I'm Back.

Don't look now but guess whose back in town?

I got nine lives cat's eyes
Using every one of them and runnin' wild
Cause I'm back
Yes I'm back well I'm back
Yes I'm back
Well I'm back back
Well I'm back in black

Well, I really wasn't "gone" per se. It was more of an extended hiatus of sorts. Time to get some well needed things taken care of like my surgery to correct my voice and getting caught-up on all the everyday life things that I couldn't get to during training that were piled up higher than that nasty snow farm they created in the Seaport District this past winter.  By the way, I ran over there yesterday and there is still a pile!  It's the end of June for Sally's sake (I was going to say "Pete's sake" but he is always getting s bum rap). 

I learned some things during my time away. Oh, that makes it sound like I was in jail or in a rehab clinic for some addiction.  I can unequivocally say that it was neither of them. I did learn though that I was letting running be all consuming. 24 X 7. Running, run, run, run. Run this. Run that. I was missing out on the important things in front of me like spending time with my family.  Rearranging my schedule so that I could have every opportunity to run.  Every free moment.  When exactly was the moment that I made the realization though?  When did the light bulb (LED of course) flick on?  When I was in the pre-op area just after the nurse went through everything that was going to happen during my voice correction surgery.  She asked if I had any questions and I stupidly blurted out "So, when can I run again?"  Seriously?  Did I just ask that?  I sit here now thinking of the scene from "A Christmas Story" when Santa asks Ralphie what he wants for Christmas:  "I want an official Red Ryder Carbine-Action two-hundred-shot range model air rifle!".  "You'll shoot your eye out kid", Santa retorted.  In my case though, the nurse was probably saying something like "What a jerk.  That's his question?  Nothing about what is going to happen in a couple of minutes.  Geez, what a real a-hole?" (I cleaned it up a bit from what she was probably really saying).   How would the nurse know when I could run again?  She wouldn't.  More importantly, why would she even care when her priority was to make sure that everything was ready?  She didn't and at that moment I realized that my priorities were a bit out of whack. 

I found myself back in the hospital 2 weeks later due to some complications.  An opportunity to reinforce the priorities in my life.  Reinforce that running should not be consuming every aspect of my life outside of work. It was hard though as the family area on the floor of the hospital overlooked the Charles River.  All the runners basking in the sun, wind in their hair as they pounded out the miles. Jealous?  Absolutely.  But I was OK with it as I needed to focus on getting better and being with my family. There would be time to run again later on.  Balanced with life though.

I'm on the mend and have been getting back to running.  Training for a race at the end of this month and another in the middle of next month. It has been a lot more difficult and challenging than I thought it would have been after only taking a little more than a month off.  Maybe frustrating is more the feeling. I was in such top condition from training for the marathon.  Surely I should be able to get right back into it.  Pick back up right where I left off.  Not so much. Slow and easy is the course I've had to take.  That is OK with me though.  I'm taking what I learned from my coaches during marathon training to safely get back into the swing of things.

It's definitely good to be back.  Juggling running and life in a positive way.  Thankful for being able to talk and have people hear me again. 

Until next time, keep on runnin'!
 

Enjoy The Silence.

Words like violence
Break the silence
Come crashing in
Into my little world
Painful to me
Pierce right through me

-Depeche Mode 1990 [Violator Album]

While I love Depeche Mode and their songs, I'm not sure that I would fully agree on this one.

This past Tuesday marked a full week since I last spoke any words.  7 days of "enjoying the silence".  Wait a minute!  That would mean the silence of not hearing my own voice. In this case, I think that actually may be OK.  For those of you who know me and have talked with me know that my voice has not been what it should be.  I have been dealing with voice issues for almost 2 years now.  Raspy, hoarse, soft spoken and at times very very difficult to understand or hear me.  "What's wrong with your voice?" I would be asked every time.  I felt that I should answer by explaining what the problem was which always caused more questions and would always lead to lengthen the discussion with more questions.  I always started off with "I have a paralyzed vocal cord" and went into the details from there.  But, after awhile, I learned it was just much easier to say "I have laryngitis" and leave it at that.  So much easier indeed. 

What does one do for vocal cord paralysis?  Well, I went through voice therapy in an effort to strengthen the working vocal cord.  While I enjoyed reading pages and pages of words and performing facial and laryngeal massages daily, it really wasn't providing very much positive difference.  The only other options were Botox injections every six months or surgery to place a Gortex implant, both in the non-working vocal cord.  Hmmm... Neither really sounded like options that I wanted to decide to do but I knew that I had to do something.  However, I decided in November 2014 to go the more permanent route with the implant.

You are probably asking yourself at this point, "what the heck does this have to do with running?".  Well, I had a big decision to make.  Do I go forward with the surgery in December knowing that the recovery time was going to be six weeks.  Six weeks of missed marathon training.  Six weeks of not being part of the Miles for Miracles team.  The alternative was to postpone the surgery until after the marathon was over.  Postpone it was.  Fast-forward to one week and one day after the marathon.  I had the implant surgery.  It kind of freaked me out a bit before I went in though because silly me watched a video of the procedure a couple of days before the procedure.  I know, why the heck would I do that?  I don't know, I jus had to.  At least I knew what to expect.  Fast-forward another week (to this past Tuesday).  The first time that I was allowed to speak in a week.  What an incredible transformation that happened with my voice.  I was standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom thinking "Should I speak?"  I hadn't gotten the doctor's OK.  Heck I was going there in a couple of hours so I did it.  What to say?  What would my first words be?  Well, it wasn't that exciting.  "Hi, how's  it going?".  Seriously, that was the best thing that I could think of?  Sounded like a cheap pick-up line.  I cannot believe that those were the words that were uttered from my lips.  Those were the words though, whether good or bad.  It really didn't matter though because it was just amazing to hear my voice again.  But, to hear it loud and clear.  While it didn't sound like me because of swelling and muscles which needed to be trained to be used again correctly, it was something.  Something in the right direction.  I went to my follow-up that day and was cleared for limited talking and running.  Yes,  I could run again.  I ran that night.  Boy did it feel good.  Good to get back to activity that helps to clear my mind and makes me feel energized and alive.  It was also good to get back to taking pictures along my run to be later posted to Instagram too.  Yes, I stopped way too many times for snaps but I had to make up for lost time.  The picture here was one of them.  Sorry, had to include at least one!

Would I do it all again knowing what I know now?  Absolutely.  It has been such an incredible experience to effortlessly talk again and to have people be able to hear/understand me again.  It is incredible that my doctor was able to fix this with a simple piece of Gortex and that he was able to factor in my breathing for when I run.  It was such an amazing experience to complete my full training and run the Boston Marathon as part of the Boston Children's Hospital Miles for Miracles team.  I have to go back to listening to my Depeche Mode play list.  Don't ask...

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

What A Feeling.

What a feeling
Being's believing
I can have it all
Now I'm dancing for my life

Well, in this case it would be running instead of dancing but same difference I guess.  Well, maybe not because I can certainly run but I cannot dance for anything!  Great lyrics to represent how I felt running the Boston Marathon last Monday and how I have felt since.  Thanks Irene Cara! 

I have run other marathons before but there is a special feeling that you get when running Boston which is like no other.  Maybe it's the challenging course with the rolling hills in Newton along with Heartbreak Hill?  Maybe it's participating in a race with a storied history and rich tradition?  Maybe it's the incredible spectator support from the starting line in Hopkinton all the way to the finish line in front of the Boston Public Library on Boylston street?  Maybe it's the pride of wearing the Boston Children's Hospital Miles for Miracles singlet and representing an organization that is saving lives and making differences for children and their families on a daily basis?  Maybe it's the joy of running for Patrick (my patient partner) and my son Simon who have both been touched and received care from Boston Children's Hospital?  Maybe it's being part of such an incredible team and training with them for five months (shout-out to my fellow Miles for Miracles teammates)?  Maybe it's the incredible sense of accomplishment every time that I put on my Adidas Night Flash (fancy name for purple!) 2015 Boston Marathon Anthem (don't ask because I have no clue!) jacket?  Just maybe it's all of these things and then some. 

This was the best marathon experience that I've ever had.  I came into the race last Monday with the most confidence and feeling the best physically that I've ever felt before, during and after a marathon.  I attribute it all to the great coaching that I received from the Miles for Miracles coaches Sarah Lucas and Jeff Hintlian.  With a well planned training regime, I was both mentally and physically prepared and was at the top of my game.  I ended up running a PR of 3 hours 53 minutes which was not something that I was trying to achieve.  My plan was to run the race comfortably with no time expectations.  I wanted to just run and take everything in.  Every single aspect that is Boston.  No checking my watch for pace and no music to distract me.  It turns out that, because of my training, I was able to run the race comfortably, take everything in without worrying about pace.  All without listening to music.  What a feeling.

There is a big sense of "what now?" now that Marathon Monday has come and gone.  Five months of training, commitment and countless time away from family.  All culminating in an event that was over in 3 hours and 53 minutes.  Completed.  Finished.  Done.  No more early Saturday morning team runs.  No more worrying about trying to juggle, fundraising, work and the training schedule.  There was anxiety and nervousness leading up to the marathon.  That all quickly faded and was replaced with jubilation and excitement during the race and in the days after.  Now, it almost feels like a sense of loss.  Something that is now missing.  A faded memory of sorts as life goes on. 

I will always cherish April 20th, 2015.  The memories of everything leading up to that day and the joy of crossing the finish line soaking wet, cold and enjoying every minute of it.  Thankful for being given the chance to be on the Boston Children's Hospital team.  Thankful for everyone who supported my fundraising efforts and those who supported me with well wishes.  Thankful for meeting and getting to know such a great patient partner and his family.  Most of all, I'm thankful for the unwavering support of my wife Jennifer and my son Simon throughout this journey.  Without their backing, love and support, I would not have been able to do this.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You will never know how much this all has meant to me and what a feeling I have experienced. 

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

The Numbers Behind The Run.

3 Days until 4/20/15.  2 training runs left.  Numbers.  Marathon training is full of numbers.  Numbers that most non 26.2 mile runners would not stop to think about. I have some extra time on my hands due to tapering and thought that I would put together some that show the other side of what it takes to train for a marathon.  The other side of "yeah, training is going great!".

19 weeks of training.
75 training runs in total.

16 of the 75 were team runs.

39 times at the gym cross training.

21 miles- longest run.

3 miles- shortest run.
34 packs of Jelly Belly Sports Beans used during training.
6 packs of Jelly Belly Sports Beans I'll use during the Marathon.

2 pair of sneakers.

65+ bottles of Gatorade/Powerade.

9 years- age of Patrick who is my Patient Partner.

593 miles run.

95 donors to my fundraiser.

$7,969.20 raised for Boston Children's Hospital.

 

It is hard to believe that this is all coming to an end in 3 days. As I look back on my training over the past 19 weeks, I find myself fighting back my emotions. There have been many highs and lows and I have met so many incredible people along the way including my coaches and fellow Miles For Miracles team members. I was able to be partnered with an inspiring patient partner.  My family and I experienced the life saving services that BCH provides first hand back in December when they saved my son's life after a traumatic head injury.  Would I have done it if I knew then what I know now?  Absolutely.  This is an experience that I will always hold near to my heart and will be ever grateful for.  Until Monday...

Until next time, keep on runnin'!
 

Taper.

No, I'm not talking about tapering drywall butt joints (don't ask) or reminiscing about the infamous pottery wheel scene in Ghost where Patrick Swayze is helping Demi Moore taper the clay after he totally ruined her vase in the making while "Unchained Melody" is playing in the background.

"Tapering is a special training period immediately preceding the major competition during which the training stimulus is reduced in a systematic non-linear fashion to achieve a peak in performance. Optimal physiology, technique and psychology are all outcomes of tapering. " (Thanks to the Australian Sports Commission for this definition-  I don't know.  It was one of the first Google results!).

It is the final stage of training. The culmination of 5 months of training. You would think that a runner would love the opportunity that tapering affords them. Reduced weekly mileage which means more downtime and a chance to rest. What's not to love about that?  

I've always looked at tapering as a love hate relationship. On the one hand, you reduce the miles that you run after plateauing at the 21 mile long run. This gives you a bit more free time and a little less pressure of trying to fit all the training into an already hectic daily schedule. 

It gives your body time to repair and prepare (oh, I like that one!  It even rhymes!) itself for the big day. Kind of like a car front end alignment. Much needed after hitting all those potholes this spring. It is also a time to reflect and prepare mentally. All good things you would think right?

I liken tapering to the theme song of that 80's classic "The Facts of Life":

You take the good, you take the bad,
you take them both and there you have
The facts of life, the facts of life.

We've talked about the good.  Now we talk about the bad.  It is a challenge to train for so long with the goal to steadily increase mileage week after week and then all of a sudden wind it down to what seems like almost nothing over a couple of weeks.  It goes against everything that you have been doing.  Your body and mind wants to run more to keep up with the regime that it was used to. 

There are those great mind games that kick in during taper.  What else would your brain and body do with the extra time that it has now?  You know that you have done everything possible to train and be ready for the big day.  However, there is that certain moment when you start second guessing everything.  I mean everything.  Did I train enough?  Did I do enough hill workouts?  Should I have done a few more tempo runs? Is my refueling plan solid?  It takes mental toughness to put that all aside and not listen to your head.  I look at it and say that everything that I have done and my plan is what it is.  I'm not going to change it now even though part of me wants to.  Why?  Because I did it all when I wasn't worrying about things and had a more clear head. 

How about even more head game action?  "Please sir, may I have another?"  Why not!  It is crazy the things that my mind comes up with during taper.  The paranoia sets in and takes a death grip on all logical thinking.  Did that person two offices down from me just sneeze?  Did you just seriously cough in the same room that I am?  Now I have to hold my breath for as long as I can hoping that the contaminated air sinks to the floor before it makes its way over to me.  What was that twitch I just felt?  Why do I have that pain in my knee all of a sudden (both of these are things we runners like to refer to as "phantom pains")?  The desire to want to wipe everything down with Purell.  Then spray it with Lysol just for old times sake.  Why is it that there are so many people on crutches a couple of weeks leading up to Patriot's Day?  Stay away!  Heaven forbid if somebody with them walks in front of me.  Sorry everyone, I'm not in my right mind right now so please forgive me for how I may treat you.  It is as if every person on the face of the earth has the plague.  Is it normal to take a paper towel with you after washing your hands in a public bathroom and then use it to open the door when leaving to protect your pristine hand from the germ laden handle?  No?  Oh... 

I guess that I should probably just go wrap myself in bubble wrap and then climb into an inflatable bubble for the rest of this week.  That sounds pretty logical and a very sane option to me right now! Go Taper Town!

Until next time, keep on runnin'!
 

And The Winners Are...

Thank you to everyone who participated in my "Chance to Win" benefiting my Boston Children's Hospital Miles for Miracles Boston Marathon fundraiser.  Through the generosity of those who participated, an additional $851 was raised for my fundraiser.  THANK YOU!

Now, the winners are:

1. iPod Shuffle- Lindsey Baumgardner
2. iPod Shuffle- Jeannie Mendez
3. Texas Roadhouse Gift Basket- Jodi Mark
4. $50 Trader Joe's Gift Card- Brian Bean
5. Instagram Print- Lauren Addesa

The video below shows the selection of each of the winners.  Thanks to my wife Jen for filming it and to my son Simon for his guitar "drum roll" along with the music at the end.



Thank you to Matt Labkon for the two iPod Shuffles and Matt Frohne, Managing Partner at the Brockton, MA Texas Roadhouse for the Texas Roadhouse gift basket.

There is still time to make a 100% tax deductible donation before Marathon Monday if you haven't had a chance yet.  Heck, there is still time even if you have already donated and want to donate again.  You won't be able to win a prize since the contest is over but you will get a tax deduction and, more importantly, the good feeling that you are helping Boston Children's Hospital in their mission of helping children and their families: "Until every child is well".

http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/goto/runner716

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

 

Farts, Burps, Chaffing, Snots and Blisters.

What a combination?  Nobody said that distance running was a glorious sport.  It is mentally/physically challenging and comes along with the aforementioned "things".  But you know what?  I love it.  I love it because it also gives such a sense of accomplishment and allows me to push and challenge myself all the while becoming a better and more skilled athlete.  Oh yeah, if you're lucky, you get the infamous "runner's high" too.  All these positives completely out way the negatives and helps to fuel my desire to run.  What's a blister here or chaffing there anyway?  Well, I guess it depends on where the chaffing occurs right?  Nah. 

Our longest team training run of 21 miles from the starting line in Hopkinton to the top of Heartbreak Hill took place yesterday.  The bus ride out to Hopkinton along the Mass Pike kind of put everything into perspective.  How?  Well, as the miles kept passing by and we were getting farther and farther away from our meeting place at Boston College, I realized how far we had to run.  A lot different than the out and back runs that we typically do on Saturday mornings.

OK, yes, I'll admit it.  I farted, burped, had a bit of chaffing, blew snots and got a blister or two throughout the run yesterday.  I'm human, and I'm a runner so who cares in the end?  But, even with all of that, it was an absolutely amazing and awesome run.  Nothing about it was glorious.  Nothing at all.  It was snowing, sleeting, cold, windy and wet.  A gritty run to say the least.  To be honest, that was all perfectly fine with me.  I think that this was one of my best runs at that distance.  It kept me on my toes and helped to keep my mind in the game.  Making slight adjustments to my overall plan as I the miles increased along the rolling hills on the course.  It was a great opportunity to, as our coaches put it, make this run a "dress rehearsal".  Which it truly was. 

I have tweaked and finalized my running plan based on yesterday's run.  I think that biggest thing that I'm going to do differently than in previous runs is to ditch the music.  Yes, I cannot believe that I am even saying that but I am.  The second thing is to not look at my GPS watch that often during the run.  Both of these changes are going to allow me to just enjoy and take in everything that is the Boston Marathon.  I have nothing to prove to anyone and everything to gain from the experience.  I want to take it all in and not be caught zoning out in la la land with my music.  Did I just say "la la land"?  Crap, I guess that I did.  I'm going to let my body and how it is feeling dictate my pace.  Not some arbitrary number that I just came up with when someone asked "What time are you shooting for?" or some number that I want to beat myself up to obtain.  Just enjoy all 26.2 glorious fart, burp, chaffed, snotty and blistered filled mile.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Emotions "Running" High.

15 weeks of training in the rear view mirror and the emotional rollercoaster has started to leave the station.  The attendant already checked my lap belt and restraint bar.  I've listened to the pre-recorded safety message about keeping my hands in the ride at all times, not to stand up during the ride and to wait until the car has come to a complete stop before I exit the ride upon returning to the station.   It really is starting to all sink in now as to what I'm doing and how much of an impact it has on me.  There was a bit of carefree excitement at the beginning of training way back in early December.  At that time there was 20 weeks to go.  Plenty of time to focus on other things going on in my life which were a distraction of sorts.  As the weeks have gone by, the juggling act of training, family life, fundraising and work have all increased in step with the weekly miles.  I think that it really struck me while driving to the team long run last week.  An energetic song with a high BPM (beat per minute)came on the radio.  It is one that I also have on my running playlist so it already had the potential to invoke some kind of response.  Boy, did it ever.  I lost it.  Tears were flowing like Niagara Falls.  I just needed to flash some colored lights in my eyes and it would have been like the illumination that happens every night at the Falls.  It is quite something to see.  The real Falls at night that is.  Luckily I was going 70 (yes, I was speeding) so people couldn't really see me carrying on with my box of Kleenex. 

I think that most non-runners, understandably, don't fully know the extent of the commitment (physical and emotional) that it takes to take on something like this.  Yes, people know that it is a lot of hard work and training.  But they really don't know how much it takes and how much day to day pressure there is along with the swings of highs and lows.  To me, that is OK because they didn't sign up to do this.  I did and I have to say that I kind of really like it.  It helps me to be a better, more focused person and a stronger and smarter athlete.  Kleenex and all.

Speaking of emotions, Boston Children's Hospital held a special event for us team runners and our guests recently at their main campus in Boston.  Queue the Kleenex please.  What an emotional and inspirational event.  Executives from the hospital spoke about how the funds that we are raising will be used and one of our fellow teammates spoke about his experiences with the marathon.  We were also able to take a tour of the newer sections of the hospital that were recently renovated so that we could see how previous funds were spent that directly impact patients and their families.  An absolutely fantastic event put on by BCH for us and something that I will never forget.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Lucky Ones.

It's so easy, don't even have to try
You're the winner, you can take the prize
It's a dream come true, which one will it be
It's a dream come true, we'll just wait and see

Only the lucky ones, get to steal the show
Only the lucky ones, really get to know
Only the lucky
Only the lucky ones, get lucky

I certainly could not have put it any better.  Thank you Loverboy for that 1981 classic hit.  Haven't you always wanted to be a "Lucky One"?  Well now is your chance!  I'm holding a "Chance to Win" starting today Sunday, March 15th through Sunday, April 5th.  If you would like a chance to win one of five prizes just make a donation to my Boston Marathon fundraiser benefiting Boston Children's Hospital.  You will receive an entry for each $5 that you donate (ex. For a $50 donation you will receive 10 chances).

 Now for the prizes: 

Prize 1: 2GB iPod Shuffle*:

Prize 2: 2GB iPod Shuffle*:

Prize 3: Texas Roadhouse Gift Basket* (Contains 1 $30 dinner for two certificate, 1 6.88 oz. rib seasoning, 1 7.20 oz. sirloin seasoning, 1 glass boot drinking glass, 1 7 oz. package of peanuts and 1 Texas shaped basket)

Prize 4: $50 Trader Joe's Gift Certificate:

Prize 5: 12" X 12" Instagram Canvas Print (your choice of a picture from my personal Instagram gallery: https://instagram.com/runner716/):

How to enter:

1. Go to my Boston Children's Hospital fundraising page: http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/goto/runner716
2. Click on the big green "Give Now" button located in the gray "Please Support Me" section on the right side of my fundraising page.
3. Enter a donation amount for the number of chances that you would like to receive (I will send you an e-mail once I assign a ticket number for each $5 of your donation).
4. Fill in the rest of the form and be sure to include in the "Personal Note" field which prize you would like a chance at winning.  If no designation is made, one will be randomly selected for you.  If you would like to try and win multiple prizes note which ones and the number of tickets for each.
5. Click "Next" and fill out the "Billing and Payment Information" sections and then click "Next".
6. Review your information and then submit the form.

Winners will be announced Monday, April 6th on this blog as well as being personally notified via e-mail.  Good luck and thank you for your support.

 

*A special thank you to both Matt Labkon, who provided the 2 iPod Shuffles and Matt Frohne (managing partner of Texas Roadhouse in Brockton, MA), who provided the Texas Roadhouse gift basket.  I greatly appreciate their generosity in providing these items which will help to raise money for my fundraiser. 

Only the lucky ones, really get to know
Only the lucky
Only the lucky ones, ahh
 

Until next time, keep on runnin'!



18 And Life.

Ricky was a young boy
He had a heart of stone
Lived 9 to 5 and worked his
Fingers to the bone

Thank you Skid Row for that 1989 classic "18 and life"!  But, what the heck does this have to do with running?  Absolutely nothing at all except for the number "18". It is the only song that I could think of that referenced the number "18".

 

This past Sunday concluded lucky week 13 which included a team long run of 18 miles on Saturday.  It has been great to train on the marathon course every week as it becomes more and more comfortable and relaxing every time. It has afforded me the opportunity to make slight tweaks to my strategy every week. A fine tuning of sorts. Back off on my pace on this hill but take that one a bit faster. Really concentrate on breathing through this this section.  Begin fueling at that point. The course has become second nature with all of its twists and turns. Heartbreak Hill is becoming like a good friend now. Something that I truly look forward to each week. It is no longer what was an insurmountable "thing" in the way of getting to the finish line. It has helped me become a much more disciplined runner by forcing me to stay focused on the fundamentals during these long runs.

18 and life you got it
18 and life you know
Your crime is time and it's
18 and life to go 

Wow, did that song really come out in 1989?  26 years ago?!  Running by all accounts is looked at by most as just a physical sport. However, as most runners will tell you, it is just as much mental as it is physical.  You're mind can really challenge you especially on long runs with a lot of miles.  There is plenty of time for your head to really start playing games.  That is why I focus on both the physical and mental aspects on the long runs.

This week's long run tomorrow is going to be 19 sloshy and drenched, but glorious miles in the rain.  I guess that I should start thinking of songs to sing during the run.  Maybe "Singing in the Rain"?  or "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head"? or how about "Purple Rain"?

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Brookline.

Brookline, MA.  According to the city's official Web site, they describe their city as "an unusual urban and suburban enclave surrounded by the City of Boston, just minutes from Back Bay, downtown, and other parts of the city".  For me, Brookline, MA represents 88% of my goal of raising $7,000 for Boston Children's Hospital.  I started this fundraising effort back on the starting line in Hopkinton, MA with .07% raised.  Now, I'm at 88% of my goal which is represented by reaching somewhere along Route 30 (marathon course) within Brookline as shown in the graphic below. 

Thank you to each and every person who has donated to my fundraising effort thus far (listed under "Donors" to the right).  Without your support I would have never made it to this point.  I am truly grateful for your generosity.  I would like to say a special "Thank You" to two recent donors who made very generous donations.  The first is Lynn Turgeon who made a $500 donation.  She supported my fundraising efforts last year as well so I'm truly grateful for her continued generosity and dedication to the children who are being helped by the fundraisers.

The second is Dianne Byrne who donated $1,000 from the proceeds of winning the Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest M. Robert Dushman Community Service Award.  As a recipient of this award, Dianne directed Brown Rudnick LLP to make a donation on her behalf to my Boston Children's Hospital Miles for Miracles Boston Marathon fundraiser as well as a donation to the St. Vincent DePaul Society in Dorchester, MA with which she is a very active member.  This is the second year that the Center has been directed to make a donation to my fundraisers as part of the M. Robert Dushman Community Service Award.  I am very grateful to Dianne and the Center for the very kind and generous donations.

The Boston Marathon is only 43 days away.  If you had previously thought about donating to my fundraiser but haven't had a chance yet, you're in luck as you still have time!  If you have already made a donation and want to donate further, you're in luck too.  Please help me complete the last 12% of my goal.  While Brookline is a very nice community, I would really love to reach Boston and the finish line.  I can only do that with your help.  Please consider making a 100% tax deductible donation today: http://fundraise.childrenshospital.org/goto/runner716

I will be announcing a "chance to win" opportunity later this week to help raise additional funds for my Boston Children's Hospital Miles for Miracles fundraiser.  Keep your sneakers tied up, the Gatorade cold and your GPS watch connected to the closest orbiting satellite for more information to come.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!
 

Potpourri.

This past Sunday wrapped up week 12 of training and it is pretty amazing to think how fast the time has gone by. Luckily the weather cooperated and we were able to get our 17 mile long run in this past Saturday.  It was our usual along the marathon route in Wellesley and Newton. This time though we went a bit farther and entered the beautiful city limits of Brighton, MA.  It is nice getting to explore new areas each week when we tack on additional mileage.  Kind of feel like Jacques Cousteau but on land.  I don't have a red knit cap and glasses though.  I digress.  The little red line outlining the path of the training run doesn't look that impressive below does it?  Geez, 17.1 miles and just that short little red line.  Oh well.

Next ingredient in my fragrant potpourri.  No, it is not flower petals or spices.  My last post I talked about change being good.  Well, I did find a time when it isn't good this past week.  Our coaches let us know that they did not want us to use headphones while on the long run because of the unsafe conditions in spots along the route.  Especially in the sections where we have to run in the road.  I have run in the past without music but I have always gone back to it as it helps me get into that happy place when running.  However, safety first so I ran without music.  Did I already mention that change is not good sometimes?  Running 17 miles without music made it very long.  I found myself not focusing as much on my breathing and technique like I do when I am listening to music.  I know, that sounds pretty backwards but what can I say.  I also noticed that I was paying way too much attention to every twitch and ache.  Way too much.  But, in the end, it was worth not having the music so that I could be safe.

Now for an update on my recent post "Get In My Belly".  I really really love the Jelly Belly Sport beans.  I've tried two new varieties since the original post including "Assorted" and "Juicy Pear".  Both are phenomenal.  The "Assorted" is nice because it gives you a sampling of the different flavors that they have.  It comes in the standard version as well as "Extreme" which contains caffeine.  The flavor "Juicy Pear".  What can I say.  I'm not a big pear fan but the flavor of these beans is delicious.  I think that I have finalized my refueling for the marathon.  I'm going to alternate between "Cherry" (Extreme) and "Assorted" (regular).  Yum.  Yum.

 I have been wearing my Boston Children's Hospital Miles for Miracles singlet the past few weeks on our team long runs.  A couple of simple words really made me think during this past Saturday's training run.  "Thank you for running for Children's".  These words were uttered three separate times by three random women along the course.  That really made me stop and reflect on why I am doing this and justified everything that I have put into it.  It made me feel very proud to be part of such a great effort and very thankful to those three women for yelling out those simple but impactful words to me.  It really meant a lot.

The last piece of my fragrant potpourri? Getting outdoors to run again means opportunities to take pictures again and posting to Instragram.  It is almost therapeutic in a way.  It can be a bit of a pain too though.  Run a bit.  Stop and take a picture.  Run a bit.  Stop and take a picture.  Run a bit.  You get the picture.  Oh, that was an unintended pun right there!

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Beautiful Day.

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination

Thank you U2. This past Saturday's 17 mile team long run was cancelled due to the unsafe conditions out on the course. I had to make a tough decision to either run on the treadmill for 17 long, hot, sweaty, excruciating, boring, monotonous, tedious, boring (had to through another one of those in to highlight the dramatic) miles or get out in the great, magnificent, exciting, motivational, inspirational, wonderful, stupendous, fan frickin tastic great outdoors and run with all the glory and beauty that Mother Nature gave us (no I wasn't planning on running in my birthday suit, well... no, that would just be plain wrong!). Tough choice. Not!  

I decided to go into Boston to run because I figured that they would be pretty well dug out on the main routes at this point.  I took my usual scenic route from the Financial District over to the Seaport, into the North End and then over to Charlestown. Made my way back over to Boston and then along the Charles.  The sidewalks, paths and roads were as I had expected. Pretty much smooth sailing. Well, a bit too cold for sailing in the harbor and impossible on the frozen Charles but that is a totally different story.  

I ended up getting in 18.5 glorious training miles on Saturday. It's amazing what a simple thing as getting the chance to run outdoors again can do for your body and mind. It also gave me the chance to get some more pics for Instagram which isn't a bad thing. Beautiful day indeed.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Change Is Good.

So they say.  For those of you in and around Boston, you know that all of this snow has forced many temporary changes upon us like constant shoveling.  Very looooooong commutes (longer than normal anyway). More shoveling. Running indoors instead of outdoors.  I've been reminded through this all though that change can be a good thing even if just temporary.

The culmination of record breaking amounts of snow ended up canceling our 12 mile team long run last Saturday.  When I heard the news I was a bit disappointed as I look forward to running out on the course with my fellow team mates. It's a bright spot at the end of a long tunnel.  I understand and respect the decision of the coaches to cancel in the end as they are looking out for our safety and I appreciate that. It's helped me reaffirm that it is OK to have to make changes to the daily training plan and not feel guilty about it. I don't have to feel like I'm doing something wrong by not being rigid and following it to the T.  How did I change in light of the canceled team run?  I decided to go to my gym's new location that just recently opened a few towns away.  Yes, it was farther away than my home gym but I figured that change is good. If I'm going to the gym for 2 hours I might as well have a change of scenery. I'm glad that I did try the new location because I went into it with a much more positive attitude than if I had gone and done the same old thing at my regular gym. It paid off because I had a great workout and the time flew by. Well, it went as quickly as it could for running on a treadmill. 

The huge amounts of snow that has fallen over the past several weeks have provided for great cross training opportunities.  There have been several times now when I've had to change my training and instead of running I've had to spend the time shoveling, shoveling, roof raking (yes there is such a thing!), shoveling some more and then shoveling the roof. I didn't feel bad when I had to shovel instead of running because it is such a great aerobic activity.  You can burn around 300 calories every 45 minutes of shoveling. Who knew?  Since I averaged 2 hours of active shoveling each time, I made out pretty well. I definitely ended up using different muscles than I normally would have in running or other cross training. Change is good. 

Snowmageddon has certainly had a huge impact on commuting into and out of the city.  Late trains, cancelled trains, taking busses instead of trains. Trying to strategize how you are going to get where you need to when public transit throws daily obstacles in your way. It's all good in the end. Yes, it forces you out of the mundane daily rituals that come with commuting, out of a nice warm fuzzy happy place and into changed situations that you may not be comfortable with but that makes you that much better in the end. 

What does this all have to do with running?  I really don't know. Just kidding. It has taught me to change things up and to not stick with the same old regime. Find a new route to train on. Go to a different gym location to change things up. Don't be so anal when it comes to my training schedule and change. If I miss a day or have to move things around, it really is going to be OK at the end of the day. 

Tomorrow's 17 mile team long run has been cancelled due to continued unsafe conditions on the course. It's too bad because this was a special run where patients and their families were going to man the water stops.  17 miles on a treadmill?  That just isn't going to happen.  I guess I'm going into the city tomorrow to run before the next storm hits later in the day.  Oh, that's right, no commuter rail service tomorrow due to the MBTA trying to finish up the snow cleanup.  I guess I'll have to drive in.  Change is good Keith.  Change is good.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Hot. Sweaty. Mess.

OK, hot as in body temperature and not looks. Far from the looks end of things over here.  Let's just say a "sweaty mess" between us friends. You know that you've had a darn good old fashioned training run when you pause, reflect and can say "damn, that was good!"  All the while, standing there in sweaty running gear splattered in road grime and salt. Brand new sneaks crusted with salt. Wet like there is no tomorrow.  A couple of little stones and rock salt in your sock to top it all off.  There is nothing like it.  I guess there probably is something like it but nothing that I can think of right now.  Last week's long run was 16 glorious miles in the great outdoors.  There is such a feeling of accomplishment when you put your all into it, are rewarded with a runner's high and workout gear that seriously needs to be picked up with salad tongs and put in the washer (no idea where salad tongs came from).   

This past Sunday was the end of week 9 of training.  It felt like it was Ground Hog's Day was celebrated this week instead of last week because boy did it feel like Déjà vu.  It felt like it was Ground Hog's Day was celebrated this week instead of last week because boy did it feel like Déjà vu. Sorry, I had to. Snow.  Treadmill.  Snow. Treadmill. I did brave a night run on Beacon Hill and along the Charles a couple of days after a storm. All set there thank you very much. Wow, two lane streets turned into very narrow one lane streets. Cars still completely buried in snow from the first snow storm several weeks ago.  The only visible sign that a car was in a snow mound?  The tiny sliver of what resembled a side mirror.  I felt like I was the poor little frog caught in that 80's classic video arcade game Frogger. Ribbit. A player inserted their quarter, grasped the joystick and was now skillfully navigating me across streets while dodging cars, trucks and busses.  Moving onto the top of the screen and the river.  The Charles river.  Instead of dodging logs, alligators and turtles, it was ice, snow drifts and more ice.  Ribbit.  With another snow storm this weekend, I'm guessing I'm going to be spending a bit more time at the gym than I had wanted to.  Oh well, spring has to get here sometime with warm weather.  Right?  Warm weather to make me even more of a hot, sweaty, mess.  That's right.  A sweaty mess.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!
 

Monkey Business.

This past Sunday marked the end of week 8 of training.  Outdoor training has been a bit of a challenge the past two weeks with all the snow and frigid temperatures that we have had here in Boston. Yes, I have had to revert to using the old dreadmill again.  Ugh.  Not to be confused with Ugg.  You know, the Australian company with the fashion boots that everyone has to have (not the sparkly glittery ones though- sorry if you are wearing a pair as you are reading this- no offense intended).  I guess this year though, the fashion must have is the LL Bean duck boot. Sorry, "bean boot".  Not that I would know though. Just saying. OK, back to the "expression of disgust or horror" (thanks for the succinct definition Google)-Ugh.  I guess what I dislike most about running on a treadmill is the lack of freedom to get out and explore, the overall atmosphere of the gym and having the treadmill do part of the work for me. Darn it, I want the entire effort to be mine. Not a machine forcing me to move my feet by driving the belt below me. Nope!  On the flip side though, I do know that it is a love hate relationship with the old RunMaster Xtreme Turbo Propulsion Tread Tracker Max 5580 (I just made that name up if you couldn't tell. Had to have something dramatic).  There will be times that, for safety's sake, I will just have to buck up and pound the treadmill deck instead of the pavement.  Oh, that didn't come out sounding quite right.

There was a plus side this week.  It was the week's team long run where we were finally able to run up, and then back down, Heartbreak Hill.  I had drove it before. Oh, that one didn't come out sounding quite right either.  I road in a car down the hill once (that sounds better). That was my only experience with it before Saturday.  It is a pretty gradual hill so it wasn't too bad to run. I say that after having only run 7 miles before encountering it. Much different than running 20 miles and then encountering it like it will be on race day.  The highlight of running the hill was seeing the Boston skyline just past the peak. Highlight indeed. Well, then there was also the photo op at the bottom of the hill with Bill the gorilla who is the Heartbreak Hill Running Company mascot (the store is located at the base of Heartbreak Hill- very clever name that they came up with. The store that is). 

It turned out to be a fantastic and energizing 15.5 mile long run even though it was 10 degrees with a wind chill of -7.  I guess that is winter in New England though.  Once you get going and are a couple of miles in, you do end up warming up.  So much so that you end up having to unzip the layers to cool down and then zip back up to get warm again.  Zip, unzip, zip unzip.  Enough to make you go bananas!

Until next time, keep on runnin'!
 

More Than A Feeling.

I looked out this morning and the sun was gone
Turned on some music to start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and I slipped away
It's more than a feeling, when I hear that old song they used to play (more than a feeling)

I love that song and always look forward to it when it comes up on my running list.  How coincidental is it that the group that sings that song is Boston and I'm running the "Boston" Marathon for "Boston" Children's Hospital?  OK, not very, but I had to tie it in someway.  I did look out this morning and the sun was definitely gone though.  I was checking to see if it was snowing and whether I wanted to venture to Wellesley in it for the 14 mile team run this morning.  Oh, it was snowing for sure when I peaked out the front window and it was coming down pretty good.  I sat for a moment and debated: 

Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
An' if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know

[The Clash- 1982]

The hearty Buffalonian in me decided, ah, what's a little snow?  Just go already.  A couple of inches?  Inches sminches.  I figured it's always fun to run in the snow so why not.  That said, I decided that I should bring in the mail just in case to see if the run had ended up getting cancelled because of the snow.  The e-mails came in as fast as the snow was falling.  Wait, what was that that just came in from yesterday?  Looked like "registration" something at "baa.org" something or another.  It spun by so quick that I thought that I had just spun the big wheel on the Price Is Right.  Trying to get the red $1.00 so that I could go onto the Showcase Showdown.  I scrolled down to find the message.  There it was.  My confirmation that I was officially registered for the 119th Boston Marathon.  More than a feeling.  It is now officially "official".  I have my golden ticket.  The last piece of the puzzle is complete and I can now Mod Podge it and hang it on the wall.  A fantastic surprise to find in the old mailbox this morning. 

Speaking of the old mailbox, I had another fantastic surprise today in my snail mail mailbox.  A shipping envelope from Boston Children's Hospital.  I squished the packing a bit to see if I could figure out what it was.  Hmm...  Soft.  Felt like material.  But, what was it?   I carefully opened it to find my "official" Boston Children's Hospital Miles For Miracles singlet.  Yeah!  There was also a letter asking me to start wearing it during my training and on the team runs.  OK, you don't have to ask me twice.  I will go forth and wear it proudly.  I'll just wear it to the gym on my cross train days for now and then wear it on my runs when it warms up. 

When I'm tired and thinking cold
I hide in my music, forget the day
And dream of a girl I used to know
I closed my eyes and she slipped away
She slipped away
It's more than a feeling, when I hear that old song they used to play (more than a feeling)


Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Get In My Belly.

"I'm bigger than you and higher up the food chain.  Get in my belly. "

Thank you Mr. Bastard (Austin Powers, The Spy Who Shagged Me) for that fantastic line. It is so apropos.  No, not for Mr. Bastard's desire to, let's say, "utilize" Mini-Me in an effort to curb his hunger.  No indeed. Rather, the desire to get more of those Jelly Belly "Sport Beans" in my belly!  

Where is this all going you say?  What does some jelly beans have to do with running?  "Are you going to be talking about the Easter Bunny next Keith?"  Maybe, Jack and the Beanstalk with his magic beans?  Nope, none of that.  It all has to do with my new favorite refueling source.

If you have been following my blog, you may remember that I rated my top three energy gels for refueling last year:

• 1st Place: http://keeponrunning716.blogspot.com/2014/03/refueling-1st-place.html
• 2nd Place: http://keeponrunning716.blogspot.com/2014/03/refueling-2nd-place.html
• 3rd Place: http://keeponrunning716.blogspot.com/2014/02/refueling-3rd-place.html

Well, forget all that!  I have a new top refueling source: Jelly Belly Sport Beans.  You might be saying to yourself that you didn't know such a thing existed.  They do.  I had looked at them in the past but never really gave them that much consideration because they seemed gimmicky.  After looking into them further, boy was I wrong! 

They come 15 to a 1 ounce resealable package and stack up nutrition label to nutrition label of most energy gels.  For example, the Sport Beans have 100 Calories, 80mg of Sodium, 40mg of Potassium, 25g of Carbs, 17g of Sugars, 10% of Vitamin C, 10% of Thiamin, 10% of Riboflavin and 10% of Niacin.  While Clif Shot Energy Gel has 100 Calories, 90mg of Sodium, 55mg of Potassium, 24g of Carbs, 12g of Sugars, not a significant source of Vitamin C, 0% Thiamin, 0% of Riboflavin, 0% of Niacin. 

But how do they work and taste?  Wonderfully and wonderful.  In that order.  Seriously, I used one pack last week during my long run and had great results.  I could feel it when it first kicked in but it wasn't a sudden jolt.  The energy was level and consistent throughout.  The taste?  Fantastic.  I was using the "Berry" flavor (they have other flavors including lemon lime, orange, watermelon, fruit punch and cherry).  It was natural and had no fake chemical after-taste like a lot of the gels.  The beans were hard as a rock because of how cold it was outside but quickly became pliable enough to chew.  These beans are much larger than standard Jelly Belly jelly beans so I took 4 at a time and then 3 at a time for the last set.  I found them to be much easier to chew than energy blocks and much easier to get down than energy gels that tend to be thick and goopy.  Once I got really chewing, the consistency reminded me of very small granulated sugar.  For those who like caffeine, don't worry.  They have "Extreme Sport Beans" which contain 50mg of caffeine.  The only thing that I think could use a bit of improvement with this product offering?  The packaging.  It has a very narrow opening with a resealable closure which is difficult to open while you are on the run.  Otherwise, they are a great alternative to energy gels.  Seriously.  I cannot wait for this week's long run to try out the cherry and assorted packs that I have.  I cannot believe that I didn't try these sooner!

" I want my baby back baby back baby back baby back baby back ribs. I want my baby back baby back baby back baby back baby back ribs.  Chili's baby back ribs."  I mean, "Jelly Belly Sport Beans".

Until next time, keep on runnin'!
 

Rick Astley.

You know the rules and so do I
A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
You wouldn't get this from any other guy

I know, if you were around in the late 80's you are probably saying to yourself "Rick Astley, seriously?  What the heck?"  If you were not around then you are probably saying "who the heck is Rick Astley?"  Either way you're also probably saying "what does he have to do with a post on a running blog?"  Well...

Today was the end of week 5 training and the cold snap in New England this week wasn't all that conducive for running outdoors.  I ended up putting on my big boy pants though and ran every scheduled day outdoors except for Thursday when the wind chill was -24.  I figured that I really wasn't in the mood for frostbite.  I like my fingers and piggy toes just the way they are!  Thursday turned into a gym day instead.  Yes, the "treadmill".  OK, I can completely say that I absolutely, 100% cannot stand the treadmill.  Well, 100% cannot run the treadmill.  Get it?  "Stand"...  "Run"...  I know, that was a bad one!  Anyway, it was excruciating.  I ended up stopping at 3.8 miles and did cardio for rest of the session.  That was the first time back on the treadmill doing actual running since last winter's training (I have done fast paced walking at an incline of 15 recently for some added cardio but that is it).  I felt like a hamster running around the living room floor in one of those clear plastic balls.  Everyone who has had a hamster knows what I'm talking about.  Everyone else is like, "what the frick is he talking about?".  Running on a treadmill is the absolute most boring thing imaginable.  OK, maybe it is not the most, but it is pretty darn close.  For me, it's like fingers down a chalk board.  It's like oil and water.  Snowmen and blow torches.  I think that you get the point.

You are probably asking, "what about Rick"?  Oh right!  I found myself not very motivated yesterday morning.  Woke up at 6:00 AM and was on the road at 7:00 AM.  It was 11 degrees out.  Very crisp.  Another freezing cold run was ahead of me.  I needed a quick pick me up as I was driving north on 95/128.  The sun just coming up in my review mirror.  What could give me that push that I needed?  A song.  Yes, that would do it.  I turned on the radio and (you have to say the following in a stereo typical DJ voice) "easy listening 99.1 on your FM dial...  Here's Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley".  Oh boy.  Seriously?  I hadn't heard that song since I was a DJ at a roller skating rink back in the early 90's.  It was a kid favorite during the Saturday 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM all skate.  It wasn't my cup of tea, but it was a good song to synchronize the star burst lights on the ceiling to.  I was wicked crazy when I turned the disco balls on at the same time.  Sure fire way to mess up the kids skating every time!   What it did do for me yesterday was bring back some old memories.  It got my toes tapping a little, made me chuckle and gave me that extra push that I needed for the cold run.  I knew that I could rely on my running list to do the rest once I got out on the run (there is absolutely no Rick Astley on it at all).  I just realized something.  Why the heck was I listening to "Easy Listening" in the car?  It's not like it is a doctor's office or elevator.  It must have been the last person driving the car that tuned that station in.  That has to be it.  Oh, wait.  I was the last one to drive the car before yesterday.  Busted.

I completed the week with 34 frigid miles, a good chuckle and a true appreciation for the great outdoors.

Never gonna give you up
Never gonna let you down
Never gonna run around and desert you
Never gonna make you cry
Never gonna say goodbye

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Week 4 In The Books.

This past Sunday was the end of week 4 of training.  It's amazing how fast it has been going by this time around.  I think that looking forward to the weekly Saturday team long run really helps a lot.  The past two weeks, our team run has taken place completely on the marathon course through Wellesley, MA and Newton, MA.  Getting acclimated to the route again and seeing familiar sights again is definitely a plus and motivational.  That may sound kind of weird but it really is.  Even running past Newton-Wellesley Hospital.  Enough said. 

I have to say that I really do enjoy running by myself most of the time as I can run whatever distance I want at whatever pace I want whenever I want.  I don't have to worry about anyone but myself.  That said, I am quickly enjoying running with the team once a week.  It's nice to meet fellow runners as well as running in new locations (each week we are adding on a couple more miles).  It keeps it fresh and exciting.  Running?  Exciting? Absolutely! 

I logged a total of 33.3 miles for week 4.  There were many opportunities to take a day off from training here or there since I was on vacation and there was New Year's Eve/New Year's Day.  In the end though, I ended up sticking with the training schedule and didn't take the easy route out.  I've got way too much invested in this to start slacking off on training, even if it is only a day or two.

Week 5 started off yesterday.  Wow, what a crazy day to run outdoors in Boston!  That had to be the hardest training run I have ever completed.  The temp was 22 degrees.  That wasn't the issue.  The "feels like" temp was 14 degrees.  Nope that wasn't it either.  The wind was gusting at 38 MPH.  That was it!  Running into that amount of wind for a good chunk of the time was very challenging.  At one point, the wind literally stopped me in my tracks.  I decided to run down neighborhood streets using the brownstones as windbreakers instead of running along the Charles river.  That worked for the most part.  The upside to running in that wind?  The moon.  It was absolutely amazing as it was rising in the sky.  Completely worth dealing with the wind and freezing temps.  Wow, it really was amazing!

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Thank You.

Thank You.
noun \ˈthaŋk-ˌyü\ 
something that you give or do to show thanks : a polite expression of thanks

Thank you to Joe and Heather Barros for holding a 50/50 raffle during their New Year's Eve party in support of my Boston Children's Hospital Miles for Miracles Boston Marathon fundraiser.  Thank you to Barbara Barros for running the 50/50 raffle that night.  Thank you also to everyone below who contributed to the raffle which raised a total of $146 ($73 went to the winner of the raffle and $73 went to my fundraiser):

Gloria Shainis
Dianne Goldberg
Heather & Joe Barros
Barbara Barros
Jill Barros
Abbey Wolent
Barbara Joseph
Lindsey Joseph
Daniele Bullock
Bobby Joseph
Linda Kosonen
Jose Barros
Michelle Dolan
Tom Dolan
Shannon Joseph

Thank you again to everyone involved.  I greatly appreciate your kindness and generosity.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

You're As Cold As Ice.

Cold as ice, you know that you are
Cold, cold, as, as, ice, as cold as ice to me
Cold, cold, as, as, ice
Ooh, ooh, ooh, cold as, cold as ice
You're as cold as ice

Yes, December 31st was cold as ice.  However, I needed to keep with my marathon training and get my run in for the day.  Even on New Year's Eve day.  Even though the weather outside was frightful.  Well, fricking freezing.  Cold as ice cold.  Cold enough for, say... ice sculptures! 

What better way to run the miles away than going into Boston to see how the preparations were going for First Night?  First stop, Boston Common.  The food vendors were setting up their stands and getting ready to try and entice people to buy their morsels.  I could only imagine them practicing their spiel as they were stocking the supplies, "Get a hot slice of cheese with roni over here!"  One food trailer that made me turn my head as I went by was the "Slush King".  Seriously?  The real feel was 11 degrees.  I don't think that they probably sold too many slushies last night.  I could be wrong though.  I continued on past a couple of ice sculptures.  Frogs frolicking with "2015" above them, some super heroes and Albert Einstein.  Pretty impressive.  Luckily it was cold enough for them so that there were no dripping and drooping masterpieces.  I past the pyro technicians setting up the launch tubes with Chrysanthemum, Peony, Palm and heart shells.  Past vendors setting up their stalls selling plastic horns and those goofy glasses which quickly remind you what year is coming up.  Next up, the Public Garden.  Not much at all going on over there so I continued over to the Esplanade.  Again, nothing happening.  Zilch.  Nada.  On to Copley Square!  That is where all of the action was.  A city block of news vans lined up in a perfect row.  Reporters doing the obligatory "So what is your New Year's resolution" interviews with passersby.  Sound checks on the main stage and, oh yeah, more ice sculptures! 

I made my way down Boylston street, past the marathon finish line, down to Mass Ave and back over to the Charles.  I wound my way back to where I started and ended my run with 7.5 miles logged.  I'll take it even though it was definitely the coldest day of running this training season.  A balmy 20 degrees with a real feel of 11 due to the gusty 20+ MPH winds.  These are the conditions that I kind of like though.  The ones that make you buck up and, in the words of Nike, "Just do it".  I could be inside a sweaty smelly gym clomping away on a dreadmill, sorry, treadmill.  Nope, not for me.  I would rather be running outdoors in the freezing passing the artistic creations of frozen H2O.

Cold as ice, you know that you are
Cold, cold, as, as, ice, as cold as ice to me
Cold, cold, as, as, ice
(Thanks Foreigner for the lyrics- they are completely stuck in my head now!)

Until next time, keep on runnin'!