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.

Solid speed workout

One thing about Boston is that you never know what to expect weather-wise come the marathon.  Training throughout the winter to run my best marathon and then getting a bad weather day for the marathon is just unfortunate.  Inevitably, at some point during training I wonder if all the effort is too little and it will be a great day, or too much and I'll just try to survive and have a decent day.  This year, when this thought crossed my mind, I thought of Chris's celebration of life and some of the stories people remembered.  One that stuck with me was that Chris liked photography, knew the shot he wanted and would put the effort in to getting that specific shot.  Remembering this quickly squashed my uncertainty and since I can't plan for the weather on April 15, I will continue to put full effort into my training and hope that I get a good shot at my best race yet.

Today's workout plan was a speed/strength run, 4x 1.5 miles.  With the high winds still in the area, 1/2 the run was straight into a 20+ mph headwind, but well worth it for a great tailwind on the other 1/2.  It was a solid workout and good preparation for training on Thursday followed by 18 miles this weekend.  With the marathon less than 7 weeks away, training will be peaking in a month.  Fingers crossed that I stay healthy and training continues to go well!

8 Weeks to Go

I headed into this weekend's run feeling a bit stiff but overall pretty good following the last run and a lighter week. As Saturday morning rolled around though, I was not looking forward to the 18 mile run nor feeling like I had the energy to make it a solid training effort. Luckily, the weather was good and my teammates pulled me through the first few miles.  After that I seemed to find a groove and managed to complete the run thanks to my running partners.  This coming weekend will be another drop down week before ramping up to 22 miles in a month.

With 2 months to go, we've already raised $12,388 for innovative cancer research at Dana-Farber!  Thanks to the 75+ donors who have supported my effort in honor of Chris this year.  We have a little ways to go to reach our $17,000 goal, but I'm sure that we can do it before the marathon.

If you'd like to donate, you can do so here: http://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/goto/chrisd

Drop Down

Wow, just after my last post some company matches and additional donations came through and we've now raised more than $12,200 for innovative cancer research this year!  This puts us less than $5000 to our goal of $17,000 this year!  I'm continually motivated by the generosity of so many people and couldn't do this without this amazing support.  Thank You to everyone!

This past week was a drop down week for training, at least for the long run.  After 16 miles last Saturday, I've been feeling some tightness in my calves and soreness in my left foot.  As such, I played it safe and ran 13 miles this weekend.  The weather was quite windy but otherwise nice and running with Scott and Nancy always helped pass the miles.  I've also been better this weekend about stretching and massaging the leg muscles to make sure the tightness & soreness don't get worse.

Otherwise training has been going well.  I was in DC for a work conference and had a great morning for a run around the National Mall.  I had forgotten how many times the mall is interrupted by traffic, but was still able to get in a speed workout and some nice sightseeing. I'll see how I feel mid-week but hope to continue the speed work and temp runs before next Saturday's group run of 18 miles.  Hard to believe that the longest training run (20-22 miles) is only about 6 weeks away and the marathon is only 9 weeks out.

Tired

Running and training the last 2 weeks has been a bit draining.  It could be for any number of reasons - training in general, training with an infant or just a bit of a down time.  I'm sure a contributing factor is also Chris's passing on Jan 8th.  Though we knew this was the eventual outcome of his cancer, I was still saddened to learn of his passing.  Chris's memorial was a nice celebration of his life and captured his impact and love for his family, friends, and colleagues.  The chapel was full and seeing 100s of people there to remember and celebrate Chris's life was inspiring.  It was a good reminder of why I'm running for Dana-Farber for a 7th time and how much work remains to provide therapies for everyone battling a cancer diagnosis.

Since the memorial, training continues to pick up. Though I'm not necessarily aiming to run my fastest Boston marathon, I am trying to train to allow me to go for it, if the weather cooperates.  Speed workouts, tempo runs, and long training runs (15+ miles this past weekend) are definitely more tiring than in past years thanks to less sleep with an infant. However, as multiple people recounted at the memorial, Chris approached life with perseverance and commitment. Blowing off training and being ill-prepared for the marathon would not be a good idea regardless and would not be the way Chris approached such an endeavor, so I'm out there pushing through and achieving my weekly training goals.

Speaking of goals, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported this years efforts.  We have raised over $10,000 this year already and are within my next goal - $13,100, or $500 per mile of the marathon!  Thank you everyone for your support which continues to motivate me throughout training.

Peace

Chris moved into hospice on Dec 31, 2018.  Just over a week later and after an 11 year battle with brain cancer, Chris passed away peacefully with his family nearby.

Over the last 6 months, Chris worked with the Health Story Collaborative to record his story, communicate what was important to him and be able to share these feelings with his family after he was gone.  Recently, Boston's NPR station, WBUR, featured the Health Story Collaborative, including Chris's story. As I go out for my run tomorrow I will think of Chris and reflect on how he lived fully while battling cancer these last 11 years.

Motivation

I wasn't great about running over the holidays, but got back into it this past week.  Yesterday, Jan 5, was out first DFMC team run of 2019.  This kicks off the 'serious' training after the holidays and to be honest, after indulging with food and drink, after traveling to see family, the first group run exerted a toll beyond what it should.  On top of that, yesterday was an overcast day with 35-40F temps and rain forecasted for the run.  The thought crossed my mind whether I should go to the team run or just push it off a day for better weather. After thinking about Chris and what Chris and his family are going through, I was motivated to run with my teammates and for Chris.

The group run started at a health club next door to where we used to work.  I was in the building for 1.5 years and Chris was there for over 10 years.  I had already told Chris that I would be there, so I couldn't bail, right? On top of that, Chris, and others battling cancer, don't choose their situation, so why should I push a run off just because of some rain.  If the 2018 marathon taught me anything, I know I can run in a nor'easter in 40F temps and enjoy it, this was just a light rain shower by comparison. I also knew the support and camaraderie of my DFMC teammates would help me through the morning.  Luckily, the rain amounted to a light sprinkle and we had a decent morning for a run.  We conquered 12 miles (9.45min/mi pace) through the rolling hills and while I got this done, it was exhausting.  I'm sure the holiday break didn't help, nor did being up 3 times in the middle of the night with an infant, but we can only control so much and I reached my goal of 12 miles.

2018 finished and 2019 began with some mixed news.  Chris moved to hospice on New Year's Eve.  I'm so glad he was able to spend Christmas with family at home, but learning of his move to hospice is a reminder of why I spend all this time training in the winter to run 26.2 miles in April and why I ask for support and donations from family and friends. We've had a fantastic start to fundraising and have already raised more than $9,000 toward our goal of $17,000!  We continue to make an impact on cancer research and your generosity and support continues to motivate me to get out there each week and train, regardless of the weather.