This morning, I met the rest of the charity runners at Revolution Fitness at 8am. Even though, I jumped in bed at 9:50pm last night and had a full night sleep, I still felt tired. After an inspiring speech from Coach Rick, my mood suddenly changed and I woke up for a wonderful 16 mile morning run. Everytime Coach Rick talks to us, he leaves us with a message and an inspiring story. I always on the verge of tears, but hold back because I'm mostly among strangers. The stories are about running for a purpose, running for his late mother, or how great it's going to feeel when we cross the finish line. Today, another woman did actually start to cry. Rick told us about his 8 year old son and how to age 3, he rode in the Children's Pan Mass Challenge. A tough 12 mile bike race! I don't think I could ride a bike at age 3 and definitely didn't have the leg power to move for 12 miles. His son has attended training runs every week with his dad since he was a week old. Not only are we helping raise money for charities, we're setting examples for others. It's a very inspiring, lifting experience. It gives me goosebumps. Each run is a victory!
Charity Runners Coach Rick is on the right and Linda is on the Left.
Today, I ran with Linda York. She's a member of the GFRC and Team GO Far as well. We both shortened the run and only ran 16 miles. To put the 16 miles into perspective, we ran to the Museum of Science down the Cambridge side of the river to the New Balance building or the North Beacon Bridge and back! Linda ran Boston last year so I posed the question to her, "When you received your Boston Marathon medal, did you wear it for a week straight?" She laughed, and told me all about the celebration after the marathon. I am going to wear my medal for a week straight, maybe even 2 weeks. I might even sleep with it on. That feeling got me through a few miles of running.
Check out our distance and speed. We increased the pace as we increased the miles! The windy Charles River head wind might be the reason.
Woo! I can't wait to run 18 miles next weekend. And, this upcoming week is going to be a blast. I have a hill run and massage scheduled with Stomp, fundraiser and charity swag party on Thursday night. holller!
I've never long enough in the morning to wake up with the sunrise. As I ran around in the morning darkness, greeting everyone that rose to gather their morning papers, I scared myself a few times. I whispered out gently to one man, "Ohh my, I thought you were a walking snowman!" He gave me a scare with his white bathrobe.
As I woke up, the world did too. I could see the beautiful pink colors in the sky over the Marlborough lake down the street. It was an awesome feeling and nice to think of as I rushed through my day.
And I received my official Boston Marathon postcard yesterday!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This evening, I had the pleasure of running and running fast for 5 miles with three hill repeats. Is it naive to think that if I run super fast now on a 5 mile run that the marathon will be easier? I think it is super naive, but it's fun to run fast. At the end of my run, Tiger Woods congratulated me on my fastest mile. I celebrated throwing my hands in the air and screaming! Then promptly slipped on the icey driveway. It gave me the opportunity to rest immediately. I cannot wear a bathing suit for months, my body is COVERED with bruises everywhere.
8 weeks from lining up in Hopkinton with 25,000 other runners. 8 weeks from participating in the most famous and prestigious marathon in the world! Ahhhhh!!!!! Wow!!!! I am so excited!!!!
"We are different, in essence, from other people. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon." Emil Zatopek
That is the truth!
25,000 runners. Only 25,000! Runners are turned away and registration closed early, but I am one of the runners! My Bottom Line team of 20 has raised $40,000 so far. And you hope to raise $60,000 more.
This morning I ran the Hyannis Half Marathon. I did not officially sign up for this race and only decided on Friday afternoon with the coaching from Donna McAllister to run it. All week long I was under the impression that I had a charity run on Saturday morning. On Wednesday or Thursday, I realized I had no group scheduled and really didn't even know how long I wanted to run.
Anyway, the half was glorious!
The Cape ocean view was beautiful. The crowds, spectators, and fellow runners were cheerful and encouraging. The weather was perfect, about 43 degrees, with the sun peaking through the clouds every once in awhile, and the race ended with raindrops. They held off for the whole race though.
This was my first race that I have ever done solo, arrived and run solo. I stood at the starting line amongst strangers, but we all smiled, feeling the same anxious waiting feeling, knowing that we share a common goal for the day. The miles seem to fly by during races... maybe because of the crowd or the scenery, but the last two miles came up before I knew it. For the half marathon race distance, I crank it for the last two miles. In a slight lull of cranking, a loud little runner said, "Who wants to break 1:50?" I stepped up and ran with him, then he dropped out claiming that he was cramping. I finished really strong under 1:50. I wish I had signed up for the race. I love to have official times! Oh well, I'm $40 richer and closer to my final Boston goal!
After the race, I met up with Meg Bannon, Adele Dockendorff and Megan Judge for lunch on my return voyage to Central Mass. We ate a lovely lunch at a cute Cape Cod lunch cafe. Meg asked if I won the race, I replied yes and then she was apparently really disappointed when I retracted the statement with admission of joking! I LOVE that all my friends think I can win races against thousands of other runners. It's fun to be superwoman in the eyes of others, and on top of it, Meg is famous so it means more coming from her!
A quick note, please donate to my marathon charity. Visit
My donation page. As I ran the last 2 miles of the Hyannis race, my legs were hurting. There is now no doubt in my mind that running the Boston marathon will be painful, but it will alll be worth it if I can reach my $5000 goal. Please help me get there!
I am official. I am in! I received my confirmation email yesterday. I have a number for the 113th Boston Marathon and will receive the almighty postcard - similar to the golden ticket - in a few weeks. With the postcard, I have the power and right to walk into the expo and pick up my bib number.
Nike also informed me that I have completed 100 miles, 100 Mile Certificate which actually means I have run over 100 miles since I started training. I bought the Nike pod in December and I've missed two or three runs over the training.
I had the pleasure of running 8 miles with Stahmp. We ran a fun route around the Charles river, starting down Beacon, around the river and back up Commonwealth. We started out to run very fast, but I wanted to run fast so it worked well being that we both pushed each other.
It was so much fun running with Katie again. I'm really thrilled that she's running the marathon as well. When I think about high school track, it was us! The Katies dominated and now we're taken on Boston together!
I am not a morning person. In the past, I would head to bed early in hopes of waking up early for exercise, reading or whatever activity was looming. Although marathon training has curved the habits considerably! The urgency to fit my workouts in is at the highest priority. I don't accept excuses of time constraints, work, or weather.
For instance, I have new hire surgical training this week at the office. The training starts at 7:30 and I need to arrive at the office at 7am. We usually run later in the day, and have group dinners after work. Two days in a row, I have gone to bed around 9pm, to arrive at 5am at Planet Fitness.
Yes, I am bragging about my accomplishment. It's working out really well though...(besides the direct conflict with a 20 something lifestyle social life schedule) When I squeeze my workout in the morning, I don't feel like marathon training has taken over my life. Not that I don't love training...because I do!
Thank you! Thank You! Thank you to all Attendees! The Point fundraiser was a blast and I heard rumors that it was actual the Best Sunday Night Fundraiser ever!!
And to top it all, We raised $1100 dollars for the Bottom Line charity!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Pat yourself on the back if you came last night, it was a successful event. I couldn't sleep last night because I was so excited. :-0)
All of my greatest friends were in attendance, we danced and grooved to the sweet sounds of Matt Shwachman Band. Thank you to Matt, Hugh, Dana, and Mike for their support, donation of time and talent.
They put on a great show! It couldn't have gone more smoothly - thanks to Laura my fundraising manager that took her responsbility very seriously.
The raffle was a big hit, the drinks were tasty, and the bar complimentary room worked out to be a perfect location.
I know some really amazing people. We've raised $3580 already for the Bottom Line charity. Thank you so much for your support. I'm a little tired from the weekend so I apologize for the short entry, hopefully I'll have more updates from the event later in the week.
Yesterday was a big day with many monumental moments.
I scheduled myself to run 16 miles on the Boston Course with my charity, but my plans changed and I only wanted to run 10 miles because of my shin splints. I ended up running with the Hopkinton running club. It was a beautiful running route and the company was very nice. The club members are a little younger than the GFRC members. I had heard this rumor once before, but it's the truth! I ran mostly with Jessica, a woman from Hopkinton, 4 year vet of the club, 2 time Boston runner, and employee of Genzyme. I had invited along my other GFRC Bottom Line charity runner, Linda York and she also ran with us. Linda and I didn't really have much of a clue of the course though, and Jessica was nice enough to stop and wait whenever we didn't keep up. For instance, yesterday was my first woods pee break. Other runners do it all the time, but I haven't since I was five on a car trip with my family. All went well, and I enjoyed the rest of the run besides the fact that my hand was bleeding. I climbed up a mountain to be away from the street. Then I fell down the mountain and grabbed branches on my way down. My hand has been patched up, but it was a hoot of an experience.
I have learned that my body must be judged the day after a long run to determine its level of comfort. I slept in today, but my shins are a little sore, but not PAINFUL like last weekend. Ice, Rest, Run, and Repeat may or may not be my life until April 20th with a few small fundraisers in the middle.
A few runners have suggested buying dixie cups, freezing them and then rolling them over my shins. I bought the sleeve of cups. I can distinctly remember the last time I bought dixie cups. My college roommate Heather Alexsa and I received a lovely Christmas tree from Joe Piedrafite- HoHoJoe -and Andy Cook- Handy Andy- one year. To properly celebrate the season and our gift, Heather and I hosted a Holiday party. We served little red and green jellO delights in the small dixie cups. Wow! How my life has changed? Now, I'm freezing water in the cups and staying far away from those other red and green things.
After my morning run, I rested with ice, stretched, and almost fell back to sleep but prepared an evite instead! Please stop by Owen O'Leary's on Wednesday, March 4th Evite for Owen O'Leary's Bring everyone!
Two other big important marathon logistics were taken care of this weekend. I joined Joe Pi for a trip to the Natick Collection yesterday. I picked up a running hat from North Face. It's breathable, salmon pink and perfect for the event. Carolyn Cross also offered her braiding skills. My personal braiding friend, Michele Gaulin recently moved to Texas so Carolyn has really stepped in during a time of need.
I also watched Spirit of the Marathon yesterday while I prepared tickets for the Boston Point Fundraiser. Wow, it's a good movie! As they say, when you cross the finish line it changes your life forever! I might watch the movie eight more times before the marathon!
This evening, I took my running back to my schedule, back to enjoying, and not rushing through the process. I could have run during work, but I think I'm going to try my best to avoid it. Unless, I can take a solid 1.5 hours, running during work doesn't allow for proper stretching and rest.
I jumped out after work, not thrilled to be running, a little anxious about how my legs would feel. I did well and the 45 degree air felt perfect with my layers. I ran less than 150 feet and fell down. Granted, I attempted to run in the awkward icy patch of grass mountain between the office parking lot and Starbucks, and now I proudly have a huge swollen hip. I actually teared up. I'm not sure if it was the pain or feeling of defeat before I started. I'm all better now though with ice resting on me.
One tough thing that first time marathoners struggle with, and I am no exception, vets are reminding me of is that training is one day at a time.
And I leave you with these wonderful comics provided to me by Miss Karen McGrath. Thanks Karen! You're the best! Three Days. My favorite One!
I'm half way!!! What a thrill it is receiving all this support. I am in awe of the power of relationships far and wide to come together to support this great cause! My favorite thing about my blog is when the firstgiving therometer loads up each time. It reads 51%!!!!!! Thank you so much everyone!
Shin Splints - A quick definition for any confused reader from the Mayo Clinic.
The term "shin splints" refers to pain along the shinbone (tibia) — the large bone in the front of your lower leg. The pain is caused by an overload on the shinbone and the connective tissues that attach your muscles to the bone. The risk of shin splints is no reason to give up your morning jog or afternoon aerobics class. Most cases of shin splints can be treated with rest, ice and other self-care measures — and wearing proper footwear and modifying your exercise routine can help prevent shin splints from recurring.
Great, I don't have to give up my morning jog, although, I have!
I thought I was on track for avoiding injuries. I'm rotating sneakers, only running three days a week, managing my miles, and stretching. My weak ankles might be to blame... I'm icing now and resting with cross training, but how many minutes of eliptical or biking equals the miles that I need to run. My coach mentioned 10miles of running is equal to 30 miles of biking. Hmmm...
Anyway, with my new amazing gym schedule, I was a little bummed that I'm missing my running activity. I received a little pick me up on the way home. My favorite song blared over the radio waves for my ride home from work. Life is a Highway is my running inspirational theme song. When I ran the Boston Run to Remember Half Marathon in May 2008 - my first big race ever, Life is a Highway played as I ran across the finish line. It always brings me back to the great feeling of accomplishment and joy.
Okay time for bed so I can get to the gym early in the morn! Nothing will stop me. Not even these little shin pains!
It's pleasant outside now, but this morning since I am a slave to the schedule of other runners, I started running at 7:15am in 6 degree weather with the GFRC runners. I had frost on my face, in my hair, and my butt was numb for the first 10 miles. My fuel belt drinks even became slushy!!! The other runners adviced me to put the belt under my layers to keep from freezing.
It was a nice run though, a beautiful morning with the sun shining through the trees. I ran with six other club members. We all started out in a pack and then slowly broke apart. For the first few miles, I had a conversation with Karen Oleski about training. Karen is sixty years old and running Boston for the 2nd time. She's run numerous marathons, but decided Boston would be her treat this year. To proceed her advice, Karen mentioned our age, experience and goal differences, but our goals are not all that much different. It's almost as if she read my blog last night, she assured me that training is very individual and to not worry about other one else with their speed workouts. Listening to your own body, and adding workouts, or missing a workout as needed is best. It was great to hear this advice from a vetran runner like Karen!
As she mentioned that training is an individual thing, I took off to catch up with the faster runners. I spent a few miles running on my own, enjoying the scenary, and concentrating on my form.
Then I finally caught up with Mike, Paul and Rosanna. We enjoyed a steady 9 minute mile pace together. Rosanna and I ran together for about 10 miles. For that amount of distance, it's a little over an hour of conversation, which I love. It's a great way to make a connection and I always get great advice.
Rosanna mentioned that it's a MUST to wear a Hat during a hot sunny race. It never dawned on me, and over the months of advice, I had not heard that one yet. Personally, I had plans to wear braids and look adorable as I ran down the street... hats are useful, but I'm sure I will look ridiculous. Rosanna made in no uncertain terms that a hat is a must so I will pick one up for the occasion! She also sparked an excitement for a future running mission. Rosanna ran the Great Wall Marathon and spent two weeks on vacation with friends. I thought a destination marathon would be tricky, but running a marathon in another country sounds like the perfect addition to a vacation. So much to look forward to!
This was a critical run in my training. Each long weekend run is a victory now until the marathon since each run is the longest that I EVER done.
Overall, I'm happy that I joined the GFRC vs the Bottom Line charity group for this run. The charity was running along the Charles again today... and it's nice, but the hills of Holliston are more exciting! And, it's nice to check in with all the GFRC runners. They're all very supportive and excited about my marathon journey. They all have so much experience, advice and the meetings always cause me to laugh a lot... For instance, Maureen and Bruce's reaction of "Yes. - You should take one." to Barry's declaration of"Showers after the Marathon." I guess you had to be there, but it cracks me up still!
Well here is the Nike Plus result... I really ran 14 miles at a 9 minute pace. The MapMyRun says 14 miles. With the nice weather tomorrow, I'm going to run 1 mile around the track to calibrate my pod. Also a funny thing that needs to be clarified. I am always using my Nike iPod, but I never use any music!
14 miles tomorrow morning. I am so nervous, almost painfully. I've never run this far before and perhaps all the emails flying around from the GFRC about speed workouts are overwhelming me too. I haven't done nearly enough speed workouts, but there's still time, right?
My legs are also tired with little random pains in the shins. I always wish that my rest days could actually be complete rest. I wish I could use a wheelchair around the office, because an entire day of walking is far from restful.
It's a low point folks! I'm scared!
Hmmm Okay I skip the show tonight, grab a burrito, a book, and go to sleep super early. I will also try to schedule speed workouts at the GFRC meeting tomorrow. All will be fine say my Mom... Thanks Mom! You're the best!
Today, I had the pleasure of running with Dan Wood during my lunch break. He is the fastest man to hang his hat from 8-5 at Gyrus ACMI. Dan is also running the Marathon and has been a big help with my ongoing questions. He offered to run with me a few months back and our schedules have finally lined up for the frigid February afternoon run.
It's nice to run during work - it's actually glorious! The sun is shining and it's very nice to stretch my legs. A midwork run is basically recess, which we all can look back on very fondly, right? I played tag during recess with no safe zone. It was straight up running/sprinting for 25 minutes and it was the game that we loved. Anyway, I love the work run, but I look like a mess for the rest of the day! I'm on the fence if the pleasures out weigh the my disaster state. It's just that a morning run is too early for me and my sensitive body. I love my 5pm run, but it's too dangerous. And on top of it, Dan is fast runner.
Dan has an amazing little gadget that ACCURATELY displays mileage, and pace per mile. His device said, we traveled a little over 6 miles and averaged a 7:50 mile pace! It felt great! My little Nike device says I ran just under 6 miles and ran at a 8:53 mile pace! Have I been running at a sub 8 minute pace all along? I think so! I apologize for the amount of exclamation points, but a one minute is a big deal and I'm faster than I thought. I might want to calibrate the Nike device... All the might be my own fault? Comments? Suggestions? Discussion?
I have been trying desperately to be in bed by 9pm and asleep by 10pm. I am committed to training, but the bedtime schedule is still a challenge. I know that I need more rest, I am training harder which requires more rest of my muscles, but things always come up... like blogging, cooking, reading, cleaning... oh well.
I'm never wasting time. Tonight, while making my 2nd Marathon lasagna, I created something that you will be enjoyable for you!
The results have been posted. For fun blogging, I will quote Nick LaPete, "OMG you placed seventh out of all those women! You are a friggen celebrity!"
It was pretty super and nasty cold. I did not dress appropriately, but I had my gloves and Bottom Line hat so I felt like a champ. I had no intention of running fast, but with a number safety pinnned to my shirt, Champion chip beeping as I cross the starting line, my running competitive instict kicked in. It was an okay race, but the company and adventures pre and post race made the day complete. For instance, you can see that Joe, Nick and I all have consecutive numbers. I tried my best to stay 2 intervals from Nick at all time, but the forms looked a litte off with only three members...
Nick LaPete met Joe and me in Somerville this morning. We traveled into South Station and met up with Mike. The party began as we boarded the taxi bus. The "taxi bus" was actually an 80s Dance Party Bus!!! AND we had the BACK OF THE BUS RULES! It was only about a 5 minute ride, but it was Sunday morning and the groove was perfect. Nick, Joe and I switched gears quickly from intimating runners to dancing fools. Everyone on the bus chanted our names for a solid 20 seconds. That is a lie, but it almost happened.
Another solid point for the Marathon Sports Super Sunday 5K is your name is clearly printed across your number bib. It was a first for me. I love having someone cheer for me in the last seconds of a race so I finished and cheered for hundreds of runners. I definitely startled a few people.
Following our triumph, we all grabbed the free clam chowder and Harpoon brew to celebrate our personal victories. Joe finished his first 5K. Nick ran fast in a time that he knows. I ran and finished in a time around 22 minutes. I've never raced with a free beer being the reward. It's better than a trophy!
Charity Runners 
Finish Line
Race Course
Stomp running on Valentine's Day. Funny right?
Sister Laura and Katie
Three Days. My favorite One!
