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'!

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'!

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'!

Ironic.

Some things in life can be so ironic. As I compose this post, I'm sitting in room 904 next to my son waiting for him to be discharged.  Discharged from Boston Children's Hospital.  Who would have thought when I signed up to run on the Miles for Miracles team back in September that I would find myself with my son being a patient again.  I thought that the time had past that he would have to use the services of BCH again. Especially since he seems like a grown man to me. He is taller than me and has a size 13 shoe for goodness sake.  An adult who knows better than engaging in risky behavior which can result in injury. I forget sometimes though that he is still a kid. Still young and learning by his mistakes.

My son receiving emergency care here quickly reminds me of all the reasons why I'm running for such an outstanding organization like BCH. Front and center.  I am so grateful to everyone who works here. Everyone from the maintenance staff, people who deliver the meals to the rooms, the cleaning staff,  the nurses and doctors and everyone in between.  It really makes you feel incredibly fortunate and appreciative to know that such a high caliber facility is here and waiting to help when people are sick and in need.  I learned during my son's stay that Boston Children's Hospital was ranked #1 Children’s Hospital by U.S. News & World Report.  A well deserved honor.  I was also reminded that this hospital is not just for those with chronic illnesses but also for those who need emergency services.  Something that I had never really thought about until this past Thursday.  

I had another bit of irony today.  What's that you say?  Well, let me tell you.  Today was the first weekly run (5 miles) of the Miles for Miracles team which also included a pre-run clinic (proper stretching and warm-up).  What's so ironic about that?  It just happened to be at the Boston Children's Hospital Waltham campus.  Who knew!  It was a great clinic and first of many team runs. 

As I close this post, I think about the conversation that we just had with our son's surgeon and his resident regarding going home today.  The events of the past couple of days are finally coming to an end. We can try and get back to some sense of normalcy.  All the while feeling such gratitude for everyone who helped us out at Boston Children's Hospital. Thank you to those who we had the opportunity to interact with and to those who we did not but who helped out indirectly.  Being a member of the Miles for Miracles team running to support this hospital has a whole new meaning for my family and I.  A small way to give back and say "Thank You".

And isn't it ironic... don't you think?
Who would've thought... it figures
Thank you Alanis.  Hey, I had to get some lyrics in here somewhere!

Until next time, keep on runnin'!
 

#GivingTuesday - Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who donated to my Boston Children's Hospital Miles For Miracles fundraiser yesterday as part of #GivingTuesday.  Your very generous donations totalled $905 and were applied towards my goal.  The 2 for 1 match of these donations raised an additional $1,810 that went directly to Boston Children's Hospital.  What a tremendous outpouring of generosity!  Thank you also to all of the other generous donors who have donated to my fundraiser to date.  I really appreciate everyone's support. 

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Thank You.

The Boston Marathon is now a week in the rearview mirror and I'm in a good place now with the results.  I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me along the way.  Family, friends and colleagues.  Those who supported my fundraising effort.  Those who provided kind words of encouragement.  Thank you to each and every one of you.

I want to especially thank my wife and son for all of their support from the start back in December to race day and the days afterward.  I appreciate their understanding, unwavering support and their commitment in helping me get to where I did with all of this.  I appreciate everything that they did for me.  For all of the weekends that we couldn't get out and do things as a family because I was in Boston training.  Thank you for understanding.  For all of the hours that they stand around waiting for me during races.  Thank you.  For all of the fundraising efforts that my wife did for me.  Thank you.  I thank them both so much for helping to support me with this running addiction.  I could not have done any of this without them.

Thank you all.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Delivered.

Last Thursday was a momentous day as it is the day that I delivered the $5,856.40 that I raised to the Curley K-8 School.  I met principal Katie Grassa who informed me that the extra money that was raised ($856.40) will go towards benches and trees for their new playground (funded by another fundraising project).  It was great to finally see the learning community that was going to benefit from all of the generous donations that were made to my Boston Marathon fundraiser. 

Thank you again to each and every donor who helped me obtain my goal and then some. You are all very generous individuals and I appreciate your kindness. 

There are only 24 days until the marathon!

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Fundraising Goal: Met.

Never Surrender.

With a little perseverance
You can get things done
You can never surrender

- Corey Hart

I have fantastic news to report.  Due to the complete generosity of all the people listed under "Donors" on the right side of my blog, I have officially met my Boston Marathon fundraising goal of $5,000 for the Curley K-8 school.  I could not have done this without each and every one of them.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Honored.



CEO Joe Ryan & Myself

I am very honored to have recently received the M. Robert Dushman Community Service Award from the law firm of Brown Rudnick LLP and the Brown Rudnick Center for the Public Interest.  Being nominated for this award was a complete surprise and an honor in and of itself.  Finding out that I was actually receiving it left me speechless.  I am very appreciative to everyone involved with nominating me and voting for me to receive this award.  I am truly grateful.

As part of receiving this award, the firm will be donating $2,500 to the charities of my choice.  I have chosen $1,250 to be donated to the Curley K-8 school who I'm running for in the Boston Marathon.  I have chosen for the other $1,250 to be donated to the Plouffe Academy.  I want to send a very special "Thank You" to Brown Rudnick LLP for their very generous donations on my behalf. 

Thank you also to everyone else who has donated to my Boston Marathon fundraising.  Due to each of you, along with this donation from Brown Rudnick, I am now within $180 of my $5,000 goal.  This is truly amazing and I cannot thank you all enough.  This was such a daunting task when I took it on back in December and I appreciate each and every donation that has been made.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Thank You.

The Boston Marathon is only 89 days away!

I want to send a heartfelt "Thank You" to everyone who has offered words of encouragement about my training and to those who have donated so generously to my fundraising goal of $5,000 for the Curley K-8 School (list of donors are listed to the right under "Recent Donors").  Thanks to the generosity of each of the donors, I am half way to my fundraising goal.  I appreciate each and every one of you for thinking of me and supporting me in my adventure.  If you would like to make a tax deductible donation (501(c)3 Number 22-2514422), whether small, large or somewhere in between, please click on the "Donate" button located on the right side of this page.

Thank you again to everyone for your support.

Until next time, keep on runnin'!

Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

Joe & Heather Barros

A heartfelt "Thank You" to my friends Heather & Joe Barros who organized a 50/50 split during their annual New Year's eve spectacular that they held last night.  The proceeds from the event went towards my Boston Marathon fundraising. 

I was very surprised and very appreciative when I found out on Monday from Joe that they were planning to do a fundraiser for me to help raise money for my marathon goal.  That was such a kind gesture and something that I will never forget.

Generous Contributors & New Year's Eve Revelers

A heartfelt "Thank You" also goes out to all of Heather and Joe's friends and family who attended the party last night and generously contributed to this cause.  The outpouring of support by everyone was very much appreciated and I thank each and every one of you for your generosity.

Due to everyone's kindness, $126 dollars was raised in the 50/50 split and $104 of that will go towards my goal of $5,000 for the Curley K-8 School in Jamaica Plain (Shannon Joseph donated an additional $41 of her share of the split).

Congratulations to Shannon Joseph who was the winner of the 50/50 split!
 

Shannon Joseph and Myself

Thank you again to Heather, Joe, and all of their family and friends who generously donated.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

 

Until next time, keep on runnin'!