Training Peaks

Saturday's group run was the peak of our training season.  The DFMC team met at Boston College around mile 22 of the marathon course.  Our route was an out-and-back and by running out 11 miles, we hit miles 11-22 on the course much like we would on marathon day.  With this being the longest training run, DFMC teammates traveled from around New England, NY and PA to join 'the regulars' for this run.

We started the run with a lot of encouragement from some of our teammates and volunteers who have lost family members to cancer.  This is always an inspirational time and a good reminder why we're running and fundraising.  We were also reminded that in its 30th year, DFMC is close to reaching $100 million raised for innovative cancer research! To reach this goal, we need to raise $7.3 million this season and we've already raised $3+ million this year!  With all these positive vibes, we set out for our 22 mile training run.

It was a windy and blustery day to start, but running into a stiff headwind could only mean a nice tailwind on the way back, which is what we got.  The day warmed up and skies cleared as we pushed along and we finished the run a bit tired, a bit sore but with smiles on our faces. We now have less than 3 weeks until the marathon on April 15 and though I'll continue to train during the weeks, I'll be backing off just a bit.  Fingers are crossed for a good day and no injuries before then (nor daycare germs) but whatever April 15 delivers, I'll reach Boston and cross the finish line, motivated by Chris and the Davie family and all of the support people have provided this year.

Bouncing Back

After the prior weekend's poor 14-mile run, I took last week a bit easy.  I kept my speed workout and a modified tempo run, but cut the mileage and speed back a bit.  Saturday's team run was my 3rd 18 mile run this season and a great bounce back from the 14-miler.  Overall I felt strong throughout the run and feel good heading into this weekend's 20-22 miles.

Saturday's group run was special for another reason, Chris's family came out to support the DFMC team and cheer us on! Seeing Betsy and the kids at mile 7.5 was energizing and a reminder of why we go out and train and fundraise for DFMC. When Chris and I chatted about DFMC in the fall, Chris saw the DFMC experience as one that could extend beyond him.  He hoped that his kids could see the determination and perseverance that motivates the runners and volunteers and that the kids could take something positive away.  Hopefully Chris's wish was fulfilled this weekend and by joining our dedicated volunteers and seeing 60+ people run for charity, the spirit of DFMC was obvious.

Up & Down Week

After last week's 18 miles in the early hours of a snow-storm, this week started off strong.  I managed a speed workout, a tempo run (much faster than I should have) and then an easy 14 mile run for my long run. The 'ups' of the week were the solid speed workout, 3 x 2 miles at a sub-8 min/mile pace and my previously mentioned way-to-fast tempo run of 7+ miles at a 7.40 min/mile pace, about a min/mile faster than I should have run.  I really didn't mean to make it so fast but wasn't actively looking at my watch.  Hopefully that bodes well for any 1/2 marathon I do in the near future :)

While the mid-week training runs were the 'ups', this weeks 14-mile long run was the 'down'.  Safe to say that this was my worst and most disappointing run in a long time! The run started off ok, but as it progressed, I felt like I had been hit by truck and had absolutely no energy to get through the run. Thanks to a teammate who ran with me the majority of the way, I completed the run, but for the first time in years had to stop to walk and gather some strength.  Though I thought that this was the result of the overly quick mid-week runs, as Saturday progressed it became clear that the germ incubator known as daycare had reared its head.  After a bagel at 6.30am, my 14 mile run was followed by several naps, some gatorade and eventually some Nilla Wafers at 9pm.

The week didn't end how I expected it to, but it remind me of the highs and lows that those battling cancer go through on a daily basis.  It also reminded me that come April 15, the weather may be awful, I may get another daycare germ, or it may be a great day, but either way, I'll cross the finish line in Copley Sq in honor of Chris, Heather, RJ, and so many others.

Quick Post

This past weekend was my 2nd 18-mile training run.  Unfortunately I couldn't join the DFMC team and ran alone.  It was a good reminder of how great it is running with teammates and with volunteers and water stops!

Pre-run 6.15am pic

Post-run, snow covered

My run started early on Saturday before several inches of snow fell.  I completed my 1st mile when I saw the first flakes begin to come down.  Miles 2-8 we're a light snow fall while the last 10 were a bit heavier and with a breeze.  In the end this was a day where I just aimed to get the 18 miles done and not slip on the snow as it built up.  I felt good but look forward to joining my teammates this weekend for a shorter 12-14 mile run.