Goals. Thank You. Fundraising

I am currently in Pittsburgh Airport patiently waiting for my plane to take me back to Boston.  I want to take a moment to reflect on the past few days.  At my recent Team Go Far meeting, I found out I am in 2nd place for getting most donors, which means, I have been spreading the word to as many people as possible.  In part to receiving so many donations, I give a BIG SHOUT OUT TO JOE JOHNSON for being my Rush Chair in muscling support out of our friends :-)  I appreciate all the help I can get.  I want to say THANK YOU to Jen Hiller! The Hills donation pushed me closer to my fundraising goal :-)  Thank You John and Ann Miller for your wonderful contribution sent to The Bottom Line!! 

This has been a great week receiving all the help.  You all have no idea how much this means to me, esp. since I am about 5 weeks away from reaching the finish line of the Boston Marathon, being plagued with all sorts of injuries.  I rest, yet restless because my mind really wants to get a great workout, but my legs refuse to move faster than a slow walk. Sigh.  At times I can feel my muscles pulsate in pain, that I actually look forward to icing my lower half of my body in my bath tub when I get home.  Hope is what I have now, hope to finish well, and hope to raise a lot of money. 


On another note, my new personal goal is to get as many donors as possible to edge out the competition (Sara Cooney :-P).  The prize to get the most donors is to have my friends/family meet me at the best spot on the Boston Marathon finish line.  These are coveted spots that I really want to earn.  I am hoping to get my Dad to come up from Texas and be a part of the journey.   We'll see...


I am boarding in a moment, thanks for following along.

Quote of the Day: Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.  ~Ambrose Redmoon

Thank You Mr Williams!

Thank you for your contribution to my cause!! All donations leading up to my fundraising event held at Pour House on 907 Boylston Street, Boston, on 3/23/2010, will be eligible for raffle tickets to any of the prizes below!!!!  

Hill Drills. 11 mile run

After work, the weather was so nice that I had to get outside and run.  My injuries are still around, but I fought through the pain to get a good workout.  I dropped my car off at the Newton YMCA and partially ran with a charity group that was on their way to do hill drills at Heart Break Hill.  I did about 6 drills on my own and they were tough.  My heart felt like it was going to burst or crawl up my throat and puke out of my mouth. My weight lifting is paying off as I felt pretty strong and upright sprinting up the hills. When I finished, I started to head back to the Y, which was 2 miles away, instead, I ran in the wrong direction.  Not sure if I was delirious, but I got disoriented and was blocks away from Rt 9, so I turned around to head in the right direction.  I added up my mileage, I was supposed to do a 7 mile run, I ended up with 11.  I hope my legs will not punish me tomorrow morning. Despite the injuries, my pain factor on a scale 1-10 (10 worst), I had about a 5. I only have 1 more month to go, I already feel spent. I'm glad I did the hills and long run, it will only have me be better prepared for the marathon.

Long May You Run

What was supposed to be an 18 mile run, ended at 14.99 miles, which were filled with excruciating pain and disappointment.  I ran in Barrington, RI early this morning along the East Bay Bike Path.  I know for awhile my legs were slowly breaking down and today, it was close to crippling.  My muscles and my heart could have continued on to reach 18 and my spirit wanted to overcome this physical obstacle. However, I know when to be realistic and to distinguish between the two different types of pain.  One type is the pain that is weakness leaving the body, in that building mental toughness to tolerate regular muscle fatigue.  That type heals.  The other is when there is an ailment that has not healed for quite some time. That ailment makes my other muscles or body parts to overcompensate for it, causing a rapid deterioration of physical fitness and limiting my physical capabilities.   What is most disheartening is having an injury when you should be at your peak physical fitness.

Despite the injury, I did my best to stay present and enjoyed the salty air from East Bay, the wind, the balmy 40 degree morning, complete solitude, hearing my feet hit the pavement, birds migrating back to New England, calm waters, seeing a bunny!, still accomplishing 15 miles and in pain, I felt so alive.  What is great running long distances is that I get to take my mind and spirit to a place that I rarely go to test its toughness, courage, and tenacity. 

Tonight is the closing ceremonies of the Winter Olympics 2010.  Neil Young sang Long May You Run, which I will end this post with the song lyrics as my quote of the day:

We've been through some things together

With trunks of memories still to come

We found things to do in stormy weather, 

Long may you run

Long may you run, long may you run, 

Although these changes have come

With your chrome heart shining in the sun

Long may you run...

Bottom's Up for the Bottom Line!

**RECESSION BUSTER EVENT**

Event Date: 3/23/2010

Location: Pour House, located at 907 Boylston Street, Boston MA.

Admission: $10.00- guarantees 2 raffle tickets to any item up for raffle

Accessible by the T: Hynes Convention Center or Copley Plaza

After work, kick back with friends with some brew and free food while supporting a great cause, The Bottom Line!  6-7pm Free Appetizers  There will be raffle prizes! 

Raffle Items:

1.  2 Tickets to Boston Bruins Game on April 1, 2010!

Details: Four rows back from the ice rink-aisle seats!

2. Samuel Adams “Bucket of Cheer”.  The bucket includes a galvanized Samuel Adams beer bucket, 2 shirts, 2 hats, 2 key chains, and 2 perfect pint glasses with  6-assorted beers!  Cheers to that!

3. Don't give up on your New Year's Resolution on fitting into that swimsuit!! Summer will be here faster than you can eat a Dunkin Donut.  If you need extra motivation to get in great shape, WIN Healthworks Fitness 1 free month of membership to any of their Healthworks Fitness locations! ! !  There is no time like the present to get in shape!!

4. Just come back from vacation or traveling for work and you don't feel like doing laundry or just don't have the time? Give yourself a break and have someone else do it for you!  Life Without Laundry is giving a gift card toward their services!! 20 lbs. Wash. Dry. Fold. Pick up and Delivery for free!

5. Tired of Boston? Explore the beautiful rustic and charming town of Lincoln, MA, to DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park!  Win guest passes to this contemporary art museum! DeCordova Museum surrounds 35 acres of beautiful woodlands and vast lawns, it is the largest park of its kind in New England.  Make it a day exploring artworks and picnic on the greens.  

6. Free movie. 3D. IMAX.  Take it all in at the IMAX Theater in Natick, MA!!!  There are some fantastic movies coming up in 3D; enhance your viewing experience at the IMAX theater!  Win guest passes to IMAX movies!

7. Break up your nightly monotony and come hang out at Jillian's of Boston They are donating a Pool Party! Valued at $250.00, this allows 25 of your friends to play pool for 2 hours free with free appetizers!!  Play pool, bowl and capture a Red Sox game at the bar.

 

8. Imbibe on $2.50 drinks while sharing laughs with friends at Boston's hottest comedy club,  Mottley's Comedy Club at Trinity, they are offering tickets, come out for a great time!  If you got laid off, bring your letter and you can get in for free-score!!

9. Score some tickets from the Boston Garden Sports Museum (TD Bank North) and take your Boston sports fanatic on a date! You can get stuffed in Larry Bird's or Ted William's Locker, try on Adam Vinatieri's shoes,  and see the memorabilia from the original Patriots-Boston Redskins!
 
10. Take home some movie tickets that can be used at any of these fine theaters: Cinema de Lux, Showcase Cinemas,  The Bridge, and Multiplex!

11.  Boston Local Company, BOLOCO, which prepares fresh, healthy burritos and wraps, are offering a gift card valued at $25-30!!

12.  Come to Boston's most interactive experience at TOMB, Participants get to play the role of hero in their own adventure, as they are confronted with puzzles, challenges, twists, and traps to test their bodies and minds. 4 complimentary guest passes! $80.00 value!

13. Win a gift card to the Award Winning Gourmet thin crust pizza company, Upper Crust Pizza! $50.00 value!  Take a foodie trip or your date to the original Upper Crust pizza parlor in historic Beacon Hill for some mouthwatering, savory pizza!  Gift card can be used at any of their fine locations. 

Additional tickets are $5.00 each.

THANK YOU To all the Boston businesses in donating these fantastic gifts!

Come out and win some fabulous prizes!  

All proceeds go directly to helping the students of the Bottom Line!

Thank you anonymous donor!!!!

Wahoo! Another awesome anonymous donor, thank you for donating to my cause.  My 46 contributor brought my total to $3063.00!!!!!!  Getting closer to $3250.00-hoping to reach that by the end of February!  Gymed it up in Philadelphia, PA.  

9 Weeks to Go!!!

Two months from now, my feet will cross the Boston Marathon finish line...in relative comfort.   I still have many more miles to go in my training.  I need to gain as much muscle as possible to handle the stress of the endurance run. Want to build more speed so I can clock in under 5 hours. In terms of diet, I must keep eating the right foods in check, measure the adequate amount of whey protein every morning and night, and portion control with supermodel prowess.   Must buy new running shoes as my current ones are moving into retirement.  Must fundraise as much as possible to reach my goal of $8,000.00.  So much to do with so little time.   

Quote of the Day: Illegitimi non carborundum

17 Miles ended with a milkshake

 

I know, I'm insane with the photo taking, but someone has to document this journey, it might as well be me!  the first couple of photos were of the Bottom Line marathon team anxiously waiting to aboard the buses from Riverside T to take us into Natick/Wellesley, MA to start our ambitious 16-17 mile run! It was sponsored by the Boston Children's Hospital. I got to meet so many other amazing people running for different causes.  The runners that dressed up in the spirit of Valentine's Day were the "Liver Lovers" from the Liver Foundation.  

I ran through Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brighton, Brookline, Boston and ended at the finish line! The buses dropped us off at mile 9, so when I got to Heart Break Hill, we already did several miles of hills, but I didn't stop to walk. Although my run was turning into more of a shuffle, I didn't quit!!  I "hit the wall" when I got to mile 16, my muscles were cramping up and getting really tight. I had to stop to stretch the legs a few times, which helped me be more limber.  I am definitely a hell of a lot stronger than I was back in October! Afterward, a few of us Bottom Line folks rewarded ourselves with burgers and I got a chocolate milkshake at my favorite joint, Pour House!

This was one of my best runs, in that when I finished I as beaming with pride that I successfully ran 17 miles.  I didn't give up and no negative thoughts clouded my mind. I ran about 10:40/mile.  

Stuff White People Like: Marathons

"In life, there are certain milestones of physical activity that can define you.  A sub 5 second 40 yard dash, a 40 inch vertical leap and so forth.  To a white person, the absolute pinnacle of fitness is to run a marathon.  Not to win, just to run.
White people will train for months, telling everyone who will listen about how they get up early in the morning, they run when it rains, how it makes them feels so great and gives them energy..."
 
I thought this was hilarious and wanted to share it. Read more at Stuff White People Like: http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/26/27-marathons/

Walsh! Walsh! Walsh!

My friend, W.Walsh, Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support and contribution towards a great cause.   You not only made me surpass another fundraising milestone, every dollar goes directly to helping students pay for their application fees, travel fees, books, and other costs incurred from college.  


Tally: $3011.00!!!!!!!


Closing in on my February goal: $3250.00!  




Quote of the Day: It takes a person with a mission to succeed.
Clarence Thomas 

Thank You Alane C.!!

Alane, your donation means so much to me and to the students from the Bottom Line!  Right now, I am dollars away from reaching $3000.00 thanks to you! ! !






Bottom Line update: Students sent out their college essays at the end of last year and in January.  The waiting game begins for Boston and Worcester high school seniors to receive their letters of acceptance. 


Quote of the Day:  "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." -Edward M. Kennedy 1932-2009

Extra Mile

Thank You Tawny E. for donating all the way from Iowa!

 You are catapulting me closer to the $3,000.00 mark!! 




Last night, despite nagging injuries and a nor'easter that never was, I ran 7.5 miles and felt...great! Bring on 16 miles!






Quote of the day: It's never crowded along the "extra mile".  -My fortune cookie told me this. 

Thank You John and Julie P!!!

John, Thank you for your help on my journey, I am ever so close to reaching my February goal!  Every dollar goes to helping the students get into college, graduate and go far in life!  With the help of all of my donors, we are going to do something amazing for these students :-)  


Tally:  $2907.00!!!


Goal: $3250.00!  SO CLOSE!








Quote of the Day from one of my favorite men: 
"Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get.   But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen.  I'm telling you.  Amazing things will happen.  I'm telling you.  It's just true."  -Conan O'Brien on his last taping of The Tonight Show

Made it to Mile 15...actually 16!

Sunday morning is a day of rest for many, but not for me.  I had to get my long run in regardless of shin splints.  I was thankful for free parking on Sundays at Eliot T station, Newton, which was my start and my finish.  I thought everyone did their long runs on Saturday, but I was happy to see so many runners and cyclists exercising.   

I just mapped my run and found out I did 16 miles because I missed a turn on my run and just retraced my steps.  No wonder I was exhausted when I had to finish that last mile! 

Original run: 

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3457083

My Run: http://www.mapmyrun.com/route/us/ma/newton/965126573304751634

It was physically challenging because 1. Distance and 2. you run along the 4 miles of hills that end with Heartbreak Hill near Boston College. Then you can take it easy around the reservoir, and then it's all down hill. However, when I ran around the reservoir, I had a strong headwind.  That pretty much sucked all heat and energy out of my body.  I knew then that my muscles were going to ache in pain because I used up all of my glycogen stores.  I needed sugar and carbs stat! I wondered if I passed out from hyponetrimia, low blood sugar or exhaustion, would someone would steal my wallet?  Luckily, I stopped at a bakery along the carriage trails a couples miles away from Boston College.  

I contemplated whether I should take the T to shorten my run because I didn't know if I was going to be in trouble physically.  It was pretty bad to get to the point where I wanted to shorten the route.  I ran out of water and was forming a headache.  If I decided to take the T, then I would be giving up on the training and all of the effort that got me this far.   The negative thoughts were crowding my head and I just had to get out of the meandering carriage trails and reach the Newton-Wellesley Hospital to get water.     

Lessons learned:

1.  Diet is so, so important and I felt the effects of improper fueling.  I didn't eat enough in the morning and didn't bring any snacks for the 15+ mile run.  

2. Continue to drink plenty of fluids after running or else result in runner's migraine.  2 cups of water for every pound lost on the run.  :-/  

3. Rice, Rice, Baby: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation for my shin splints will aid in a speedy recovery. 

All of these lessons, I already know, yet, I still forget to follow through, which makes me suffer when I do the run.  

Thank You Matt Hofmann for donating to my cause!! It has lifted my spirits in these cold, dreary winter months! Thank you for your support friend!!  Bringing my total to: $2783.00!!!!

14 miles of trials and tribulations

Saturday, Jan. 30, I woke up at 6:55am to find out it was 6 degrees and I was going to run 14 miles.  Any other time in my life, I would have turned off the alarm and go back to sleep.  Without doubting and questioning whether I should conquer the run, I got up and searched for my sneakers.  My shin splint injuries were hiding in the shadows and I wondered when they would show up on my run.  I got up to run, but not for myself, but for the students that are counting on me.  I am running for them. 



That morning we had a guest speaker, Dr. Grayson Kimball, a sport psychologist and experienced marathoner.  What I gained from his talk were about the power of positive thinking.  Dr. Kimball mentioned that 80% of the 60,000 habitual thoughts occur in a day will be negative.  That is a significant amount of negativity.  That negativity contributes to stimulating areas of the brain that involved depression and anxiety. Why is this important to running? For many reasons, but I'll just mention what I got out of it.  Negative thinking clouds my confidence and can psych myself out, which can be true to running and life.  Instead of complaining in my head, "My feet hurt, I'm hungry, it's rainy, etc." All negative, yet passing thoughts, I will just say, "choose joy".  Done.  

Coach Rick asked the group, "Have you heard the quote, the older you get the faster time goes by?"  That never rang so true until I ran 12 miles a couple weeks ago. Pain radiated up and down my legs, each step was excruciating-I thought my bones would split in half.  All I could think about was looking forward to finishing the run, couldn't wait to get this over with, and wishing I was somewhere else.  The coach caught up to me and said to stay in the present, be in the moment, don't let this moment pass you by.  What a great metaphor for life.  Doesn't everyone just wish for the weekends? When times are tough at work or home, or that you face the same drudgery, don't you wish you could move on to something else?   I don't want to just flash forward through life. It was a significant lesson for me. 



I hit the "wall" at mile 10 and couldn't believe I had 4 more miles to go. I was exhausted and my legs were stinging from exposure to the cold.  Fatigue was setting in because I was hungry.  My camelback pack was steadily dripping and freezing immediately to my coat and spandex, thus leaving me right side wet.  A large, tan poodle jumped on me while I ran leaving dirty paws all over my spandex.  Instead of complaining in my head, I pushed it out of my mind and focused on my breathing or repeating song lyrics in my head.  I did my best to reinforce positive thinking or clearing my mind to go into a meditative state.  I did it all without music.  I am thankful to the BottomLine water ladies and to run the last bit with Tricia!  



I am happy to accomplish the run and look forward to 15 miles! 






Pics from the run:

I had my camelback pack and it leaked all over my jacket and froze immediately. Note to self, do not use camelback when it is below 32 degrees outside. 

I got sunburned that day!

Quote of the Day:  "Between Saying and Doing, many pairs of shoes are worn out." -Italian Proverb 

To Run or Not to Run

Update on training:
This past week, I have been steadily weight lifting and cross training on the Erg, Stair Master and Elliptical machines.  I was supposed to run between 3-5 miles the last several days.  However, this nagging, sharp pain in my left shin has reminded me to take it easy. I don't know how many more days I can take it easy.   I read that people with shin splint injuries need to take it easy up to a few weeks to heal...I can't afford to take that much time off, can I?  I should say I'm fortunate I am catching it early on so I can give myself time to heal.  It is discouraging like, being benched when I know I am good enough to play. 


Tonight, it is to be 6 miles running, but I am going to try and accomplish it with minimal impact by "running" on the Elliptical.  I would say I'm entering the darkest period of my training; my miles are getting longer and challenging, the aches and pains are building, the NYC Half Marathon is looming.  


On Fundraising:
Fundraising goal to date: $2731.00!!!  Made possible by Bobby's grandparents!  Thank you to G+G Robert and Mona Speaker for helping me on my journey.  Your support has kept me positive through the training.  :-) 




A personal favorite Quote of the Day: Believe in yourself, know yourself, deny yourself and be humble. - John Treacy's four principles of training prior to Los Angeles 1984 marathon

12 Miles of Physical Pain, but remain Optimistic

12 Miles: Out to Arsenal and Back, Boston side of the Charles River. 

                                    

Yummy, gummy, sugary sustenance.




1/16/10 retro: I ran 12 miles with shin splints.   Right before I got to the Northeastern Rowing Club house, I had to stop and stretch, but stretching is futile.  Coach Rick stopped to evaluate my condition and suggested I roll my foot in circles to loosen up my ankles.  From now until marathon day, I will need to ice and elevate my legs after my workouts to reduce inflammation.  I hope/pray it doesn't get worse.  Coach Rick reminded me that this is the mind/body conflict.  That I needed to not focus on the pain and to push through it.  Whenever my mind wanted to think negative thoughts, "I don't know if I can run another mile let alone finish 7 more miles," I thought about the marathon and my fundraising efforts.  I told the coach that all I could think of is to walk at the end of the 12 miles and just thinking of finishing this run.  He said to remain in the present.  I took up his advice and taking pictures along my run got my mind off the throbbing, stabbing pain in my legs and next thing I knew it, I had 1 more mile to go.  I practiced run/walk the last mile.  


It was pretty balmy weather for runners and I wore way too many layers.  Luckily, I had a camelbak with plenty of water to keep me hydrated.  We had 2 water stops for 12 miles and I knew it wouldn't have been enough to keep me going.  




1/18/10 retro: I was supposed to run 3 easy miles, and I could only accomplish 0.50 miles because the shin splints felt like they are going snap my tibia in half.  So, I switched to stairmaster for 45 minutes, which didn't help as I was still pounding on the machine. :-/
I read when recovering from shin splints, it is best to use this progression before returning to road running:  Water Running --> Cycling --> Stair Master --> Treadmill --> Road Running.    




I'll assess at the end of the week to see if my legs are healing.  I'm so close to completing half marathon status!!






Quote of the Day: "Live boldly, follow our dreams, take risks, look after our friends, and smile when the mountain is the steepest." - Bear Grylls

Shin Splints-UH OH!

Last night, I was supposed to run 5 miles, but I felt shooting pain go up my leg.  I stopped just 0.10 shy of hitting 3 miles at an easy 9:40/mile pace.  It is possible that I am developing shin splints from doing hills or doing sprints.   Early in my training I felt shin splints, but I took it easy, but now they are getting more aggravated.  Last night, I switched to erging 4000m and called it a night.   I was disappointed because I am getting faster, but limited because of my condition.  Today, is rest day.  Tomorrow is 12 miles. 














Quote of the Day:

"I run because it's so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can't. But then you find your inner strength, and realize you're capable of so much more than you thought."
--Arthur Blank

It's Official-Entrant into Boston Marathon!

"Dear Alexis:

Your entry for the 114th Boston Marathon has been received...We look forward to your participation on race day!

Boston Athletic Association"

YAY!  


Last night, I had a quick work out of running 2 miles and biked 6 miles at a vigorous, consistent speed of 22. I didn't have time to do weights as I went out to hang out with some friends.  I had a moment of weakness last night. Three slices of Domino's pizza and cookies made my workout feel worthless.  It was nice to relax in a slothful manner for the first time in months!  


Tonight, I will complete 5 miles and make conscious decisions about my dinner.  Today also marks my 4 year anniversary to Bobby.  My gifts were: Double Stuffed Oreos, Godiva chocolates and an Edible Arrangements sent to my place of work.  Is he trying to make this diet incredibly difficult? I will not surrender! 












Quote of the day: "All your life you are told the things you cannot do. All your life they will tell you you're not good enough or strong enough or talented enough, they'll say you're the wrong height or the wrong weight or the wrong type to play this or be this or achieve this. They will tell you no, a thousand times no until all the No's become meaningless. All your life they will tell you no, quite firmly and very quickly. They will tell you no. And you will tell them yes." - UNKNOWN

Thank You Coutu Family!

Mr and Mrs Coutu, Max, Grace and Ethan, THANK YOU for your support and for contributing to my cause!!! I came home from the gym tonight, got the mail and found your wonderful gift.  I hope to be a great role model to you kids, that with hard work and dedication, you can reach your goals!  


You vs. Yourself

While I was running on the treadmill today, I noticed a guy' t-shirt said, "You vs. Yourself", it made me think of how far I have come in my training; and how much more I have to go.
Tonight, I completed 6 miles on a stationary bike for 26 minutes.  Then I completed a tempo run, which was a 10 minute warm up at 10:30 min/mile, then launched into the tempo run.  It lasted 35 minutes at a 9:25 min/mile, at a 0.5 incline.For a tempo run, you run at your 10k pace.  For the past year, my 10k pace was 10:00/mile, which for me has been horrible due to my injuries. 

During the run, I started to visualize running the marathon.  Visualizing my runs or races helps me mentally prepare for what is to come and psychs me up.  My mind went to the middle of the race, again before reaching Heartbreak Hill.  I could feel my adrenaline surging through my veins, I felt so fast and the run felt effortless!    After this work out, I know I have improved in my speed!!  I owe it to doing hills and weight lifting.   I feel I could have gone faster, but I didn't want to push myself too hard.  Afterward, I did some weights for upper body and a 10 min. ab workout. I left the gym at 8:15pm and felt elated!  I am beating the person I was yesterday, the person I was a year ago.  

 Quote of the Day:

"Goals.There's not telling what you can do when you get 

 

inspired by them. There's no telling what you can do when

 

you believe in them. There's no telling what will happen when

 

you act upon them.' 

Jim Rohn

 

Plowing through the winter work outs

Workout: 2 miles on stair master 70-120 steps/min., 3 sets/12 weight lift arms, lunges, hamstring, quads, lower back extensions, abs workout-obligques 



Last night, I was supposed to run 3 miles instead I conquered a stair master from hell.  I noticed that everyone goes to the gym on Mondays, then the no-shows increase as the week moves on.  When I got to the gym, I was mentally prepared to stationary run and stare at the wall for 55 minutes, which is incredibly boring and takes great mental strength to handle it.  However, nearly every piece of equipment was used except for 1 stair master.  


So, I did the stair master at a vigorous tempo trying to mimic running hills for 1 hour sans Pandora on iPhone.  To stave off boredom, I did intervals of 2 minutes at 115-120 steps/min. and resting at 70-85 steps/min. for 3-4 minutes.  It was a tough workout and I felt the surge of lactic acid building up in my quads. 


Hills = Nemesis 
 I kept thinking about the Newton hills that I will meet.  I read about the foreboding hills, it can/will be deflating to the body and mind. In the Boston Marathon, runners would complete 13 miles before taking on the 4 miles of straight hills, which is where most of the glycogen stores are depleted, leaving many runners exhausted.  Then, when you are on the brink of exhaustion and hunger, you realize you have 9 more miles to go.  Oh my freakin' goodness, I had a moment of "oh sh**, what did I get myself into?" I get tired after doing 2 miles of hills. I know I must practice running long distances with hills.    


I know one way to build strength and speed is to run the Harvard Stadium.  It's a horseshoe shaped coliseum. 





 When I was a rower, we sprinted up the stadium steps like gazelles.  Since it is winter, there is probably snow and ice covering the granite seats.  This Saturday, after my 12 mile run with my team, I'll mosey on over to the famed H.S. and see if I can tackle a few rows.  

In countless running articles, they say, to never try new foods on the day you are racing-too many consequences will ensue. My friend, L, tried Gu when we ran the Boston Half Marathon.  She never ate it before and got terribly sick from it afterwards.  I tried it for the first time when I ran NYC Half Marathon and ate bit by bit and it was a saving grace.  Besides eating Gu, which has the texture of Vaseline, I need to find out what foods to eat during my run to keep my body from shutting down.  All in all, I am injury free, getting faster and lighter.  My marathon goal time is 4:30.  I hope I can meet or beat it!

Inspiring quote of the day:
"If you believe you can, you probably can. If you believe you won't, you most assuredly won't. Belief is the ignition switch that gets you off the launching pad." Denis Waitley