During the past week training felt like it was getting a little more serious! I am glad I have a training plan as it's easy to plan and check off the runs when they're done! I tend to plot out my route on www.mapmyrun.com the night before so I have an idea of where I'll be going before I head out.
Last week I did my six-mile run on the hills of Comm. Ave in Newton. I figured if I run them enough it will be less of a mental hurdle on race day. That run went well and I followed it up with a five-mile run around Newton Highlands later in the week. I'm trying really hard to make sure I stretch after my workouts as I tend to skip over that and I know it will be crucial to avoiding injury as the mileage increases. I've had a little nagging plantar fasciitis for a few months now and am just hoping it doesn't get any worse!
I was scheduled to do my long runs on Sundays with a shorter five-mile run on Saturdays. Last weekend I knew I was supposed to run 10 to 12 miles on Sunday but by Saturday I was just dying to get out there and try it after being sick the weekend before. Waiting until Sunday just seemed to be dragging it out. Saturday was a gorgeous day so I got out there around lunchtime (my daughter still naps in the early afternoon, which has ended up being my default running time on the weekends!) and did 10 miles on the Marathon route. I felt great and that helped my confidence for some of the longer runs ahead. I started out very slow as I was more concerned with covering the distance than my speed, which instigated some sarcasm from my husband about my lack of speed when I returned!
I also made a little purchase this week. I decided to invest in a fuel belt. I had been running with a small water bottle in my hand but figured as the runs get longer I might need some more water or Gatorade on board. I tried it out on my long run last weekend and after getting over that I looked a bit geeky I appreciated its benefits! I am in desperate need of some more shirts as I've worn holes in two old ones already!
This week I did another seven miles around Newton and have to admit, my motivation was not where it was last week. I guess the novelty has worn off but I'm sure that will pass as the miles increase! I am supposed to do eight miles today and I am trying to figure out how I am going to get that done as I only have an hour free to run and I am certainly not at eight mph speed - or anywhere close!
In the meantime, I'm keeping an eye on the weather for this weekend's 14-mile run!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Out of Commission - Danielle
Well, I'm lying here in my bed somewhat frustrated. Last week definitely didn't go as planned. I awoke on Monday, January 30 around 4:30 am to get ready for work. I was feeling somewhat tired, but got ready and drove into work. As I stepped out of my car, I all of a sudden felt a warm stream down my leg. I had lost control of my bladder! I was obviously disturbed by the whole thing but went inside, cleaned myself up as well as I could and settled into my office. I thought to myself that I was glad to be wearing black pants that day. Shortly after, I realized my right eye felt heavy. I went into the bathroom and sure enough, it was partially closed and I had a hard time opening it up all the way. I decided to call my doctor’s office and scheduled an appointment for late in the day on my way home (of course I wasn't going to drive all the way to work without putting a full day in).
At the end of the day, I went to the doctor’s and they immediately sent me to the emergency room to rule out the obvious. I was admitted and spent the next three days undergoing multiple tests including MRI/MRA, MRI of the c-spine, several vials of blood, and my favorite, a lumbar puncture. All tests have been negative to date except my thyroid function tests; I have Hashimoto's and it looks like I need an adjustment in my medication (no wonder I'm so darn tired all the time!). My eye eventually went back to normal and I was discharged Thursday night with instructions to follow up with the neurologist and my primary care physician.
On Friday, I started having super bad headaches and after 24 hours I called the neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal headaches (a side effect after a spinal tap). He told me to lie in bed flat for eight hours. Over the course of this time, I began having some belly cramping. I suspect I now have a stomach virus (when it rains it pours).
I did push myself to run six miles on Saturday but essentially I have been out of running commission for a week now. I'm obviously frustrated by the whole thing but all I can do is wait it out and hopefully things are going to get better.
The one thing I am chuckling about to some degree is watching my husband push a vacuum, clean toilets, do groceries, laundry, cart three kids around, etc. In all honesty though, I'll be super happy when I'm back to my old self, can be useful around the house again and can hit the pavement with my new running shoes! I'm keeping my fingers crossed I'll be 100 percent by the end of the week because I have a lot of miles to catch up on!
At the end of the day, I went to the doctor’s and they immediately sent me to the emergency room to rule out the obvious. I was admitted and spent the next three days undergoing multiple tests including MRI/MRA, MRI of the c-spine, several vials of blood, and my favorite, a lumbar puncture. All tests have been negative to date except my thyroid function tests; I have Hashimoto's and it looks like I need an adjustment in my medication (no wonder I'm so darn tired all the time!). My eye eventually went back to normal and I was discharged Thursday night with instructions to follow up with the neurologist and my primary care physician.
On Friday, I started having super bad headaches and after 24 hours I called the neurologist who diagnosed me with spinal headaches (a side effect after a spinal tap). He told me to lie in bed flat for eight hours. Over the course of this time, I began having some belly cramping. I suspect I now have a stomach virus (when it rains it pours).
I did push myself to run six miles on Saturday but essentially I have been out of running commission for a week now. I'm obviously frustrated by the whole thing but all I can do is wait it out and hopefully things are going to get better.
The one thing I am chuckling about to some degree is watching my husband push a vacuum, clean toilets, do groceries, laundry, cart three kids around, etc. In all honesty though, I'll be super happy when I'm back to my old self, can be useful around the house again and can hit the pavement with my new running shoes! I'm keeping my fingers crossed I'll be 100 percent by the end of the week because I have a lot of miles to catch up on!
Monday, February 6, 2012
13 Mile Long Run? – Angela
I have to admit that this week was a little challenging considering that I am currently in New Brunswick, NJ for training. My week started on Monday, which was easy because it was an off day. However, Tuesday morning at 5:30 I decided to run outside since the hotel gym was completely occupied. I can’t believe how many people get up so early to work out. Nevertheless, I decided to take a chance and run outside (by myself). Hind sight I really didn’t think this through although I know I only had to run 3.1 miles so I figured stay on the main roads and I should be able to manage just fine. I did my three miles maybe a little more since I was not familiar with the area and I had no idea where I was going. (Note to self, plan ahead). Nevertheless, this was going to be my last early morning run outside by myself in an unfamiliar area. As the week continued, I made new friends and found a running partner so the rest of the week was great! I ran my four miles on Tuesday and six on Friday. Saturday was my rest day, which was perfect since my husband and son came down to visit me for the weekend.
Sunday morning I was scheduled to run 13 miles, but my company is busing us to a new location closer to the corporate office. I decided to run my 13 miles once I got to the new location. BIG MISTAKE!!!! Not only is the new location more rural, there are no sidewalks! Ugggg! So here I am now in Branchburg, NJ with limited knowledge of the area. The hotel staff was not that familiar with running routes but I was directed to a residential area. So bottom line, I not only ran my 13 miles and got lost a little, but my total amount of miles was 15.15! Unbelievable I got a little turned around. This has truly been quite the adventure. I have learned a lot about traveling and trying to maintain a running schedule in unfamiliar areas. Did I mention that I am looking forward to returning home to get back to some familiar roads? The good news is I will be home Thursday night so I will be able to do a couple of miles on Friday and Sunday I am scheduled to run just 10 miles.
Sunday morning I was scheduled to run 13 miles, but my company is busing us to a new location closer to the corporate office. I decided to run my 13 miles once I got to the new location. BIG MISTAKE!!!! Not only is the new location more rural, there are no sidewalks! Ugggg! So here I am now in Branchburg, NJ with limited knowledge of the area. The hotel staff was not that familiar with running routes but I was directed to a residential area. So bottom line, I not only ran my 13 miles and got lost a little, but my total amount of miles was 15.15! Unbelievable I got a little turned around. This has truly been quite the adventure. I have learned a lot about traveling and trying to maintain a running schedule in unfamiliar areas. Did I mention that I am looking forward to returning home to get back to some familiar roads? The good news is I will be home Thursday night so I will be able to do a couple of miles on Friday and Sunday I am scheduled to run just 10 miles.
Feeling Good - Danielle
So it's been about a week and a half since my last entry. I've managed to run in three states and in all kinds of crazy weather. I've run in five-degree weather in RI, after a snow storm in Maine (and may I add coming head on with snow plows is quite intimidating), and just a few days ago, I ran in heavy rain in Maryland with the temp at a warm 60. I'll be heading to the Keys with family and friends during February break. I'm sure I'll get the hot weather runs in there. I love running in the rain; beats the heat, cold and snow any day.
As far as mileage, I can run 13. My goal this week is to start on a 17-mile adventure – I call it. I head out to do my 17-mile loop, I run as far as I can, then I do a walk/run with hopefully more running than walking in the last part. I'll continue to do this until I can run all 17. My goal is to do this in the next three weeks.
I've been going to PT regularly and it seems to be helping. I have also discovered that although I am fit, I have a lot of weak areas on my body, especially my hips, back and core. My physical therapist, Justin, is super. He has me doing all kinds of exercises to strengthen all the weak muscles and then some. I can already feel a difference when I'm running.
My big purchase yesterday was a brand new pair of running shoes. I bought Newton's on the suggestion of my brother-in-law who runs in this brand and swears by them. He has seen a lot more miles than me. I am hoping they work out for me as well. I was looking for a shoe that will help my running form and help to decrease the impact on my knees and back. I also purchased my running shirt. I'm very picky about my running gear during a race for some reason. I plan on having it embroidered with a design my daughter put on her soccer jerseys just before my dad passed away. It is the lymphoma ribbon with the number nine imbedded in it (my dad's hockey jersey number he had his entire life). I also will add a fist underneath the whole picture. My dad would always hold up his fist jokingly and say to us, "Do you want to meet my five brothers?" For me it also represents the tough fight that he never won against lymphoma. I'll also plan to have the NWH logo on the shirt as well.
Lastly, I am realizing that taking on training is really causing me to get behind on some daily tasks. So on that note, I guess house cleaning, laundry and cooking gourmet meals have gotten somewhat put on the back burner. A common question from my kids over the past few weeks, “Mom do I have any clean….” you name it. Their dresser drawers have been empty at times but they are quite understanding and I think as things go along, I'll get more efficient at doing everything somehow…or maybe it's a good time to teach them how to do all the above themselves?!!
I guess that covers my activities for the past two weeks. I'm feeling pretty good and highly motivated. See you at next check in!
As far as mileage, I can run 13. My goal this week is to start on a 17-mile adventure – I call it. I head out to do my 17-mile loop, I run as far as I can, then I do a walk/run with hopefully more running than walking in the last part. I'll continue to do this until I can run all 17. My goal is to do this in the next three weeks.
I've been going to PT regularly and it seems to be helping. I have also discovered that although I am fit, I have a lot of weak areas on my body, especially my hips, back and core. My physical therapist, Justin, is super. He has me doing all kinds of exercises to strengthen all the weak muscles and then some. I can already feel a difference when I'm running.
My big purchase yesterday was a brand new pair of running shoes. I bought Newton's on the suggestion of my brother-in-law who runs in this brand and swears by them. He has seen a lot more miles than me. I am hoping they work out for me as well. I was looking for a shoe that will help my running form and help to decrease the impact on my knees and back. I also purchased my running shirt. I'm very picky about my running gear during a race for some reason. I plan on having it embroidered with a design my daughter put on her soccer jerseys just before my dad passed away. It is the lymphoma ribbon with the number nine imbedded in it (my dad's hockey jersey number he had his entire life). I also will add a fist underneath the whole picture. My dad would always hold up his fist jokingly and say to us, "Do you want to meet my five brothers?" For me it also represents the tough fight that he never won against lymphoma. I'll also plan to have the NWH logo on the shirt as well.
Lastly, I am realizing that taking on training is really causing me to get behind on some daily tasks. So on that note, I guess house cleaning, laundry and cooking gourmet meals have gotten somewhat put on the back burner. A common question from my kids over the past few weeks, “Mom do I have any clean….” you name it. Their dresser drawers have been empty at times but they are quite understanding and I think as things go along, I'll get more efficient at doing everything somehow…or maybe it's a good time to teach them how to do all the above themselves?!!
I guess that covers my activities for the past two weeks. I'm feeling pretty good and highly motivated. See you at next check in!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Crazy - Joellyn
My name is Joellyn Morin from Kingston, MA and I am the Team Lead for Information Systems here at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. My husband, Chris, and my two children, Addison age 6 and Toby age 5, have been very supportive. When I told them I was running in the marathon my son asked me if I was going to win? How cute. I told him that I may not come in first but I will win because I will finish. It is difficult enough to work full-time and raise two children but throw training into the mix and it gets tricky. Did I mention I just started back to school for my master’s in management and healthcare informatics as well? Crazy right? That one word about sums me up.
If you had asked me last year if I would ever blog I would have said no let alone blog about running in the Boston Marathon. Bear with me on both because I have never done either. That’s right I don’t run races or should I say I didn’t. The first and only race I have run in was January, 5, 2012 in Quincy, it was a 5K. A far cry from the 26.2 miles I’m about to embark on. On the recommendation of Daniel Destin from the Shipley Fitness, I put my name in the hat to run in the Boston Marathon for Team Newton-Wellesley. Not sure if I should thank him or curse him, I will decide after the race. I wasn’t a hard core runner; I did it more because I would rather do cardio outside than run on a treadmill. Funny how quickly things can change, now I run so I can finish the Marathon not in traction.
I don’t have a clear cut training plan. I ran eight miles this morning with who I like to call my secret service agents: Freddie Sanchez, who is marathon man, and Sherwyn Rocke, who is also running for Team Newton-Wellesley in the Marathon. Freddie has done numerous marathons and runs all the time. He has been nice enough to volunteer to run with Sherwyn and me. Freddie’s job is to basically push us to our breaking point. Keep in mind we do this at 6:00 in the morning while most people are starting their day. I realized running with them pushes me to not stop and to try and keep pace. There were points that I know if they weren’t with me I would have walked, stopped or maybe cried. Thanks for the push guys!
I originally decided to run the Marathon because Daniel suggested it. After the excitement, shock, horror and denial of it all I have realized why I really am running. First, we are raising money for a great cause, The Vernon Cancer Center. We all have a family member or know someone who has or is battling this awful disease. Second, I want to be able to say I ran and finished the Boston Marathon. How cool is that? Third, I want my children to know that if you put your mind to something you can do it. I have no formal training for this and not a lot of time to train. I have 16 weeks to prepare, most people train up to a year in advance. I’m not afraid, bring it.
If you had asked me last year if I would ever blog I would have said no let alone blog about running in the Boston Marathon. Bear with me on both because I have never done either. That’s right I don’t run races or should I say I didn’t. The first and only race I have run in was January, 5, 2012 in Quincy, it was a 5K. A far cry from the 26.2 miles I’m about to embark on. On the recommendation of Daniel Destin from the Shipley Fitness, I put my name in the hat to run in the Boston Marathon for Team Newton-Wellesley. Not sure if I should thank him or curse him, I will decide after the race. I wasn’t a hard core runner; I did it more because I would rather do cardio outside than run on a treadmill. Funny how quickly things can change, now I run so I can finish the Marathon not in traction.
I don’t have a clear cut training plan. I ran eight miles this morning with who I like to call my secret service agents: Freddie Sanchez, who is marathon man, and Sherwyn Rocke, who is also running for Team Newton-Wellesley in the Marathon. Freddie has done numerous marathons and runs all the time. He has been nice enough to volunteer to run with Sherwyn and me. Freddie’s job is to basically push us to our breaking point. Keep in mind we do this at 6:00 in the morning while most people are starting their day. I realized running with them pushes me to not stop and to try and keep pace. There were points that I know if they weren’t with me I would have walked, stopped or maybe cried. Thanks for the push guys!
I originally decided to run the Marathon because Daniel suggested it. After the excitement, shock, horror and denial of it all I have realized why I really am running. First, we are raising money for a great cause, The Vernon Cancer Center. We all have a family member or know someone who has or is battling this awful disease. Second, I want to be able to say I ran and finished the Boston Marathon. How cool is that? Third, I want my children to know that if you put your mind to something you can do it. I have no formal training for this and not a lot of time to train. I have 16 weeks to prepare, most people train up to a year in advance. I’m not afraid, bring it.
No Time Like the Present - Kirsty
I have been running off and on for more than 20 years. In high school and college I was a serious athlete competing for my country (Great Britain at the time!) in rowing. I did some running at the time as part of my training but have never been a natural runner. But 20 years and two children later I mainly exercise for fun and enjoy jogging just to get outside and get some exercise. I love a challenge and still have a competitive side and running a marathon has been on my list of lifetime goals for a few years now. I turn 40 this year so figured there was no time like the present!
My husband has done a few marathons, including Boston twice, but the furthest I have run before is a half marathon (in Scotland many years ago) and a few 5ks and 10ks here and there. I will certainly not be breaking any speed records and my main goal is to cross the finish line on two feet! I've been working out with Daniel Destin at the Shipley Fitness Center for a while so when I found out I had a number we reviewed a few training plans and picked a beginner marathon schedule that calls for four days of running with a long run on Sunday. I'm going to try to cross train the other days as well. Fitting in the runs with two young children (ages 1 and 6) is the biggest challenge and I may do a couple of the long runs with my husband for some company along the way. I plan on getting up and out early in the morning for most of my runs as it's my favorite time of day and too many obstacles come up once the day gets started. I'm just hoping the mornings get a little lighter sooner!
My biggest concerns for the Marathon are staying healthy (I managed to start week one of training with a nasty virus I picked up from my children but still got my runs in) and injury free. I am lucky enough to live in Wellesley, just a few minutes from the Marathon route so hope to get some runs in on the route and also the Crosstown Trail, which is a much softer surface and a little easier on the joints!
My husband has done a few marathons, including Boston twice, but the furthest I have run before is a half marathon (in Scotland many years ago) and a few 5ks and 10ks here and there. I will certainly not be breaking any speed records and my main goal is to cross the finish line on two feet! I've been working out with Daniel Destin at the Shipley Fitness Center for a while so when I found out I had a number we reviewed a few training plans and picked a beginner marathon schedule that calls for four days of running with a long run on Sunday. I'm going to try to cross train the other days as well. Fitting in the runs with two young children (ages 1 and 6) is the biggest challenge and I may do a couple of the long runs with my husband for some company along the way. I plan on getting up and out early in the morning for most of my runs as it's my favorite time of day and too many obstacles come up once the day gets started. I'm just hoping the mornings get a little lighter sooner!
My biggest concerns for the Marathon are staying healthy (I managed to start week one of training with a nasty virus I picked up from my children but still got my runs in) and injury free. I am lucky enough to live in Wellesley, just a few minutes from the Marathon route so hope to get some runs in on the route and also the Crosstown Trail, which is a much softer surface and a little easier on the joints!
Yes I can! Yes I will! – Angela
I am thrilled to be awarded this once in a lifetime opportunity to train and run the Boston Marathon. I don’t come from a family of healthy athletic people and every time I decided to set my mind to some sort of physical challenge, I occasionally get a questionable glace. I started running about twelve years ago in an effort to get physically fit. My first road race was a 5k and I had my entire family come and cheer me on. As time progressed I continued to set my goals higher until I reached the goal of training for the Chicago Marathon in 2000. I didn’t have a precise training schedule and I elicited the help of my friends to ride their bikes alongside of me as I trained for my long runs.
Once I completed the Chicago Marathon, I said that I would NEVER EVER DO THIS AGAIN. In fact I pretty much committed to not training for anything again – until three years ago when a girlfriend asked me to train for the New York Marathon. Initially, I trained with the idea I just want to through this challenge and never commit to doing another. Well, after the race I caught the “runners bug” and it allowed me to remain committed and healthy. This past October I ran the Lowell Marathon. I had hopes that I would qualify for the Boston Marathon but during my training I realized that registration for Boston was pushed up to September so even if I would qualify, I wouldn’t make registration. Nevertheless, I committed to the marathon and ran my best run even with an injury by mile 22.
So, here I am fully committed to running the Boston Marathon a dream of mine for at least ten years. Ironically, it looks like I lucked out because this year’s weather has been AMAZING! I have followed a simple training schedule designed by Hal Higdon. In addition, to training I have two great things that keep me going on my long runs, which are the Heart Break Hill Striders (running group) and I have a cool running partner Sherwyn Rocke, who also got a number through Newton-Wellesley Hospital. The best advice I can give anyone who has thought about running but wasn’t sure how to get started is baby steps - just start off walking and run for 10 to 30 seconds and then walk for two. Find what works for you. Clearly, I don’t claim to be an expert, but I know how I feel after I exercise and there AIN’T no pill for that!
My commitment to getting and staying healthy is not just one sided. My husband plays a huge part in this because we have a son who is four years old. So many mornings I go out to do my miles while my two boys are still sleeping. On Tuesday and Thursdays, I teach spin at 5:30 am at the Shipley Fitness Center and dash home to walk the dog and get ready for work. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings I go out to complete my assigned morning runs (usually while the boys are sleeping). Sundays are my long runs. This Sunday, Sherwyn and I completed 12 miles and we both felt really good. There is something about training with a friend rather training by yourself. Of course I miss a day or two here and there for one reason or another but for the most part I want to remain committed to my goal. As fate would have it, during this great news, I also started a new job which has also gotten to be very challenging with home study and regional training. This has forced me to be more organized and prioritize my running schedule for early in the morning verses mid morning or late afternoon.
So my journey is long and it does come with a little history but doesn’t everyone have a story to share as to how they arrived to where they are now? Yes I can and Yes I will!
Once I completed the Chicago Marathon, I said that I would NEVER EVER DO THIS AGAIN. In fact I pretty much committed to not training for anything again – until three years ago when a girlfriend asked me to train for the New York Marathon. Initially, I trained with the idea I just want to through this challenge and never commit to doing another. Well, after the race I caught the “runners bug” and it allowed me to remain committed and healthy. This past October I ran the Lowell Marathon. I had hopes that I would qualify for the Boston Marathon but during my training I realized that registration for Boston was pushed up to September so even if I would qualify, I wouldn’t make registration. Nevertheless, I committed to the marathon and ran my best run even with an injury by mile 22.
So, here I am fully committed to running the Boston Marathon a dream of mine for at least ten years. Ironically, it looks like I lucked out because this year’s weather has been AMAZING! I have followed a simple training schedule designed by Hal Higdon. In addition, to training I have two great things that keep me going on my long runs, which are the Heart Break Hill Striders (running group) and I have a cool running partner Sherwyn Rocke, who also got a number through Newton-Wellesley Hospital. The best advice I can give anyone who has thought about running but wasn’t sure how to get started is baby steps - just start off walking and run for 10 to 30 seconds and then walk for two. Find what works for you. Clearly, I don’t claim to be an expert, but I know how I feel after I exercise and there AIN’T no pill for that!
My commitment to getting and staying healthy is not just one sided. My husband plays a huge part in this because we have a son who is four years old. So many mornings I go out to do my miles while my two boys are still sleeping. On Tuesday and Thursdays, I teach spin at 5:30 am at the Shipley Fitness Center and dash home to walk the dog and get ready for work. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings I go out to complete my assigned morning runs (usually while the boys are sleeping). Sundays are my long runs. This Sunday, Sherwyn and I completed 12 miles and we both felt really good. There is something about training with a friend rather training by yourself. Of course I miss a day or two here and there for one reason or another but for the most part I want to remain committed to my goal. As fate would have it, during this great news, I also started a new job which has also gotten to be very challenging with home study and regional training. This has forced me to be more organized and prioritize my running schedule for early in the morning verses mid morning or late afternoon.
So my journey is long and it does come with a little history but doesn’t everyone have a story to share as to how they arrived to where they are now? Yes I can and Yes I will!
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