Ohhhh We're Half Way There...

I registered for the Hyannis Half Marathon on November 11, 2013 and set the February race as the next goal in my freshman running career. Soon thereafter, I took an enormous leap and decided to run the 118th Boston Marathon. Today I hit the 13.1 mile mark in my training and actually ended up running a little farther. Reaching this milestone wasn't easy. It has taken me months to train my body to go the distance and today's training run was no less of a challenge. It had hills, wind, cold and even a running breakdown.

My husband, Dan, drove me out to Wellesley this morning and after searching for an open coffee shop to make one last trip to the bathroom, I began my 13+ mile trip to Boston. My plan was to meet 4 miles in with my Race for Rehab teammate, Amy, and finish the route together. Somehow we planned our timing perfectly, because just as I passed Newton Wellesley Hospital, I caught a glimpse of my new running partner, who had just arrived at the Woodland T Stop.

Amy and I absolutely crushed the Newton Hills. We improved our pace from last week's 12 mile training run and felt more familiar with the Boston Marathon's notorious hills. I think we probably went a little too fast, because I found myself losing steam as we turned onto Beacon Street and in need of a break. I ended up walking for .1 miles to give my legs a bit of a rest. Amy was amazingly encouraging and gave me the confidence to keep going after I composed myself.

Whenever I have to stop, like I did today, and walk for a minute, I feel a sense of defeat, doubt and disappointment. However, after some thought, I am no longer going to look at those "resting" moments as the 3D's, but rather a time to check back into myself, adjust and recommit to the task at hand. When I reviewed my run this afternoon, which I tract via Garmin, I realized that those walking "breaks" actually helped me pick back up my pace. Even with our running time-out, Amy and I managed to conquer the miles, hills and half of the Boston Marathon course with a 10:35 pace.

Now that I have an unofficial half marathon under my belt, I have my eyes on a "PR" for Hyannis. I want to crush the race AND my fundraising for Spaulding Rehab Hospital. If you haven't already donated, or are feeling extra generous and inclined to make an additional contribution, please visit my personal fundraising page by clicking here.

In closing, I am so incredibly proud and feel a great sense of accomplishment reaching the half-way point of 26.2! I couldn't help but sing the legendary Bon Jovi song "Livin' on a Prayer," especially the "oooh we're half way there...." part as I ran down Boylston street today.

Dear Allison....

Dear Allison, or at least I think thats what your friend called you. I saw you on the treadmill tonight. I saw me in you. You were winded. You were struggling. The look on your face was of disgust, exhaustion and defeat. I was that girl once. I struggled, as you did, to run a mile. I saw you looking over at me as I ran and ran and ran, for what to you probably seemed like forever. I used to do that. I would wonder how someone could keep going. You probably thought that I was judging you. I wasn't. I was cheering for you. I wanted you to keep going, to push yourself, to believe in yourself. 

Don't be ashamed, Allison, and don't give up. People will tell you that 'you can do it' but you will feel like you can't. You will cry. You will go home and eat a cookie because even though you went to the gym to work off the other ones you consumed earlier, its the only way you can make yourself feel better. You'll be sore tomorrow. You will have an internal battle of whether or not to go back to the gym. You should go. No, not because you're a bit overweight and not because society tells you that you should weigh 100 pounds. You should go for you. To feel good. To be better. To be the better YOU. I wont tell you that running a mile is easy, because its not. I certainly wont tell you that getting in shape is easy, because it definitely is not. Don't go to the gym because your skinny bitch girlfriend is dragging you. Go for a purpose. Run for a purpose. Set a goal, achieve it and move onto the next one. You can do it, Allison, and you don't have to be 100 pounds. I'm not! I see me in you. Just keep going....

I wish I could share this letter with "Allison," the girl I saw today at the gym. She reminded me of myself. Someone who never thought they could run a mile and definitely not a marathon! I had more people tell me "you can run a marathon, anyone can run a marathon" but there was no purpose behind it. Its not true, not everyone can run a marathon. There are physical and mental barriers that you have to overcome when you train and compete in an endurance race and not everyone can do that. Its hard, really hard! Who knows if I'll actually be able to complete 26.2 miles, but you better believe that I will try. When I ran 11 miles (alone) last weekend I had time to think. To think about where I came from, how this whole thing got started. Training for a marathon has taught me to eat and be better, to push harder, go longer, not to take anything for granted, especially my legs and most importantly to believe in myself. My advice this week is to set a goal. Your goal could be to go to the gym once a week, volunteer for a non-profit or not fight with your mother this week. Set a goal because achieving any goal is the best feeling in the world. I crossed into double digit (consistent) miles last week, that was my next goal and I achieved it. 

Please support my next goal, to raise $4,000 for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. I am running the Boston Marathon in honor of those who can't. Please consider giving up that one coffee from Starbucks tomorrow and contributing to this amazing organization. Every dollar counts and no donation is too small, or too big! ;-) Donations can be made by clicking here.

Defeat Followed by Redemption

In the event that you missed every person on your Facebook page complaining about the snow and cold, it snowed...like, a lot and it was flippin' cold! With 14" of that white stuff on the ground I found myself in a bit of a marathon schedule shake-up. I was unable to run my short distance on Thursday due to the storm, so I ran 3 miles on Friday, leaving me with a Saturday rest day and a Sunday long run. Unfortunately, the city of Melrose is pretty horrible at clearing sidewalks, so I was forced to climb aboard the treadmill.

For me, running on a treadmill is so much harder than running outside. The scenery doesn't change, it gets terribly boring and I am forced to keep the same pace, rather than allow my body to adjust naturally. So, there I stood on a treadmill at the Malden YMCA (which by the way is WAY nicer than the Melrose Y) with 10 miles ahead of me. I was hydrated, fueled, and strapped in with my new Amphipod water bottle. I was ready to go...or so I thought. Miles 1-4 were solid, but once I hit 5 and realized I had 5 more to go my mind started to wander. My body grew tired, I realized I had to pee, I got completely bored with my view and to make matters worse, the lady next to me needed to be wearing more deodorant. By the time I got to mile 7 I had to quit. I tried playing the mind games, but I just couldn't continue. Frustrated with myself, I did what I have learned to do when in a running predicament: text Coach Pamela!

Pamela recommended that I hop on the elliptical to finish my miles and end with a 5 minute fast-pace run back on the treadmill. Being the good student that I am, I climbed onto the elliptical, still angry with myself for giving up, and rode it out for 2 miles. Once I hit 2, I quickly jumped off and started back to the treadmill. I was determined to finish my miles...and RUN them! I ran the last 2 miles at an 8:30/9:00 pace. I had something to prove to myself and pushed it until I literally couldn't stand it anymore. Satisfied, I sent Pamela a text and re-read some of her other motivational comments that I quickly glanced over while in my tizzy.

I focussed in on one very important statement that my dear Coach made: "Think about all the people that don't have the option of suffering thru a crappy run on a treadmill..." In that moment I realized why my run had been so terrible. I lost sight of why I was running. I was too busy trying to play the mind games that everyone tells me to play to make the time go by faster. I was focussed on my awesome pace. I was thinking about other things than the task at hand. I've said it before and I'll say it again: running, at least for this marathon rookie, isn't about pace, distance, time, cute running clothes (ok, maybe a little) its about purpose. I needed to bring myself back to the reason I embarked on this journey to begin with. I was too busy being a runner and not being ME: the non-runner who accepted a number to run for those who can't.

You better believe that when I strap on my shoes next week and hit the streets for 11 miles I will be thinking of those who can't. In fact, next week I dedicate my run to Nicholas, a former Spaulding patient, my Coach's brother and someone who 9 years ago today lost his ability to run and complain about those crappy encounters with the treadmill. Next week is for you, Nick. You're a fighter and so am I!

Cheers to Twenty Six...Point Two

I'm 26 today! My father-in-law pointed out last night that in my 26th year I will be running 26.2 miles. Furthermore, on April 21st I will be just past 26.2 years old. You're probably sitting there and saying "no kidding, we know you're running a marathon." However, this is a numerical symbol that I hadn't thought of before. There is another symbolic number associated with this year's race: 118. This year is the 118th running of the Boston Marathon. In Judaism 18 or "Chai" is considered good luck and is translated into "alive" or "living." Lets hope that these two numbers bring me luck and success throughout my training and in April.

Onto the important stuff: Yesterday I ran 9 miles along the beautiful Shining Sea Bike Path on Cape Cod. This weekend's long run was redemption from last weekend, where I struggled to get through 8. I'm not saying 9 miles was a breeze, but I definitely felt more confident and comfortable. I also need to give a shout-out to Skratch Labs for fueling my run. I am slowly but surely learning to eat and fuel properly so that my miles go smoothly...or at least as smooth as they can. People told me that marathon training was life changing and I'm realizing what they mean. I can only imagine what the next several months will bring, but each week when I push my body farther I feel energized and grateful for my ability to run.

If you haven't already, please consider making a donation to support my fundraising efforts, which will benefit Spaulding Rehab Hospital. I am running the Boston Marathon for those who can't and would love for your support. Donations can be made here.

Cheers to 26, a healthy and life-changing year!

 (9 Mile Training Run December 28th)

Rough Week

This week was the first negative week of training. There is no doubt that there will be harder ones ahead, but heres what happened:

Tuesday brought 7+ inches of snow, which required me to hop aboard a torture contraption that is more commonly known as the treadmill. I hate that machine, but I suppose I will need to get used to it if the first few weeks of December are any indication of whats to come this winter.

Thursday was also a new adventure for me, as I had to run through snow/slush/ice. Fortunately, Dan purchased running Yak Tracks for me as a gift, so I decided to strap them on, rather than climbing aboard the treadmill again. Yak Tracks are definitely not something I would enjoy running in all the time, but they certainly helped to prevent a slip and fall on the slushy, icy ground below. My route was more of an obstacle course than an enjoyable mid-week short run. The sidewalks were only partially clear and many intersections came with the surprising snowbank that I needed to climb over.

This weekend's long run had two great surprises: 50 degrees AND a new Garmin Forerunner 220 watch from my lovely husband! I figured that all three runs this week couldn't be horrible, but boy was I wrong. I had beautiful weather and 8 miles ahead of me, but the miles ticked by slowly. My body felt heavy, tired and my mind was clouded with negative thoughts as I sloshed through slushy puddles. Somehow I managed to get through all 8 miles.

As I reflect on Saturday, I think of the saying "running is mental." I ran the 8 miles that I needed to. It wasn't pretty, but its miles logged in the book. I wanted to stop and walk several times along my route, but knew that I couldn't. I'm training for a marathon, after-all. There is no playing catch-up now. We are 18 weeks away from the 118th Boston Marathon.

So, lets tie this week's training back to the reason I'm running: The patients at Spaulding don't have the option to give up. They can't say "well, I'll try it again next week." They keep going...and so will I. With that said, please consider supporting my fundraising efforts to benefit Spaulding Rehab Hospital. Your generosity truly makes a difference! Click here to make your contribution.

Frozen Beans

This morning's temperature was 12 degrees when I hit the streets. I was layered, hydrated and mentally prepared for this weekend's long run: 8 miles. My run included a bit of a detour when I took a wrong turn, which resulted in an 8.5 mile route, but thats OK because I felt GREAT! Don't tell my "Coaches" Suzanne Adams and Pamela Robichaud though! They keep lecturing me on "not pushing it."

Coach Adams suggested that I start using "nutrition" during my training runs, especially since they are getting longer. "Nutrition" will become necessary to survive out there in the double digit miles, which are coming quickly. Per her recommendation, I purchased Sports Beans, made by one of my favorite candy makers: Jelly Belly. You're probably thinking that jelly beans don't exactly sound like a nutritional "food," but these beans are magic (and filled with lots of vitamins and carbs.) 8 Miles was a breeze and I'm crediting the beans! Running also just got 100 times better since I get to eat candy!

So, the run went well, but by the time I got into the house I couldn't feel my tush. No, really, it was red...and I mean RED and totally numb. So numb that when I sat down I was unsure if I had actually made contact with the chair. Running in those frigid temps is no joke (my beans even froze!) I think I need to get warmer pants, so any recommendations that people have are greatly appreciated.

This past week also brought my firm commitment to run the marathon. I have signed on as a member of Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital's Race for Rehab Boston Marathon Team and will be raising funds for the hospital. Spaulding and the Race for Rehab team hold a special place in my heart. I have worked for the hospital for 4 years and have been involved with the team since I started. I am truly looking forward to being on the other side of the team this year and actually running the race. I hope that everyone who reads my blog will consider making a donation to my fundraising efforts. Donations can be made online by clicking here or by checks made payable to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and sent to: Amanda Ravens, Development Office, 1575 Cambridge Street, Cambridge MA, 02138.

Tonight I will be enjoying a tall glass of wine and watching the snow fall. Glad I got my run in early today. I hope everyone stays warm and safe out there.

Until next week....

Boston Bound

Ladies and gentlemen, I have officially accepted my invitational entry into the Boston Marathon!

I want to put my invitation into perspective for those of you unfamiliar with just how amazing this opportunity is. Next year's marathon field has been increased to 36000, 9000 more than last year. 23081 numbers have gone to qualified runners or those who have completed 10+ consecutive Boston Marathons. So, how hard is it to qualify? Well, a female between the ages of 18-34 would need to complete a marathon in 3 hours and 35 minutes or less. Thats fast! 5625 numbers were offered to starters from last year who made it past the half-marathon mark, but were unable to finish due to bombings. 500+ were issued to each person physically injured by the bombs. That leaves roughly 6500 numbers, which go to the towns the marathon route runs through, charities in/around Boston and sponsors/supporters of the B.A.A and the Boston Marathon.

I now realize that receiving this "golden ticket" is a blessing in disguise. A once in a lifetime opportunity. The final step in healing. So, heres to 26.2 miles or pure torture and--for those who know me--excessive bitching!

I will be running as part of Spaulding's Race for Rehab team. Please consider supporting my mission to run for those who can't. A donation of any amount is greatly appreciated.

Checks made payable to:
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
(put my name in the memo line)

Mail to: 
Attention: Amanda Ravens
Development Office
1575 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Donate Online:
http://www.crowdrise.com/Spaulding2014BostonMarathon/fundraiser/amandaravens