Monday, November 24, 2008
Strategizing - Year 2.
I spoke with my friend Tyler tonight regarding this season. As many of you may remember, Ty was a mentor to me throughout my first DFMC season. He is a great friend and was my fundraising coach last year. Well, tonight I am officially a fundraising coach myself. A bit crazy because I only have a year behind me on this whole process. But I know I learned a lot. In celebration of this fundraising season, I would like to inform my avid readers that yes, I have begun "strategizing" for the upcoming year. Let's just say....I am looking forward to getting new donors...
Apjohn Again!
We are back folks! Michigan Football season is finally over. So what does that mean? It's time for a new season to begin! Tis the season to begin another year of fundraising. Hats off for the second year in a row to Mr. Andrew Apjohn for making the first donation to DFMC! Not only was he my first donor two years in a row, but he DOUBLED last year's donation. Way to make a point! Thanks Apjohn. Rest of you, donate here.
(Below are the Apjohn twins and the Delev Aussie twins...let's see if I can get double twin donations?)
(Below are the Apjohn twins and the Delev Aussie twins...let's see if I can get double twin donations?)
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| From Tourist for a Weekend |
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Truth from Joan
The challenge and the energy running requires may be a selfish one, but it actually motivates me to be stronger in my relationships.
Joan Benoit Samuelson
Friday, November 7, 2008
A Family Affair
My dad and sister joined me this year in the running of the 2008 BAA Half.Unfortunately, I was at the long line at the Porta Potties when this family photo was taken. But here is my athletic family waiting for the start of the Half (Carlene and cousin Geoff, Ashley, Dad and our fabulous cheerleader, Ms. Lila)
Ashley and I at the finish...we will have some MAJOR sibling rivalry going on this
year because she finished just two minutes after me in her first half marathon!
So proud of my dad's strong finish!
His feet were barely touching the ground!!!
The family - a fun day.
His feet were barely touching the ground!!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Gluten for Punishment
I know I am pulling a Jeff by posting a link to a New York Times article right now. Well, the NY Times spotlighted Gluten Free athletes in this article from Thursday. I wish I could go back to my days of high school cross country cause I am convinced that my PRs were after nights of eating tacos and rice rather than my binges on gross Vinny Testa's pasta....
Favorite quote?
“It was like doping,” Winsberg, 42, said. “Suddenly I was running six-minute miles instead of nine-minute miles. Before I had placed in the bottom third in triathlons. Four weeks gluten free, and I placed second in a triathlon. It was like reverse aging. I went from feeling 38 to 28 to 18.”
So maybe gluten free diets truly are the new blood doping? If so, I will rightfully earn the chance to wear a running skirt and pink shirt during tomorrow's Half. Wish me luck :)
Favorite quote?
“It was like doping,” Winsberg, 42, said. “Suddenly I was running six-minute miles instead of nine-minute miles. Before I had placed in the bottom third in triathlons. Four weeks gluten free, and I placed second in a triathlon. It was like reverse aging. I went from feeling 38 to 28 to 18.”
So maybe gluten free diets truly are the new blood doping? If so, I will rightfully earn the chance to wear a running skirt and pink shirt during tomorrow's Half. Wish me luck :)
Monday, September 8, 2008
A Reunion.
Don't worry about the world ending today. It is already tomorrow in Australia.
-Charles Schultze
-Charles Schultze
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
An Uncanny Resemblance...
Jeff ran Falmouth in honor of Coach Jack Fultz. Thank you Brenda for posting a photo that scares the absolute hell out of me.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Career Running Quote
"The reason I run is that it makes everything easier for me, especially [in] the court."
-Richard Hamilton, Pistons
-Richard Hamilton, Pistons
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Cause 2.72 is just as great as 26.2
For those of you who have been lucky enough to not hear me complain over the past two months, I've been injured. I developed Baker's Cyst (thank you to Jack Fultz for that diagnosis and to my PT for the confirmation, no thanks to my primary care who quickly vetoed it), and had a throbbing pain on the inside of my knee (likely a torn MCL but never got the MRI to confirm).
Today is only Wednesday, and I can safely say that this is a good week. On Monday, after I passed a few "tests", my PT gave me clearance to run again. Granted, I was only given the go-ahead for a run/walk, but just to hear that I will be totally back on my feet soon enough was...a relief. Yesterday after work, I headed out to the Esplanade for my first run in 40 days (I swear I haven't been counting or anything). I ran for two minutes, and then walked for two minutes, per my PT's suggestion. Whenever someone would pass me when I switched into walk mode, I knew what they were thinking: Look at that girl dressed in pink running gear who cannot even run for more than two minutes at a time. What a toolbox. I did not care. I was out there again...and I had a smile on my face for the entire half hour run of 2.72 miles.
Like Lauren, I don't like the act of running. I get tired, my breathing gets funny, my muscles ache in random places, and now, in this hot weather - my face gets awkwardly beat red. The past 40 days on running hiatus have been hell for me. I spent a lot of the marathon training season questioning why I like running, if I do actually like it, or if I just like having something to do...at all times. I realized during this hiatus that I've missed it. Incredibly.
No matter how much I hate running, I hate not running more...I hate being told that I cannot just go out for a run when the weather is perfect. I hate not being able to run off my anger or stress or crazies. I hate not being able to eat or drink whatever I want because I am not running a gazillion miles a week. I hate having to make alternative plans for Tuesday nights. Most of all, I hate being told that I am "normal Lindsey again" now that I am not obsessed with running (when in reality, I am just not allowed that daily run).
Well my friends, I was not proud of this alleged "Normal Lindsey" of the past 40+ days. I was moody. I was not happy. I did not sleep well. I did not eat well. I did not smile as much as I used to. I developed a muffin top (true story).
I understand this may not be the response that many of you want to hear given that running and training took up so much of my time. Well, I am not willing to give it up, yet. If anything, I hated that it was taken away from me for almost 6 full weeks. So, today I signed up for this October's BAA Half Marathon...the very race that got me on this running kick in the first place.
A wise law professor once said: "The law is a jealous mistress." Well, running is a jealous mistress, as well....and I am happy to give it the time that it rightfully deserves.
I AM BACK FOLKS!!! :)
Today is only Wednesday, and I can safely say that this is a good week. On Monday, after I passed a few "tests", my PT gave me clearance to run again. Granted, I was only given the go-ahead for a run/walk, but just to hear that I will be totally back on my feet soon enough was...a relief. Yesterday after work, I headed out to the Esplanade for my first run in 40 days (I swear I haven't been counting or anything). I ran for two minutes, and then walked for two minutes, per my PT's suggestion. Whenever someone would pass me when I switched into walk mode, I knew what they were thinking: Look at that girl dressed in pink running gear who cannot even run for more than two minutes at a time. What a toolbox. I did not care. I was out there again...and I had a smile on my face for the entire half hour run of 2.72 miles.
Like Lauren, I don't like the act of running. I get tired, my breathing gets funny, my muscles ache in random places, and now, in this hot weather - my face gets awkwardly beat red. The past 40 days on running hiatus have been hell for me. I spent a lot of the marathon training season questioning why I like running, if I do actually like it, or if I just like having something to do...at all times. I realized during this hiatus that I've missed it. Incredibly.
No matter how much I hate running, I hate not running more...I hate being told that I cannot just go out for a run when the weather is perfect. I hate not being able to run off my anger or stress or crazies. I hate not being able to eat or drink whatever I want because I am not running a gazillion miles a week. I hate having to make alternative plans for Tuesday nights. Most of all, I hate being told that I am "normal Lindsey again" now that I am not obsessed with running (when in reality, I am just not allowed that daily run).
Well my friends, I was not proud of this alleged "Normal Lindsey" of the past 40+ days. I was moody. I was not happy. I did not sleep well. I did not eat well. I did not smile as much as I used to. I developed a muffin top (true story).
I understand this may not be the response that many of you want to hear given that running and training took up so much of my time. Well, I am not willing to give it up, yet. If anything, I hated that it was taken away from me for almost 6 full weeks. So, today I signed up for this October's BAA Half Marathon...the very race that got me on this running kick in the first place.
A wise law professor once said: "The law is a jealous mistress." Well, running is a jealous mistress, as well....and I am happy to give it the time that it rightfully deserves.
I AM BACK FOLKS!!! :)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Last Sister Standing.
Look at this! Two blogs in less than 12 hrs! Shocking, I know...but I may have something to say.
Tonight was the reception for all DFMC 10k participants. My sister, Ashley, was my +1. As many of you may remember, Ashley, more so than many others, thought my marathon and fundraising obsession was a bit...excessive, if you will. Well, after tonight - I think she gets it. I introduced her to all of my running friends, and by that, I mean, the few running friends that she is not Facebook friends with quite yet. I included in my proud introduction that she will be: "Running with us next year." After a very nice reception, she and I headed to the car to drop things off before grabbing a drink. She said, kiddingly, "I guess I really have to run this now, huh?"
We get to Longhorns after the reception with the usual suspects for drinks, gossip, and who knows what. Ashley was there for it all. She had the chance to hear Lauren and I finish eachother's sentences, and said that we are the "same person even though we are so different." She watched how Tyler could pretend to listen to me and Lauren speaking our own language, then respond with some quick, random Tyler thought (which we somehow were able to connect into our conversation). Ashley received relationship advice from the one and only, Laurie. She witnessed the brainpower behind the forming of TNT, and even suggested that we host one of the weekend group runs out of Needham. Ashley heard how frequently I was called "Glutes" and joined in the fun. She wholeheartedly defended Matt when all the girls said he looked "stressed out." As we left the bar, she had Coach Jack tell her that he will help with a training plan soon to get her into long-distance running. My adorable and sarcastic sister fit in perfectly.
On our car ride home to BH, Ashley reviewed the entire evening, and placed particular emphasis on how my running friends are "so awesome." She then proceeded to talk about her past few runs, and how hard they have been for her. Ashley mentioned that on her 5 mile run, she knew that she had to "just keep running." ("Keep on Keeping On", perhaps?) She said she no longer gets tired on 3 mile runs, and believes she has it in her to run more, given that she was an endurance athlete in high school (my swimming little sister). In all honesty, I do not think anything but running related activities and people were discussed during our ride back from DFCI to Beacon Hill.
As I headed into my apartment after Ashley dropped me off, I smiled and realized what had just happened. She got it. She caught the beginnings of the running bug that had me hooked sometime after our first trip to Redbones.
Ashley - I love you so much and am glad you came with me tonight. Welcome to the club. Just make sure you Facebook everyone by the morning.
Tonight was the reception for all DFMC 10k participants. My sister, Ashley, was my +1. As many of you may remember, Ashley, more so than many others, thought my marathon and fundraising obsession was a bit...excessive, if you will. Well, after tonight - I think she gets it. I introduced her to all of my running friends, and by that, I mean, the few running friends that she is not Facebook friends with quite yet. I included in my proud introduction that she will be: "Running with us next year." After a very nice reception, she and I headed to the car to drop things off before grabbing a drink. She said, kiddingly, "I guess I really have to run this now, huh?"
We get to Longhorns after the reception with the usual suspects for drinks, gossip, and who knows what. Ashley was there for it all. She had the chance to hear Lauren and I finish eachother's sentences, and said that we are the "same person even though we are so different." She watched how Tyler could pretend to listen to me and Lauren speaking our own language, then respond with some quick, random Tyler thought (which we somehow were able to connect into our conversation). Ashley received relationship advice from the one and only, Laurie. She witnessed the brainpower behind the forming of TNT, and even suggested that we host one of the weekend group runs out of Needham. Ashley heard how frequently I was called "Glutes" and joined in the fun. She wholeheartedly defended Matt when all the girls said he looked "stressed out." As we left the bar, she had Coach Jack tell her that he will help with a training plan soon to get her into long-distance running. My adorable and sarcastic sister fit in perfectly.
On our car ride home to BH, Ashley reviewed the entire evening, and placed particular emphasis on how my running friends are "so awesome." She then proceeded to talk about her past few runs, and how hard they have been for her. Ashley mentioned that on her 5 mile run, she knew that she had to "just keep running." ("Keep on Keeping On", perhaps?) She said she no longer gets tired on 3 mile runs, and believes she has it in her to run more, given that she was an endurance athlete in high school (my swimming little sister). In all honesty, I do not think anything but running related activities and people were discussed during our ride back from DFCI to Beacon Hill.
As I headed into my apartment after Ashley dropped me off, I smiled and realized what had just happened. She got it. She caught the beginnings of the running bug that had me hooked sometime after our first trip to Redbones.
Ashley - I love you so much and am glad you came with me tonight. Welcome to the club. Just make sure you Facebook everyone by the morning.
RW Quote of the Day
Life, and running, is not all about time but about our experiences along the way. -Jen Rhines
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Tomorrow I am more than halfway to 50....
...and I realize the majority of my runner friends are already there. But for me, that blows. I am having a mid-20s crisis and for serious am going schizo-bonker crazy with it.
I have not been blogging much. Actually, I have not blogged at all since the marathon (and I owe all 10 of you loyal readers the "marathon update blog" - it's coming...after the thank you notes, that is). I do not see a purpose in blogging if you do not have something good to say. Blogs are a bit self-righteous, and I know I am guilty of it too, especially as I write this cynical entry. Bottom line - it is just your public diary, and google owns the rights to it.
Well, I do not have something good to say, but believe you me, I have something to say.
My blogs about how I started running, show that each time was because something not so great happened. I got cut from two high school teams...default, I joined cross-country. A tent dweller broke up with me...I trained for the half. My aunt passed away from cancer...I ran a marathon in her memory. All of these things were good ways to channel negative energy.
Two weeks ago today, I ran 10 miles because another guy blindsided me. I strained my hip flexor, and had Jack tell me to rest and ice it. I was pissed. Was the guy who I started dating for the sole purpose of a donation to cancer research worth the injury? I do not think so. (Sorry if you read this, but that donation is tax deductible). So, I dealt with the way most girls do - I called the guy and told him he was cold and heartless...and, I went on retail therapy rage insisting I needed a yellow dress, so I tried on seven. Normal I know, but that behavior is not me.
I know - I know...I am not an old maid, and if anyone dares call me that this weekend, I will kick you where it hurts. But, I don't need to be constantly reminded of my singledom. With wedding season in full swing, I am cursing my cognitive psychology professor for teaching me about bottom up processing because everywhere I look, I see a cute couple. They plan double dates, and this lovely fifth wheel is asked to join for a drink later if lucky. They have taken over my Esplanade loops now that the weather is warm. I think they would really learn what love is if they saw eachother's snot freeze on a winter run.
So maybe there is not much of a purpose to this blog, but to ask for an easy birthday present from everyone in the world around me. Please - for one weekend - do not behave in such a way that places so much emphasis on my "Single" status. I know there is nothing wrong with it. In fact, I am going to embrace it for all the free gluten-free drinks and cancer research donations it is worth.
So what will this cynic do to start her birthday weekend? Run four miles and see the Sex and the City movie at midnight.
And I'll be sporting the little yellow dress tomorrow thank you very much. Who knows? Maybe Johnny Depp will show up and buy me a Stoli-O and Soda...
I have not been blogging much. Actually, I have not blogged at all since the marathon (and I owe all 10 of you loyal readers the "marathon update blog" - it's coming...after the thank you notes, that is). I do not see a purpose in blogging if you do not have something good to say. Blogs are a bit self-righteous, and I know I am guilty of it too, especially as I write this cynical entry. Bottom line - it is just your public diary, and google owns the rights to it.
Well, I do not have something good to say, but believe you me, I have something to say.
My blogs about how I started running, show that each time was because something not so great happened. I got cut from two high school teams...default, I joined cross-country. A tent dweller broke up with me...I trained for the half. My aunt passed away from cancer...I ran a marathon in her memory. All of these things were good ways to channel negative energy.
Two weeks ago today, I ran 10 miles because another guy blindsided me. I strained my hip flexor, and had Jack tell me to rest and ice it. I was pissed. Was the guy who I started dating for the sole purpose of a donation to cancer research worth the injury? I do not think so. (Sorry if you read this, but that donation is tax deductible). So, I dealt with the way most girls do - I called the guy and told him he was cold and heartless...and, I went on retail therapy rage insisting I needed a yellow dress, so I tried on seven. Normal I know, but that behavior is not me.
I know - I know...I am not an old maid, and if anyone dares call me that this weekend, I will kick you where it hurts. But, I don't need to be constantly reminded of my singledom. With wedding season in full swing, I am cursing my cognitive psychology professor for teaching me about bottom up processing because everywhere I look, I see a cute couple. They plan double dates, and this lovely fifth wheel is asked to join for a drink later if lucky. They have taken over my Esplanade loops now that the weather is warm. I think they would really learn what love is if they saw eachother's snot freeze on a winter run.
So maybe there is not much of a purpose to this blog, but to ask for an easy birthday present from everyone in the world around me. Please - for one weekend - do not behave in such a way that places so much emphasis on my "Single" status. I know there is nothing wrong with it. In fact, I am going to embrace it for all the free gluten-free drinks and cancer research donations it is worth.
So what will this cynic do to start her birthday weekend? Run four miles and see the Sex and the City movie at midnight.
And I'll be sporting the little yellow dress tomorrow thank you very much. Who knows? Maybe Johnny Depp will show up and buy me a Stoli-O and Soda...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Although I like B!tchin', being Wicked will do
And so it begins...So if you care to find me
Look to the Western Sky
As someone told me lately
Everyone deserves a chance to fly
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who ground me, take a message back from me...
...Tell them how I'm defying gravity...
Saturday, May 10, 2008
She's Back Folks!
After an AWESOME morning run, I am safely able to say that my body wants me running again! Now that finals are over, I will be able to blog a bit as well. Stay tuned for the blog that is three weeks overdue...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Skirting the Issue
If you run in a skirt, you gotta run fast. 'Cause when a 20 something year old guy (who was on your tail for 3 miles at your 8:30min/mile pace) sprints passed you and says "Nice skirt, lady", you cannot get pissed off.
To the chauvinist who bolted in front of me about 4 miles into my first run since the marathon: Enjoy it while it lasted cause I dare you to challenge me in a real race someday...not just some casual river run.
To the chauvinist who bolted in front of me about 4 miles into my first run since the marathon: Enjoy it while it lasted cause I dare you to challenge me in a real race someday...not just some casual river run.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
This Story's Pages
I refer you all to my friend Inbal's blog. I am fortunate to call her one of my best friends because she is by far the most selfless and pure person I know. Her father, Guy Alon, was recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. He is an incredible fighter and optimist, and I was proud to run in his honor on Monday the 21st. Inbal writes about her experience watching the marathon, and more importantly, her thoughts about optimism, and those who maintain positive attitudes here in her blog. Inbal - thank you for being in my life.
Elle Woods Post-Marathon
Elle: Here it is! (hands over resume)
Professor: It's Pink.
Elle: Oh! And it's scented! I think it gives it a little something extra, don't you think? OK, well, see you next class!
Professor: Do you think she woke up one morning and said: "I think I'll go to law school today."
Professor: It's Pink.
Elle: Oh! And it's scented! I think it gives it a little something extra, don't you think? OK, well, see you next class!
Professor: Do you think she woke up one morning and said: "I think I'll go to law school today."
Friday, April 25, 2008
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?
So I have not had much time to reflect and blog about last weekend. In sum, it was incredible. The Expo was so fun, the Pasta Party was inspirational, the Marathon was the coolest thing I have ever done, and the post-Marathon party was, well, eventful (photos to follow). If it wasn't for the quick transition into law school finals, I would be blogging away right now. Fortunately, my twin Lauren blogged about the emotions that she has confronted this past week. So, my dear readers, I refer you to the blog of my other half so you can read about how I am feeling at this moment as well. If finals get annoying and I want to procrastinate, I'll do my own blog. But for now, Lauren says it perfectly here.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
The day after the Marathon
This commercial epitomizes how my day went today. Thank you to the random truck driver who pulled over and said "you must have ran yesterday, huh?" I think it is time for bed now.
Mile by Mile
Starting line - wait, is this really the Boston Marathon?
Miles 1-3 - OK breathing, let's get normal here. Where's this partly cloudy weather at?
Mile 4 - My first "Thank you Dana-Farber" cheer. Wow - that makes me feel awesome
Miles 5-7 - FRAAAAMINGHAM, you are so pretty. Stef and I speed up a bit, I think it was the Gu.
Mile 7.5 - Hi Bobi, Liz, Eric, Cole and Tess! Please report back to everyone that I look awesome
Miles 8-11 - Gu again, body feels fine, but breathing feels funny. Four towns down, four big ones to go.
Mile 12 - getting on the left side so I don't get attacked by kissing Wellesley girls
Mile 13 - Halfway and feeling fine. Need more water though - damn it's hot out.
Mile 14 and 15 - Hey Rapoports! Hey Breed and Mich! Great cheerers. Grossmans Downhill, I still love you.
Mile 16 - Lost Stef, but for good reason cause my family rocks. Ash, you are doing this next year. Thank you to Mom, Dad, Ash, Grammie, Auntie Elyce, Uncle Mark, Arlene, Auntie Randi, Leah and Jason...you guys are a great fan club!
Mile 17 - Hey Kim Kelly! Hey Dana-Farber cheering crew. OK - here we go, straight up Doing the Thursday
Mile 18 - Two of the four hills down...
Mile 19 - Guy Alon - you are my hero. And wait...there goes a few toenails
Mile 19.5 - Random asking "Is this heartbreak?" Someone else says "yes" My response? "It's coming up next, sorry about it." Same person who thought he knew the course so well was walking up heartbreak a half mile later
Miles 20-21 - Oh Johnny Kelley, how did you do it? Ouch ouch - there goes my right calf.
Mile 22 - drunk BC girls - stop running through the course cause although I just ran 22, I still will find the energy to punch you in the face. Hi Amy and Gail!
Mile 23 - Jenny, Tevya and Becky & Scott Brizzle. Great greeting. I think my legs may be numb.
Mile 24 - Hey Colleen! Hey Sheede! I need more water
Mile 24.5 - My 2B'ers + Ali, you guys freakin ROCK!
Mile 25 - A reminder, why I am running this. Thank you Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge volunteers and Jimmy Fund Patient-Partners. Your screams were awesome
Mile 26 - Turning onto Hereford. My jaw drops. Hereford is finally here and I look at the crowd and say "Oh my gosh, I am running a marathon." Someone in the crowd responds: "You didn't realize that 26 miles ago?" I guess not.
Mile 26.1 - Needhams + BC, your cheers sounded sober
Mile 26.2 - Look up at the camera and smile cause I AM A BOSTON MARATHONER.
Miles 1-3 - OK breathing, let's get normal here. Where's this partly cloudy weather at?
Mile 4 - My first "Thank you Dana-Farber" cheer. Wow - that makes me feel awesome
Miles 5-7 - FRAAAAMINGHAM, you are so pretty. Stef and I speed up a bit, I think it was the Gu.
Mile 7.5 - Hi Bobi, Liz, Eric, Cole and Tess! Please report back to everyone that I look awesome
Miles 8-11 - Gu again, body feels fine, but breathing feels funny. Four towns down, four big ones to go.
Mile 12 - getting on the left side so I don't get attacked by kissing Wellesley girls
Mile 13 - Halfway and feeling fine. Need more water though - damn it's hot out.
Mile 14 and 15 - Hey Rapoports! Hey Breed and Mich! Great cheerers. Grossmans Downhill, I still love you.
Mile 16 - Lost Stef, but for good reason cause my family rocks. Ash, you are doing this next year. Thank you to Mom, Dad, Ash, Grammie, Auntie Elyce, Uncle Mark, Arlene, Auntie Randi, Leah and Jason...you guys are a great fan club!
Mile 17 - Hey Kim Kelly! Hey Dana-Farber cheering crew. OK - here we go, straight up Doing the Thursday
Mile 18 - Two of the four hills down...
Mile 19 - Guy Alon - you are my hero. And wait...there goes a few toenails
Mile 19.5 - Random asking "Is this heartbreak?" Someone else says "yes" My response? "It's coming up next, sorry about it." Same person who thought he knew the course so well was walking up heartbreak a half mile later
Miles 20-21 - Oh Johnny Kelley, how did you do it? Ouch ouch - there goes my right calf.
Mile 22 - drunk BC girls - stop running through the course cause although I just ran 22, I still will find the energy to punch you in the face. Hi Amy and Gail!
Mile 23 - Jenny, Tevya and Becky & Scott Brizzle. Great greeting. I think my legs may be numb.
Mile 24 - Hey Colleen! Hey Sheede! I need more water
Mile 24.5 - My 2B'ers + Ali, you guys freakin ROCK!
Mile 25 - A reminder, why I am running this. Thank you Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge volunteers and Jimmy Fund Patient-Partners. Your screams were awesome
Mile 26 - Turning onto Hereford. My jaw drops. Hereford is finally here and I look at the crowd and say "Oh my gosh, I am running a marathon." Someone in the crowd responds: "You didn't realize that 26 miles ago?" I guess not.
Mile 26.1 - Needhams + BC, your cheers sounded sober
Mile 26.2 - Look up at the camera and smile cause I AM A BOSTON MARATHONER.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Well, we can check that off my to-do list.
I RAN BOSTON.
4:04:38
AMAZING.
Thank you all for your support.
4:04:38
AMAZING.
Thank you all for your support.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
LET'S DO THIS.
Bag packed.
Nails painted.
Shirt washed.
Carbs consumed.
Tears of inspiration shed.
Smiles exchanged.
Well wishes granted.
Alarm clock set.
I am ready.
This time tomorrow, I will be a Boston Marathoner. Sweeeeeeet.
Shocked or Surprised? Impressed or Inspired? Let me know cause it is not too late to donate here.
Nails painted.
Shirt washed.
Carbs consumed.
Tears of inspiration shed.
Smiles exchanged.
Well wishes granted.
Alarm clock set.
I am ready.
This time tomorrow, I will be a Boston Marathoner. Sweeeeeeet.
Shocked or Surprised? Impressed or Inspired? Let me know cause it is not too late to donate here.
I Would Like to Thank the Academy.
It's been quite the journey and I can hardly believe that I am writing my last blog entry before the big dance. I know I am following many of my fellow DFMC bloggers, but this is something I need to do:
To the 200 donors - you all are fabulous. To the friends, family, friends of family, family of friends, and completely random strangers who donated - thank you for helping get to, and surpass, my fundraising goal.
To my friends and family who have PUT UP WITH ME these past couple months, thank you for listening to my running nonsense when I know you could care less about it, and thank you for being such good pretenders and leading me to believe that everything I told you was the most interesting thing you had heard all day.
The DFMC staff - thank you guys for making everything so easy. All I ever have to do is show up and run, and send out a few letters to get donations. Your organization and dedication allowed it to be this way.
To the volunteers - thank you for YOUR early mornings, the perfect mixtures of gatorade-water, and your smiles on freezing cold Boston winter days whenever we do these insane runs.
To Jack Fultz - thank you for just always knowing exactly what to say and when to say it, and for always making anyone you talk to feel like the most important person in the world. Best coach ever.
To Tyler - thank you for getting me sucked into this addiction that is running for a cure for cancer. Your positive attitude throughout training really got me through some of the hardest times.
To the rest of my DFMC buddies - the road just starts here. Thank you for letting me chat your ears off, for being some great post-run drinkers, and for just always being there. I am so glad I met you all and look forward to continuing these new-found friendships.
Mom, Dad and Ashley - thank you. The three of you have put up with me more than everyone combined. It means the world to me to have your support, even though I did get a bit annoying. Mom, thank you for putting in the "face time" to my training - having you in New Bedford and even at Shifter's run was amazing. I think all your time and support will make up for the fact that you missed that silly Kindergarten Coffee Hour :) Dad - thank you for your multitude of random Jewish-style donations. No matter how busy tax season got, you still managed to find time to "listen" to my silly little running stresses. Thanks for coming tonight - it meant a lot to me as well. And Ashley - you are the best sister any girl could ever ask for. I am sorry if I bored you with my stories of running, and I promise that in return, you can tell me all your gross stories about what you encounter on a daily basis in nursing clinical...and I will listen, and care. You are amazing.
Auntie Nancy - I know you are out there looking down on me right now and are smiling that big smile of yours. You have been my inspiration throughout all of this training and fundraising. Thank you for getting me this far. If I hit the wall at any point tomorrow, I know you will be there to help me. The battle you fought was more courageous than any little 26.2 mile race could ever be. I love you so much and miss you always.
To the 200 donors - you all are fabulous. To the friends, family, friends of family, family of friends, and completely random strangers who donated - thank you for helping get to, and surpass, my fundraising goal.
To my friends and family who have PUT UP WITH ME these past couple months, thank you for listening to my running nonsense when I know you could care less about it, and thank you for being such good pretenders and leading me to believe that everything I told you was the most interesting thing you had heard all day.
The DFMC staff - thank you guys for making everything so easy. All I ever have to do is show up and run, and send out a few letters to get donations. Your organization and dedication allowed it to be this way.
To the volunteers - thank you for YOUR early mornings, the perfect mixtures of gatorade-water, and your smiles on freezing cold Boston winter days whenever we do these insane runs.
To Jack Fultz - thank you for just always knowing exactly what to say and when to say it, and for always making anyone you talk to feel like the most important person in the world. Best coach ever.
To Tyler - thank you for getting me sucked into this addiction that is running for a cure for cancer. Your positive attitude throughout training really got me through some of the hardest times.
To the rest of my DFMC buddies - the road just starts here. Thank you for letting me chat your ears off, for being some great post-run drinkers, and for just always being there. I am so glad I met you all and look forward to continuing these new-found friendships.
Mom, Dad and Ashley - thank you. The three of you have put up with me more than everyone combined. It means the world to me to have your support, even though I did get a bit annoying. Mom, thank you for putting in the "face time" to my training - having you in New Bedford and even at Shifter's run was amazing. I think all your time and support will make up for the fact that you missed that silly Kindergarten Coffee Hour :) Dad - thank you for your multitude of random Jewish-style donations. No matter how busy tax season got, you still managed to find time to "listen" to my silly little running stresses. Thanks for coming tonight - it meant a lot to me as well. And Ashley - you are the best sister any girl could ever ask for. I am sorry if I bored you with my stories of running, and I promise that in return, you can tell me all your gross stories about what you encounter on a daily basis in nursing clinical...and I will listen, and care. You are amazing.
Auntie Nancy - I know you are out there looking down on me right now and are smiling that big smile of yours. You have been my inspiration throughout all of this training and fundraising. Thank you for getting me this far. If I hit the wall at any point tomorrow, I know you will be there to help me. The battle you fought was more courageous than any little 26.2 mile race could ever be. I love you so much and miss you always.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Nordstroms for Runners
Picked up my number this morning with Jeff. Then, we proceeded into the fun that is the Marathon Expo. Insanity I tell ya. It was like walking into Bloomie's or Nordstroms. I am not much of a shopper, but for some reason, those two stores are organized to my brain. Well, the Expo, although a bit overwhelming, was organized to my brain as well. I made a handful of purchases (and don't worry - I finally got the shorts I need to wear on Monday...phew!), and tested out all the gluten-free samples they had in the room. Good times. I would like to thank Jeff for his patience as I insisted on doing a few extra laps around some parts of the expo.
So now, with my shirt and new shorts and NUMBER in hand, I am ready for Monday. Time to start the carbo-loading
So now, with my shirt and new shorts and NUMBER in hand, I am ready for Monday. Time to start the carbo-loading
Thursday, April 17, 2008
"people say i live in my own world. that's ok. they know me there."
Well it's been a whirlwind week already. I've been watching all of my fellow law school friends get psycho about finals, and I am realizing that I am not even there yet. As of this past Tuesday, I had to complete my final trial. Next up - run a marathon. Then I can study for finals. My friend-cousin Matt on Saturday said to me: "Between law school and running, you are now a part of two crazy subcultures that the rest of the world just cannot relate to whatsoever." My young homeroom buddy...wise beyond his years.
After my first year of law school, my ability to communicate with the outside world was just...not there. The only people I could talk to were my law school friends and my dad, who also is a lawyer. No one else got it. The jokes I found funny were not funny to anyone outside of school. Statute of Limitations abbreviation is SOL, like Sh!t Outta Luck. The interesting things in the news were not interesting to anyone else. Did they really just make partial birth abortion illegal? I became completely, socially inept. But, in a funny way, I kinda liked it.
I used to be a sports nut, a reality TV junkie, and a girl who needed her daily siestas. Fast forward to when I started this marathon'ing insanity. This led me to scheduling classes around running (so what if I am in class til 9 on Monday and Wednesday, I get to the track on Tuesday nights and Crossroads on Thursdays, don't I?). With the late nights at Redbones, and the increase in both my weekly miles and school workload, I lost any form of loyalty to American Idol, Top Model, and The Hills. I became too busy to nap - in fact, I would rather run when I was tired than get into my bed. I turned down my sister's extra ticket to the Sox-Yanks game on Saturday because I wanted to get a run in before it started monsooning. With this action, my favorite ATLien, Andrew, had enough. In his words: "You are an entirely different person now." That comment hit me, and I've been thinking about it ever since.
I wouldn't say I am a different person. I just think I have a different outlook on things. Of course the Red Sox are always up there, but an April game in the rain (during exam and marathon crunch time) was not at the top of my to-do list. But I realize that everything I talk about with my friends and family is running related. I tell them about the marathon or how cool Coach Fultz and my running friends are or the number of Gu's I eat or the new sneakers I just bought or how much money I raised for cancer research or my unhappiness about the silk screen job on my marathon shirt. And get this - NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. I really didn't get why that was.
So, at times, I pretended that none of this happened. I shrugged my shoulders to the 22 miler from Hopkinton to BC and acted like it wasn't the best run of my life. I tried not to cringe every time I had to walk down a flight of stairs at school following a long run or a track workout. I pretended that my running friends are not the most incredible circle of people I have met in a while. I acted like this year hasn't been the most life changing experience imaginable...
But in reality, I cannot pretend that much longer. Maybe this explains why the only people who said exactly what I needed to hear after the silk-screening crisis were my DFMC friends Tyler and Lauren because they knew - it was more than just a shirt. (Sheede you were fabulous in a way that only a best friend could be with immediate crisis control though). Maybe this is why I teared up at the end of the Spirit of the Marathon documentary tonight knowing that this has been such a journey and that there are very few people out there who can relate to what I am experiencing. Maybe this confirms my fear of the unknown - not necessarily the emotions surrounding the running of my first marathon - but the letdown of "now what?" when the date reads: Tuesday April 22nd.
In anticipation of this upcoming weekend, I look forward to spending time with the DFMC'ers from the Marathon Expo tomorrow to the DFMC pasta party on Sunday to Hopkinton on Monday morning to Copley on Monday afternoon to Shifter's party on Monday evening. I will fall comfortably back into my own little world, where everyone in the outside one just doesn't get it. As far as I am concerned, the people in this world know me, so I am OK with that.
After my first year of law school, my ability to communicate with the outside world was just...not there. The only people I could talk to were my law school friends and my dad, who also is a lawyer. No one else got it. The jokes I found funny were not funny to anyone outside of school. Statute of Limitations abbreviation is SOL, like Sh!t Outta Luck. The interesting things in the news were not interesting to anyone else. Did they really just make partial birth abortion illegal? I became completely, socially inept. But, in a funny way, I kinda liked it.
I used to be a sports nut, a reality TV junkie, and a girl who needed her daily siestas. Fast forward to when I started this marathon'ing insanity. This led me to scheduling classes around running (so what if I am in class til 9 on Monday and Wednesday, I get to the track on Tuesday nights and Crossroads on Thursdays, don't I?). With the late nights at Redbones, and the increase in both my weekly miles and school workload, I lost any form of loyalty to American Idol, Top Model, and The Hills. I became too busy to nap - in fact, I would rather run when I was tired than get into my bed. I turned down my sister's extra ticket to the Sox-Yanks game on Saturday because I wanted to get a run in before it started monsooning. With this action, my favorite ATLien, Andrew, had enough. In his words: "You are an entirely different person now." That comment hit me, and I've been thinking about it ever since.
I wouldn't say I am a different person. I just think I have a different outlook on things. Of course the Red Sox are always up there, but an April game in the rain (during exam and marathon crunch time) was not at the top of my to-do list. But I realize that everything I talk about with my friends and family is running related. I tell them about the marathon or how cool Coach Fultz and my running friends are or the number of Gu's I eat or the new sneakers I just bought or how much money I raised for cancer research or my unhappiness about the silk screen job on my marathon shirt. And get this - NO ONE SEEMS TO CARE. I really didn't get why that was.
So, at times, I pretended that none of this happened. I shrugged my shoulders to the 22 miler from Hopkinton to BC and acted like it wasn't the best run of my life. I tried not to cringe every time I had to walk down a flight of stairs at school following a long run or a track workout. I pretended that my running friends are not the most incredible circle of people I have met in a while. I acted like this year hasn't been the most life changing experience imaginable...
But in reality, I cannot pretend that much longer. Maybe this explains why the only people who said exactly what I needed to hear after the silk-screening crisis were my DFMC friends Tyler and Lauren because they knew - it was more than just a shirt. (Sheede you were fabulous in a way that only a best friend could be with immediate crisis control though). Maybe this is why I teared up at the end of the Spirit of the Marathon documentary tonight knowing that this has been such a journey and that there are very few people out there who can relate to what I am experiencing. Maybe this confirms my fear of the unknown - not necessarily the emotions surrounding the running of my first marathon - but the letdown of "now what?" when the date reads: Tuesday April 22nd.
In anticipation of this upcoming weekend, I look forward to spending time with the DFMC'ers from the Marathon Expo tomorrow to the DFMC pasta party on Sunday to Hopkinton on Monday morning to Copley on Monday afternoon to Shifter's party on Monday evening. I will fall comfortably back into my own little world, where everyone in the outside one just doesn't get it. As far as I am concerned, the people in this world know me, so I am OK with that.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Hopped on the Bandwagon...
...cause I got a pre-marathon hair cut.
Getting a mani/pedi tomorrow.
I feel like the marathon is like prom for runners. Too bad our limo to Hopkinton is just a yellow school bus.
Getting a mani/pedi tomorrow.
I feel like the marathon is like prom for runners. Too bad our limo to Hopkinton is just a yellow school bus.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
WE DID IT.
So thank you to the 175 people who got me there.
The rest of you -- you can still do it, and get on my good side.
The rest of you -- you can still do it, and get on my good side.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Week of April 13th
Sunday 4/13: nada
Monday 4/14: 6 miles (55min)
Tuesday 4/15: nada
Wednesday 4/16: 3miles
Thursday 4/17: rest
Friday 4/18: 2.8 miles with the coolest Italian on the planet to test out the Race Ready shorts
Saturday 4/19: pasta and jewishness
Monday 4/14: 6 miles (55min)
Tuesday 4/15: nada
Wednesday 4/16: 3miles
Thursday 4/17: rest
Friday 4/18: 2.8 miles with the coolest Italian on the planet to test out the Race Ready shorts
Saturday 4/19: pasta and jewishness
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Cue: "The Voice of Unreasonable Optimism"
Here we go - April 21st is officially showing up on the extended weather forecast. Sunny (or mostly cloudy depending on what weather website you are looking at); High 56 (or 53); Low 42 (or 43) - Chance of Precipitation 10 (or 20%). Looking good so far.
Now that Patriots Day is actually showing up on the weather forecast, it is time for me to dictate what I need from you - my blog readers - over the next week. I chatted with Chris George this morning, and told him the predicted weather forecast. His Debbie Downer response? "Keep in mind that at this time in 2004, it said 50 and overcast, and it was 87 on Marathon Day. Be patient." Alright folks, this is something I do NOT want to hear from you over the next week. Chris, I appreciate the fact that you are the voice of reason right now...but I need the unreasonable voice at this time.
The voice of unreasonable optimism. (as Lauren so astutely put it)
So, to my blog readers - this is what I expect to hear from you over the next week:
If I freak out because I haven't reached my goal of $10,000 and you have already donated, just forward my blog site onto someone who you think would be interested in donating money to finding a cure for cancer. When I threaten tossing my new Garmin GPS watch out the window because I am technologically inept, tell me that it involves one quick configuration of my lap times and I should be OK. When I freak out about what shorts I am going to buy, and when I am going to find time to buy them before the marathon, remind me that I always procrastinate and I should be fine with finding something last minute and whatever I find will be so perfect for marathon day that even the Kenyans will come up to me and ask where I purchased them. If I feel like all of my muscles are turning to jelly and I won't have any muscle left on the 21st because of this whole "tapering" concept that makes me so damn nervous, let me know that even the b!tching fast runners are resting right now and there is a reason why every runner is supposed to do this before the big race. If I snap at you when you ask "So where is a good place to stand to cheer you on?", realize that I don't want to be rude but rather every place along 26.2 miles is a good place to stand and if you just tell me where you WILL be standing, I will be able to find you. Conversely, if you say "I will see you out on the course and I will find you", know that I am flipping out because that probably won't be the case and I will need to know your whereabouts before that Monday, and that I appreciate your desire to "surprise" me, but I am afraid there will be one too many not-so-good surprises on marathon day (this is your moment to say "Lindsey, everything is going to be fine. Stop being so nervous."). If I express nerves about my new purple toenail, remind me that all runners get them at some point or another, and under no circumstances will this toenail decide to fall off in the middle of Heartbreak Hill. When I mention that I am an insomniac and wake up every morning by 8AM (including weekends), tell me that this is a good thing because it is preparing me for the ungodly hour that I have to wake up on Marathon Monday. If I breakdown crying for no apparent reason whatsoever, offer to get a manicure with me this week because I've had my best runs within a few days of getting my nails done. If I am still crying, offer to watch any of my Johnny Depp movies with me. If I tell you that I don't think that I will break a four hour marathon time, remind me that I have been training like whoa and will kick that four hour marathon time in the you know what...
And when I spaz out because the weather could end up sucking, remind me that I have run in worse.
In the meantime, pray to the weather gods above that it will be mid 50s, partly cloudy and strong tailwinds.
And donate, if you haven't already.
Now that Patriots Day is actually showing up on the weather forecast, it is time for me to dictate what I need from you - my blog readers - over the next week. I chatted with Chris George this morning, and told him the predicted weather forecast. His Debbie Downer response? "Keep in mind that at this time in 2004, it said 50 and overcast, and it was 87 on Marathon Day. Be patient." Alright folks, this is something I do NOT want to hear from you over the next week. Chris, I appreciate the fact that you are the voice of reason right now...but I need the unreasonable voice at this time.
The voice of unreasonable optimism. (as Lauren so astutely put it)
So, to my blog readers - this is what I expect to hear from you over the next week:
If I freak out because I haven't reached my goal of $10,000 and you have already donated, just forward my blog site onto someone who you think would be interested in donating money to finding a cure for cancer. When I threaten tossing my new Garmin GPS watch out the window because I am technologically inept, tell me that it involves one quick configuration of my lap times and I should be OK. When I freak out about what shorts I am going to buy, and when I am going to find time to buy them before the marathon, remind me that I always procrastinate and I should be fine with finding something last minute and whatever I find will be so perfect for marathon day that even the Kenyans will come up to me and ask where I purchased them. If I feel like all of my muscles are turning to jelly and I won't have any muscle left on the 21st because of this whole "tapering" concept that makes me so damn nervous, let me know that even the b!tching fast runners are resting right now and there is a reason why every runner is supposed to do this before the big race. If I snap at you when you ask "So where is a good place to stand to cheer you on?", realize that I don't want to be rude but rather every place along 26.2 miles is a good place to stand and if you just tell me where you WILL be standing, I will be able to find you. Conversely, if you say "I will see you out on the course and I will find you", know that I am flipping out because that probably won't be the case and I will need to know your whereabouts before that Monday, and that I appreciate your desire to "surprise" me, but I am afraid there will be one too many not-so-good surprises on marathon day (this is your moment to say "Lindsey, everything is going to be fine. Stop being so nervous."). If I express nerves about my new purple toenail, remind me that all runners get them at some point or another, and under no circumstances will this toenail decide to fall off in the middle of Heartbreak Hill. When I mention that I am an insomniac and wake up every morning by 8AM (including weekends), tell me that this is a good thing because it is preparing me for the ungodly hour that I have to wake up on Marathon Monday. If I breakdown crying for no apparent reason whatsoever, offer to get a manicure with me this week because I've had my best runs within a few days of getting my nails done. If I am still crying, offer to watch any of my Johnny Depp movies with me. If I tell you that I don't think that I will break a four hour marathon time, remind me that I have been training like whoa and will kick that four hour marathon time in the you know what...
And when I spaz out because the weather could end up sucking, remind me that I have run in worse.
In the meantime, pray to the weather gods above that it will be mid 50s, partly cloudy and strong tailwinds.
And donate, if you haven't already.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
A Comment that Humbled Me
"You aren't a marathoner. A marathoner is someone who has run at least two marathons. You are a runner, though."
Boston, I am so ready for you...
A fun video of the course with the race director who has a wicked pissah Boston accent.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Inspirational Quote
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning."
- Louis L'Amour 1908
- Louis L'Amour 1908
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
A Few Links
I have a few links to share with you all regarding my food consumption over the next couple weeks.
As many of you already know, the marathon conveniently falls on the third day of Passover. For most observant Jewish runners, this poses a problem because they have to change their normal pre long run carb-loading methods from pasta and bread to matzoh....and matzoh. Well fortunately (or unfortunately?) for me, my gluten allergy is so damn fabulous that I am allergic to the cardboard that all Jews are forced to eat on Passover. So, I will still be eating my delicious gluten free penne rice pasta with chicken and broccoli the night before the big dance. I do feel bad though, for the rest of the tribal members running Boston who are observing the holiday. But hey, chocolate covered matzoh wouldn't be such a bad Gu-substitute, right?
The Marathon Mama, Kristina, today found a link to a study: "Women who run regularly should make sure they eat enough fat." Now, for those of you who have seen me in action these past couple months, you probably know that I am very willing and able to increase my fat consumption. In fact, I am very willing to increase consumption of pretty much anything (with the exception of those vital wheat glutens out there). Some nutritionists have instructed marathon runners that just because they are running the marathon does not mean they can eat whatever they want. I would rather listen to Coach Jack's advice (and this study's confirmation), that I can eat whatever I want...just in moderation. Now, where are the coconut sorbet and Snickers Bars at?
As many of you already know, the marathon conveniently falls on the third day of Passover. For most observant Jewish runners, this poses a problem because they have to change their normal pre long run carb-loading methods from pasta and bread to matzoh....and matzoh. Well fortunately (or unfortunately?) for me, my gluten allergy is so damn fabulous that I am allergic to the cardboard that all Jews are forced to eat on Passover. So, I will still be eating my delicious gluten free penne rice pasta with chicken and broccoli the night before the big dance. I do feel bad though, for the rest of the tribal members running Boston who are observing the holiday. But hey, chocolate covered matzoh wouldn't be such a bad Gu-substitute, right?
The Marathon Mama, Kristina, today found a link to a study: "Women who run regularly should make sure they eat enough fat." Now, for those of you who have seen me in action these past couple months, you probably know that I am very willing and able to increase my fat consumption. In fact, I am very willing to increase consumption of pretty much anything (with the exception of those vital wheat glutens out there). Some nutritionists have instructed marathon runners that just because they are running the marathon does not mean they can eat whatever they want. I would rather listen to Coach Jack's advice (and this study's confirmation), that I can eat whatever I want...just in moderation. Now, where are the coconut sorbet and Snickers Bars at?
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Week of April 6th
Sunday 4/6: rest
Monday 4/7: 3miles elliptical, lift and abs
Tuesday 4/8: Track workout on my own at NHS Track: High School Hill Repeats (6x); 4X200m (200m rest in between); 3X400m (200m rest); 2X600m (200m rest); tempo pace 1 mile run back to my parents' house for taco dinner :)
Wednesday 4/9: rest
Thursday 4/10: 6 around the river with Crossroads DFMC crew
Friday 4/11:
Saturday 4/12: 5 miles (41:15)
Monday 4/7: 3miles elliptical, lift and abs
Tuesday 4/8: Track workout on my own at NHS Track: High School Hill Repeats (6x); 4X200m (200m rest in between); 3X400m (200m rest); 2X600m (200m rest); tempo pace 1 mile run back to my parents' house for taco dinner :)
Wednesday 4/9: rest
Thursday 4/10: 6 around the river with Crossroads DFMC crew
Friday 4/11:
Saturday 4/12: 5 miles (41:15)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Not only are the banners out...
...but the 2008 Boston Marathon Adidas Ads are out too!
I may have taken pics of a few of them tonight in the Copley T stop. I would have taken more pictures, but I didn't think it was appropriate to walk across the tracks to get to the other posters. True story. I love the catch phrases for all this: "Impossible is Nothing. Boston is Everything." And, "Mind over Body. Body over Hill." BRING IT ON!!!
I may have taken pics of a few of them tonight in the Copley T stop. I would have taken more pictures, but I didn't think it was appropriate to walk across the tracks to get to the other posters. True story. I love the catch phrases for all this: "Impossible is Nothing. Boston is Everything." And, "Mind over Body. Body over Hill." BRING IT ON!!!
Last Long One & Shifter's Race
Yesterday was our last long run. I am not going to bore you all with the details, but it was a bad run for me (Sorry Laur and Ty, I know you have heard enough of this already). My shins hurt, I was tired and my tummy was not too hot. I decided that I have one bad run a month, and this was my bad run of April. So...onto the next GOOD run...April 21st por favor?
After our run, a few of us helped out at Shifter's race (while others ran). It was a lot of fun, and Shifter made a lot of money for Dana-Farber which was great too. We celebrated Tyler's birthday with some (un)necessary shots of Jack, and crazy car decorations. We also helped Jeff out with his RJ Crowley's gift certificate for his second place race finish. Our afternoon ended with a car dance party. After this celebration, we are thoroughly looking forward to Shifter's post-marathon party on the 21st.
(L to R: Meghan, Tyler, Me, Lauren and Jeff)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Running through My Running History...
Last night was the last time that I will see the Newton hills before April 21st. I ran with Lauren, my fellow first time DFMC'er, who everyone swears is my other half, and neither of us would ever deny such a title. The weather was great, we wore shorts, and had some much needed catch up conversation throughout our routine 9+ mile journey from Woodland to Copley. The run itself was a bit nostalgic for me for many reasons....
I was never much of a runner growing up. In fact, I was never much of anything athletic. I lacked coordination, as evidenced by the fact that I was in the back corner in every dance recital. My parents still encouraged my participation in soccer, softball, and jazz and ballet classes. When I was one of five kids cut from the swim team freshmen year in high school (after getting the ax from the volleyball team one week earlier), I got a call from Coach Shields, the girls cross country coach. I hated running, and I was sick at the thought of running such crazy distances, which ironically, at the time were not more than 4 miles. All my athletic friends were a part of the soccer, volleyball , or field hockey team. I joined the cross country team because I wanted to be a part of a team as well. I wasn't a B!tching fast runner. In fact, our team averaged only 2 wins a season. But, I felt confident and found a group of people who motivated me to not only be a better runner, but a better student and overall person. Three seasons later, I was elected captain and could help motivate and build confidence in other "new runners."
Well, after Lauren and I climbed the hills last night, we ran by the Dunkin Donuts at BC. My friend Chris came running
out to give me a hug. He had just finished running a tempo run on the hills with his club. Chris and I were co-captains of cross-country, along with our friends Sheede and Lorin. The four of us have remained close over the years. Sheede is by far one of my best friends of all time. Sheede and I typically called each other "Oh Captain! My Co-Captain!", our spin on Walt Whitman's poem, but a line that became dear to us watching Dead Poets Society in our Latin class (taught by Kevin O'Malley, one of our cross-country coaches). Lorin has been serving in Iraq after graduating from West Point. Despite this, we manage to see each other whenever he returns to the states, including hopefully this weekend when he is home! (from left to right: Chris, Sheede, Lorin, and yours truly - Thanksgiving 2005)
I took a running hiatus in college. I worked out a bit, but not nearly as much as I probably would have liked, and certainly would have needed, given the Freshman 15 that I gained, but never lost.
But the runner in me came out of hibernation last summer, and my run last night reminded me why. After turning onto Beacon, Lauren and I were chatting away as per usual. I looked to my right and across the street was a guy who I dated briefly last summer. After courting me like crazy, he ended it out of the blue, saying some vague things related to the fact that he "didn't know where it was going" and he "wasn't over the Ex." All of this is fine in hindsight, and I still forever have respect for him because he didn't drag me along for the ride. When I heard this though, it was a shock. Rather than eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's and watching Love Actually, I went for a run around the river. And the next day...I did the same...but this run was followed up by my impulse decision to sign up for the BAA Half. Halfway through training for that, I had another impulse decision and applied to run Boston as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team.
Lauren and I finished our run by crossing the finish line after a sprint down Boylston (Jack always said: "Start slow, finish strong"). I stared down the finish line, and said "See ya on April 21st, B!TCH!".
We ended our evening at Crossroads by throwing a few beverages back with the DFMC crew. Through random life circumstance, I found a team again. A group of people who boost my confidence, always keep me smiling, and motivate me to become both a better runner and a better person.
And the rest is history.
I was never much of a runner growing up. In fact, I was never much of anything athletic. I lacked coordination, as evidenced by the fact that I was in the back corner in every dance recital. My parents still encouraged my participation in soccer, softball, and jazz and ballet classes. When I was one of five kids cut from the swim team freshmen year in high school (after getting the ax from the volleyball team one week earlier), I got a call from Coach Shields, the girls cross country coach. I hated running, and I was sick at the thought of running such crazy distances, which ironically, at the time were not more than 4 miles. All my athletic friends were a part of the soccer, volleyball , or field hockey team. I joined the cross country team because I wanted to be a part of a team as well. I wasn't a B!tching fast runner. In fact, our team averaged only 2 wins a season. But, I felt confident and found a group of people who motivated me to not only be a better runner, but a better student and overall person. Three seasons later, I was elected captain and could help motivate and build confidence in other "new runners."
Well, after Lauren and I climbed the hills last night, we ran by the Dunkin Donuts at BC. My friend Chris came running
out to give me a hug. He had just finished running a tempo run on the hills with his club. Chris and I were co-captains of cross-country, along with our friends Sheede and Lorin. The four of us have remained close over the years. Sheede is by far one of my best friends of all time. Sheede and I typically called each other "Oh Captain! My Co-Captain!", our spin on Walt Whitman's poem, but a line that became dear to us watching Dead Poets Society in our Latin class (taught by Kevin O'Malley, one of our cross-country coaches). Lorin has been serving in Iraq after graduating from West Point. Despite this, we manage to see each other whenever he returns to the states, including hopefully this weekend when he is home! (from left to right: Chris, Sheede, Lorin, and yours truly - Thanksgiving 2005)I took a running hiatus in college. I worked out a bit, but not nearly as much as I probably would have liked, and certainly would have needed, given the Freshman 15 that I gained, but never lost.
But the runner in me came out of hibernation last summer, and my run last night reminded me why. After turning onto Beacon, Lauren and I were chatting away as per usual. I looked to my right and across the street was a guy who I dated briefly last summer. After courting me like crazy, he ended it out of the blue, saying some vague things related to the fact that he "didn't know where it was going" and he "wasn't over the Ex." All of this is fine in hindsight, and I still forever have respect for him because he didn't drag me along for the ride. When I heard this though, it was a shock. Rather than eating a pint of Ben & Jerry's and watching Love Actually, I went for a run around the river. And the next day...I did the same...but this run was followed up by my impulse decision to sign up for the BAA Half. Halfway through training for that, I had another impulse decision and applied to run Boston as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team.
Lauren and I finished our run by crossing the finish line after a sprint down Boylston (Jack always said: "Start slow, finish strong"). I stared down the finish line, and said "See ya on April 21st, B!TCH!".
We ended our evening at Crossroads by throwing a few beverages back with the DFMC crew. Through random life circumstance, I found a team again. A group of people who boost my confidence, always keep me smiling, and motivate me to become both a better runner and a better person.
And the rest is history.
Doing the Thursday...one last time.
This cartoon accurately depicts the reactions I receive every time I tell my friends that I am doing an easy Thursday run out of Crossroads...
Week of March 30th
Sunday 3/30: Rest - let the taper begin!
Monday 3/31: 30min elliptical
Tuesday 4/1: 30 min elliptical
Wednesday 4/2: Rest
Thursday 4/3: Doing the Thursday...10 miles (thanks to the detour to the Matthew McConaughey movie set)
Friday 4/4: Rest
Saturday 4/5: 12 miles in Southie - where's Whitey at?
Monday 3/31: 30min elliptical
Tuesday 4/1: 30 min elliptical
Wednesday 4/2: Rest
Thursday 4/3: Doing the Thursday...10 miles (thanks to the detour to the Matthew McConaughey movie set)
Friday 4/4: Rest
Saturday 4/5: 12 miles in Southie - where's Whitey at?
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Men in Skirts...Article is out!
Marathon Men Make Our Hearts Race
When a friend asked Jack Fultz to help him train for a marathon, the 1976 winner of the Boston Marathon had no idea he’d still be doing it nearly 20 years later –– or that he’d be wearing a skirt! –– as head coach of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team. The team (of men and women) is 550 members strong this year and aiming to raise $4.5 million for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research through the April 21 race from Hopkinton to Boston. Watch for their blue shirts (we’re not sure if they’ll opt for skirts that day) and cheer on (left to right) Larry Hanson, Fred Warburg, Jack Fultz, Tyler Hart, Ben Quick and Matt Whitcomb.
How does it feel to wear a skirt? "It’s very sexy," says Jack. "We’ve always wondered, and now we know."
Monday, March 31, 2008
My New (but healthy) Addiction
My poor shoes have not received the acknowledgment that they deserved. I bought a new pair of Brooks a few weeks back, and took a picture of them (a la Lauren style) right when I brought them home. They are Brooks Addiction and they are beige and lavender...Elle Woods me cause they are sooo pretty.
I wore them out for a quick 4 mile run on the day of purchase. I also wore them for the 21.7 miler in the rain that we had on Friday. These shoes supported me from Hopkinton to BC...here's hoping they will get me from Hopkinton to Copley on April 21st. Let's just say, the shoe fits...so I have some Happy Feet!
Friday, March 28, 2008
I Survived!
(Photo: Me, Liv, Stef & Steve at the Marathon Starting Line):Enter Gloria Gaynor & dramatic piano music:
At first I was afraid,
I was petrified,
Kept thinking I could never run Hopkinton to BC without owning a Garmin two-oh-five,
I spent all last night just hoping Friday's weather forecast would be so wrong
With Steve, Liv & Stef by my side, I grew strong
Oh I'm thankful the four of us get along!
Right after Ashland,
We found our pace,
When I called that oblivious chick driver in Wellesley Center: "B!tch!"
- Oh if only you could have seen her face,
I should not have made us play that stupid ABC game,
But Stef's Dairy Queen was the perfect Q,
It got me through a lot of our long run
And so did my Mint Chocolate Gu
From Hopkinton we did go,
Man, Framingham was a bore,
The 10-15mph headwinds from there through Wellesley were trying to tell us:
"You're not welcome anymore",
Mother Nature's rain starting at Mile 15 was her attempt at getting us to say goodbye
Did she think we'd crumble?
Did she think I'd get on the train at Woodland, quit & cry?
Oh no not I
I will survive
Oh as long as I put down my left foot and then my right
I knew I'd make it to that church by BC alive
To my muscles, after 21.7 miles, please forgive
For the Dana-Farber patients, my love I give
I will survive
I will survive
Hey Hey!
It took all the strength I had
not to fall apart
after twenty miles I was tempted to walk
up the hill that broke Johnny Kelley's heart
And I spent a moment reminding myself
that my Auntie Nancy's memory is why I am here
I refused to cry
Instead I held my head up high.
April 21st, you'll see me
Still smiling too
I don't care what Coach Jack says,
that downhill by Grossman's...I'm in love with you
Having my mom drive by us in Wellesley
made me oh-so happy
As did the cargo train honkin'
Thanks to Liv's creativity!
I will survive!
Oh as long as I put my left foot in front of my right
I knew I'd make it to that church by BC alive
To my muscles, after 21.7 miles, please forgive
For the Dana-Farber patients, my love I give
I will survive
Yes, I DID survive!
Hey hey!
(Photo: The four of us after our last long run before 4/21...
It's Taper Time!)
Stats:
Miles: 21.7
Avg. Minutes/Mile: 9:03
Mint Chocolate Gu's Consumed: 4
Ginger Chews Consumed: 6
Letters Satisfactorily Completed in the ABC Game: 42
Horns that Beeped at us to Cheer us on: 6 (including my amazing mother & a cargo train)
Smiles upon reaching the Church at the BC T-Stop: 4
Bring on the Taper! April 21st Cannot Come Soon Enough!!!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Runner's High
We all have heard this phrase time and time again: Runners get a natural high after a good long run.
Before I started this insanity, I knew this was true...sorta. Once I began running though, my friends and family realized that my attitude towards everything had changed drastically. I no longer stressed about the "little things." I even had someone say to me last week that they wanted to get to know me better because: I am a runner and just assumed that I would be more laid back than most people. Yes, I know what you are thinking. The Lindsey a few years ago would NEVER have had someone tell her that she is "more laid back than most people"...just ask my family, the Needhams and my college girls.
I originally wanted to attribute this change to my experiences with fellow DFMC'ers. All of them are so relaxed, so genuine, so selfless and so normal. Yes, I said it, I called you guys normal....don't try milking it beyond that.
The pinnacle of this realization, to me, probably was the passing of my Auntie Nancy. All of these little issues that I face are not necessarily "stresses", but rather - life. When I'm stressed about my summer job search, or about keeping up with daily class assignments, or about meeting "Mr. Right" (which, let's face it, has involved quite a bit of searching), or about where I am going to be living after I graduate law school, or if I will ever pay off my debt with my career in public interest law, I realize that for the most part, I will get through all of it. Everyone else around me is facing similar, if not greater, problems.
Another reason why my attitude has changed is because of all the endorphins I produce during the course of any given long run. The science behind all of this confuses me, though. Fortunately, my friend Jeff found an article in the NY Times today that discusses this phenomenon in more detail. His favorite line was: “You could really see the difference after two hours of running. You could see it in their faces.” This is cute, and true for the most part.
My favorite line was: "her runner’s high came at the end of a marathon, and it was paired with such volatile emotions that the sight of a puppy had the power to make her weep."
There is a 100% chance that the endorphins I release will generate an effect like this one. I may have calmed down a bit on the Spaz-O-Meter scale ever since I started running, but I am still uber emo Lindsey (wicked emotional for those who don't get my lingo) and would probably cry at the sight of anything fabulous at the finish line on April 21st.
And you all wonder why I am SOO addicted :)
On another note - a shoutout to one of my Buttercups for her donation today! My friend Jess' donation got us to the $7,500 mark! My other Buttercup, Robin, already donated (as did her amazing bf AP!). Thank you to the Buttercups, and everyone else who have already donated...did I mention that we have 100+ donors so far? AMAZING!
Before I started this insanity, I knew this was true...sorta. Once I began running though, my friends and family realized that my attitude towards everything had changed drastically. I no longer stressed about the "little things." I even had someone say to me last week that they wanted to get to know me better because: I am a runner and just assumed that I would be more laid back than most people. Yes, I know what you are thinking. The Lindsey a few years ago would NEVER have had someone tell her that she is "more laid back than most people"...just ask my family, the Needhams and my college girls.
I originally wanted to attribute this change to my experiences with fellow DFMC'ers. All of them are so relaxed, so genuine, so selfless and so normal. Yes, I said it, I called you guys normal....don't try milking it beyond that.
The pinnacle of this realization, to me, probably was the passing of my Auntie Nancy. All of these little issues that I face are not necessarily "stresses", but rather - life. When I'm stressed about my summer job search, or about keeping up with daily class assignments, or about meeting "Mr. Right" (which, let's face it, has involved quite a bit of searching), or about where I am going to be living after I graduate law school, or if I will ever pay off my debt with my career in public interest law, I realize that for the most part, I will get through all of it. Everyone else around me is facing similar, if not greater, problems.
Another reason why my attitude has changed is because of all the endorphins I produce during the course of any given long run. The science behind all of this confuses me, though. Fortunately, my friend Jeff found an article in the NY Times today that discusses this phenomenon in more detail. His favorite line was: “You could really see the difference after two hours of running. You could see it in their faces.” This is cute, and true for the most part.
My favorite line was: "her runner’s high came at the end of a marathon, and it was paired with such volatile emotions that the sight of a puppy had the power to make her weep."
There is a 100% chance that the endorphins I release will generate an effect like this one. I may have calmed down a bit on the Spaz-O-Meter scale ever since I started running, but I am still uber emo Lindsey (wicked emotional for those who don't get my lingo) and would probably cry at the sight of anything fabulous at the finish line on April 21st.
And you all wonder why I am SOO addicted :)
On another note - a shoutout to one of my Buttercups for her donation today! My friend Jess' donation got us to the $7,500 mark! My other Buttercup, Robin, already donated (as did her amazing bf AP!). Thank you to the Buttercups, and everyone else who have already donated...did I mention that we have 100+ donors so far? AMAZING!
Weekend Forecast
With this forecast, I truly do not understand why I am choosing to do my longest run ever on Friday instead of Saturday or Sunday. Oh the irony!
| Friday | Saturday | Sunday | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | ||
| Rain to Snow | Partly Sunny | Mostly Sunny | ||
| 38° | 28° | 42° | 28° | 44° | 31° |
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Belated Massage...and some Fundraising News
Today, I finally got my first massage during the course of training. Throughout the massage, the masseuse kept saying "Wow, you are so sore." I think I heard that phrase about a dozen times throughout the hour-long massage. Thanks Ma'am. Of course I am sore. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't.
On another note, for those of you who have been tracking this diligently, I upped my fundraising goal to 10k. Why? Because I am only $30 shy of my original goal of $7,500 and KNOW that we can totally push that to the max (that was for you, Briz). So step up your game guys! I know there are many of you who want to donate, and are holding off. Now is just as good a time as any to donate here.
Also, if you are pleased with my blog entries, or if you have something to say, don't be shy. Comments are welcomed. In fact, they are encouraged.
On another note, for those of you who have been tracking this diligently, I upped my fundraising goal to 10k. Why? Because I am only $30 shy of my original goal of $7,500 and KNOW that we can totally push that to the max (that was for you, Briz). So step up your game guys! I know there are many of you who want to donate, and are holding off. Now is just as good a time as any to donate here.
Also, if you are pleased with my blog entries, or if you have something to say, don't be shy. Comments are welcomed. In fact, they are encouraged.
"For the Hills Sake"
Throughout last night's workout on the hills of Waltham's office park, I was trying to think of how I could nicely describe it in my blog. I got home from going out with the DFMC runners at Bertucci's, and sat down to write this blog. I couldn't think of any good words to describe it. I wanted to give myself some time to chill out afterwards, hoping that today I would say "Wow, I really needed that. Those hills definitely made me feel good about myself." Unfortunately, I'm not going to sugar coat this at all.
The workout hurt. A lot.
I told Lauren about it today - I said we did 7 miles of "those hills" throughout the office park in Waltham that surround the Boston Sports Club. Lauren said it sounded like hell. I responded: "Hell would have been nicer. At least it is warm there."
After doing two ginormous hills, Coach Jack said we were going to do a couple more..."For the Hills Sake". 24 hours later, I still don't know what he meant by that. My calves were killing me throughout the workout, it was bitter cold out despite us being a week into spring, and my constant concern was whether I was going to be too sore to run my long run on Friday. In hindsight, I guess it was good to get some hills in before the taper begins. The highlight of the workout was probably the last hill. I was dead last running up it. I literally had Coach Jack (who was riding on his bike as we did our workouts) push me up the hill. Usually his words of encouragement are a sufficient enough "push." But no. Jack literally pushed on my back to help me up a part of the hill. Quite the coach...I say this time and time again, but I am truly lucky to have him.
The workout hurt. A lot.
I told Lauren about it today - I said we did 7 miles of "those hills" throughout the office park in Waltham that surround the Boston Sports Club. Lauren said it sounded like hell. I responded: "Hell would have been nicer. At least it is warm there."
After doing two ginormous hills, Coach Jack said we were going to do a couple more..."For the Hills Sake". 24 hours later, I still don't know what he meant by that. My calves were killing me throughout the workout, it was bitter cold out despite us being a week into spring, and my constant concern was whether I was going to be too sore to run my long run on Friday. In hindsight, I guess it was good to get some hills in before the taper begins. The highlight of the workout was probably the last hill. I was dead last running up it. I literally had Coach Jack (who was riding on his bike as we did our workouts) push me up the hill. Usually his words of encouragement are a sufficient enough "push." But no. Jack literally pushed on my back to help me up a part of the hill. Quite the coach...I say this time and time again, but I am truly lucky to have him.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
46,000
The DFMC Bulletin Board lately has been flooded with entries related to our big run this weekend. We all are constantly reminding each other of why we are running Boston. One DFMC runner stated quite an inspirational statistic that really hit home.
It will take 46,000 steps to run 26.2 Miles. This corresponds with the number of people diagnosed with cancer in a calendar year in Massachusetts.
As I prepare for my journey from Hopkinton to Boston College on Friday, my longest run to date, I am going to keep this thought in mind.
On another level, I am wearing blue today in honor of Matty Dubuc's Angel-versary. Unfortunately, I never met Matty, but he touched the lives of many of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge runners. My heart goes out to the Dubuc Family today.
I need to remember that this training process and this run is not just about running Boston and crossing that finish line at Copley. It is not about my time, the weather on race day, how nice the Newton hills will be to me on April 21st, what I wear on a given training run, or about how many Gu's I should eat on Marathon Monday. It is about the patients. It is about the research. And it is about finding a cure for a disease that has struck too many loved ones.
It will take 46,000 steps to run 26.2 Miles. This corresponds with the number of people diagnosed with cancer in a calendar year in Massachusetts.
As I prepare for my journey from Hopkinton to Boston College on Friday, my longest run to date, I am going to keep this thought in mind.
On another level, I am wearing blue today in honor of Matty Dubuc's Angel-versary. Unfortunately, I never met Matty, but he touched the lives of many of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge runners. My heart goes out to the Dubuc Family today.
I need to remember that this training process and this run is not just about running Boston and crossing that finish line at Copley. It is not about my time, the weather on race day, how nice the Newton hills will be to me on April 21st, what I wear on a given training run, or about how many Gu's I should eat on Marathon Monday. It is about the patients. It is about the research. And it is about finding a cure for a disease that has struck too many loved ones.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Week of March 23rd
Sunday 3/23: much needed rest
Monday 3/24: 3 miles elliptical; core conditioning, lifting & stretching
Tuesday 3/25: 7 miles of HILLS!!! Hill workout in Waltham. Happiest moment ever. True Story slash I hope you can interpret my sarcasm in blog form.
Wednesday 3/26: Rest and MASSAGE!!!!
Thursday 3/27: 4 miles around the river with the Crossroads DFMC'ers
Friday 3/28: 21.7 miles - EAT YOUR HEART OUT! Taper Time :)
Saturday 3/29: Resting and a weekend visit to the Big Apple
Monday 3/24: 3 miles elliptical; core conditioning, lifting & stretching
Tuesday 3/25: 7 miles of HILLS!!! Hill workout in Waltham. Happiest moment ever. True Story slash I hope you can interpret my sarcasm in blog form.
Wednesday 3/26: Rest and MASSAGE!!!!
Thursday 3/27: 4 miles around the river with the Crossroads DFMC'ers
Friday 3/28: 21.7 miles - EAT YOUR HEART OUT! Taper Time :)
Saturday 3/29: Resting and a weekend visit to the Big Apple
Time Stamp: 2:34pm on Monday 3/24
It is 2:34pm.
I am hoping that in exactly four Mondays from this exact time, I will have finished Boston.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A Letter to my Body
Dear Body,
I wanted to apologize for being so tough on you these past couple of months. But, I need you to stick it out a little while longer. We have less than a month to go, and only one 20+miler before the taper begins. Then, you will get your chance to rest. I need you now more than ever though, so you can't break down on me yet. This race is very important to me and to the patients at Dana-Farber.
I know I have been especially mean during these past few weeks because of the constant increase of weekly miles and my desire to run faster. I am sorry if the hills in Waltham yesterday hurt you. But, you didn't need to retaliate the way you did. I was rather embarrassed at the Puma store yesterday when you wouldn't let me bend over to tie the shoes that I was trying on. Instead, I had to have my mom tie them in front of a store full of people. You made a scene, and that was not justified. I've purchased two new pairs of kicks in the past week for you - one for everyday use, and one for the marathon. I don't know how else I can show my appreciation besides that.
OK fine - I hope that the hour long massage that you are getting this coming week will make up for my neglect and continuous abuse. I know I am being very selfish and am not treating you the way that you deserve to be treated. I also know that in many years from now, you will be angry that my stomach lining has dissolved into nothing as a result of all the Advils I am feeding you. But know that I am trying really hard not to hurt you.
Please accept my deepest apologies. You will be handsomely rewarded after April 21st. I promise. I just need you to hold out until then.
With love and appreciation,
Lindsey
I wanted to apologize for being so tough on you these past couple of months. But, I need you to stick it out a little while longer. We have less than a month to go, and only one 20+miler before the taper begins. Then, you will get your chance to rest. I need you now more than ever though, so you can't break down on me yet. This race is very important to me and to the patients at Dana-Farber.
I know I have been especially mean during these past few weeks because of the constant increase of weekly miles and my desire to run faster. I am sorry if the hills in Waltham yesterday hurt you. But, you didn't need to retaliate the way you did. I was rather embarrassed at the Puma store yesterday when you wouldn't let me bend over to tie the shoes that I was trying on. Instead, I had to have my mom tie them in front of a store full of people. You made a scene, and that was not justified. I've purchased two new pairs of kicks in the past week for you - one for everyday use, and one for the marathon. I don't know how else I can show my appreciation besides that.
OK fine - I hope that the hour long massage that you are getting this coming week will make up for my neglect and continuous abuse. I know I am being very selfish and am not treating you the way that you deserve to be treated. I also know that in many years from now, you will be angry that my stomach lining has dissolved into nothing as a result of all the Advils I am feeding you. But know that I am trying really hard not to hurt you.
Please accept my deepest apologies. You will be handsomely rewarded after April 21st. I promise. I just need you to hold out until then.
With love and appreciation,
Lindsey
Friday, March 21, 2008
ONE MONTH FROM TODAY.
That is all I really have to say right now.
But, well I guess I am really never at a loss of words, so I'll say a little more....For those of you who said you wanted to donate closer to the date, I can assure you that we are closer to the date. Knowing that the marathon is one month away makes me want to throw up in my mouth.
But, well I guess I am really never at a loss of words, so I'll say a little more....For those of you who said you wanted to donate closer to the date, I can assure you that we are closer to the date. Knowing that the marathon is one month away makes me want to throw up in my mouth.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Week of March 16th
Sunday 3/16: 13.1 miles - New Bedford Half Marathon
Monday 3/17: Becoming O'Weinstein. Rest day :)
Tuesday 3/18: 30 min elliptical, lifting
Wednesday 3/19: rest
Thursday 3/20: 6 miles - river run
Friday 3/21: 4 miles to test out my new kicks!
Saturday 3/22: 15.4 miles (2:05)
Monday 3/17: Becoming O'Weinstein. Rest day :)
Tuesday 3/18: 30 min elliptical, lifting
Wednesday 3/19: rest
Thursday 3/20: 6 miles - river run
Friday 3/21: 4 miles to test out my new kicks!
Saturday 3/22: 15.4 miles (2:05)
To Life! To Life! My Marathon Bib Number!
22018.
That is the number that will be with me from Hopkinton to Boston on April 21st for (hopefully at most) four hours.
The 22 is for all the Dana-Farber runners. I guess we are in corral 22. I feel like a horse already thinking about it.
How about the 18? Well, I clearly obsess about my Jewish pride. My marathon number could not have been a more perfect fit.
It is a very lucky number in the Jewish religion. Many people give donations to charity in increments of 18 (See my current marathon fundraising total...I have 36 cents sitting there). Well, this member of the tribe will be running with it proudly displayed on her Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge singlet. I can hardly wait!
That is the number that will be with me from Hopkinton to Boston on April 21st for (hopefully at most) four hours.
The 22 is for all the Dana-Farber runners. I guess we are in corral 22. I feel like a horse already thinking about it.
How about the 18? Well, I clearly obsess about my Jewish pride. My marathon number could not have been a more perfect fit.
18 = Chai (see Hebrew Letters above) = Life.
It is a very lucky number in the Jewish religion. Many people give donations to charity in increments of 18 (See my current marathon fundraising total...I have 36 cents sitting there). Well, this member of the tribe will be running with it proudly displayed on her Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge singlet. I can hardly wait!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Hey Moby Dick! Double or Nothing!
My blog entry about the New Bedford Half Marathon was a long time coming. When I think about the day, very few things stick out in my mind - those being: headwinds, fish sandwiches and Jeff's uncomfortable obsession with whales (BlueBook Citation, See Jeff Blog Entry 1; Jeff Blog Entry 2; Jeff Blog Entry 3). Five of us crammed into Tyler's car and we headed to good ol' New Bedford early Sunday morning. We arrived with T-2 hrs before gun time, so we set up camp in the gymnasium/wherever they were giving out our numbers. The place reeked of fish chowder and fish sandwiches (the oh-so-delicious post-race meal they were planning on serving...thank G-d I was allergic to gluten and brought my own meal!). The race started at 11AM. I am stealing Tyler's words that he posted on our DFMC Bulletin Board describing the course b/c I am on spring break and give myself permission to be lazy.
To give you an idea of the course: Mile one is flat and fast, it’s near impossible not to go out too hard. Mile two is about the same, which creates a bit of a problem for mile 3, which is predominantly an uphill climb – time to reel it in. From 4-9 you can pretty much cruise over some rollers and you actually start feeling pretty good until you take a left turn and next thing you know, you are running straight into a 10-15mph headwind - for the next mile and a half. After turning back into town you are greeted by a lovely hill at mile 12. The race then circles around and finishes downtown, right where it all began.
So here it was, my final time:
So my official time was 1:52, but my watch time was 1:51. I wanted to break 1:50 for my double donations. Mind you, my watch time wasn't fully official. I knew I crossed the starting line about 35 seconds (at least) after gun time. However, I saw my mom, surprisingly, standing and waiting for me at the finish, so I gave her a huge hug before I even stopped my watch. Fortunately, after a bit of Jewish guilt-tripping (my mom taught me well), Chris and Jay each still doubled their donations. I got a great PR (my previous Half marathon was 1:58). I felt pretty good throughout the race, with the exception of the fabtastic headwinds at miles 9.5-11ish. My first mile, admittedly, was WAAAAY too fast. But because I was so concerned about breaking the 1:50, I didn't even notice the hill at the end. I booked it. Regardless, I was pretty happy with the results, and the corresponding donations. Bring on Hopkinton and the post-marathon celebratory Whale Watch!
To give you an idea of the course: Mile one is flat and fast, it’s near impossible not to go out too hard. Mile two is about the same, which creates a bit of a problem for mile 3, which is predominantly an uphill climb – time to reel it in. From 4-9 you can pretty much cruise over some rollers and you actually start feeling pretty good until you take a left turn and next thing you know, you are running straight into a 10-15mph headwind - for the next mile and a half. After turning back into town you are greeted by a lovely hill at mile 12. The race then circles around and finishes downtown, right where it all began.
So here it was, my final time:
935 LINDSEY W. 25 45/117 BOSTON 1:52:00 8:33min/mile
So my official time was 1:52, but my watch time was 1:51. I wanted to break 1:50 for my double donations. Mind you, my watch time wasn't fully official. I knew I crossed the starting line about 35 seconds (at least) after gun time. However, I saw my mom, surprisingly, standing and waiting for me at the finish, so I gave her a huge hug before I even stopped my watch. Fortunately, after a bit of Jewish guilt-tripping (my mom taught me well), Chris and Jay each still doubled their donations. I got a great PR (my previous Half marathon was 1:58). I felt pretty good throughout the race, with the exception of the fabtastic headwinds at miles 9.5-11ish. My first mile, admittedly, was WAAAAY too fast. But because I was so concerned about breaking the 1:50, I didn't even notice the hill at the end. I booked it. Regardless, I was pretty happy with the results, and the corresponding donations. Bring on Hopkinton and the post-marathon celebratory Whale Watch!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Wanna Bet? I am Ciderly Yours.
I was recently propositioned. No, I was not propositioned by Client #9, but by my friend Chris, AKA "TLB", AKA "Radar". Chris was one of my cross country co-captains in high school, and now is one of the fastest distance runners that I know. When I ran the BAA Half last October, I just barely broke the 2hr mark (1:58), and I learned that I need to break 1:50 in a half marathon to be on track for my goal of a four hour marathon. So Chris made a bet with me. If I break 1:50 (based on my watch time, not official time b/c official time will be off a bit) in the New Bedford Half on Sunday, he will double his donation. I explained this bet to one of my best friends from college, Jay in Chicago. He told me he would double his donation as well. Anyone else want to jump on this Vegas bandwagon?
On another note, I've realized that I have become quite the cider drinker. This whole running phenomenon is still new to me, but I am catching on slowly. My DFMC running buddies do intense workouts, then have one, maybe two glasses of water to rehydrate, and then break out the beer within an hour of the workout. This is pretty standard behavior for runners across the country. Given that I am the gluten girl (gluten free entry to follow at a later date), I cannot fully participate in this beer drinking scenario. But, I also know that if I went drink for drink with them with my vodka sodas, I would end up hugging porcelain. Instead, I keep up with them with cider.
I had my long awaited summer intern reunion last night. Again, as the people around me drank their beers, I attempted to keep up with my fermented apple juice. I should own stock in Magners by the end of this marathon training. We had a good showing - Denture McGov, Khush, Wax Smilin' Sar, Murph, Seth, and Alex Copperfield. After seeing all of them, I realized that I am thoroughly looking forward to the last six miles of the marathon. (WHAT?) These loyal cheerleaders will be along the route at BC Law/Centre Street, BC @ Lake Street, Comm and Mass Ave, and then at Hereford b/w Comm and Newbury. I would hope that when my intern loves finish some of their day's worth of boozing, they'll meet me at Copley, within an hour of me finishing, with an ice cold Magners. YUM!
On another note, I've realized that I have become quite the cider drinker. This whole running phenomenon is still new to me, but I am catching on slowly. My DFMC running buddies do intense workouts, then have one, maybe two glasses of water to rehydrate, and then break out the beer within an hour of the workout. This is pretty standard behavior for runners across the country. Given that I am the gluten girl (gluten free entry to follow at a later date), I cannot fully participate in this beer drinking scenario. But, I also know that if I went drink for drink with them with my vodka sodas, I would end up hugging porcelain. Instead, I keep up with them with cider.
I had my long awaited summer intern reunion last night. Again, as the people around me drank their beers, I attempted to keep up with my fermented apple juice. I should own stock in Magners by the end of this marathon training. We had a good showing - Denture McGov, Khush, Wax Smilin' Sar, Murph, Seth, and Alex Copperfield. After seeing all of them, I realized that I am thoroughly looking forward to the last six miles of the marathon. (WHAT?) These loyal cheerleaders will be along the route at BC Law/Centre Street, BC @ Lake Street, Comm and Mass Ave, and then at Hereford b/w Comm and Newbury. I would hope that when my intern loves finish some of their day's worth of boozing, they'll meet me at Copley, within an hour of me finishing, with an ice cold Magners. YUM!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Walk Like an Egyptian...
Pyramids.
My least favorite workout from high school track.
We did them last night. Torture, say what?
For those of you who don't know what a pyramid track workout is, see the picture on the left. You legit go up the pyramid (ie do longer distances each set) and then come back down the pyramid. Our workout was a 400m, 600m, 800m, 1000m, 1200m...then an oh-so-generous three lap rest. Then, a 1200m, 1000m, 800m, 600m and 400m. By the second 1000m, my legs felt like lead. It was the most painful feeling I have dealt with in a while, but I somehow ran through it. Fortunately though, with so little rest in between each set, we were done in record time....giving us more time at Redbones :)
This morning, I went for an early morning run with my family friend, Emily. My grandparents and Emily's were very close friends, our moms are good friends, and she and I ran cross country together in high school. Emily is running for Team in Training and certainly can fit the "b!tchin fast" runner category. Although it was rainy and my legs were a bit sore, Em and I had a good run, and had some good catch up time as well. We only did two miles together (she did a speed workout last night too), but it involved each of us running over a mile each way to meet up. As I look to the New Bedford Half Marathon on Sunday, I think my little legs need a bit of a break for a while. Advil and ice here we come...
On the fundraising front, we are kicking butt! Over $6,300 thanks to some recent generous donations! Keep them coming!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Carbo Loading, Head Winds like whoa & Short Shorts
After a semi-disasterous morning last Sunday thanks to some tequila, Tevya bonding and birthday partying, there was no way that I was going to let myself miss the long run yesterday. But, after learning of Harpoon’s new cider, I was hard-pressed (haha! get it? hard pressed like the cider? alright, not so funny) to miss my first ever Harpoonfest on Saturday. I went, had few ciders and some good times. When my friends and I were ready to leave, I decided to head home after feeling guilty for missing the last long run due to the night before being too big of a night out. I made myself a delicious dinner, and drank tons of water and propel before getting to bed early.
Tyler and his awesome wife Angie hosted the Sunday run along the Minuteman Bike Path from Arlington.
The weather for Sunday's run was great: Sunny and bright day thanks to the "spring forward" the night before. So, I just assumed that it was spring, and therefore, I should be running in shorts. I got into my traditional Elle Woods JD outfit (pink top & black and pink shorts), and grabbed a pair of Soffe cotton pants, and headed up to meet Lauren at Davis Square. Yep, I was wrong about the weather. I started running with my cotton pants over my shorts, and yes I looked like an embarrassing amateur runner. At our first water stop, I stripped. Don't get me wrong - I was freezing in my shorts in the beginning (thanks to some fabulously horrible headwinds on the "out and back” course). Mind you, I was still adequately layered on top - wearing a long sleeve, my pink tank, a jacket, a headband and gloves. But running in shorts was much easier than running with the bulky pants.
Sarah suggested that I get myself a skirt, instead of my pink shorts, and also said that the Zebra print skirt is now on sale. Elle Woods at her best, perhaps?
Despite my legs getting as pink as my tanktop, I had a great run. The headwinds definitely slow us down quite a bit, but I averaged a pretty solid pace. After I finished the 15 miles, I did my own little loop, which was supposed to only be a mile. Being the directionally-impaired girl that I am, I ended up doing what was probably a two-mile loop making this run officially the longest run to date...17 Miles!
Also important: I think I finally figured out my "refueling foods of choice" for a run...those being Mint Chocolate Gu w/ Water; Peanut M&M's or Ginger Chews (don't make fun) w/ Lemon Lime Gatorade. To most of you, this may seem silly. But it may be helpful for the peanut gallery who will be cheering me on on Marathon Monday (**hint hint**)
Lesson learned from this run? Day drinking is a great way to load up on carbs the night before a long run so long as I don't overdo it too much...and, it helps guarantee one of my best runs to date! I wasn't the only one to have my best runs after day drinking. So for those of you out there who think that I need to test this out again, see my friend Lauren's blog on her awesome run last weekend. Clearly, it works!
Another tidbit - The group I ran with (Steve, Lynn, Megan and Tom) all decided that we would each tell our "best marathon story." Well, because I don't have one YET, I just said that I would "get back to them this time next year." Can you believe that I said that without having completed my first marathon? I guess this running addiction has really rubbed off on me :-)
Tyler and his awesome wife Angie hosted the Sunday run along the Minuteman Bike Path from Arlington.
The weather for Sunday's run was great: Sunny and bright day thanks to the "spring forward" the night before. So, I just assumed that it was spring, and therefore, I should be running in shorts. I got into my traditional Elle Woods JD outfit (pink top & black and pink shorts), and grabbed a pair of Soffe cotton pants, and headed up to meet Lauren at Davis Square. Yep, I was wrong about the weather. I started running with my cotton pants over my shorts, and yes I looked like an embarrassing amateur runner. At our first water stop, I stripped. Don't get me wrong - I was freezing in my shorts in the beginning (thanks to some fabulously horrible headwinds on the "out and back” course). Mind you, I was still adequately layered on top - wearing a long sleeve, my pink tank, a jacket, a headband and gloves. But running in shorts was much easier than running with the bulky pants.
Sarah suggested that I get myself a skirt, instead of my pink shorts, and also said that the Zebra print skirt is now on sale. Elle Woods at her best, perhaps?
Despite my legs getting as pink as my tanktop, I had a great run. The headwinds definitely slow us down quite a bit, but I averaged a pretty solid pace. After I finished the 15 miles, I did my own little loop, which was supposed to only be a mile. Being the directionally-impaired girl that I am, I ended up doing what was probably a two-mile loop making this run officially the longest run to date...17 Miles!
Also important: I think I finally figured out my "refueling foods of choice" for a run...those being Mint Chocolate Gu w/ Water; Peanut M&M's or Ginger Chews (don't make fun) w/ Lemon Lime Gatorade. To most of you, this may seem silly. But it may be helpful for the peanut gallery who will be cheering me on on Marathon Monday (**hint hint**)
Lesson learned from this run? Day drinking is a great way to load up on carbs the night before a long run so long as I don't overdo it too much...and, it helps guarantee one of my best runs to date! I wasn't the only one to have my best runs after day drinking. So for those of you out there who think that I need to test this out again, see my friend Lauren's blog on her awesome run last weekend. Clearly, it works!
Another tidbit - The group I ran with (Steve, Lynn, Megan and Tom) all decided that we would each tell our "best marathon story." Well, because I don't have one YET, I just said that I would "get back to them this time next year." Can you believe that I said that without having completed my first marathon? I guess this running addiction has really rubbed off on me :-)
Week of March 9th
Sunday 3/9: 17 miles!
Monday 3/10: a very necessary rest
Tuesday 3/11: Track Workout - Pyramid, 5 miles
Wednesday 3/12: 4.5 miles w/ Emily (HS XC Buddy and 3rd Generation Friend!)
Thursday 3/13: pilates....much needed stretching time
Friday 3/14: 4.5 mile taper :)
Saturday 3/15: Rest pre-New Bedford
Monday 3/10: a very necessary rest
Tuesday 3/11: Track Workout - Pyramid, 5 miles
Wednesday 3/12: 4.5 miles w/ Emily (HS XC Buddy and 3rd Generation Friend!)
Thursday 3/13: pilates....much needed stretching time
Friday 3/14: 4.5 mile taper :)
Saturday 3/15: Rest pre-New Bedford
Week of March 2nd
Sunday 3/2: 7.5 miles (lesson learned: no more tequila)
Monday 3/3: gym - 3 miles elliptical; abs and weights
Tuesday 3/4: Track workout. 4X400m repeat 5x...5 "quality" miles
Wednesday 3/5: Stretch
Thursday 3/6: 8 miles
Friday 3/7: Rest
Saturday 3/8: Yoga and 3 miles elliptical; abs, weights and stretching then Harpoonfest
Monday 3/3: gym - 3 miles elliptical; abs and weights
Tuesday 3/4: Track workout. 4X400m repeat 5x...5 "quality" miles
Wednesday 3/5: Stretch
Thursday 3/6: 8 miles
Friday 3/7: Rest
Saturday 3/8: Yoga and 3 miles elliptical; abs, weights and stretching then Harpoonfest
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Most Annoying Runner Ever...
I saw on the Runner's World blog an entry titled "The Most Annoying Runner Ever." Given that I've received the Chatty Cathy award during my long runs, I kinda thought this would be a link to a YouTube video of me running. Fortunately, I was wrong. I ran my long run today with Steve, Megan, Lynn, and Tom. I told them all about this crazy runner's video when Steve vocalized how painful it was for ALL OF US to start running again after we took too long inhaling our Gu's and sipping our Gatorade at a water stop. Well Steve, for a moment (and just a moment, I promise), this runner made me think of you. Enjoy.
The thoughts on today's makeshift long run will come in another blog later this evening. Until then, my couch and the beginning of Season 2 of Lost are calling my name.
Niiiiiice.
The thoughts on today's makeshift long run will come in another blog later this evening. Until then, my couch and the beginning of Season 2 of Lost are calling my name.
Niiiiiice.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Dirty Water and Men in Skirts
I had plans yesterday evening, so I was unable to "do the Thursday" with the regular group at Crossroads. Instead, I was going to head out and do the hills on my own in the afternoon. On my walk home from school, I realized how nice it was out, and remembered that I have neglected the Charles River for quite some time now. For those of you who don't know, after close to a ten year hiatus after high school track and cross country, I got back into enjoying running by doing loops around the Charles this past summer. The story as to WHY I started running again is similar to some of my other running friends. But, that is for another blog. In sum, yesterday I realized it had been a while since I ran around the Charles. So, I did my 6 mile and 4 mile loop, but ended up walking the last two miles thanks to my legs feeling like bricks...which I blame on the fact that I didn't consume enough carbs or proteins on Wednesday night.
This blog entry also references "Men in Skirts", which I am sure intrigues you all. On Tuesday at the track, a few of the DFMC men dressed up for Skirt magazine. I never realized some of these guys, particularly the famous Jack Fultz, could be so comfortable in such an outfit. Sarah, my favorite literary DFMC running blogger, highlights this moment perfectly in her blog. But, for my readers, I thought it would be only appropriate, and amusing, for you to see the men in skirts yourselves.
On another note, we are less than 6 weeks away from Marathon Monday! AHH! Let the freak out begin...
This blog entry also references "Men in Skirts", which I am sure intrigues you all. On Tuesday at the track, a few of the DFMC men dressed up for Skirt magazine. I never realized some of these guys, particularly the famous Jack Fultz, could be so comfortable in such an outfit. Sarah, my favorite literary DFMC running blogger, highlights this moment perfectly in her blog. But, for my readers, I thought it would be only appropriate, and amusing, for you to see the men in skirts yourselves.
On another note, we are less than 6 weeks away from Marathon Monday! AHH! Let the freak out begin...
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Proud of my B*tchin' Fast DFMC Tracksters :)
Lauren, my DFMC buddy, coined this term properly last week. The people who do the track workouts from the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge are "B!tchin' fast." But...we still do it. And hope to be the same speed, someday. We also enjoy some delicious booze and beef brisket at Redbones after a hard earned workout. Tuesday was a fabulous workout...slash I would never call what we did fabulous UNTIL it was over.
4 X 400 m repeats. In between each 400m, a 1 minute cooldown. After one set, a 400m "cooldown." Repeat five times. For those of you impressed at how many miles I run daily, this probably wouldn't sound impressive to you. I only ran five "quality" miles on Tuesday evening. Those miles were SPRINTING though. Think of it that way, and yeah, I know, it made me wanna throw up too. But here is a video, reminding me of how proud I am of my fellow runners and fundraisers, and how lucky I am to have THE Jack Fultz as both my marathon training coach, and friend.
4 X 400 m repeats. In between each 400m, a 1 minute cooldown. After one set, a 400m "cooldown." Repeat five times. For those of you impressed at how many miles I run daily, this probably wouldn't sound impressive to you. I only ran five "quality" miles on Tuesday evening. Those miles were SPRINTING though. Think of it that way, and yeah, I know, it made me wanna throw up too. But here is a video, reminding me of how proud I am of my fellow runners and fundraisers, and how lucky I am to have THE Jack Fultz as both my marathon training coach, and friend.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a Match....
Find me a find, catch me a catch...
Matchmaker Matchmaker, look through your book...and make me a perfect match!
Ahh yes, on the eve of the Sabbath, this little Jewish girl is chanting songs from Fiddler on the Roof. Why? Because a few donation matches recently trickled in, bringing my fundraising total to currently a bit over $5,600!!! How excited am I?
If you already donated, and work for a company that has a match program, please submit your donation confirmation to HR to get your donation matched. If you have not already donated, but are planning to, wouldn't it be a great time to do so now, knowing that the company you work for will MATCH you to the dollar??
For Papa, make him a scholar. For Mama, make him rich as a king...
Matchmaker Matchmaker, look through your book...and make me a perfect match!
Ahh yes, on the eve of the Sabbath, this little Jewish girl is chanting songs from Fiddler on the Roof. Why? Because a few donation matches recently trickled in, bringing my fundraising total to currently a bit over $5,600!!! How excited am I?
If you already donated, and work for a company that has a match program, please submit your donation confirmation to HR to get your donation matched. If you have not already donated, but are planning to, wouldn't it be a great time to do so now, knowing that the company you work for will MATCH you to the dollar??
For Papa, make him a scholar. For Mama, make him rich as a king...
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
"Round and Round and Round in the Circle Game..."
Last night's track workout confirmed my conflicting feelings about running in circles. You don't get anywhere, destination wise; however, you do get a good idea of your pace and your capabilities as a runner. We did 1200m (3/4mile) at 5k pace, then 200m rest, then 400m at a bit faster than 5k pace, then 400m rest.
Repeat 5x.
Here is how it all went down:
1200: 5:48
400: 1:50
1200: 5:56
400: 1:48
1200: 5:54
400: 1:53
1200: 5:58
400: 1:52
1200: 5:52
400: 1:46
Despite the fact that I have a presentation today in my immigration law class, I dined with the group at Redbones after the workout. Hey, a girl's gotta eat!
Repeat 5x.
Here is how it all went down:
1200: 5:48
400: 1:50
1200: 5:56
400: 1:48
1200: 5:54
400: 1:53
1200: 5:58
400: 1:52
1200: 5:52
400: 1:46
Despite the fact that I have a presentation today in my immigration law class, I dined with the group at Redbones after the workout. Hey, a girl's gotta eat!
Training Week of February 24th
Sun. 2/24: Makeshift group run out of Buff's Pub - 8.5 miles
Mon. 2/25: Rest
Tues. 2/26: Track workout + Redbones. Sweeeeeeet.
Wed. 2/27: Rest
Thurs. 2/28: Doing the Thursday...Woodland --> Crossroads - 9 miles
Fri. 2/29:
Sat. 3/1: GASP it is MARCH!!!
Mon. 2/25: Rest
Tues. 2/26: Track workout + Redbones. Sweeeeeeet.
Wed. 2/27: Rest
Thurs. 2/28: Doing the Thursday...Woodland --> Crossroads - 9 miles
Fri. 2/29:
Sat. 3/1: GASP it is MARCH!!!
Training Week of February 17th
Just know that I made it to the elliptical ONCE this week before I caught the Mexican flu and got a randomly bruised and busted right foot. That is all anyone is going to get on this weeks' workouts.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Lindsey & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week....but, she is still smiling :)
I went to sleep with gum in my mouth, and now there's gum in my hair and when I got out of bed this morning, I tripped on the skateboard and by mistake I dropped my sweater in the sink while the water was running and I could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day....I think I'll move to Australia...
In sum, this is what has happened to me in the past ten days:
My 2yr old laptop crashed at the start of my Corporations Class on Valentines Day. I thought I would end up missing my Valentines Date with Heartbreak (Hill) to get it fixed. Someone on the Best Buy Geek Squad told me that: "The motherboard's gonna blow very soon. You should probably back up all your documents asap." So I bought an external hard drive for 80 bucks to back-up my computer. Then, when I got home after Best Buy, I couldn't even turn on the computer. I had to re-write my direct and cross examination for my Trial Practice Class. And now, I have to rely on others for their notes from my classes since the first day of this semester until I get a new computer.
Next week, I said, I'm going to Australia...
About 13 miles into the 15 miler out of Wayland last Saturday, my foot started to hurt. The top inside part of my right foot was all bruised when I took my shoe off. Then on Sunday, I heard the dreaded words from Coach Jack Fultz: "You shouldn't go on the roads for a bit. Rest and Ice it."
There were lima beans for dinner and I hate limas. There was kissing on TV and I hate kissing...
On Tuesday, I woke up in the middle of the night with a fever, the chills, and I desperately needed some Benadryl to help me sleep. I missed school on Wednesday cause I was coughing up a lung and could not keep food down. I missed school on Thursday because I was so drained from not being able to eat much of anything on Wednesday. I am never speaking Spanish with strangers again.
When we picked up dad at his office he said...don't fool around with the phone, but I think I called Australia.
I woke up from a nap on my couch on Friday night and when I stretched my arm out, I knocked my cell phone (which was under my pillow) into a big glass of ice water on the floor. My cell phone wouldn't turn on. This was the second cell phone I ruined due to water damage. I had my friend Ali call my parents to tell them that they could only reach me via email. My mom said: "She's a little spaced out sometimes. She's my daughter, but your friend." I went to Verizon and they told me I cannot have a new cell phone until Monday. I went to Ali's house on Saturday night and her buzzer wasn't working on her door. She didn't hear me pounding away at her front door. I went to the corner of the street and asked a group of people if they had a phone I could borrow so I could call my parents so they could call Ali. They turned me away. I asked another group because I watched one of the girls put her phone in her purse and then she said to me, "we don't have cell phones."
Unlike Alexander and his "day", I was not all that bummed out about my week. I knew it could have been a lot worse. I was grateful that the computer crash did not happen during finals. I am lucky that my foot injury (knock on wood) was not in the middle of when I needed to do my 20 milers. I am hopeful that I won't get the flu again this season. And, I am lucky that THIS time, I insured my cell phone. Today's run, my first run in over a week, felt good. And, once again, I love weeks that begin (or end) with drinks, food, and quality time after a run with the DFMC'ers. I am convinced my new attitude about a week like this one will help me get through tougher times in the future.
It had been a terrible, horrible, no good, very day. My Mom says some days are like that.
Even in Australia.
(thank you Judith Viorst for the excerpts from your book)
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