What's Next?

So the marathon is over. We successfully finished the race and so did John Ball. Congradulations to all. So what's next for this family of many on their journey to find a cure for parkinsons? Well we'll just have to wait and see. If you have any suggestions please comment with your ideas. Also, if all the family members could send me there pictures from the marathon that'd be quite beneficial. I'm going to create a photobucket for Team Martinez where we can all upload pictures from all the events we do. I would also like all of you who received autographed copies of books written by marathon runners to scan or take a picture of the page that was signed and I'll post it on the blog. Thanks and Congrats!

John Ball Wishes Team Martinez Good Luck

The Maraton is Sunday

Remember the marathon is Monday. Unfotunately, due to injury, Arnie will not be running so instead we will all be walking while pushing grandpa. The sons and daughters of Arnulfo Sr. will be starting and finishing the race, taking turns on the first and last 6 miles. The remaining miles will be shared amongst the rest of the family, but at no point will everyone be walking. Sharing is caring. Get Ready! Get Set! Let's do this!

5k and Dinner Tomorrow

Hey everyone,
Those of you running the 5k tomorrow remember to get some sleep and drink plenty of water. Tomorrow is going to be lots of fun. Oh and those of you attending the French Dinner. We'll see you all there for a great meal full of joy. Can't wait, can you? I knew it. See you tomorrow. Let's go show them what we're made of Team Martinez. The prep time is pretty much over and the payoff starts tomorrow.

It's Almost Time

It's almost time for the marathon. We had a few speed bumps along the way but everything's working out for the best. So get ready, get set, and let's go run/walk/jog 26.2 miles on sunday :)

Luisa Ruiz and Family

In 1976 way up high in the farthest seat at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, my father Arnulfo stood clapping with a great big smile on his face. As I was standing on the stage ready to receive my Nursing Diploma with a sea of people in the audience, all of my attention was focused on that man that was so proud of his daughter. I give all the Glory to God because he blessed me with an earthly father that took good care of me and was an awesome example of a loving husband and dad. My father taught me many things, one being a wonderful work ethic and for that I am grateful to him. And even though I’m the second daughter of a large family, he treated me with so much love. God has also blessed me with a wonderful husband, Isidore, and four awesome sons, Manuel, Miguel, Marcial and Marcos. I am a Registered Nurse at Glendale Memorial Hospital. I enjoy my profession because it gives me opportunities to bless people. I also enjoy researching health and nutrition, hiking, and gardening and most of all I love and enjoy my Family.

Someone asked me, “Well, why are you doing this?” I’d have to say that I want to help eradicate Parkinson’s Disease.

Jose Martinez (Trino)

NAME: JOSE T. SIGALA MARTINEZ (Known as TRINO)
Born: November 5, 1958 in Mechoacanejo, Jalisco (51 years old)
Reside: East Los Angeles Hills
Education: Garfield High School (Class of 77)
Los Angeles Trade Technical College (Welding Certification)
Current Position: Los Angeles City & Los Angeles County- Certified Deputy Inspector
Relationship to Arnulfo Martinez: Nephew
Reason for running the Marathon: I been running the LA marathon since 1988, this year
I plan to join the Martinez family to honor my uncle and for “family support”
Interests: Run, Run & Run is my favorite hobby all year round. I clocked 3:01 in 1989 (my 2ND marathon) Last year my time was 3:59. Let the record reflect that I runned several marathons pushing my son Daniel as he was growing up; I made 3 hours and 18 minutes one of the times I pushed him from beginning to end.
Relationship Status: Happily married to Francisca Sigala since 1989.
Children: Andrea & Daniel Sigala
Favorite Movie: Tombstone

Wheel Chair

I was doing some research for wheelchairs and I came across this one. The Vipamat Technologie
Hippocampe Beach wheelchair. Built to be able to go on the road, cross country and on the beach. It's a little pricey though - around $3,000.00. I am going to see if I can build it instead.  (written by Arnulfo Martinez Jr. aka Arnie)

Thanksgiving Meeting

Thanksgiving was an absolute blast. We started the night off right with the most delicious ham in the history of the world and a scrumptious turkey named Tom. When our stomachs had been filled way beyond capacity, it was time to get down to buisness. Papers were being handed left and right as well as pens and pencils. Everyone drew their own t-shirt designs and we ended with a total of around 12 entries. Then it was time to put democracy to good use as everyone secretly turned in their ballot as they casted their vote. The winning entry (in picture above) was of Arnie Sr. in a wheel chair with rockets on the bottom to make it appear as if he were zooming by everyone and everything at the speed of light. Not only did this entry win but it won by a landslide. The highest amount of votes given to any other entry was around 2 while the winner received 10. Overall it was a joyous occasion and the word was certainly spread to every family member about what we are trying to accomplish. For all the members of Team Martinez, remember to sign up for the number of miles you'd like to run and everyone else, thank you so much for showing your support. Happy Thanksgiving!!! ( Yes I know I'm a little late.)

Kristina Finney

Name: Kristina Teresa Finney
Birthday: March 31, 1987
Hometown: Ventura, California
Education: Saint Bonaventure High School (Class of ’05), California State University, Fullerton (Class of 2010 with a BA in Communications)
Relation to Arnuflo: middle grandchild
Reason for the marathon: If grandpa’s going to do it then I have no excuse.
Interest: Being a kid for the rest of my life!!! I love sports, playing and watching them except for Lakers Basketball – I’ll avoid it like it’s the plaque. Reading books and listening to music takes up most of my day, like 80%. I always take pictures; you will never find me without a camera. I will be good as a paparazzi person but I’m not much of a stalker. But the best part of my life is my family because they are AWESOME!!!!!!!!!

Norma Jimenez

Name: Norma Jimenez
Gender: Female
Age: 48
Birth Date: 8/23/1961
Relationship to Arnulfo Martinez: Youngest Daughter
Relationship Status: Married to Juan
Children: Bibi, Tony, David , Teri and Sugar (My doggy)
Education: John Marshall High School (Class of 1979)
Work: Credential Analyst at Whittier City School District
Home: Whittier, California
Interests: Baking, Arts & Crafts, Home Improvement
Astrological Sign: Virgo
Chinese Profile: Ox
Chinese Element: Metal
Favorite Movies: Gone With the Wind and Fool’s Rush In
Favorite Books: Gone With the Wind
Why are you doing this? Cause Arnie said that if I didn’t he’d break my legs!!! No just kidding! It seems like a great opportunity and I love my daddy. I’m hoping to at least make a 10k but we all know I’m not a runner; bad knees, bad back, metal hip, prosthetic leg, etc., etc. (Again just kidding…except for the first two I’m serious about those.) I may not be able to run but frankly my dear I don’t give a damn because I will walk!!! Hopefully my kids can keep up with me because I have a feeling that Juan and I will leave them in the dust.

Teresa Jimenez (Teri)

Name: Teresa Jimenez (Teri)
Gender: Female
Age: 17
Birth Date: 5/31/1992
Relationship to Arnulfo Martinez: Favorite Granddaughter ;)
Relationship Status: Single
Children: Psh, yeah right!!! Weeelll maybe I can count my baby Sugar. (but I am stuck with Bibi, Tony and David as siblings)
Education: Whittier High School (Class of 2010)
Work: Student
Home: Whittier, California
Interests: Softball, Writing, Reading, Hanging out with friends and family.
Astrological Sign: Gemini
Chinese Profile: Monkey
Chinese Element: Water
Favorite Movies: The Goonies, The Italian Job, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.
Favorite Books: The Namesake, Wuthering Heights
Why are you doing this? Well I absolutely love my grandpa and will do anything to show my love and support. Then again it could be because my mom said I had to or else I’d never be allowed to leave my room again. I don’t really get a huge rush from walking or running a long distance but as long as it’s a chance to beat David I’m taking it!!

Harry Finney

Name: Harry Clark Finney
Born: January 12, 1947 in San Jose, CA
Graduated: California State University - Chico with MA in Biological Sciences
Married: February 14, 1982 to Maria Martinez (eldest daughter of Arnulfo Martinez
Children: Kristina Teresa Finney born March 31, 1987
Employed: Applied Environmental Technologies, Inc., in Ventura, CA, one of the owners since 1989.
Interest: Tennis, reading and sitting in my recliner (where I control the remote to the TV).
Why am I doing this: This is a family outing to celebrate the Senior member of the family, Mr. Arnulfo Martinez and his achievements and contributions to us all.

Daniel Martinez and Family

We are so excited to be a part of this awesome event in honor of Grandpa! Grandpa’s youngest grandsons Matthew 6 ½ yrs, Nicholas 5 yrs, and Andrew 1 ½ yrs are all aspiring marathoners – or at least it feels like it to us, their parents (Danny, 38 and Keri,39) who try to keep up with them. We’ll all be out there on the 21st of March running along with and cheering the Martinez team on. Thank you for doing this Arnie.

– the Oceanside Martinez’s

Arnulfo Martinez Jr. (Arnie)

Name: Arnulfo Martinez Jr. (Arnie)

Gender: Male
Age: 45
Birth Date: 10/09/64
Relationship to Arnulfo Martinez: Eldest Son
Relationship Status: Married
Children: Ashley, Allison, Austin
Education: University of Southern California – BARCH (1987)
Work: Senior Associate Architect – Leo A Daly
Home: Henderson, Nevada
Interests: Running, Hiking, Drawing, Photography, Reading, Movies,
Astrological Sign: Libra
Chinese Profile: Dragon
Chinese Element: Wood
Favorite Movies: Run Fat Boy Run,
Favorite Books: Ultra-Marathon Man
Why are you doing this? I love to run and I love my Dad. I want my Dad to fully experience what it is like to participate in a marathon with the support of his family. I want our family to accomplish a challenge together, knowing that anything can be conquered when you set your mind to it.

Dean Karnazes Supports Team Martinez

Ultra Marathon Man Dean Karnazes wishes Team Martinez good luck in LA.

Maria Martinez Finney

11-09-53 born in Mechoacanejo, Jalisco, Mexico. AGE 55

BS in Business- accounting 1977
Married Harry C. Finney 2-14-82
Mother of one since 1987
Have run 4 marathons. Best time in the marathon was 3:21
My Sign: Scorpio
I'll run, walk and help in what ever needs to be done to complete this fine mission.
I'm proud to be a Martinez because our parents did everything in their power to give us a better life. So proud of our Dad who without knowing the english language and with only a 6th grade education he provided for his wife, and 6 children. He started a masonry business because as he puts it the only way to make money is to work for yourself not someone else.
I like nature, to hike, run, workout, and to be organized in the home at work and in my person.