikolas concluded that they have no reservations with Nikolas’s participation in distance running based on Nikolas’s training regimen.
Nikolas also continues to be monitored by both medical experts and by his father and me. Days after his first marathon, we sent him for additional tests. The tests came back fine and Nikolas’s doctors maintain that Nikolas can continue to participate safely in marathons.
It’s important to convey that Nikolas plans to complete and NOT compete in these marathons. There’s a big difference from our perspective. While Nikolas ran in many races prior to his first marathon and is even a champion race walker, his idea in regards to the marathons was not about running as fast as he could, but more the satisfaction of completing the marathons. So that is the way he trains: to be able to complete them at a safe, comfortable pace.
In Delaware during his first marathon, was he capable of running faster? Yes, but that wasn’t the goal. He finished just under six hours and literally had his trademark grin from beginning to end. He was so proud of his accomplishment!
One of the most important factors is that Nikolas absolutely loves to run. He is having so much fun and he is doing it in a healthy way! We have told him over and over, you can stop at anytime. If this isn’t fun anymore, he can stop, but so far, he continues to be excited to keep “running” ahead with his goal!
Is Nikolas prepared to run marathons?
Nikolas’s training regimen is carefully and thoughtfully prepared by both sports medicine professionals and his father, who by the way runs almost every step with him. His father is an experienced marathon runner and has trained Nikolas exceptionally well in a slow and cautious manner. From nutrition to comfort to willpower, all things have been considered to prepare Nikolas.
When did Nikolas start running?
“Well, I can't remember not running!” has been Nikolas’s response when asked this question. He completed his first 5k at the age of 5, mostly on his father’s shoulders. When he was six, he was on his own two feet and started training for a 5k with his dad who was preparing to enter the Air Force Reserves.
How did Nikolas come up with the idea of wanting to run seven marathons on all seven continents?
After he and his dad ran a half marathon together, he wanted to just keep running and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to run a marathon?” Then conversations began about different areas around the world that offer various climates such as a snowy region to barren desert. That's when Nikolas thought about how great it would be to run a marathon on every continent.
“One boy, one million steps, one dollar at a time.” What does it mean?
There are 5,280 feet in one mile. There are 26.2 miles in one marathon. 26.2 x 5,280 = 138,336 feet to one marathon. 138,336 x 7 marathons = 968,352 feet. We rounded up to one million knowing that he is taking at least that amount of steps when you include his “training steps.”
How did Nikolas choose Operation Warm as his cause?
Nikolas’s grandfather founded Operation Warm in 1998. Nikolas has grown up realizing the importance of helping people in need. He has volunteered with Operation Warm in various ways from handing a child a new coat to donating money from his own piggy bank. Nikolas bared no hesitation when deciding to combine his passion of running with his belief in Operation Warm’s mission. “I’ve learned how important it is to help other people who need it,” Nikolas says, “and I think that Operation Warm is great because every kid should be able to have their very own warm coat.”
How does my donation help?
Operation Warm is very proud to inform donors that 97 cents on every dollar goes to the national coat program. Three cents of every dollar raised goes to the overhead expenses associated with running this important nonprofit. Every dollar helps and one new coat changes the life of one child.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Operation Warm’s Federal Tax ID number is 38-3663310.
Will my donation really make a difference?
Absolutely! Your donation, regardless of size, enables us to ensure our work continues and that children are given hope where there may have only been despair. Thank you for considering a gift of warmth through Operation Warm. Donate by clicking here.
The big question. Nikolas's health and safety is our absolute top priority. No one else is going to care more about his health than his parents.
Honestly, as his mother, the idea of Nikolas running marathons and going to other countries worries me all the time - I’m his mother. It took me a long time to become comfortable with the initial idea. Believe me, we are NOT making him do this!!! When Nikolas first suggested this (see below), his dad and I had lots of questions ... We had the same questions and many more that others have asked, “Is he too young?” “Will he hurt himself?” “Is distance running okay for his long-term physical growth?” We resolved to address all of our concerns before allowing our son to embark on such a fantastic and unique odyssey.
In order to determine whether this is something that is a healthy and safe choice for Nikolas, we have reviewed a considerable amount of research and literature and have taken him for extensive medical examinations and have had Nikolas go through comprehensive evaluations and consults with medical experts, including Pediatric Cardiology and Sports Medicine Specialists. The medical doctors who have evaluated and examined Nikolas concluded that they have no reservations with Nikolas’s participation in distance running based on Nikolas’s training regimen.
Nikolas also continues to be monitored by both medical experts and by his father and me. Days after his first marathon, we sent him for additional tests. The tests came back fine and Nikolas’s doctors maintain that Nikolas can continue to participate safely in marathons.
It’s important to convey that Nikolas plans to complete and NOT compete in these marathons. There’s a big difference from our perspective. While Nikolas ran in many races prior to his first marathon and is even a champion race walker, his idea in regards to the marathons was not about running as fast as he could, but more the satisfaction of completing the marathons. So that is the way he trains: to be able to complete them at a safe, comfortable pace.
In Delaware during his first marathon, was he capable of running faster? Yes, but that wasn’t the goal. He finished just under six hours and literally had his trademark grin from beginning to end. He was so proud of his accomplishment!
One of the most important factors is that Nikolas absolutely loves to run. He is having so much fun and he is doing it in a healthy way! We have told him over and over, you can stop at anytime. If this isn’t fun anymore, he can stop, but so far, he continues to be excited to keep “running” ahead with his goal!
Is Nikolas prepared to run marathons?
Nikolas’s training regimen is carefully and thoughtfully prepared by both sports medicine professionals and his father, who by the way runs almost every step with him. His father is an experienced marathon runner and has trained Nikolas exceptionally well in a slow and cautious manner. From nutrition to comfort to willpower, all things have been considered to prepare Nikolas.
When did Nikolas start running?
“Well, I can't remember not running!” has been Nikolas’s response when asked this question. He completed his first 5k at the age of 5, mostly on his father’s shoulders. When he was six, he was on his own two feet and started training for a 5k with his dad who was preparing to enter the Air Force Reserves.
How did Nikolas come up with the idea of wanting to run seven marathons on all seven continents?
After he and his dad ran a half marathon together, he wanted to just keep running and thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to run a marathon?” Then conversations began about different areas around the world that offer various climates such as a snowy region to barren desert. That's when Nikolas thought about how great it would be to run a marathon on every continent.
“One boy, one million steps, one dollar at a time.” What does it mean?
There are 5,280 feet in one mile. There are 26.2 miles in one marathon. 26.2 x 5,280 = 138,336 feet to one marathon. 138,336 x 7 marathons = 968,352 feet. We rounded up to one million knowing that he is taking at least that amount of steps when you include his “training steps.”
How did Nikolas choose Operation Warm as his cause?
Nikolas’s grandfather founded Operation Warm in 1998. Nikolas has grown up realizing the importance of helping people in need. He has volunteered with Operation Warm in various ways from handing a child a new coat to donating money from his own piggy bank. Nikolas bared no hesitation when deciding to combine his passion of running with his belief in Operation Warm’s mission. “I’ve learned how important it is to help other people who need it,” Nikolas says, “and I think that Operation Warm is great because every kid should be able to have their very own warm coat.”
How does my donation help?
Operation Warm is very proud to inform donors that 97 cents on every dollar goes to the national coat program. Three cents of every dollar raised goes to the overhead expenses associated with running this important nonprofit. Every dollar helps and one new coat changes the life of one child.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Operation Warm’s Federal Tax ID number is 38-3663310.
Will my donation really make a difference?
Absolutely! Your donation, regardless of size, enables us to ensure our work continues and that children are given hope where there may have only been despair. Thank you for considering a gift of warmth through Operation Warm. Donate by clicking here.
