I almost said... speechless, but the following blog will say otherwise...
Dan Wood threw a victory party at Owen O'Leary's for us! He wanted to properly thank my colleagues for their generous support. And, I wanted to recognize the support provided to me. It was an absolute Blast!
Phew, it gives me chills - the sincere genorsity from everyone.
Dan and I celebrating our marathon victory! .
Dan is a VP at my company and received a marathon number through his running club. We enjoyed our weekly, sometimes daily checkins about marathon training. Today, we switched the conversation to disbelief in the encouragement from our colleagues. At our "victory party", I really wanted to thank everyone again for their support and figured I would probably be encouraged to speak again. For the last few weeks, I've reflected on my complete experience. I had the opportunity to raise funds for a worthy charity, to reach my marathon goal, and I've been blessed with friends and family supporting me all along the way.
Not only to my office of colleagues, but everyone, you should be very proud of your charitable contribution and support of me, take pride in yourself and recognize the importance for your choice to help others! I am mostly quoting from my good friend Jon Korhonean in this post. Most of my inspiration for diving into my marathon charity goal came from Jon's charity bike across the country. Thanks Jon!
Nothing significant in life is ever accomplished alone. I am blessed to have such wonderful people in my life.
Sincere humanity is alive and well. All my time and effort has been worth it to learn that great life lesson. Anything can be accomplished! And we reached $6500. Wear your medal with pride and remember you've helped!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Goodbye! and Thanks for reading!
To experience the FULL marathon experience, I checked into the Free Marathon Athlete's Injury Clinic offered by the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Services. Yes! What a treat! I am obsessed with the marathon at this point, so if you're thinking I drove to the hospital just to see another BAA logo, you couldn't be far off, but I am suffering from significant knee pain. I hate taking time off from work, paying $20-30 to hear ICE and REST.
I heard ICE, Rest tonight, but it was without cost or time, and they congratulated me on my big accomplishment, wore Adidas BAA shirts, and even suggested stetches and exercises in 20 minutes time! It might been longer because I asked so many questions.
I'm going to be okay! I probably should be icing at the moment!
I am having trouble letting go of my blog... I love it! And, I've heard that others enjoy reading it... but what would I write about post April? Marathon training is thrilling and nail biting, but Katie Weinmann's normal life is so-so and definitely not worth reading about! haha That might be a lie, but I cannot handle the pressure.
Standing with My Marathon Coach - Rick Muhr
Joe Piedrafite cheering me on with the Clappy Hands on Marathon Monday
I leave you with a few parting quotes.
Everything looks impossible for people who never try anything. - Jean-Louis Etienne.
Life is brief and very fragile. DO that which makes you happy.
Thank you for reading, Thank you for commenting, and most of all, Thank you for making my 1st Boston Marathon experience so enjoyable!
I heard ICE, Rest tonight, but it was without cost or time, and they congratulated me on my big accomplishment, wore Adidas BAA shirts, and even suggested stetches and exercises in 20 minutes time! It might been longer because I asked so many questions.
I'm going to be okay! I probably should be icing at the moment!
I am having trouble letting go of my blog... I love it! And, I've heard that others enjoy reading it... but what would I write about post April? Marathon training is thrilling and nail biting, but Katie Weinmann's normal life is so-so and definitely not worth reading about! haha That might be a lie, but I cannot handle the pressure.
Standing with My Marathon Coach - Rick Muhr
Joe Piedrafite cheering me on with the Clappy Hands on Marathon Monday
I leave you with a few parting quotes.
Everything looks impossible for people who never try anything. - Jean-Louis Etienne.
Life is brief and very fragile. DO that which makes you happy.
Thank you for reading, Thank you for commenting, and most of all, Thank you for making my 1st Boston Marathon experience so enjoyable!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thank You!
Dear Friends and Supporters,
I am pleased to announce that I completed the Boston Marathon, and to my delight I finished with a time of 3:55:14. Thank you very much for your support over the last six months!
With your generous donations, we raised a jaw dropping, amazing $6,448!!! Thank you again for your donations! And please know that your donation does not lose it’s impact with the fading aches of my marathon victory! You have helped change the lives of hard working Boston & Worcester students.
This has been a difficult year for fundraising. Fundraising for the marathon teams has been down, but Team Go Far was successful, and raised over $75,000. Thanks to your incredible support, Bottom Line is GROWING next year, and will be supporting 1400 students in Massachusetts. They are motivated, and they know how important education is for their future. Bottom Line will provide that support thanks to you. 1 in 4 college-bound students in Boston will work with Bottom Line next year thanks to you. Students in Bottom Line will graduate from college at THREE TIMES the rate of their peers thanks to you.
Congratulations to Rick Stecchi, the “Guess My Time 50/50” winner! Rick submitted his confidence in my marathon ability on January 26th, when he entered a few chances on the board. I’m not sure I had any confidence at that time so thank you to everyone that helped get me here!
To all the curious running supporters, my 5K splits are as follows
Looks like I ran the Boston Marathon correctly? Slow and Steady with a patient pace for the first 5 miles.
The race was spectacular! I came off a well-rested week of taper training and a successful Marathon Spirit week. The April weather held off, and we had ideal running conditions, mid 50s, cloudy, with peaking sunshine. My parents drove me to the Hopkinton State park in the morning, where I met Team Go Far and the other 26,000 runners. It was an awesome sight, from the crowded Athlete’s village, the voice of Bob Lobel, the Jet flyover, packed streets of Hopkinton center, I had finally arrived at the Boston Marathon.
As I strolled down the .7 miles from Athlete’s village to the starting line, I bumped into Bert Bair, another Gyrus ACMI employee from Oregon that qualified for the marathon! I moved into my specific corral zone with fellow Go Far Team member and GFRC runner, Linda York, we both made light conversation with our neighbors, as we stood elbow to elbow. Since I could peak over several of the runners, I soaked in the scene of the 3000 runners waiting behind me. A few rows back, I yelled out to Chip O’Toole, a Liver foundation runner, and husband of my colleague Erica O’Toole. It was amazing that with over 26,000 runners and a million spectators, I had the chance to run into fellow training friends all along the way!
Around 10:30AM, the Boston Marathon started for me and the rest of the wave 2 – yellow-bibbed runners. I ran with my iPod to monitor my pace, but skipped on the headphones and marching band music. The first mile flew by, and I thought in my head only 25.2 miles left, but I’m already 30 seconds behind pace! Most of my thoughts throughout the sub 4-hour marathon included pace monitoring and friend searching.
I tagged my name on my shirt, and thanked everyone with a smile or nod when I heard it along the course. It was very encouraging and helpful when I climbing the Newton hills or struggling in the last three miles!
I had the pleasure of running into several training partners along the route, and stopped for encouragement when I spotted my parents, colleagues, and friends. Thank you so much to everyone that came out to support me along the course!! Overall, I felt “great” and in good spirits for the marathon. My foot arch pain did not bother me at all, however, the pain “that I’ve never felt before in my life” creped up around Mile 23. With only 3 miles to go, a short easy run during my training schedule, I took my last fuel gels with water, and vowed to run without stopping until the end. The pain was getting progressively worse, and my new goal is to run a marathon with working legs at the end! A young girl yelled out to me – “Hey I’m a Bottom Line student! Thanks Katie!” It sounded as if she was surprised to see someone running for Bottom Line, but I turned around, and smiled. It was a perfect time to be reminded why I was pushing myself so hard. With about 1.5 miles left, I glanced at my watch. All logic said that I would finish under 4 hours, but my legs had to understand they were on board for what my head wanted to do from now on! I powered forward, stopped again for more water, then pushed up the last hill of Hereford Street, turning the Left onto Boylston Street and took a minute to soak it all in. I could see the finish line, the cheers were so loud and the sidewalks were so packed I could not recognize the Copley area. The 100 yard dash never seemed so long, and I could not quite locate my “kick” with my tightening hamstrings and calf muscles! I looked up at the bleacher seats to wave at my parents – both cheering on their feet. I focused back on the finish line, I heard the announcer say, “All runners coming in now, Congratulations, you’re going to beat the 4 hour mark.” I took a deep breath, smiled, and lightly moved my feet faster toward the historic finish line.
Thank you for helping propel me toward the start and finish line of the Boston Marathon!
Upon finishing the marathon, I received my medal. I wore it to bed on Monday night and haven’t taken it off yet!
I sincerely thank you for your help!
I am pleased to announce that I completed the Boston Marathon, and to my delight I finished with a time of 3:55:14. Thank you very much for your support over the last six months!
With your generous donations, we raised a jaw dropping, amazing $6,448!!! Thank you again for your donations! And please know that your donation does not lose it’s impact with the fading aches of my marathon victory! You have helped change the lives of hard working Boston & Worcester students.
This has been a difficult year for fundraising. Fundraising for the marathon teams has been down, but Team Go Far was successful, and raised over $75,000. Thanks to your incredible support, Bottom Line is GROWING next year, and will be supporting 1400 students in Massachusetts. They are motivated, and they know how important education is for their future. Bottom Line will provide that support thanks to you. 1 in 4 college-bound students in Boston will work with Bottom Line next year thanks to you. Students in Bottom Line will graduate from college at THREE TIMES the rate of their peers thanks to you.
Congratulations to Rick Stecchi, the “Guess My Time 50/50” winner! Rick submitted his confidence in my marathon ability on January 26th, when he entered a few chances on the board. I’m not sure I had any confidence at that time so thank you to everyone that helped get me here!
To all the curious running supporters, my 5K splits are as follows
Looks like I ran the Boston Marathon correctly? Slow and Steady with a patient pace for the first 5 miles.
The race was spectacular! I came off a well-rested week of taper training and a successful Marathon Spirit week. The April weather held off, and we had ideal running conditions, mid 50s, cloudy, with peaking sunshine. My parents drove me to the Hopkinton State park in the morning, where I met Team Go Far and the other 26,000 runners. It was an awesome sight, from the crowded Athlete’s village, the voice of Bob Lobel, the Jet flyover, packed streets of Hopkinton center, I had finally arrived at the Boston Marathon.
As I strolled down the .7 miles from Athlete’s village to the starting line, I bumped into Bert Bair, another Gyrus ACMI employee from Oregon that qualified for the marathon! I moved into my specific corral zone with fellow Go Far Team member and GFRC runner, Linda York, we both made light conversation with our neighbors, as we stood elbow to elbow. Since I could peak over several of the runners, I soaked in the scene of the 3000 runners waiting behind me. A few rows back, I yelled out to Chip O’Toole, a Liver foundation runner, and husband of my colleague Erica O’Toole. It was amazing that with over 26,000 runners and a million spectators, I had the chance to run into fellow training friends all along the way!
Around 10:30AM, the Boston Marathon started for me and the rest of the wave 2 – yellow-bibbed runners. I ran with my iPod to monitor my pace, but skipped on the headphones and marching band music. The first mile flew by, and I thought in my head only 25.2 miles left, but I’m already 30 seconds behind pace! Most of my thoughts throughout the sub 4-hour marathon included pace monitoring and friend searching.
I tagged my name on my shirt, and thanked everyone with a smile or nod when I heard it along the course. It was very encouraging and helpful when I climbing the Newton hills or struggling in the last three miles!
I had the pleasure of running into several training partners along the route, and stopped for encouragement when I spotted my parents, colleagues, and friends. Thank you so much to everyone that came out to support me along the course!! Overall, I felt “great” and in good spirits for the marathon. My foot arch pain did not bother me at all, however, the pain “that I’ve never felt before in my life” creped up around Mile 23. With only 3 miles to go, a short easy run during my training schedule, I took my last fuel gels with water, and vowed to run without stopping until the end. The pain was getting progressively worse, and my new goal is to run a marathon with working legs at the end! A young girl yelled out to me – “Hey I’m a Bottom Line student! Thanks Katie!” It sounded as if she was surprised to see someone running for Bottom Line, but I turned around, and smiled. It was a perfect time to be reminded why I was pushing myself so hard. With about 1.5 miles left, I glanced at my watch. All logic said that I would finish under 4 hours, but my legs had to understand they were on board for what my head wanted to do from now on! I powered forward, stopped again for more water, then pushed up the last hill of Hereford Street, turning the Left onto Boylston Street and took a minute to soak it all in. I could see the finish line, the cheers were so loud and the sidewalks were so packed I could not recognize the Copley area. The 100 yard dash never seemed so long, and I could not quite locate my “kick” with my tightening hamstrings and calf muscles! I looked up at the bleacher seats to wave at my parents – both cheering on their feet. I focused back on the finish line, I heard the announcer say, “All runners coming in now, Congratulations, you’re going to beat the 4 hour mark.” I took a deep breath, smiled, and lightly moved my feet faster toward the historic finish line.
Thank you for helping propel me toward the start and finish line of the Boston Marathon!
Upon finishing the marathon, I received my medal. I wore it to bed on Monday night and haven’t taken it off yet!
I sincerely thank you for your help!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Best Parts of Post Marathon...
When I arrive home from work and open my refrigerator, "Oh PERFECT! Chinese Food and Beer!" I had to avoid those lovely items for awhile
It's a mirale, I can walk again and handle stairs! Now I will update you with snipets of my marathon experience.... More will follow soon - I promise!
My favorite cheers from the crowd included the following
"You've MADE it to the TOP of the Newton hills!!! Congratulations!!!" - Random Guy. That was a really exciting moment.
My favorite sign on the route was, " Your Feet are Hurting... because You're Kicking A$$" I remember I was in a hard part of the route, and the humor was very much appreciated by me!
Okay - time to write some Thank You notes!
It's a mirale, I can walk again and handle stairs! Now I will update you with snipets of my marathon experience.... More will follow soon - I promise!
My favorite cheers from the crowd included the following
"You've MADE it to the TOP of the Newton hills!!! Congratulations!!!" - Random Guy. That was a really exciting moment.
My favorite sign on the route was, " Your Feet are Hurting... because You're Kicking A$$" I remember I was in a hard part of the route, and the humor was very much appreciated by me!
Okay - time to write some Thank You notes!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I feel...
I woke up this morning with a text message from Molly Steen, my older sister. "How do you feel?" I honestly started to write a whole slew of tired, cramped adjectives. I feel like a ran a marathon and then I cleared the screen to send... and ... to clear the screen for all of you.
I feel accomplished!
I took the day off from work to rest my muscles. I ventured out with my buddy Scott Rutkowski for a quick fun errand. I had my medal engraved with my Time 3:55:14 and Place 14396 at Things Remembered. The first question that the sales woman asked was, How much is this worth? I responded with 6 months of training and a $200 entry fee so it's priceless. That wasn't the correct answer so I called my coach because that's what I've done for all tough marathon questions in the last few months. We talked about my tired muscles and my knee that feels like it will never recover. Rick said, that my knee injury is a natural and usual Boston Marathon injury because of all the downhills late in the course. He also mentioned that if anything happens to my medal as it's being engraved, he'll speak with Dave McGillivray to get a replacement!
My medal is fine and I was able to wear it around for the rest of the day!
One quick message, before I fully blog about my amazing marathon experience. I feel after a whole day of rest that my muscles will never recover. I still cannot walk comfortably... that's not whining - it's just concern!
Ohh and I'm fasinated by this - my progression from my iPod. The pod displays my speed at the mile mark moment, so I definitely walked and did not shut it off, but I only did that twice when it hit a mile mark. The walking pace is captured in my overall change of pace, but the few steps of walking averaged into my incredible speed during the running. Incredible is a exaggeration that I believe I am allowed to use.
My calibration to my iPod is off my .01 per quarter mile, which adds up to 1.04 for the marathon. That helps to explain the difference listed on iPod vs. the 26.2, but also shows my ridiculous loss in energy and added mileage when I ran to greet friends! Thanks for coming out!
Hooray Marathons!
I feel accomplished!
I took the day off from work to rest my muscles. I ventured out with my buddy Scott Rutkowski for a quick fun errand. I had my medal engraved with my Time 3:55:14 and Place 14396 at Things Remembered. The first question that the sales woman asked was, How much is this worth? I responded with 6 months of training and a $200 entry fee so it's priceless. That wasn't the correct answer so I called my coach because that's what I've done for all tough marathon questions in the last few months. We talked about my tired muscles and my knee that feels like it will never recover. Rick said, that my knee injury is a natural and usual Boston Marathon injury because of all the downhills late in the course. He also mentioned that if anything happens to my medal as it's being engraved, he'll speak with Dave McGillivray to get a replacement!
My medal is fine and I was able to wear it around for the rest of the day!
One quick message, before I fully blog about my amazing marathon experience. I feel after a whole day of rest that my muscles will never recover. I still cannot walk comfortably... that's not whining - it's just concern!
Ohh and I'm fasinated by this - my progression from my iPod. The pod displays my speed at the mile mark moment, so I definitely walked and did not shut it off, but I only did that twice when it hit a mile mark. The walking pace is captured in my overall change of pace, but the few steps of walking averaged into my incredible speed during the running. Incredible is a exaggeration that I believe I am allowed to use.
My calibration to my iPod is off my .01 per quarter mile, which adds up to 1.04 for the marathon. That helps to explain the difference listed on iPod vs. the 26.2, but also shows my ridiculous loss in energy and added mileage when I ran to greet friends! Thanks for coming out!
Hooray Marathons!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Runner's High
I am still awake and still on my high! While I ran the race, I had a look of awe for most of it. The spectators were amazing.
I am thrilled - I raced to my goal time! Under four hours! 3hours and 55 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yes, I am still awake with a bag of ice!
Thank you to everyone that came out to cheer! What I thought about while running was - who will I see next?! Honestly, I thought about who I would high five, when to eat my goos, when to drink, and who I would see next, Oh, and where I was in my pace to finish under 4 hours. Everytime I saw someone, I ran a little happier and faster so THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I am thrilled - I raced to my goal time! Under four hours! 3hours and 55 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh yes, I am still awake with a bag of ice!
Thank you to everyone that came out to cheer! What I thought about while running was - who will I see next?! Honestly, I thought about who I would high five, when to eat my goos, when to drink, and who I would see next, Oh, and where I was in my pace to finish under 4 hours. Everytime I saw someone, I ran a little happier and faster so THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Trust Your Training - Marathon Monday!
I woke up at 6:26am. I slept well! I only woke up one time and it didn't take me forever to fall asleep last night. As questioned by Joe Piedrafite, "I am not jumping out of my skin".
I'm currently eating my oatmeal and banana.
When I stop and think about running with 26,000 runners with over a million spectators, I freak out with excitement. I'm watching WBZ and I don't see a million people or 26,000 runners so the freak out has not fully hit.
Okay, I'm signing off for a little while. Thanks for reading and Enjoy the race!!
I'm currently eating my oatmeal and banana.
When I stop and think about running with 26,000 runners with over a million spectators, I freak out with excitement. I'm watching WBZ and I don't see a million people or 26,000 runners so the freak out has not fully hit.
Okay, I'm signing off for a little while. Thanks for reading and Enjoy the race!!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Thank you
I am nicely tucked into bed. I have my Marathon Guest Book and stack of cards to read through. Thanks for all the well wishes, I'm going to read through them one last time and then hit the lights.
Thanks again for all your support. It means a lot to me and you've helped some amazing students at Bottom Line!
Thanks again for all your support. It means a lot to me and you've helped some amazing students at Bottom Line!
100th post!
Hello everyone.
I am finally dressed and heading out to the Boston Marathon Pasta Party with Katie Stomski and Greg Wilson.
My outfit is picked out. I have my throw away donation clothing picked out.
Top to Bottom in Layers
Puma Pink socks
New Balance Ugly Trail shoes - throw away
Brooks Diad shoes - Marathon shoes
5 GFRC tats
Fav pair of underwear!
Nike Shorts
Grey Fleece pants - to donate
Bottom Line singlet
Bottom Line long sleeve
UMass Orientation Staff shirt - to donate - it looks worn and I have several others - GO UMASS!
Zip Up Old Navy sweathshirt that is missing a zipper - to donate
New Balance hat - I might bring it, I might not!
Okay time to run. I have my camera and water bottle. Staying hydrated! Staying healthy!
I am finally dressed and heading out to the Boston Marathon Pasta Party with Katie Stomski and Greg Wilson.
My outfit is picked out. I have my throw away donation clothing picked out.
Top to Bottom in Layers
Puma Pink socks
New Balance Ugly Trail shoes - throw away
Brooks Diad shoes - Marathon shoes
5 GFRC tats
Fav pair of underwear!
Nike Shorts
Grey Fleece pants - to donate
Bottom Line singlet
Bottom Line long sleeve
UMass Orientation Staff shirt - to donate - it looks worn and I have several others - GO UMASS!
Zip Up Old Navy sweathshirt that is missing a zipper - to donate
New Balance hat - I might bring it, I might not!
Okay time to run. I have my camera and water bottle. Staying hydrated! Staying healthy!
Red Sox Game
I am moving onto my second lunch - chicken with cottage cheese and a banana!
My foot is currently taking a soak in some ice water. Yes, I have a confession. A dull pain has formed in the last few weeks. It's probably something that requires rest, so I'll get right on that ... on Tuesday. It doesn't scream and yell while running, just nags a little after. Yes, I am hoping it doesn't cause any problems for me tomorrow, but what can you do? Apply Biofreeze, put on my shoes and put one foot in front of the other in a fast fashion.
I can't believe it's already 2:30pm and I havent' left my home yet! Well, I did run this morning, but I haven't left Marlborough! I need to run out to WalMart to pick up a disposable camera for the Athletes Village memories!
My Parents Bag is packed- UMass pom poms
- New Balance Marathon KATIE sign
- Marathon Jacket
- Course Map
- My Olympus Camera
- Guess My Time 50/50 Sheets. I want to know who won when I finish!
- And another Secret important piece of paper
My Bag
-Change of Clothes
-Sneakers
-Brush
- Post Marathon Party Tickets - Thanks Barry! Good news everyone - I have a stack!
I guess I don't need all that much stuff. I might be all set now and ready for a nap soon.
hahaa I don't need all that much
My foot is currently taking a soak in some ice water. Yes, I have a confession. A dull pain has formed in the last few weeks. It's probably something that requires rest, so I'll get right on that ... on Tuesday. It doesn't scream and yell while running, just nags a little after. Yes, I am hoping it doesn't cause any problems for me tomorrow, but what can you do? Apply Biofreeze, put on my shoes and put one foot in front of the other in a fast fashion.
I can't believe it's already 2:30pm and I havent' left my home yet! Well, I did run this morning, but I haven't left Marlborough! I need to run out to WalMart to pick up a disposable camera for the Athletes Village memories!
My Parents Bag is packed- UMass pom poms
- New Balance Marathon KATIE sign
- Marathon Jacket
- Course Map
- My Olympus Camera
- Guess My Time 50/50 Sheets. I want to know who won when I finish!
- And another Secret important piece of paper
My Bag
-Change of Clothes
-Sneakers
-Brush
- Post Marathon Party Tickets - Thanks Barry! Good news everyone - I have a stack!
I guess I don't need all that much stuff. I might be all set now and ready for a nap soon.
hahaa I don't need all that much
Packing
I counted out my Shot Blocs. Thank you Mr. Miceli! I counted out 4 hours worth of energy - that's 3 blocks per half an hour. I also wrote a cheat sheet of GFRC Clockwatching attendees that I will enjoy seeing. If I can look down at my sheet, have something to look forward to for Mile 12 or the 30K mark, then I'm sure it will help my momentum!
I double bagged the Blocs this time and made sure not to use cheap bags. I also placed my Burt's Bees chapstick and small Neutrogena Dry-Tough SPF 70 Sunblock. It's not even suppose to be sunny tomorrow, but I am Katie Weinmann and I am running the Boston Marathon for the first time so I am packing Sunblock.
It's really time for lunch now.
I double bagged the Blocs this time and made sure not to use cheap bags. I also placed my Burt's Bees chapstick and small Neutrogena Dry-Tough SPF 70 Sunblock. It's not even suppose to be sunny tomorrow, but I am Katie Weinmann and I am running the Boston Marathon for the first time so I am packing Sunblock.
It's really time for lunch now.
Tweeter: Did you notice the switch?
Just kidding, but I'm treating this day as a Twitter day.
Update. I ran 1.5 miles around the flat areas of Marlborough. I wore my Marathon sneakers, and the official ClimaCool Formotion Boston Marathon blight yellow - if you hit me - you have to claim insanity shirt. I strapped on my magical ChampionChip and it's still attached. The run felt great. A little stretching and then I'm trying on my Marathon outfit and packing my bags - one for me and one for my parents.
The bib belt makes me nervous. I don't think I'll like running with my number hitting my shorts for 4 hours. My number is safety pinned to my white long sleeve Bottom Line shirt and KATIE in pink outlined by black is positioned above my number. My best friend - Michele Gaulin sent me a large birthday card a few years ago and I saved it because it was so pretty. I never knew it would be so perfect for my Marathon shirt!
I was not lying about having an abundate amount of GFRC temporary tattos. I just affixed 5 tattos on myself. 3 on my left and 2 on my right. They look pretty flashy!
In the middle of packing, it's now noon time - I am hungry. I'm cooking up a potato and another bagel will be on my plate. I'm going to take a break from packing to watch THE OFFICE from Thursday night.
My Bag
- sneakers
- Sunscreen
Mom and Dad's bag
- VIP Passes
- My Official Marathon Jacket
I need to figure out which bags to use... I think I will fly through the project once that is determined.
Time for lunch.
Update. I ran 1.5 miles around the flat areas of Marlborough. I wore my Marathon sneakers, and the official ClimaCool Formotion Boston Marathon blight yellow - if you hit me - you have to claim insanity shirt. I strapped on my magical ChampionChip and it's still attached. The run felt great. A little stretching and then I'm trying on my Marathon outfit and packing my bags - one for me and one for my parents.
The bib belt makes me nervous. I don't think I'll like running with my number hitting my shorts for 4 hours. My number is safety pinned to my white long sleeve Bottom Line shirt and KATIE in pink outlined by black is positioned above my number. My best friend - Michele Gaulin sent me a large birthday card a few years ago and I saved it because it was so pretty. I never knew it would be so perfect for my Marathon shirt!
I was not lying about having an abundate amount of GFRC temporary tattos. I just affixed 5 tattos on myself. 3 on my left and 2 on my right. They look pretty flashy!
In the middle of packing, it's now noon time - I am hungry. I'm cooking up a potato and another bagel will be on my plate. I'm going to take a break from packing to watch THE OFFICE from Thursday night.
My Bag
- sneakers
- Sunscreen
Mom and Dad's bag
- VIP Passes
- My Official Marathon Jacket
I need to figure out which bags to use... I think I will fly through the project once that is determined.
Time for lunch.
My Bed
Sorry for the super lame post last night. I was tired!
I woke up around 7:30am this morning and rolled back over for another hour. I can't sleep past 8:30am though, it's impossible! I happily tuned into my Mix 98.5 Acoustic Sunrise, grabbed the Boston Marathon Official Program, and slipped back under the covers. In the last hour, I have become enthralled in the story and excitement around Ryan Hall, age 26 and Kara Goucher, age 30. They are the American promises, in the top three elite runners, they could bring the glory of Boston back to the United States!
I can't wait to run in such a historic race! The US hasn't claimed the Boston Marathon title in 25 years! The last time, a US Man won was in 1983 and 1985 for the Women. From reading an interview with Ryan and Kara, I have tuned into YouTube. Ryan Hall mentioned, "The Duel in the Sun" is a very inspiring race between Kara's coach - Alberto Salazar and David Beardsley in the 1982 Boston Marathon. Ryan mentioned it taught him how to run the course, so I thought maybe it could help me too! Wow, I am stuck in the YouTube world of running for the day.
I found a particularly PERFECT video that I'd like to share. It's 44 seconds, Kara Goucher explains how she started running.
How Kara Goucher Started Running
She was in the Band too!! hahahaa!
Enjoy the race everyone and I would suggest updating your phones to include updates for Ryan and Kara!
I woke up around 7:30am this morning and rolled back over for another hour. I can't sleep past 8:30am though, it's impossible! I happily tuned into my Mix 98.5 Acoustic Sunrise, grabbed the Boston Marathon Official Program, and slipped back under the covers. In the last hour, I have become enthralled in the story and excitement around Ryan Hall, age 26 and Kara Goucher, age 30. They are the American promises, in the top three elite runners, they could bring the glory of Boston back to the United States!
I can't wait to run in such a historic race! The US hasn't claimed the Boston Marathon title in 25 years! The last time, a US Man won was in 1983 and 1985 for the Women. From reading an interview with Ryan and Kara, I have tuned into YouTube. Ryan Hall mentioned, "The Duel in the Sun" is a very inspiring race between Kara's coach - Alberto Salazar and David Beardsley in the 1982 Boston Marathon. Ryan mentioned it taught him how to run the course, so I thought maybe it could help me too! Wow, I am stuck in the YouTube world of running for the day.
I found a particularly PERFECT video that I'd like to share. It's 44 seconds, Kara Goucher explains how she started running.
How Kara Goucher Started Running
She was in the Band too!! hahahaa!
Enjoy the race everyone and I would suggest updating your phones to include updates for Ryan and Kara!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
My Name is On a Poster!
Adidas handed out Marathon posters at the Expo. It's a really neat picture of the finish line with a bunch of runners with their Mylar blankets. I pointed out the poster to Katie Stomski as we walked by, because she claims that the Mylar blanket is the best part. I think I'm going to like the medal more! Anyway, to our delight, Adidas gave us the poster and I discovered this evening that the 2009 Boston Marathon runners are all listed! Mike Erison found his name this evening at the Pasta Party!
The Expo was everything that I hoped it would be, next time I will hope for a soft comfortable floor. Two hours of walking on it was enough for me! I ended up visiting the Expo with Katie Stomski, which was really helpful because Katie kept my excitement and nerves in check. I bought my incredible amazing official track jacket. I picked up more Accelerade at a niiicely discounted price. Hey Patrick! I bought the bib belt. And, I did not spend $5000! I have my bib# and official crazy bright yellow shirt!
The Greater Framingham Running Club Pasta Party was this evening! It was the event of the YEAR! They're such a great group - I'm lucky I found them a little over a year ago. I'd be lost without them! I have my Accelerade boosts waiting at mile 14 with Jim Jones and mile 18 with Joe Koziol. The club is at every single mile mark and every 5K.
It's going to be a blast! I can't wait to run!
Don't call me tomorrow morning! Time for the best night's rest ...
Good luck Joe Piedrafite! You're going to win the BAA 5K!
The Expo was everything that I hoped it would be, next time I will hope for a soft comfortable floor. Two hours of walking on it was enough for me! I ended up visiting the Expo with Katie Stomski, which was really helpful because Katie kept my excitement and nerves in check. I bought my incredible amazing official track jacket. I picked up more Accelerade at a niiicely discounted price. Hey Patrick! I bought the bib belt. And, I did not spend $5000! I have my bib# and official crazy bright yellow shirt!
The Greater Framingham Running Club Pasta Party was this evening! It was the event of the YEAR! They're such a great group - I'm lucky I found them a little over a year ago. I'd be lost without them! I have my Accelerade boosts waiting at mile 14 with Jim Jones and mile 18 with Joe Koziol. The club is at every single mile mark and every 5K.
It's going to be a blast! I can't wait to run!
Don't call me tomorrow morning! Time for the best night's rest ...
Good luck Joe Piedrafite! You're going to win the BAA 5K!
Expo Day!
I am heading off to the Expo with Katie Stomski to pick up my official Boston Marathon bib number! The goal for today is to not spend $5000.
Marathon Prep. I have been more prepared for everything else. At this moment, I feel really unprepared. For the fundraiser, I had all the details figured out days before, I had all my outfits and goos ready for the training runs, and for the marathon I've got a few things picked out.
I might be much more prepared than I think...During my 20 mile training run, I was very self sufficient and for the marathon I am depending upon a few people. I need to get those packs ready still. I am dropping off a little bag for a GFRC member along the route to include BioFreeze and Accelerade Juice! I also would really appreciate if someone in the later 20 mile would pass me some McDonald's fries. I'm going to be hungry! Hmm Yea, I'm fine! I have all day tomorrow to put some tattos on, pack my Blocs and braid my hair.
More Marathon Prep - I lifted the foot of my bed today. Coach Rick said it will help improve the circulation in my legs, which results in my legs not feeling tired!
Expo time!! It's a TOY store for runners!!!!
Marathon Prep. I have been more prepared for everything else. At this moment, I feel really unprepared. For the fundraiser, I had all the details figured out days before, I had all my outfits and goos ready for the training runs, and for the marathon I've got a few things picked out.
I might be much more prepared than I think...During my 20 mile training run, I was very self sufficient and for the marathon I am depending upon a few people. I need to get those packs ready still. I am dropping off a little bag for a GFRC member along the route to include BioFreeze and Accelerade Juice! I also would really appreciate if someone in the later 20 mile would pass me some McDonald's fries. I'm going to be hungry! Hmm Yea, I'm fine! I have all day tomorrow to put some tattos on, pack my Blocs and braid my hair.
More Marathon Prep - I lifted the foot of my bed today. Coach Rick said it will help improve the circulation in my legs, which results in my legs not feeling tired!
Expo time!! It's a TOY store for runners!!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
TGIF - Marathon Apparel Day!
The excitement has exhausted me!
I had a very lovely day at work - everywhere I went, I received sincere wishes of good luck and excitement. One particular well wisher, Adele Van denBosch said it really nicely, "You are about to accomplish a really amazing event and goal! And YOU made it Happen!!" It's very true, and I can't really believe it! I'm happy that I have people in my life to take time to point these things out and appreciate them with me. Although, I still felt tired and nervous all day long, but I escaped to the driving range to enjoy the sun after work, and chatted with Matt Miceli as I cleaned my car and made dinner. I'm relaxing on the couch at the moment, and watching the Red Sox --- oh darn, the Orioles just hit the Grand Slam. I still Believe guys! C'mon!
Anyway, I'm heading out to John Harvard's for some more Marathon advice from the running club! Then early to bed... or writing some emails!
I had a very lovely day at work - everywhere I went, I received sincere wishes of good luck and excitement. One particular well wisher, Adele Van denBosch said it really nicely, "You are about to accomplish a really amazing event and goal! And YOU made it Happen!!" It's very true, and I can't really believe it! I'm happy that I have people in my life to take time to point these things out and appreciate them with me. Although, I still felt tired and nervous all day long, but I escaped to the driving range to enjoy the sun after work, and chatted with Matt Miceli as I cleaned my car and made dinner. I'm relaxing on the couch at the moment, and watching the Red Sox --- oh darn, the Orioles just hit the Grand Slam. I still Believe guys! C'mon!
Anyway, I'm heading out to John Harvard's for some more Marathon advice from the running club! Then early to bed... or writing some emails!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Medal Day & Marathon Kick Off Reception
Today was the one of the best days of my life! Now you really want to read the whole post! I'm not sure I can accurately describe my emotions!
Today was Medal Day - it was a noisy day, a few medals around one's neck and cause a little jingle. The part that most people caught onto today was ... that Spirit week wasn't forced on me by some crazy charity director, it was my own crazy idea. Today had an emotion in the air - excitement all around the office! :-0)
I had some support too!
Corporate Challenge 2009 Captains - Scott Goldstein, Katie Weinmann, and Carolyn Cross - we're winners!
At noon time, I checked my email and eyes zoomed in on my Firstgiving donation email alert - Aww! Joe Piedrafite donated $60.59!! I quickly logged onto my Firstgiving.com/katierunsboston and saw the tremendous amazing unBELIEVABLE $6000 listed on my fundraising site!! I grabbed my phone, jumped up and down, and ran out of my office toward the lobby as my phone dialed. I yelled THANK YOU INTO THE PHONE 10 times! My heart was beating so fast! Thank you to everyone! I could not, I repeat, COULD NOT have done this without all your support!
I immediately called my Mom to tell her the good news, but didn't catch up with my parents till later. They were driving the marathon route to figure out their plan for Marathon Monday!
For the evening, I drove into Boston and met Joe for the 'Cheers to the Boston Marathon'. I had no idea what to expect, but I won free tickets (top fundraiser award!) to what was presented as a VIP party. The event was hosted by Adidas, the Boston Athletic Association, and Cheers and was a VIP party indeed held at the Hampshire House on Beacon Street. The program for the event included a slideshow by Adidas celebrating their 20 years of Boston marathon sponsorship, and presentation of the Patriots' Award, and lighting of hte B.A.A. lamp.
Tom Grilk, Guy Morse, and Thomas Kershaw
It was a very exciting and inspiring show. An open bar with hors d'ouevres was enjoyed by everyone. I can't turn down a free drink, but I can leave behind a half drank beer glass. The VIPs included Boston Athletic Association President - Tom Grilk, Executive Director - Guy Morse, and David McGillivray - Race Director!
Do you remember, I read David McGillivray's book a few weeks ago?? AWE STRUCK! I've never really been awe struck, but I could barely talk! When the presentation began, Joe and I happened to be close to the front of the room. David McGillivray ended up standing right next to me, but I wasn't certain that it was him! After the presentation was over, I handed Joe my camera and then proceded to figure out a way to introduce myself to my future boss. I received confirmation when someone yelled -Hey David. In a moment, I stuck out my hand and said, 'Hi I'm Katie Weinmann - Are you David McGillivray?' Then I managed to say a few times - I loved your book! I told him about Bottom Line, my fundraising efforts and then asked for advice since I'm heading into my first marathon. He was really nice and didn't blow me off to talk to all of his actual friends - it was basically a reunion of the good old running crew. His biggest piece of advice was be in the moment. He said, "I know I can't tell you not to be nervous, because you will be, but once you start running, you'll be so focused on yourself that you'll love it." We talked for several minutes. I grabbed a quick photo -
David McGillavray - Boston Marathon Race Director
and then thanked him for his advice. Wow, I can't believe out of all those hundreds of people that I actually literally bumped into the one person that I wanted to meet! and talked to!
Thanks to Joe Piedrafite for enjoying the festivities with me this evening.
Katie and Joe take on the B.A.A. race weekend!
It's far past my bedtime and I need to calm my little racing mind!
Today was Medal Day - it was a noisy day, a few medals around one's neck and cause a little jingle. The part that most people caught onto today was ... that Spirit week wasn't forced on me by some crazy charity director, it was my own crazy idea. Today had an emotion in the air - excitement all around the office! :-0)
I had some support too!
Corporate Challenge 2009 Captains - Scott Goldstein, Katie Weinmann, and Carolyn Cross - we're winners!
At noon time, I checked my email and eyes zoomed in on my Firstgiving donation email alert - Aww! Joe Piedrafite donated $60.59!! I quickly logged onto my Firstgiving.com/katierunsboston and saw the tremendous amazing unBELIEVABLE $6000 listed on my fundraising site!! I grabbed my phone, jumped up and down, and ran out of my office toward the lobby as my phone dialed. I yelled THANK YOU INTO THE PHONE 10 times! My heart was beating so fast! Thank you to everyone! I could not, I repeat, COULD NOT have done this without all your support!
I immediately called my Mom to tell her the good news, but didn't catch up with my parents till later. They were driving the marathon route to figure out their plan for Marathon Monday!
For the evening, I drove into Boston and met Joe for the 'Cheers to the Boston Marathon'. I had no idea what to expect, but I won free tickets (top fundraiser award!) to what was presented as a VIP party. The event was hosted by Adidas, the Boston Athletic Association, and Cheers and was a VIP party indeed held at the Hampshire House on Beacon Street. The program for the event included a slideshow by Adidas celebrating their 20 years of Boston marathon sponsorship, and presentation of the Patriots' Award, and lighting of hte B.A.A. lamp.
Tom Grilk, Guy Morse, and Thomas Kershaw
It was a very exciting and inspiring show. An open bar with hors d'ouevres was enjoyed by everyone. I can't turn down a free drink, but I can leave behind a half drank beer glass. The VIPs included Boston Athletic Association President - Tom Grilk, Executive Director - Guy Morse, and David McGillivray - Race Director!
Do you remember, I read David McGillivray's book a few weeks ago?? AWE STRUCK! I've never really been awe struck, but I could barely talk! When the presentation began, Joe and I happened to be close to the front of the room. David McGillivray ended up standing right next to me, but I wasn't certain that it was him! After the presentation was over, I handed Joe my camera and then proceded to figure out a way to introduce myself to my future boss. I received confirmation when someone yelled -Hey David. In a moment, I stuck out my hand and said, 'Hi I'm Katie Weinmann - Are you David McGillivray?' Then I managed to say a few times - I loved your book! I told him about Bottom Line, my fundraising efforts and then asked for advice since I'm heading into my first marathon. He was really nice and didn't blow me off to talk to all of his actual friends - it was basically a reunion of the good old running crew. His biggest piece of advice was be in the moment. He said, "I know I can't tell you not to be nervous, because you will be, but once you start running, you'll be so focused on yourself that you'll love it." We talked for several minutes. I grabbed a quick photo -
David McGillavray - Boston Marathon Race Director
and then thanked him for his advice. Wow, I can't believe out of all those hundreds of people that I actually literally bumped into the one person that I wanted to meet! and talked to!
Thanks to Joe Piedrafite for enjoying the festivities with me this evening.
Katie and Joe take on the B.A.A. race weekend!
It's far past my bedtime and I need to calm my little racing mind!
!!!! 6K !!!!!!!
Oh My! Six thousand dollars!! My heart is beating so fast!! Thanks Joe for the donation! AND THANK YOU to everyone for helping me reach this tremendous goal!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Safety Day! Anticipation is the Purest Emotion!!
Office Birthday Party - Brian Faria, Me! and Jodi Schoolcraft
Safety Day really pushed the Spirit week commitment to the maximum level and I did well. I wore my Safety running vest around the office, which as you can see is RIDICULOUS. Carolyn Cross and Tim Lynch bumped into me whenever possible, and said, "Oh, sorry I didn't see you." Clever colleagues! To add to my safety, I wore a lot of chapstick and coated myself with sunscreen.(just kidding, no sunscreen) It created a lot of ... attention, which luckily led to more excitement and support! Our new President even stopped in the hallway and asked about the marathon, turns out he's a runner too! It was a really fun day! The Office birthday party was held today as well, pictured above! Brian nicely announced the Marathon Spirit Month for me!
Enjoying Cake with Alex McLachlan, me, and Scott Goldstein - photo taken by Carolyn Cross
With less than five days left, I am being extra cautious with every step. I have the sweetest boss too - Miss Deb Adams wasn't feeling well today so she left the office and worked from home to avoid getting me sick! Phew, Safety day at the next level!
After a small piece of cake, lots of Safety excitement, and working on our Surgical Home Study binders, I could not wait to run after work! It was a beautiful sunny day, but I would not get the chance to run...I practiced running slow instead. It was tricky! In...Just fours day and I can RUN!
Me, Phyllis Lowry, and Sue Ericson
Sue participated in Safety Day too!
I received an amazing email today from Melissa Blanksteen. She wrapped it up so beautifully...
So this time next week you'll probably be leaving work after your first day back still wicked excited about the marathon! I think half of the whole event is the excitement and anticipation leading up to it and the great sense of completion and accomplishment afterward. :-) nothing can take that away!
Another good friend, Heather Alexsa told me long ago that anticipation is the purest emotion. And it's very true, the excitement and anticipation leading up to the marathon is breathtaking! Thanks Melissa!
I am having trouble sleeping this week... tossing and turning, thinking about everything that I need to do and hoping that I will do well! In an effort to avoid thinking about the marathon, I stopped at my local library on the way home. The book of my choice was available at the Southborough Library, but I have a $7 overdue fee so I wasn't allowed to take it out! I stood at the desk in disbelief. I know, sorry, it's shocking that I have late fees at the library. I don't mind giving money to the library so I am really relaxed about bringing books back on time. That bad habit no longer exists because I checked out a book on improving wealth! After a while of standing and searching for any cash, the nice librarian gave me the book and I promised to bring the book back with $7. I thanked her and expressed my Boston Marathon goal, nervousness, and exactly why I needed the book this evening! Thanks Southborough librarian!
Thank you for all the emails and phonecalls everyone!
Speaking of support, WHO wants to do it??? A donation of $60.59 will be the magical number that pushes our efforts to SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS for Bottom Line! Team up with a few friends and make one big $60.59 donation!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Bib # Day!
Bib # Day created more conversation than shoelace day, and it also sparked a lot of laughter and smiles! Erica O'Toole's husband, Chip O'Toole is running for the Liver Foundation so we've talked about the marathon frequently over the last few months. I bumped into her in the hallway and she immediately reacted with laugher and, "You're ridiculous." ! It's generating more excitement and Marathon Fever is sweeping through... Spirit week is working!
And when I say, sweeping through and excitement is increasing, that ranges from -"Give me your Number, I NEED to track you!" to "Oh the marathon is this Monday, I thought it yesterday?" Marathon spirit week is necessary and loved by everyone...
Nice bib and nice cubicle, eh?
Thank you to the generous donations from Maureen Scheible, Molly Hayes, Stefanie Hiller, and Brad Mayer!!!!!
Time for bed!
And when I say, sweeping through and excitement is increasing, that ranges from -"Give me your Number, I NEED to track you!" to "Oh the marathon is this Monday, I thought it yesterday?" Marathon spirit week is necessary and loved by everyone...
Nice bib and nice cubicle, eh? Thank you to the generous donations from Maureen Scheible, Molly Hayes, Stefanie Hiller, and Brad Mayer!!!!!
Time for bed!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Shoelace Day!!
The Marathon spirit week is underway. My morning began with a delightful spirit filled text message from Eleni Kalafatis displaying her wrist with a bright blue shoelace. I proceeded to JUMP around my room in excitement, it's nice to have friends out there supporting me.
I wore my shoelace around my neck and wrist all day long at the office. It's a subtle accessory so I did not get many questions, but honestly I couldn't believe how many people did not even question it! C'MON, I have a shoelace around my neck?! The substitute cafeteria man was thrilled when I responded to his question with, I'm running the Boston Marathon! Anyway, I am sure that BIB # day tomorrow will provoke more conversations.
Shoelace Day. Check Out How ridiculous my hair looks - precisely the reason for braiding on Marathon Monday.
Speaking of Marathon Monday, I have a secret to admit. I have jolted out of my bed three times in the last two months, saying in my head, Is today the marathon?!?!! Hmm Am I focused on the marathon too much? Yes. I guess with all the work dedicated to the marathon, when I fall asleep I'm still really focused on it that when I wake up, I'm still so sleepy and confused. Sunday morning, I woke up at 7:30am and immediately asked IS TODAY THE MARATHON?? I knew I had to wake up for something so the confusion got me again! Marathon Monday is going to be a big day!
I have checked the weather 4 times today and it's been different every single time. Wendy Cashen Akeson warned me when I tried to announce the weather a few days ago, but four times in one day is ridiculous! Now it's listed as rain... but I promise not to be too upset because if I check tomorrow... it will be sunny again!
Here are the stats of my run today.
This week, I'm goig to bed for 10pm each night with a half hour of pre sleep stretching. And I'm reading over my favorite part of the David McGillavry book. The bedtime rule doens't apply to Thursday night - it's Marathon kick-off party time! Goodnight everyone!!
I wore my shoelace around my neck and wrist all day long at the office. It's a subtle accessory so I did not get many questions, but honestly I couldn't believe how many people did not even question it! C'MON, I have a shoelace around my neck?! The substitute cafeteria man was thrilled when I responded to his question with, I'm running the Boston Marathon! Anyway, I am sure that BIB # day tomorrow will provoke more conversations.
Shoelace Day. Check Out How ridiculous my hair looks - precisely the reason for braiding on Marathon Monday.Speaking of Marathon Monday, I have a secret to admit. I have jolted out of my bed three times in the last two months, saying in my head, Is today the marathon?!?!! Hmm Am I focused on the marathon too much? Yes. I guess with all the work dedicated to the marathon, when I fall asleep I'm still really focused on it that when I wake up, I'm still so sleepy and confused. Sunday morning, I woke up at 7:30am and immediately asked IS TODAY THE MARATHON?? I knew I had to wake up for something so the confusion got me again! Marathon Monday is going to be a big day!
I have checked the weather 4 times today and it's been different every single time. Wendy Cashen Akeson warned me when I tried to announce the weather a few days ago, but four times in one day is ridiculous! Now it's listed as rain... but I promise not to be too upset because if I check tomorrow... it will be sunny again!
Here are the stats of my run today.
This week, I'm goig to bed for 10pm each night with a half hour of pre sleep stretching. And I'm reading over my favorite part of the David McGillavry book. The bedtime rule doens't apply to Thursday night - it's Marathon kick-off party time! Goodnight everyone!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Happy Easter.
Happy Easter. This is a great essay and helps explains why I decided to train and why I'm running the Boston Marathon.
Elbalina's essay is one of the most elegantly written, but it also really shows the importance of a college education. Elbalina and her mother were homeless for an extended period, and that time was extremely difficult, and almost derailed Elbalina's education. Thankfully it did not. Elbalina will begin attending Worcester State College in the fall, but she will face many difficult times before earning a degree. We will be there to make sure she can graduate so that her children will never have to deal with the struggles that she has faced.
Elbalina's Essay
When I was thirteen years old my mom could not afford to pay rent anymore. As a result, we were evicted from our apartment in Brockton, Massachusetts. We were homeless for six months living with family in New Jersey. The family situation did not work out and we found out about a Women's shelter in Worcester, Mass from a family friend. After moving to Worcester and residing in the shelter for six months my mom finally found a small apartment that fit her budget. This experience changed my life because it taught me to be grateful for the little things and it also made me stronger. While I was homeless the things I missed the most were the irreplaceable things in life. For example, I was unable to retrieve my baby blanket or my first porcelain doll. I think not having my baby blanket affected me the most because I was always cold in the shelter. Being cold all the time made it difficult for me to do homework. In addition to being cold, I was constantly hungry which also made it hard for me to stay focus when I was doing homework. What I learned from this is that even something as simple as a blanket can make life easier. Another life lesson I took from this experience is that getting an education is important. Prior to being on disability my mother worked in a factory. With only an eighth grade education my mom couldn't find a better paying job to help her pay the bills. Seeing her struggle to pay the bills opened my eyes and made me realize how important having an education is. I'm determined to get the highest level of education possible so that I don't have to go through the same thing my mother did. Now as a senior at Worcester North High School I am motivated to go to college. Having to see my mom choose between not eating one month or not having heat was very difficult for me, especially since I was not old enough to get a job to help her. When I was homeless my grades plummeted so severely that I thought I wouldn't be able to finish eighth grade. Now with good grades and people supporting me I know I can go to college and succeed. Going to college will help me to achieve more than my mother did.
I'm off to the gym for a little visit and then grocery shopping for the BIG week.
Elbalina's essay is one of the most elegantly written, but it also really shows the importance of a college education. Elbalina and her mother were homeless for an extended period, and that time was extremely difficult, and almost derailed Elbalina's education. Thankfully it did not. Elbalina will begin attending Worcester State College in the fall, but she will face many difficult times before earning a degree. We will be there to make sure she can graduate so that her children will never have to deal with the struggles that she has faced.
Elbalina's Essay
When I was thirteen years old my mom could not afford to pay rent anymore. As a result, we were evicted from our apartment in Brockton, Massachusetts. We were homeless for six months living with family in New Jersey. The family situation did not work out and we found out about a Women's shelter in Worcester, Mass from a family friend. After moving to Worcester and residing in the shelter for six months my mom finally found a small apartment that fit her budget. This experience changed my life because it taught me to be grateful for the little things and it also made me stronger. While I was homeless the things I missed the most were the irreplaceable things in life. For example, I was unable to retrieve my baby blanket or my first porcelain doll. I think not having my baby blanket affected me the most because I was always cold in the shelter. Being cold all the time made it difficult for me to do homework. In addition to being cold, I was constantly hungry which also made it hard for me to stay focus when I was doing homework. What I learned from this is that even something as simple as a blanket can make life easier. Another life lesson I took from this experience is that getting an education is important. Prior to being on disability my mother worked in a factory. With only an eighth grade education my mom couldn't find a better paying job to help her pay the bills. Seeing her struggle to pay the bills opened my eyes and made me realize how important having an education is. I'm determined to get the highest level of education possible so that I don't have to go through the same thing my mother did. Now as a senior at Worcester North High School I am motivated to go to college. Having to see my mom choose between not eating one month or not having heat was very difficult for me, especially since I was not old enough to get a job to help her. When I was homeless my grades plummeted so severely that I thought I wouldn't be able to finish eighth grade. Now with good grades and people supporting me I know I can go to college and succeed. Going to college will help me to achieve more than my mother did.
I'm off to the gym for a little visit and then grocery shopping for the BIG week.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Nap Time! & SPIRIT WEEK EVENTS!
I did it folks! I took a nap! hahahaa, I bet you're not all that impressed and you're saying, I didn't sign onto your Marathon blog to hear about your sleeping schedule! Well, Wayne Buckley, GFRC running advicer (the whole club is considered my running advicer!) explained that I need to rest and relax as much as possible. The weekends are realistically the only times for naps so Saturday afternoon nap fit right in!
I attended my last Bottom Line charity meeting this morning at Revolution Fitness. We ran 8 miles along the Charles River. It was cold and windy!
I wish we could meet up during the Marathon weekend for our last meeting like we had scheduled, but the weekend is packed with lots of events already. They want to give us time to enjoy ourselves and not feel burdened by another meeting, which is good too! It was a fabulous meeting. Rick spoke about his desire to write a book, he asked us all to take some days after the marathon and let him know how the whole experience came together on marathon day. Rick also mentioned a story about a very fit Iron Woman that he coached, but at mile 15 of the marathon she was looked horrible. Rick helped her with food and fuel, but she was not doing well. As the runner sat on the side of the road, ready to give up with her coach asking her not to continue, a little girl came over and put a blanket around her with a hug. Linda, the runner immediately lost her composure - the little girl had battled Leukemia and was the reason that Linda was running. She picked her feet up and continued for the next 11 miles and finished the race. The human spirit is a strong thing!
Sooooo the Results are In!!! I am the top fundraiser!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for all your help everyone!!!!!!!!!!! What. A. Thrill.!!! It's a great feeling to reach such a previously thought UNreachable goal AND THEN DOUBLE IT!! Being so young, and getting to feel that I can make a difference in the world through running is indescribable. We've raised $5,788.21, and I am confident that in the Marathon Fever Spirit Week(events listed below), we'll raise well over $6000. As a top fundraiser, the BAA gives out special VIP tickets! My parents will be sitting in the VIP FINISH LINE bleachers for the Boston Marathon!! I'm actually a little jealous. I'd like to sit in a VIP section!
Although, I also won VIP tickets to the Kick Off Celebration at Cheers on Thursday night so I guess I'll get my VIP opporunity. The event is a cocktail party on Thursday evening held at Cheers on Beacon Street. I'm not sure what is consists of, but Joe Piedrafite will be coming along so it's bound to be tons of fun! AND we need to present these tickets pictured below. Feel free to print off the picture and stop by, maybe it could work?
Okay... The Marathon SPIRIT Week is... drum roll....
Show your support for all Boston Marathon runners and participate in the Spirit Week!!!
When someone questions you, explain that you're supporting the upcoming Boston Marathon runners and ENCOURAGE them to visit firstgiving.com/katierunsboston or check out BAA.org to help other charity runners!!!
Monday, April 13th - Shoelace Day. - wear your shoelaces as a necklace or bracelet.
Tuesday, April 14th - Bib # day. Ever run a race before? Pin that number to your office shirt and sport it all day long. OR make your own bib and you win! I have a work dinner to attend - should be fun!
Wednesday, April 15th - Safety Day & Boston Sports Team - Nice vest, eh??
Thursday, April 16th - Race Medal Day - Kick oFF Day!! Marathon Weekend begins, and why not bring a little confidence to your day. Wear all your race medals - that you've ever won! I'm going to wear them to the Cheers party!
Friday April 17th - Boston Marathon Apparel Day & Sneakers! Don't have a shirt, paint one!
I will post pictures all week long of myself looking ... super cool. Email in your pictures and we can all laugh togehter!
See around folks. This week is going to be FUN!!!!!!!!!
I attended my last Bottom Line charity meeting this morning at Revolution Fitness. We ran 8 miles along the Charles River. It was cold and windy!
I wish we could meet up during the Marathon weekend for our last meeting like we had scheduled, but the weekend is packed with lots of events already. They want to give us time to enjoy ourselves and not feel burdened by another meeting, which is good too! It was a fabulous meeting. Rick spoke about his desire to write a book, he asked us all to take some days after the marathon and let him know how the whole experience came together on marathon day. Rick also mentioned a story about a very fit Iron Woman that he coached, but at mile 15 of the marathon she was looked horrible. Rick helped her with food and fuel, but she was not doing well. As the runner sat on the side of the road, ready to give up with her coach asking her not to continue, a little girl came over and put a blanket around her with a hug. Linda, the runner immediately lost her composure - the little girl had battled Leukemia and was the reason that Linda was running. She picked her feet up and continued for the next 11 miles and finished the race. The human spirit is a strong thing!
Sooooo the Results are In!!! I am the top fundraiser!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for all your help everyone!!!!!!!!!!! What. A. Thrill.!!! It's a great feeling to reach such a previously thought UNreachable goal AND THEN DOUBLE IT!! Being so young, and getting to feel that I can make a difference in the world through running is indescribable. We've raised $5,788.21, and I am confident that in the Marathon Fever Spirit Week(events listed below), we'll raise well over $6000. As a top fundraiser, the BAA gives out special VIP tickets! My parents will be sitting in the VIP FINISH LINE bleachers for the Boston Marathon!! I'm actually a little jealous. I'd like to sit in a VIP section!
Although, I also won VIP tickets to the Kick Off Celebration at Cheers on Thursday night so I guess I'll get my VIP opporunity. The event is a cocktail party on Thursday evening held at Cheers on Beacon Street. I'm not sure what is consists of, but Joe Piedrafite will be coming along so it's bound to be tons of fun! AND we need to present these tickets pictured below. Feel free to print off the picture and stop by, maybe it could work?
Okay... The Marathon SPIRIT Week is... drum roll....
Show your support for all Boston Marathon runners and participate in the Spirit Week!!!
When someone questions you, explain that you're supporting the upcoming Boston Marathon runners and ENCOURAGE them to visit firstgiving.com/katierunsboston or check out BAA.org to help other charity runners!!!
Monday, April 13th - Shoelace Day. - wear your shoelaces as a necklace or bracelet.
Tuesday, April 14th - Bib # day. Ever run a race before? Pin that number to your office shirt and sport it all day long. OR make your own bib and you win! I have a work dinner to attend - should be fun!
Wednesday, April 15th - Safety Day & Boston Sports Team - Nice vest, eh??
Thursday, April 16th - Race Medal Day - Kick oFF Day!! Marathon Weekend begins, and why not bring a little confidence to your day. Wear all your race medals - that you've ever won! I'm going to wear them to the Cheers party!
Friday April 17th - Boston Marathon Apparel Day & Sneakers! Don't have a shirt, paint one!
I will post pictures all week long of myself looking ... super cool. Email in your pictures and we can all laugh togehter!
See around folks. This week is going to be FUN!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
I remember my first marathon... you're going to have a blast!
Coach Rick said, "Consistency." when I inquired about a good eating schedule leading up to the marathon. Rick Muhr is the best coach! He's very welcoming, inspiring and encouraging. I've called him weekly with whatever random question that lends to my nervousness for the week. It's a great way to begin the weekend, but with the marathon approaching, I had to squeeze in an extra Coach discussion. I can't quite describe it, and perhaps I'm just caught up in the COUNTDOWN, but having a coach of Rick's caliber say, "You're going to do well", and express his respect for all my hard work is very humbling.
Tonight, I enjoyed a nice track workout with Phyllis Lowry, Mindy Kessler, and a new GFRC memeber - Tara. We ran 4 600s and 4 200s- 600s were posted at 2:20-2:30, and the 200s were posted at 40 - 43 seconds. Nice speed, eh?? Phew, it was a woooorkout and I am sitting with ice on my legs as I type. It wasn't a bad workout, and we didn't push past a healthy point but I am hypersensitve to everything so ice is a great solution. I followed the lead of expert marathoner, Phyllis Lowry for the workout and pace - The blog entry title was a direct quote from Phyllis as we chatted during our cool down laps, and pondered strategies for the marathon. My current question, which Phyllis squashed since she's done it, if I wear layers, how do I switch my name and number back and forth? I guess it can be done, but I don't want to!
I absolutely love track workout days. The club is a great social, friendly group and I love running fast. Michael Laing was correct. I need to pick out my Fall marathon soon, any suggestions? Marathons are addictive... I love the training schedule.
Tonight, I enjoyed a nice track workout with Phyllis Lowry, Mindy Kessler, and a new GFRC memeber - Tara. We ran 4 600s and 4 200s- 600s were posted at 2:20-2:30, and the 200s were posted at 40 - 43 seconds. Nice speed, eh?? Phew, it was a woooorkout and I am sitting with ice on my legs as I type. It wasn't a bad workout, and we didn't push past a healthy point but I am hypersensitve to everything so ice is a great solution. I followed the lead of expert marathoner, Phyllis Lowry for the workout and pace - The blog entry title was a direct quote from Phyllis as we chatted during our cool down laps, and pondered strategies for the marathon. My current question, which Phyllis squashed since she's done it, if I wear layers, how do I switch my name and number back and forth? I guess it can be done, but I don't want to!
I absolutely love track workout days. The club is a great social, friendly group and I love running fast. Michael Laing was correct. I need to pick out my Fall marathon soon, any suggestions? Marathons are addictive... I love the training schedule.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Calm before the Storm
With the marathon less than two weeks away, the terrified emotion is seeping into my existence. So much time, training, planning has lead up to this moment, and only days remain. In an effort to combat this feeling, I am spending time as much time as possible being calm about everything. I've never prepared for a marathon so I have absolutely no idea what to do, but walking slower, resting, and being careful with every action seems logical. I walk around my office with a smaller stride, and it's not a casual walk, I am deliberately attempting to relax. I don't think I've ever been so focused in my life! I hope I can remain this calm for the next 12 days... 12 days is a long time though....
I made a Countdown spreadsheet for my eating schedule the week prior to the marathon. I also included times with workouts, wake ups, and travel. It's not complete yet, I think I want to check with Coach Rick before publishing it. I'm going to do my best to fit in naps during the next two weeks as well - A few people have suggested the powerful nap. Napping in my car or under my desk, how many raised eyebrows will I get?
My marathon list is as follows - what am I missing??
Sneakers
Clothing Layers
Bib Number
Champion Chip
iPod
iPod sensor
Suntan Lotion
Northface Hat
GFRC tattos
watch
wrist pacer
earphones
Shot Blocks in double bag
Bottom Line shirts
accelerade bottle
The Greater Framingham Running Club is sending around a bunch of emails of, "What are you wearing during the marathon??" Our club members volunteer as clock timers at all the mile markers so it's an effort to be properly prepared to cheer on their club members. At the end of one email, Karen Oleski, Children's Hospital charity runner and full inspiration to everyone (she's 60 and still running, and winning!) mentioned that the tapering period is too long and she's ready to run now...
Me Too! I am ready to run the marathon now! 12 days to go?! OH My Goodness!!
On a happier note, Katie Stomski is going to braid my hair for Marathon Monday! Braids are more comfortable and look better after 4 hours of running!
I made a Countdown spreadsheet for my eating schedule the week prior to the marathon. I also included times with workouts, wake ups, and travel. It's not complete yet, I think I want to check with Coach Rick before publishing it. I'm going to do my best to fit in naps during the next two weeks as well - A few people have suggested the powerful nap. Napping in my car or under my desk, how many raised eyebrows will I get?
My marathon list is as follows - what am I missing??
Sneakers
Clothing Layers
Bib Number
Champion Chip
iPod
iPod sensor
Suntan Lotion
Northface Hat
GFRC tattos
watch
wrist pacer
earphones
Shot Blocks in double bag
Bottom Line shirts
accelerade bottle
The Greater Framingham Running Club is sending around a bunch of emails of, "What are you wearing during the marathon??" Our club members volunteer as clock timers at all the mile markers so it's an effort to be properly prepared to cheer on their club members. At the end of one email, Karen Oleski, Children's Hospital charity runner and full inspiration to everyone (she's 60 and still running, and winning!) mentioned that the tapering period is too long and she's ready to run now...
Me Too! I am ready to run the marathon now! 12 days to go?! OH My Goodness!!
On a happier note, Katie Stomski is going to braid my hair for Marathon Monday! Braids are more comfortable and look better after 4 hours of running!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Puddle Jumping
Thank you to Jennifer Nailos for pushing me over another milestone fundraising point- great Birthday present! Thank you to Patrick Tibbets for a generous donation - he's running for the Children's Hospital Charity, and helping me too! Thank you to Sam Stowe for pushing me even further!!
This evening, I ran in the flood of rain. I haven't run in the rain in a long time and I figured it might be good to get a practice run in... just in case. Back in college, when marching band was my form of exercise and I barely ever ran, the moment the Spring rain drops fell I would dash outside for puddle jumping and ran running with my dear friend Andy Cook!
Safety's my Deal.
Today was no different, it was a very enjoyable run in the pouring rain. I jumped in a few super deep puddles and I now know I am ready for anything!
My little iPOd says I was running at 4:46 pace at one moment, that's no possible, right? I am in really good shape, is it possible? It seems to me the Pod is lying so I ran around the Marlborough track, one lap recorded at .26 for mileage. That means it's correct, right? Help! Am I really running that fast?
In my Boston Marathon book, A Century of Blood, Sweat and Cheers, Music on the Roof was mentioned as a point of interest while passing through Framingham. Silvano Melchiorri of Natick takes his band up to the roof of RH Long's Cadillac dealership. The band is said to play Dixieland/Italian music! DOES THIS STILL HAPPEN?? I will be dancing in the streeet!!! So much to look forward to...
Speaking of ... Marathon weekend is fast approaching and I've finally figured out part of my plan. I don't have any plans for Friday night yet, but I think I should probably try to rest so I will probably finalize all my marathon logistics, send some emails, and watch Spirit of the Marathon again... and be asleep by 8pm. Saturday morning, I will enjoy a short 2 mile jog. I will eat a hearty breakfast... or whatever Jeff Galloway suggests, then I will pack my camera, marathon book for autographs, wallet, and head off to the Boston Marathon Expo that starts at 9am. I'd like to share the experience with friends or family, but I am fairly certain that I will bore those individuals. I want to sit for all the seminars, I want to shop around, I want to talk to the elite famous runners, I want to fully enjoy the Expo! In the evening, I will attend the Greater Framingham Running Club Pasta dinner! It's the event of the year! On Sunday, I will lie in bed for as long as possible. I will post my name on my shirt and recheck the weather twelve dozen times. I found a date for the Boston Athletic Association Sunday night pasta dinner! I'm going to be meet up with Katie Stomski!! Now, I just have to figure out... how I will get to the starting line. Any volunteers, Mom, Dad, Molly? Phew... It's time to take a closer look at the My Marathon Logistics!
This evening, I ran in the flood of rain. I haven't run in the rain in a long time and I figured it might be good to get a practice run in... just in case. Back in college, when marching band was my form of exercise and I barely ever ran, the moment the Spring rain drops fell I would dash outside for puddle jumping and ran running with my dear friend Andy Cook!
Safety's my Deal.Today was no different, it was a very enjoyable run in the pouring rain. I jumped in a few super deep puddles and I now know I am ready for anything!
My little iPOd says I was running at 4:46 pace at one moment, that's no possible, right? I am in really good shape, is it possible? It seems to me the Pod is lying so I ran around the Marlborough track, one lap recorded at .26 for mileage. That means it's correct, right? Help! Am I really running that fast?
In my Boston Marathon book, A Century of Blood, Sweat and Cheers, Music on the Roof was mentioned as a point of interest while passing through Framingham. Silvano Melchiorri of Natick takes his band up to the roof of RH Long's Cadillac dealership. The band is said to play Dixieland/Italian music! DOES THIS STILL HAPPEN?? I will be dancing in the streeet!!! So much to look forward to...
Speaking of ... Marathon weekend is fast approaching and I've finally figured out part of my plan. I don't have any plans for Friday night yet, but I think I should probably try to rest so I will probably finalize all my marathon logistics, send some emails, and watch Spirit of the Marathon again... and be asleep by 8pm. Saturday morning, I will enjoy a short 2 mile jog. I will eat a hearty breakfast... or whatever Jeff Galloway suggests, then I will pack my camera, marathon book for autographs, wallet, and head off to the Boston Marathon Expo that starts at 9am. I'd like to share the experience with friends or family, but I am fairly certain that I will bore those individuals. I want to sit for all the seminars, I want to shop around, I want to talk to the elite famous runners, I want to fully enjoy the Expo! In the evening, I will attend the Greater Framingham Running Club Pasta dinner! It's the event of the year! On Sunday, I will lie in bed for as long as possible. I will post my name on my shirt and recheck the weather twelve dozen times. I found a date for the Boston Athletic Association Sunday night pasta dinner! I'm going to be meet up with Katie Stomski!! Now, I just have to figure out... how I will get to the starting line. Any volunteers, Mom, Dad, Molly? Phew... It's time to take a closer look at the My Marathon Logistics!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Greater Framingham Running Club Monthly Meeting
The GFRC held our monthly meeting in Ashland yesterday morning. Wendy Cashen Akeson hosted the event, which means she cannot run the Fun Run before the meeting with the group. Since it's a running club, we schedule meetings with a run as an included option. Although we are a realistic running club, it's only an option because we're all human and injuries shouldn't exclude anyone from a little social fun!
Anyway, Wendy ran the 12 miles after the meeting... included below is her description. Michael Laing mapped out the route for the club so that is who is being yelled at...
Holy HILLS Michael!... I ran the 12.1 mile route Michael mapped out after everyone went home... yup, ran it by myself (had to after getting in that picture from the meeting!). Ran from Ashland, through Sherborn, into Framingham, past the skunk near the prison, into Brazil, down Shore Rd.... thought I was totally lost till I took the first path through the woods then went back into the woods and over the bridge, then back closer to my neck of the woods, UP Cadorette Rd. (that was just mean Michael!) and finally back home... good heavens
12 mile Group
We're not all training for Boston, but I still got tons of good advice. Patrick Tibbits, pictured in the lower right corner of the picture - in front of me - is also running the marathon. Patrick mentioned that I will probably get moody, angry and frustrated over the next few weeks of tapering. Thanks for the heads up Patrick! And I'm throwing out that as an announcement to all my friends! It's true though and I'd already started feeling it a little. Three weeks of decreasing activity... doesn't sound like the direction that I want to go before the biggest race of my life! In theory, I suppose it makes sense - it's a chance to rest my muscles and be in the top level of performance for the race.
Considering it was a particularly hilly course, we kept a pretty good pace. Not only did we have a lot of hill climbs, there were an equal amount of hill drop offs. It was a good chance to talk about hill strategies. I think I'm ready for Boston!
For the past two weekends, after my long run, I have BIG plans for heading out with friends and rewarding myself with a drink(s)! It's a disaster! I properly eat, hydrate, rest and get ready for the rest of my day after the long run. The evening arrives and I head out for fun with my friends. Last weekend, I could only drink half a beer! This Saturday, I had one mojito. This weekend, I explained to my 12 mile running group, I changed around my whole weekend based on the long run and my desire to enjoy a night with my friends. They laughed and almost rolled over, "You changed your weekend around Running and Drinking!? I like you!" Anyway, this is a plea to all non marathon trainees, please do your part, I fear that without my commitment to enjoying the smooth tastes of Sam Adams that the American Beer company could be at risk. Help them, continue to drink and take my place! We can't have Sam Adams go under because I'm training for a marathon!
Take Pride in Your Beer and Go Sox! Enjoy Opening Day tomorrow!!
Anyway, Wendy ran the 12 miles after the meeting... included below is her description. Michael Laing mapped out the route for the club so that is who is being yelled at...
Holy HILLS Michael!... I ran the 12.1 mile route Michael mapped out after everyone went home... yup, ran it by myself (had to after getting in that picture from the meeting!). Ran from Ashland, through Sherborn, into Framingham, past the skunk near the prison, into Brazil, down Shore Rd.... thought I was totally lost till I took the first path through the woods then went back into the woods and over the bridge, then back closer to my neck of the woods, UP Cadorette Rd. (that was just mean Michael!) and finally back home... good heavens
12 mile GroupWe're not all training for Boston, but I still got tons of good advice. Patrick Tibbits, pictured in the lower right corner of the picture - in front of me - is also running the marathon. Patrick mentioned that I will probably get moody, angry and frustrated over the next few weeks of tapering. Thanks for the heads up Patrick! And I'm throwing out that as an announcement to all my friends! It's true though and I'd already started feeling it a little. Three weeks of decreasing activity... doesn't sound like the direction that I want to go before the biggest race of my life! In theory, I suppose it makes sense - it's a chance to rest my muscles and be in the top level of performance for the race.
Considering it was a particularly hilly course, we kept a pretty good pace. Not only did we have a lot of hill climbs, there were an equal amount of hill drop offs. It was a good chance to talk about hill strategies. I think I'm ready for Boston!
For the past two weekends, after my long run, I have BIG plans for heading out with friends and rewarding myself with a drink(s)! It's a disaster! I properly eat, hydrate, rest and get ready for the rest of my day after the long run. The evening arrives and I head out for fun with my friends. Last weekend, I could only drink half a beer! This Saturday, I had one mojito. This weekend, I explained to my 12 mile running group, I changed around my whole weekend based on the long run and my desire to enjoy a night with my friends. They laughed and almost rolled over, "You changed your weekend around Running and Drinking!? I like you!" Anyway, this is a plea to all non marathon trainees, please do your part, I fear that without my commitment to enjoying the smooth tastes of Sam Adams that the American Beer company could be at risk. Help them, continue to drink and take my place! We can't have Sam Adams go under because I'm training for a marathon!
Take Pride in Your Beer and Go Sox! Enjoy Opening Day tomorrow!!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Phew, I am tired.
I am tired, and not particularly from a lot of running, but my nerves are on high alert. With the countdown decreasing at a rapid rate, only 17 days left, I am more nervous than ever. I once enjoyed talking about the race with passing colleagues, now my heart beats so fast and I'm exhausted by the end of the day!
Okay, but I have some great friends that send me encouraging and hilarious stories to keep my spirit high. Courtesy of Scott Rutkowski, an article by Bill Simmons. Idiot's Guide to the Boston Marathon. It's a hoot!
Another friend at work, Dan Wood, who understands the nerves of the pre-marathon race, sent along a list from his running club. Lisa English is their marathon coach. I don't have her list of achievements, but she's a very nice lady with lots of advice... See below scared, excited, novice Boston marathon Runners!!
My Top tips for a successful Boston marathon
- Any training you do this week is less important than getting enough rest and avoiding injury. If anything hurts, stop. If you’re tired, rest.
- You may not sleep well the night before, don’t stress about it. But try to get sufficient sleep the week before and especially 2 nights before the race.
- Don’t try anything new for race day. Use the shoes/foods/hydration strategies that have worked for you on your long runs
- If this is your first marathon, forget about time goals. Think about running the first 10 miles comfortably, the middle third at comfortable race pace, and then if you have anything left after you crest Heartbreak Hill you can pick it up for the last 5 miles. It is much more fun to finish strong (reverse splits), than to start fast and finish with the ‘death march’. I’ve done them both ways with the same finish time; the first was a lot more fun. The harder you push at the beginning, the worse you will feel at the end (pretty much guaranteed…)
- Be careful of the big downhill right after the top of Heartbreak. Some people have issues with cramping in their quads if you try to take it too fast.
- Make sure you have a hydration/carb strategy for the race. I do a gu with water every 4 miles and Gatorade on the alternate stops. Everyone is different, use what has worked for you in your long runs but think it through upfront as you’ll get ‘stupid’ near the end of the race and forget to eat/drink. I had a major bonk in the middle of a race due to insufficient carbs, then started back with Gatorade in the last few miles and felt like I was jet-propelled.
- The first 4 miles are mostly downhill so it is easy to start out too fast and kill your quads early in the race. Focus on running comfortably the first few miles (if you’re out of breath you’re running too fast).
- Maintain a positive mental attitude. You’ve put in your training time, do what you can do on race day and don’t stress about things that are out of your control.
My Top tips for a successful Boston marathon
- Any training you do this week is less important than getting enough rest and avoiding injury. If anything hurts, stop. If you’re tired, rest.
- You may not sleep well the night before, don’t stress about it. But try to get sufficient sleep the week before and especially 2 nights before the race.
- Don’t try anything new for race day. Use the shoes/foods/hydration strategies that have worked for you on your long runs
- If this is your first marathon, forget about time goals. Think about running the first 10 miles comfortably, the middle third at comfortable race pace, and then if you have anything left after you crest Heartbreak Hill you can pick it up for the last 5 miles. It is much more fun to finish strong (reverse splits), than to start fast and finish with the ‘death march’. I’ve done them both ways with the same finish time; the first was a lot more fun. The harder you push at the beginning, the worse you will feel at the end (pretty much guaranteed…)
- Be careful of the big downhill right after the top of Heartbreak. Some people have issues with cramping in their quads if you try to take it too fast.
- Make sure you have a hydration/carb strategy for the race. I do a gu with water every 4 miles and Gatorade on the alternate stops. Everyone is different, use what has worked for you in your long runs but think it through upfront as you’ll get ‘stupid’ near the end of the race and forget to eat/drink. I had a major bonk in the middle of a race due to insufficient carbs, then started back with Gatorade in the last few miles and felt like I was jet-propelled.
- The first 4 miles are mostly downhill so it is easy to start out too fast and kill your quads early in the race. Focus on running comfortably the first few miles (if you’re out of breath you’re running too fast).
- Maintain a positive mental attitude. You’ve put in your training time, do what you can do on race day and don’t stress about things that are out of your control.
Race Prep
- Don’t try anything new on race day, stick with the eating/hydration/shoes etc. that worked for you on your long runs.
- Layers are good, if possible have a throw-away outer layer that you can ditch when you heat up. Cheap throwaway gloves will make you much more comfortable at the start if it is cool.
- Glide anything that tends to get a blister (feet, waist, ‘chub rub’ area on thighs, under bra straps
- I like to eat breakfast 3-4 hours before the race start. Easy to digest carbs with some quality protein, I like blueberry pancakes with syrup and a glass of skim milk.
Race Strategy
- Start slow. The first 10 miles should be very comfortable. NOTE: If you have aggressive time goals you may not be able to do this reverse-splits strategy, but be aware that last third will likely be a struggle.
- Garmin GPS (I had it set so I could see my lap pace for each mile, so I always knew my current pace. I intentionally didn't look at the overall pace/time, so I wouldn't stress about a finish time and could just focus on doing what I can do THIS mile). Warning: You’ll actually run about half a mile longer than 26.1 (because you can’t cut every curve perfectly along the race). So use the Garmin Pace as a general guide only especially if you have important time goals. Rely on your watch for total race time if that is important to you.
- Pin your Gu’s to the inside front of your shorts, then flip inside. When you want to use them you just flip one out and tear off the top (OR wear a race number belt with slots for the Gu’s, see below)
- Wear a race number belt. This allows you to take layers off/on if you get hot or cold without having to repin your race number. (Fuel belt makes a good one, has toggles to attach the race number. They have a version with loops to hold your Gu’s, but be aware that comes in only one size which is generally too large for women. I had to sew mine to make it smaller).
- Repeat power words when the going gets tough, e.g. 'Relax', 'Glide', and 'Power'. On uphills, visualize helium balloons tied to your shoulders pulling you up (helps you to relax your upper body).
- Think positive. No whining, no excuses. Negative thoughts don’t buy you anything in a race. If you want to think about how hard it is then wait till the race is over, because at that point you’re congratulating yourself on a hard job accomplished. When you’re in the race stay focused on the positive. When the going gets tough I think about the double amputee who completed the Hawaii Ironman last year. Suddenly being a little uncomfortable doesn’t seem like such a big deal.
- Counting to 100 and back to 0 when the going got tough, kept my mind off of 'how much farther to go'
- Hook up with some people who are running a similar pace early in the race. Makes the first part of the race go by fast.
- Adjust your goals based on how your body is feeling. If you realize this is not your 'reverse split, Personal Record’ day’, then focus on keeping going at a reasonably comfortable pace so you can finish feeling good.
- It is OK to walk at the water stops. If you have really aggressive time goals you may not want to do this, but for most of us the time you lose walking 20 steps to drink will be more than made up for at the end of the race when your legs are a little fresher due to the frequent rest/change of pace.
- Have a strategy for Gu/Gatorade based on what has worked for you in your long training runs. You’ll get ‘stupid’ near the end of the race, so you’ll want a simple strategy that you can remember. I do a Gu with water every 4 miles and Gatorade on the off miles.
- Wear something noticeable, make sure your family and friends know what you’re wearing. It will be really hard for your fans to pick you out of the 25000 runners on race day.
- Wear your name on your shirt (I will try to bring stick-on letters to Town Hall before the race). You’ll feel like a rock-star in the race as all the spectators call out your name. (Tell your family/friends to yell your first and last name, otherwise you may not notice them amidst all the other people calling your name).
- Have a prearranged spot where your family will wait along the route so you know about where to look for them and what side of the road they’ll be on. If you need to ditch anything that is bugging you you’ll be happy to see them.
- Racing downhill is hard on your quads. Boston is a net downhill course. Downhill training is helpful beforehand (run hard on the downhills, easy on the ups in some training runs). During the race you want to try for fast easy cadence on the downhills, don’t overstride and don’t ‘brake’ to slow yourself down. My best downhill tip, think about the back-kick (increases your turnover rate, helps you to use the gravity rather than resisting it by ‘braking’ with your quads).
Recovery
- Consume something with carbs and protein immediately after the race, liquids are more quickly digested if you have access to them.
- Within an hour after the race eat some real food, again a carb/protein mix is best.
- An ice water bath for your legs as soon after the race as practical is helpful.
- Plan an active recovery for the week or two after the race, I start with walking every day then gradually add in short intervals of slow running, etc. Downhill courses like Boston really kill your quads, my recovery is much slower after Boston than after flatter races.
It's a lot of reading, but I found it all helpful. Thanks Lisa!
Okay, but I have some great friends that send me encouraging and hilarious stories to keep my spirit high. Courtesy of Scott Rutkowski, an article by Bill Simmons. Idiot's Guide to the Boston Marathon. It's a hoot!
Another friend at work, Dan Wood, who understands the nerves of the pre-marathon race, sent along a list from his running club. Lisa English is their marathon coach. I don't have her list of achievements, but she's a very nice lady with lots of advice... See below scared, excited, novice Boston marathon Runners!!
My Top tips for a successful Boston marathon
- Any training you do this week is less important than getting enough rest and avoiding injury. If anything hurts, stop. If you’re tired, rest.
- You may not sleep well the night before, don’t stress about it. But try to get sufficient sleep the week before and especially 2 nights before the race.
- Don’t try anything new for race day. Use the shoes/foods/hydration strategies that have worked for you on your long runs
- If this is your first marathon, forget about time goals. Think about running the first 10 miles comfortably, the middle third at comfortable race pace, and then if you have anything left after you crest Heartbreak Hill you can pick it up for the last 5 miles. It is much more fun to finish strong (reverse splits), than to start fast and finish with the ‘death march’. I’ve done them both ways with the same finish time; the first was a lot more fun. The harder you push at the beginning, the worse you will feel at the end (pretty much guaranteed…)
- Be careful of the big downhill right after the top of Heartbreak. Some people have issues with cramping in their quads if you try to take it too fast.
- Make sure you have a hydration/carb strategy for the race. I do a gu with water every 4 miles and Gatorade on the alternate stops. Everyone is different, use what has worked for you in your long runs but think it through upfront as you’ll get ‘stupid’ near the end of the race and forget to eat/drink. I had a major bonk in the middle of a race due to insufficient carbs, then started back with Gatorade in the last few miles and felt like I was jet-propelled.
- The first 4 miles are mostly downhill so it is easy to start out too fast and kill your quads early in the race. Focus on running comfortably the first few miles (if you’re out of breath you’re running too fast).
- Maintain a positive mental attitude. You’ve put in your training time, do what you can do on race day and don’t stress about things that are out of your control.
My Top tips for a successful Boston marathon
- Any training you do this week is less important than getting enough rest and avoiding injury. If anything hurts, stop. If you’re tired, rest.
- You may not sleep well the night before, don’t stress about it. But try to get sufficient sleep the week before and especially 2 nights before the race.
- Don’t try anything new for race day. Use the shoes/foods/hydration strategies that have worked for you on your long runs
- If this is your first marathon, forget about time goals. Think about running the first 10 miles comfortably, the middle third at comfortable race pace, and then if you have anything left after you crest Heartbreak Hill you can pick it up for the last 5 miles. It is much more fun to finish strong (reverse splits), than to start fast and finish with the ‘death march’. I’ve done them both ways with the same finish time; the first was a lot more fun. The harder you push at the beginning, the worse you will feel at the end (pretty much guaranteed…)
- Be careful of the big downhill right after the top of Heartbreak. Some people have issues with cramping in their quads if you try to take it too fast.
- Make sure you have a hydration/carb strategy for the race. I do a gu with water every 4 miles and Gatorade on the alternate stops. Everyone is different, use what has worked for you in your long runs but think it through upfront as you’ll get ‘stupid’ near the end of the race and forget to eat/drink. I had a major bonk in the middle of a race due to insufficient carbs, then started back with Gatorade in the last few miles and felt like I was jet-propelled.
- The first 4 miles are mostly downhill so it is easy to start out too fast and kill your quads early in the race. Focus on running comfortably the first few miles (if you’re out of breath you’re running too fast).
- Maintain a positive mental attitude. You’ve put in your training time, do what you can do on race day and don’t stress about things that are out of your control.
Race Prep
- Don’t try anything new on race day, stick with the eating/hydration/shoes etc. that worked for you on your long runs.
- Layers are good, if possible have a throw-away outer layer that you can ditch when you heat up. Cheap throwaway gloves will make you much more comfortable at the start if it is cool.
- Glide anything that tends to get a blister (feet, waist, ‘chub rub’ area on thighs, under bra straps
- I like to eat breakfast 3-4 hours before the race start. Easy to digest carbs with some quality protein, I like blueberry pancakes with syrup and a glass of skim milk.
Race Strategy
- Start slow. The first 10 miles should be very comfortable. NOTE: If you have aggressive time goals you may not be able to do this reverse-splits strategy, but be aware that last third will likely be a struggle.
- Garmin GPS (I had it set so I could see my lap pace for each mile, so I always knew my current pace. I intentionally didn't look at the overall pace/time, so I wouldn't stress about a finish time and could just focus on doing what I can do THIS mile). Warning: You’ll actually run about half a mile longer than 26.1 (because you can’t cut every curve perfectly along the race). So use the Garmin Pace as a general guide only especially if you have important time goals. Rely on your watch for total race time if that is important to you.
- Pin your Gu’s to the inside front of your shorts, then flip inside. When you want to use them you just flip one out and tear off the top (OR wear a race number belt with slots for the Gu’s, see below)
- Wear a race number belt. This allows you to take layers off/on if you get hot or cold without having to repin your race number. (Fuel belt makes a good one, has toggles to attach the race number. They have a version with loops to hold your Gu’s, but be aware that comes in only one size which is generally too large for women. I had to sew mine to make it smaller).
- Repeat power words when the going gets tough, e.g. 'Relax', 'Glide', and 'Power'. On uphills, visualize helium balloons tied to your shoulders pulling you up (helps you to relax your upper body).
- Think positive. No whining, no excuses. Negative thoughts don’t buy you anything in a race. If you want to think about how hard it is then wait till the race is over, because at that point you’re congratulating yourself on a hard job accomplished. When you’re in the race stay focused on the positive. When the going gets tough I think about the double amputee who completed the Hawaii Ironman last year. Suddenly being a little uncomfortable doesn’t seem like such a big deal.
- Counting to 100 and back to 0 when the going got tough, kept my mind off of 'how much farther to go'
- Hook up with some people who are running a similar pace early in the race. Makes the first part of the race go by fast.
- Adjust your goals based on how your body is feeling. If you realize this is not your 'reverse split, Personal Record’ day’, then focus on keeping going at a reasonably comfortable pace so you can finish feeling good.
- It is OK to walk at the water stops. If you have really aggressive time goals you may not want to do this, but for most of us the time you lose walking 20 steps to drink will be more than made up for at the end of the race when your legs are a little fresher due to the frequent rest/change of pace.
- Have a strategy for Gu/Gatorade based on what has worked for you in your long training runs. You’ll get ‘stupid’ near the end of the race, so you’ll want a simple strategy that you can remember. I do a Gu with water every 4 miles and Gatorade on the off miles.
- Wear something noticeable, make sure your family and friends know what you’re wearing. It will be really hard for your fans to pick you out of the 25000 runners on race day.
- Wear your name on your shirt (I will try to bring stick-on letters to Town Hall before the race). You’ll feel like a rock-star in the race as all the spectators call out your name. (Tell your family/friends to yell your first and last name, otherwise you may not notice them amidst all the other people calling your name).
- Have a prearranged spot where your family will wait along the route so you know about where to look for them and what side of the road they’ll be on. If you need to ditch anything that is bugging you you’ll be happy to see them.
- Racing downhill is hard on your quads. Boston is a net downhill course. Downhill training is helpful beforehand (run hard on the downhills, easy on the ups in some training runs). During the race you want to try for fast easy cadence on the downhills, don’t overstride and don’t ‘brake’ to slow yourself down. My best downhill tip, think about the back-kick (increases your turnover rate, helps you to use the gravity rather than resisting it by ‘braking’ with your quads).
Recovery
- Consume something with carbs and protein immediately after the race, liquids are more quickly digested if you have access to them.
- Within an hour after the race eat some real food, again a carb/protein mix is best.
- An ice water bath for your legs as soon after the race as practical is helpful.
- Plan an active recovery for the week or two after the race, I start with walking every day then gradually add in short intervals of slow running, etc. Downhill courses like Boston really kill your quads, my recovery is much slower after Boston than after flatter races.
It's a lot of reading, but I found it all helpful. Thanks Lisa!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Happy Birthday to Me!
That's right. It's my birthday! All I want this year is CAKE, lots of cake with frosting and fillings, and maybe a few $10 donations if you're wondering what to get me besides cake. Thank you to Jigga JEFF and Jennifer Brodeur for their generous birthday presents to my marathon charity!
I woke up early to arrive at the gym for 5am, I did my cross training workout. I can freely celebrate this evening! :-0)
I woke up early to arrive at the gym for 5am, I did my cross training workout. I can freely celebrate this evening! :-0)
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Short Songs, Oh I mean Shorts & Songs
I bought my first pair of official running shorts! I am a real runner now! Well, I own two Nike shorts, but I would consider them winter shorts because they were warm and cotton shorts. The new pair, pictured below is a nice light fabric - Body: Dri-FIT 100% polyester taffeta. Mesh: Dri-FIT 100% polyester knit. Liner: Dri-FIT 100% polyester crepe.
I don't own a ton of shorts, but the rest of my wardrobe consists of basketball type shorts. I only played basketball for a few years, but the shorts are cheaper and more prevalent. My old high school track shorts were leftover or old shorts from our basketball team. Shepherd Hill wasn't a poor school. They had the same position toward shorts that I do, or perhaps they're the reason I just purchased my first pair of real running shorts!
I know it's against all recommendations to buy a new item specifically for a race, but I wore them tonight on a 7mile hill run and I will run with them again on Saturday. They match my Bottom Line running shirt! Everyone wins! I need to look official for the Boston Marathon and I definitely need to match.
Running Mix on my iPod.
I barely ever listen to my iPod while running. I clock my run times and pace with the iPod Nike Plus, but I like listening, noticing my surroundings, and I am always running with someone else. Last Saturday was my first time running a long run on my own! I rocked out with the ol' Running Mix and to my delight, it helped a lot! But I also now have a few holes in my Mix. I realized some music is very inappropriate for running. I will share my discoveries, and give rating based on my running mood and I beg you to share your music choices for Marathon Running. Also if you want to send an actual CD with the song my way, that is completely okay!
I don't own a ton of shorts, but the rest of my wardrobe consists of basketball type shorts. I only played basketball for a few years, but the shorts are cheaper and more prevalent. My old high school track shorts were leftover or old shorts from our basketball team. Shepherd Hill wasn't a poor school. They had the same position toward shorts that I do, or perhaps they're the reason I just purchased my first pair of real running shorts!
I know it's against all recommendations to buy a new item specifically for a race, but I wore them tonight on a 7mile hill run and I will run with them again on Saturday. They match my Bottom Line running shirt! Everyone wins! I need to look official for the Boston Marathon and I definitely need to match.
Running Mix on my iPod.
I barely ever listen to my iPod while running. I clock my run times and pace with the iPod Nike Plus, but I like listening, noticing my surroundings, and I am always running with someone else. Last Saturday was my first time running a long run on my own! I rocked out with the ol' Running Mix and to my delight, it helped a lot! But I also now have a few holes in my Mix. I realized some music is very inappropriate for running. I will share my discoveries, and give rating based on my running mood and I beg you to share your music choices for Marathon Running. Also if you want to send an actual CD with the song my way, that is completely okay!
- I did it - Dave Matthew's Band. - ok
- Girl - OTown - great
- Champagne Supernova - not a good running song
- So Damn Lucky - not a good Marathon song
- Swing, Swing - All American Rejects - great
- Lie in Our Graves - okay, but not a good Marathon running song
- 1, 2 Step - Ciara - Perfect Marathon song!
- Risen - OAR - what could be better? Perfect Marathon Song!
- Chicago Medley - University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band - This one is Better! Best Marathon Music!
- Grace Kelly - MIKA - ALL MIKA songs are top rated for Marathon Running
- Feel It - BEP Excellent
- Happy Valentine's Day -OutKast - Awesome, but not the entire song.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
This is Insane!
The 20 Mile run from the starting line in Hopkinton to the base of Hearthbreak hill in Newton was a success and enjoyable! I finished in a time of 3:01.24. My iPod Nike was a little off, it had me clocking 7 minute miles from the starting line! I must have calibrated it with a wider stride than my normal pace. Not being able to rely on my iPod to inform me of my pace, I was on my own to run.
I kept my backup watch running the entire time, which clocked the 3:01 time. Remember that neat pace chart from my last post? In another tab of the Boston Marathon Excel sheet, I had the chance to print of a Wrist Pace watch – a list of my pace per time and time elapsed per mile according to a goal time entered by me! I finished 6 minutes over my goal time. According to a 3:50 finish goal time, I should have finished the 20 miles in 2hours and 54 minutes. I AM PUMPED! 6 minutes off the pace is nothing, right?! If I can rest, train, taper, and rest properly, I should be lined up to run a great marathon!
The marathon route is a great little course. I like the start through Hopkinton and Ashland, but it definitely takes discipline to hold back to not zoom down the hills. It was my first time running past Ashland. I ran the Newton hills with Katie Stomski a few weeks ago, but it was a thrill to string the route together run all the way from Hopkinton to Newton, seeing all the town signs, and the few historical (well Marathon historical) highlights along the way. I did not enjoy running through most of Framingham! It was a long stretch of nasty road, luckily on Marathon Monday, the cars won’t be bothering us. The Lake Cochituate was beautiful as described, so I’ll give that to Framingham. Natick was uneventful, I don’t recall hating or loving any point of the route there. Wellesley was the best part of the run! It was a shady area along the suddenly sunny day! I always like running through towns too. I was flying down the streets, although, this is also where I first turned on my iPod for musically entertainment. The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band is a great artist and really had my legs moving! OH my Goodness, at Mile 15, there is a LARGE downhill and I almost screamed. Yikes! I don’t like reliving it! Any advice, anyone? Anyway, another very exciting moment was arriving in Newton and running over Rt95! I took out my iPod earphones and yelled to the runner next to me, “THIS IS INSANE! WE’RE RUNNING OVER ROUTE 95! WE JUST RAN FROM RT 495 TO 95!” He responded with, “Yea, and who put this hill here?!” The Newton hills are as bad as I’d heard. They are hard. Well, they aren’t all that bad…it’s the other 16 miles before that cause the real problem! My coach advised stopping at the base of heartbreak hill to avoid hurting ourselves during training. 20 miles in 3 hours! I stopped a few times for water, Gatorade and I think I walked 4 times to relax my muscles. I also stopped at the Dunkin Donuts in Ashland for a bathroom break. I ran inside and a few other runners were waiting so I said, “Oh, you needed your morning coffee too?” Everyone in line laughed! It’s so close to the route, I don’t think it messed with my time all that much. On Marathon Monday, hopefully I’ll be able to take all bathroom visits before crossing the starting line!
Many of my experienced running friends have told me about racing strategies. One particular method is running the last 100-150 feet of a 5K as a warmup to the race to understand the finish line and when to kick in the last sprint. Now for a marathon, is it essential to run the last 6 miles of the route? I’ve never run it before. I won’t be blindly running, because the mile markers are clearly displayed. The surprise and waiting to experience the route until Marathon Monday adds another degree of excitement! We’ll see… I guess!
Okay, another quick funny story for you. I woke up on Saturday morning at 6:15am! Earlier than any other day of the week! I woke up before my alarm sounded! I gazed at my phone and thought, is today the marathon? Phew, wow! Apparently, I psyched my body and mind up too much and I am also really confused in the mornings.
Okay time for bed!
I kept my backup watch running the entire time, which clocked the 3:01 time. Remember that neat pace chart from my last post? In another tab of the Boston Marathon Excel sheet, I had the chance to print of a Wrist Pace watch – a list of my pace per time and time elapsed per mile according to a goal time entered by me! I finished 6 minutes over my goal time. According to a 3:50 finish goal time, I should have finished the 20 miles in 2hours and 54 minutes. I AM PUMPED! 6 minutes off the pace is nothing, right?! If I can rest, train, taper, and rest properly, I should be lined up to run a great marathon!
The marathon route is a great little course. I like the start through Hopkinton and Ashland, but it definitely takes discipline to hold back to not zoom down the hills. It was my first time running past Ashland. I ran the Newton hills with Katie Stomski a few weeks ago, but it was a thrill to string the route together run all the way from Hopkinton to Newton, seeing all the town signs, and the few historical (well Marathon historical) highlights along the way. I did not enjoy running through most of Framingham! It was a long stretch of nasty road, luckily on Marathon Monday, the cars won’t be bothering us. The Lake Cochituate was beautiful as described, so I’ll give that to Framingham. Natick was uneventful, I don’t recall hating or loving any point of the route there. Wellesley was the best part of the run! It was a shady area along the suddenly sunny day! I always like running through towns too. I was flying down the streets, although, this is also where I first turned on my iPod for musically entertainment. The University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band is a great artist and really had my legs moving! OH my Goodness, at Mile 15, there is a LARGE downhill and I almost screamed. Yikes! I don’t like reliving it! Any advice, anyone? Anyway, another very exciting moment was arriving in Newton and running over Rt95! I took out my iPod earphones and yelled to the runner next to me, “THIS IS INSANE! WE’RE RUNNING OVER ROUTE 95! WE JUST RAN FROM RT 495 TO 95!” He responded with, “Yea, and who put this hill here?!” The Newton hills are as bad as I’d heard. They are hard. Well, they aren’t all that bad…it’s the other 16 miles before that cause the real problem! My coach advised stopping at the base of heartbreak hill to avoid hurting ourselves during training. 20 miles in 3 hours! I stopped a few times for water, Gatorade and I think I walked 4 times to relax my muscles. I also stopped at the Dunkin Donuts in Ashland for a bathroom break. I ran inside and a few other runners were waiting so I said, “Oh, you needed your morning coffee too?” Everyone in line laughed! It’s so close to the route, I don’t think it messed with my time all that much. On Marathon Monday, hopefully I’ll be able to take all bathroom visits before crossing the starting line!
Many of my experienced running friends have told me about racing strategies. One particular method is running the last 100-150 feet of a 5K as a warmup to the race to understand the finish line and when to kick in the last sprint. Now for a marathon, is it essential to run the last 6 miles of the route? I’ve never run it before. I won’t be blindly running, because the mile markers are clearly displayed. The surprise and waiting to experience the route until Marathon Monday adds another degree of excitement! We’ll see… I guess!
Okay, another quick funny story for you. I woke up on Saturday morning at 6:15am! Earlier than any other day of the week! I woke up before my alarm sounded! I gazed at my phone and thought, is today the marathon? Phew, wow! Apparently, I psyched my body and mind up too much and I am also really confused in the mornings.
Okay time for bed!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Long Run Preparation
I have a long time of items to prepare before a long run.
This evening, I will share with you the preparation for the biggest, and most exciting training run. Drinking, drinking, bathroom break, drinking, eating, eating, drinking, bathroom break, bathroom break, drinking was the order of my day. I barely worked with all the bathroom breaks. I ate and drank a lot. Everyone was laughing at my lunch feast. I had a bowl of plain wheat pasta, 1 banana, yogurt, a half of ham sandwich, and sliced pineapple. On top of it, I had my breakfast, 2nd breakfast of oatmeal, and a snack before I left work.
I printed out the nice wrist pace chart for myself. Pacing for 3:50 finish. I'm testing it out tomorrow morning! I'll be sure to report back.
Following work, I ventured to the Marlborough high school track to calibrate my iPod with the Nike sensor. I planned on running around the track once, but definitely ran around several times while talking to the Apple support. Phew, I think it's up and ready for tomorrow.
My clothes are picked out, the Blocs are set aside, my stomach is almost full to the brim with lasagna. I called up Coach Rick this evening asking about timing and a ton of other questions. We talked all about the plan for tomorrow. Then I admitted to him, that I'm exhausted mostly from all the excitement. Partly my fault, I actually wore my wrist band around the office in an attempt to memorize the desired splits. Anyway, at 2:30pm exactly, I wanted to take a nap. On the way home, I still felt like I was dragging. Rick mentioned that it's very natural to feel lethargic before a long run. He said you're body and mind realize that something BIG is coming and it's getting ready. How convenient, right?
Alright folks, I'm signing off - back to the FUN! To combat my usual pre-long run nerves, I made some lasagna and invited over my dear friends Miss Stef Hiller and Shari Warden over for the evening. It's a blast watching friends drink, and getting to laugh just as much as them, but be stone sober! I'm also in the comfort of my own home with couch, ice bags, water, and my bed so close by!
I'm going to win the race tomorrow!
This evening, I will share with you the preparation for the biggest, and most exciting training run. Drinking, drinking, bathroom break, drinking, eating, eating, drinking, bathroom break, bathroom break, drinking was the order of my day. I barely worked with all the bathroom breaks. I ate and drank a lot. Everyone was laughing at my lunch feast. I had a bowl of plain wheat pasta, 1 banana, yogurt, a half of ham sandwich, and sliced pineapple. On top of it, I had my breakfast, 2nd breakfast of oatmeal, and a snack before I left work.
I printed out the nice wrist pace chart for myself. Pacing for 3:50 finish. I'm testing it out tomorrow morning! I'll be sure to report back.
Following work, I ventured to the Marlborough high school track to calibrate my iPod with the Nike sensor. I planned on running around the track once, but definitely ran around several times while talking to the Apple support. Phew, I think it's up and ready for tomorrow.
My clothes are picked out, the Blocs are set aside, my stomach is almost full to the brim with lasagna. I called up Coach Rick this evening asking about timing and a ton of other questions. We talked all about the plan for tomorrow. Then I admitted to him, that I'm exhausted mostly from all the excitement. Partly my fault, I actually wore my wrist band around the office in an attempt to memorize the desired splits. Anyway, at 2:30pm exactly, I wanted to take a nap. On the way home, I still felt like I was dragging. Rick mentioned that it's very natural to feel lethargic before a long run. He said you're body and mind realize that something BIG is coming and it's getting ready. How convenient, right?
Alright folks, I'm signing off - back to the FUN! To combat my usual pre-long run nerves, I made some lasagna and invited over my dear friends Miss Stef Hiller and Shari Warden over for the evening. It's a blast watching friends drink, and getting to laugh just as much as them, but be stone sober! I'm also in the comfort of my own home with couch, ice bags, water, and my bed so close by!
I'm going to win the race tomorrow!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Welcome Booklet!
Do you remember the day you received the acceptance letter for your 1st choice school, the welcome package from your dream job & company, or when you waited in line for the latest Harry Potter book?
I received the Boston Athletic Association 113th Boston Marthon Welcome booklet this evening! I don't know if any of my above descriptions helped paint the picture of my excitement. I carefully craddled the small booklet in my Johnny Kelley Marathon book, and happily headed off to the gym. I pumped the iron on the hamstring machine. That last sentence was wrong in many ways, but anyway, I read my Welcome booklet and analyzed every graphic and read every word. I only made it through 4 pages because I read the entire table of contents word for word. I still have 25 days so I'm sure I'll eventually make it through!
I received the Boston Athletic Association 113th Boston Marthon Welcome booklet this evening! I don't know if any of my above descriptions helped paint the picture of my excitement. I carefully craddled the small booklet in my Johnny Kelley Marathon book, and happily headed off to the gym. I pumped the iron on the hamstring machine. That last sentence was wrong in many ways, but anyway, I read my Welcome booklet and analyzed every graphic and read every word. I only made it through 4 pages because I read the entire table of contents word for word. I still have 25 days so I'm sure I'll eventually make it through!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E
This evening, my goal was to run 6 800 repeats and I exceeded my goal! The Bowditch track was crowded this evening, but it was all very good company. I meant to take a group picture, but became distracted with conversations. Anyway, I ran 3 repeats with Phyllis and Jim, but I really like to take a tiny walk break and they continue to truck down the track between each repeat. After my third, I walked around the track with Tom Abbott and Sue Ericson and chatted about pace. Pacing for the marathon is constantly on my mind!
Check this out! Amazing, right?
Check this out! Amazing, right?
Now with all the numbers displayed - reaching the ultimate sub 4 hours seems reachable... Phew, we'll see though!
OH yes, the rest of the workout included a 1000 run with Bruce Daley and Mike Laing. They're working off a rigid Marathon program! I ran 2 repeats at my own pace - 3:05 finish!
This afternoon, I emailed my running club checking the numbers for the evening track workout. I like to gather support and excitement. Anyway, I ended the email with my signature and the countdown. - 26 days!! Is it okay that most of emails from today ended with that?
I received one particular email back from Wayne Buckley, a fellow GFRC runner. He's offered tons of great advice over the course of the training. From my first email/ call for desperate help, and follow ups with great encouragement and advice. With this email, all he said was, "PATIENCE". Wouldn't that be something to say back in November when I started training? I've been patient for 5 months! I've been careful with my mileage and working up to the speed workouts. I'm not saying this is bad advice, so I guess I'll try to stop being so excited and get back to focusing on rest... Being my young impatient self - it's probably my biggest flaw, I'm not sure if this is what Wayne meant.
I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I'm almost finish with "Last Pick" by David McGillivary. Check it out. It's the best book ever! Goodnight!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Marathon Fever - 20 Miles! - $10 Campaign Challenge
Good evening everyone! I know I should be in bed... but the Marathon Fever came over me as I discussed with my sister her logistical strategy for meeting me along the Marathon route. She might even run the last mile with me!!
As I talked about the upcoming marathon with my sister Molly, she said, “Wow, Katie! 20 Miles! You’re golden now!”
I definitely feel a sense of excitement and relief, and I know the students of Bottom Line feel the same way once they’re accepted into the Bottom Line program, perhaps even more excited!
Bottom Line offers guidance, mentoring, and support for disadvantaged students - for students that want to go to college, but don't know where to begin. Their guidance counselors are overwhelmed, their parents don't have the experience; the students don't have the necessary to support to navigate through the process, but with Bottom Line they're on their way to go far in life!
Please view this new short video (the end is the best part!) about Bottom Line: http://bottomline.org/about/mission.shtml
Bottom Line counselors give personalized attention, and the small gestures of help and attention are creating big results! Bottom Line students are earning college degrees at twice the rate of the national average in their peer group!
One recent study tracked eighth-graders who were high achievers in math over a 10-year period. Among those from high-income families, 99 percent went to college and 74 percent graduated. Among similarly high-achieving students from low-income families, 75 percent went to college but only 29 percent graduated. Even these high-achieving students were faced with obstacles throughout college that they did not have the means to deal with.
Whether a student has financial, academic, professional, or personal barriers to overcome, the one-on-one guidance and the network of support that Bottom Line provides gives our students the tools to graduate from college at high rates.
I haven’t trained for the marathon on my own and these students need our help to make it through the marathon of high education!
Please visit my Firstgiving.com/katierunsboston for the
$10 Campaign Challenge!
Help me Raise $1500 in the last Marathon Fever MONTH! Ask your friends, forward to your parents, mention it to your neighbors -
Let’s Gain Strength in Numbers! Don't miss the chance-
donating just $10 can help change the lives of the Bottom Line students. They have dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, accountants, orthodontist, scientists, designers, surgeons, and looking to make a difference in the world!
Thanks Everyone!
As I talked about the upcoming marathon with my sister Molly, she said, “Wow, Katie! 20 Miles! You’re golden now!”
I definitely feel a sense of excitement and relief, and I know the students of Bottom Line feel the same way once they’re accepted into the Bottom Line program, perhaps even more excited!
Bottom Line offers guidance, mentoring, and support for disadvantaged students - for students that want to go to college, but don't know where to begin. Their guidance counselors are overwhelmed, their parents don't have the experience; the students don't have the necessary to support to navigate through the process, but with Bottom Line they're on their way to go far in life!
Please view this new short video (the end is the best part!) about Bottom Line: http://bottomline.org/about/mission.shtml
Bottom Line counselors give personalized attention, and the small gestures of help and attention are creating big results! Bottom Line students are earning college degrees at twice the rate of the national average in their peer group!
One recent study tracked eighth-graders who were high achievers in math over a 10-year period. Among those from high-income families, 99 percent went to college and 74 percent graduated. Among similarly high-achieving students from low-income families, 75 percent went to college but only 29 percent graduated. Even these high-achieving students were faced with obstacles throughout college that they did not have the means to deal with.
Whether a student has financial, academic, professional, or personal barriers to overcome, the one-on-one guidance and the network of support that Bottom Line provides gives our students the tools to graduate from college at high rates.
I haven’t trained for the marathon on my own and these students need our help to make it through the marathon of high education!
Please visit my Firstgiving.com/katierunsboston for the
$10 Campaign Challenge!
Help me Raise $1500 in the last Marathon Fever MONTH! Ask your friends, forward to your parents, mention it to your neighbors -
Let’s Gain Strength in Numbers! Don't miss the chance-
donating just $10 can help change the lives of the Bottom Line students. They have dreams of becoming doctors, teachers, accountants, orthodontist, scientists, designers, surgeons, and looking to make a difference in the world!
Thanks Everyone!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Spring Fever Will Hit You in the Middle of the Face
I ran 20 miles this morning, starting at 6:45am with Linda York from the Brophy school in Framingham, Ma. We trekked all around Framingham, Sudbury, and perhaps other towns to complete our loops of fun, thrills, and training. When I run, I'm thinking about last weeks events, upcoming plans, my goals, where I am in the route, how my body feels, the Boston Marathon, the Bottom Line students, and my surroundings. Oh and of course, the lovely chatter that occurs with my running partner. Today, the day focused mostly on my surroundings. I notice the numbers on the houses to gauge the length of the road. When running 20 miles, I have small goals of finishing one road or portion of the run. The day started out to be very chilly at 23 degrees and my body was tense. Linda and I tried a new style of running, our plan was to run for 10 miles and walk for 1 minute. You're suppose to feel so much better and have energy for the end of the run - it worked! I ran fast up the last hill and for the last stretch through the path to the parking lot. Exciting... perhaps I WILL be able to sprint the last mile of the marathon! I want reallly want to RUN the last mile! We clocked about 3 hours and 20 minutes. I felt not so hot after two hours, but then felt great after completing 3 hours. It is a huge relief completing 20 miles!
I immediately jumped in the shower, and jumped back in the car to head to the Bottom Line meeting in Jamaica Plain for a noon time meeting. We chatted for about two hours about fundraising, Bottom Line, and Rick talked about preparation and the Boston Marathon experience. We have 29 days and this is going to be the most exciting month... in my life!
Rick mentioned that "Spring Fever Will Hit You in the Middle of the Face!" Marathon Fever will hit soon and I have to admit it already has plagued my office and friends. Everyone is asking, how far, how long, how many days? I couldn't ask for anything more! Rick mentioned, and it's very true, as the weather changes and the days count down, the media coverage is going to gain momentum. The Boston Marathon is more elite than the Olympics for running, it's the MECCA of running! It's completely crazy that it's going to be my 1st marathon, but being this is my home state, I couldn't do it any other way. I have the privilege of running the Boston Marathon and having friends and family line the course.
Rick gave us all kinds of advice - fuel, clothing choice, Hopkinton throw away clothing choice(all the clothing that is thrown off in the first miles of the marathon are donated to a homeless shelter!), 9AM arrival time, ice is great along the marathon route (HINT HINT!) Helium Balloons held by visiting friends, red liquorish, and reminded us of all the great work that we're doing.
I'd like to plan a Pasta Party Fundraiser with Marathon Logistics Focus for April, but I'm not exactly sure of the date ... or location!
Okay, I want to lie down and rest before my Saturday night. I bought two new Boston Marathon books on my way home!
Please visit my Fundraising Webpageand forward the link to your friends. Thanks for your help! Nothing significant in life is ever achieved alone!
I immediately jumped in the shower, and jumped back in the car to head to the Bottom Line meeting in Jamaica Plain for a noon time meeting. We chatted for about two hours about fundraising, Bottom Line, and Rick talked about preparation and the Boston Marathon experience. We have 29 days and this is going to be the most exciting month... in my life!
Rick mentioned that "Spring Fever Will Hit You in the Middle of the Face!" Marathon Fever will hit soon and I have to admit it already has plagued my office and friends. Everyone is asking, how far, how long, how many days? I couldn't ask for anything more! Rick mentioned, and it's very true, as the weather changes and the days count down, the media coverage is going to gain momentum. The Boston Marathon is more elite than the Olympics for running, it's the MECCA of running! It's completely crazy that it's going to be my 1st marathon, but being this is my home state, I couldn't do it any other way. I have the privilege of running the Boston Marathon and having friends and family line the course.
Rick gave us all kinds of advice - fuel, clothing choice, Hopkinton throw away clothing choice(all the clothing that is thrown off in the first miles of the marathon are donated to a homeless shelter!), 9AM arrival time, ice is great along the marathon route (HINT HINT!) Helium Balloons held by visiting friends, red liquorish, and reminded us of all the great work that we're doing.
I'd like to plan a Pasta Party Fundraiser with Marathon Logistics Focus for April, but I'm not exactly sure of the date ... or location!
Okay, I want to lie down and rest before my Saturday night. I bought two new Boston Marathon books on my way home!
Please visit my Fundraising Webpageand forward the link to your friends. Thanks for your help! Nothing significant in life is ever achieved alone!
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