Running for My Dad – Danielle

My name is Danielle Taber. I live in Ashaway, RI with my husband Stephen and our three kids, Grace 13, Jack 11 and Lidia 4. I started at Newton-Wellesley in 1997 on a full-time basis and after each child, I cut down hours. I am now about 8 to 16 hours a week. I am primarily a stay-at-home mom but NWH has allowed me the flexibility to manage a busy family and keep up with my credential and enjoy what I love practicing, and that is nutrition. At Newton-Wellesley, I am an acute care dietitian. I have my master's in nutrition and am a Registered Licensed Dietitian.

I'm a “soccer mom” in the literal sense. My oldest daughter, Grace, is a die-hard soccer player and plays on a Premiere team, a competitive club team and a recreational team. My son Jack plays on a competitive club team. My four year old will play in the fall, but for now does a lot of traveling in state and out of state for games and tournaments. She's a good sport to say the least. Between games and practices, I'm spread fairly thin.

I never ran until after I had my third child at 36 years old. It was a dark winter that year and I knew if I didn't get out of the house, I would go crazy. My mother-in-law bought me a jogger, I got some running shoes and off I went with my newborn baby all bundled up. I walked at first and then started running. A few months later I ran a 10-mile race and that fall, a half marathon. I have done another half marathon since and a few other 10-mile races. I haven't done tons of running but I have a “bucket list”. It includes getting my nose pierced, which I did at 39 years old, running a half marathon, running a marathon (in particular Boston), and several other things I intend to do in the future.

I'm embarrassed to say that I don’t have a specific training plan. I just run on a regular basis and do weight training. I run three times a week. Typically two short runs and a long run, but I primarily let my body dictate how far I go. There are some days my body just doesn't want to run far, so I settle for short and vice versa. With each week, I set out to do more mileage if I'm going to run a race. I usually try to overshoot the number of miles the race is for; hence, I work to 17 miles if I have to run 13 (I don't think I'll overshoot for the marathon though!). I figure if I get to 20 to 23 miles, I'll be good. In between runs, I do workouts with weights and strength training. My biggest issue will be figuring out how to replenish and hydrate during the race. I've been know to get up early in the morning, drink a cup of coffee and head out for a long run. I've done 17 miles that way. I know I won't get away running 26 miles that way. So I have a little research I need to do on that one before I get into the higher miles during training.

I want to do Boston because for several years I worked Patriot's Day and would always go and watch the runners. I guess I just thought that someday it would be cool to be a part of this particular race but I never actually thought I would eventually pick up running as a hobby and actually run myself. People come from everywhere to run this race and the crowds cheering them on are phenomenal.

I sure training will change my life to some degree, but not too much. I've always been pretty fit, working out about five to six times per week on a regular basis. Sure my long runs will take me longer but I'm fortunate to have three days during the week when all my kids are in school. My last one just started preschool this year, so those hours will be used to run.

I'm going to say my biggest concern about running is the possibility that maybe while I'm training, I'll injure myself. I already have an issue; I am going to physical therapy to fix a hip/back problem that I've had for years. My right hip is rotated forward. It needs a little fixing to help improve my running form. So things like this make me a bit nervous.

I am certain that I will cross the finish line though. My dad always said I could anything if I put my mind to it. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with a rare form of NHL, July 2011. I took him and my mom from their home in Maine back to RI to live with me while he underwent treatment at Dana Farber. He fought a good fight, but his cancer was stronger than he was. He was gone within four months. The disease took my dad without mercy. My dad was one of the strongest people I knew but not strong enough for this. So I run in his memory. He was many things to me, a great father, a best friend, a phenomenal grandfather and someone who was always there to listen or offer advice if needed. I miss him a lot but I know in my heart he is in a better place. So this one is for him and I know he'll be with me in spirit. I look forward to the fundraising aspect of this event. It is a great feeling to know that this money goes to help those people like my dad.

Thank You – Todd

I finished and reached my goal! I have so many people to thank. First of all I would like to thank Newton-Wellesley Hospital for giving me an official Marathon entry. Thanks to my family for giving me the time to train. Thanks to the Laboratory staff for all of their encouragement. On the night before the Marathon I stayed at a friend’s house in Marlborough. This allowed me to sleep in and avoid the long bus ride from Boston. (And to eat Oreo cookies as a midnight pre-race energy snack.) The run itself was enjoyable all the way until the first of the Newton hills. Thanks to my friends, family and co-workers that cheered as I passed. My children each had a sign and a GU for me, which was a big boost. The fans throughout the course were amazing. I especially appreciated the kids who were handing out popsicles. Later in the run, when I was miserable, I was encouraged to see any kid with a sign that said “Go Dad.” After the race I went out to dinner and ice cream wearing my Boston Marathon Medal. Thanks JP licks for my congratulatory ice cream sundae! I took a week of vacation at home with my family during which I was able to fully recuperate. Finally, thanks goes to those who work in and support all of the great work that is done at the Vernon Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

My First Race – Jacqui

It is hard to believe that a few days ago I ran 26.2 miles. I am thrilled to have been able to take part in the Boston Marathon. It was really amazing to see firsthand the corrals of 30,000 people preparing to run, the Hopkinton forest bathroom breakers, the Wellesley College screamers, the challenges of Heartbreak Hill, the Boston College drinkers, the Citgo sign hill and of course the FINISH line. It was very uplifting to see my family spread out along the course. They greeted me with signs, cow bells and cheers, which helped to carry me forward. I was surprised to see energetic and supportive spectators continuously along the road throughout the whole race. I was very entertained by the signs and clothing of spectators and runners alike. Very early on in the race – way back in Ashland or Hopkinton – someone had set up a town line sign for Brookline. For most of the run, I paced behind someone in a hot pink tutu. I kept crossing paths with a woman in a leopard dress, and I even saw a pair of people dressed as a “hamburger and fries.” I saw President Lincoln run by me in a full long-sleeve suit and wondered how he would fare in that outfit, seeing that I was struggling while in comfortable running gear.

Despite the numerous warnings to watch the pace early on in the race, I ran 10-minute miles for the first 15K. Although I knew I was running faster than my training (12-minute miles), I was not sure if the fast pace was due to the expected “30 to 90 second faster race day pace” or the much-dreaded “going too fast and will burn out soon” theory. Right around 13 miles I suddenly learned the answer: I was going too fast. I also realized that I was a little dehydrated as I hadn’t increased my water intake to account for the warmer weather. I drank water and Gatorade, ate a few oranges and walked for two to three minutes every mile instead of my usual one-minute walk. I did this over the next few miles and felt much better by mile 17. I am so grateful to those souls that handed out the orange slices that helped to revitalize me. Although I had made a recovery, I wasn’t sure how tenuous it was, so I decided to walk the three big hills. I was disappointed by this concession as I had trained the last 14 weeks running these hills and thought I was ready to take them on, but the last thing I wanted to do was not finish the race.

Then at the top of Heartbreak Hill, my uncle joined me for the last five miles. After the demoralizing hills, it was such a wonderful site to see him with a fresh face eager for the run together. We finished out the race together enjoying the sites and sounds of the Boston Marathon. Although my overall pace ended up being slower than my goal of 12-minute miles, I was able to finish the race strong. Since I have never done any running race before, I am proud to walk away from the Boston Marathon with a finish time of 5:32 – and of course a really cool medal!

Actually, I am walking away from this experience with a whole lot more than that. I exceeded my fundraising goal for the NWH Cancer Center. I learned that my friends, family and co-workers are an incredibly supportive group of people. I learned that one of my great strengths as well as one of my great weaknesses is that I always try to get more out of any given situation. I learned that my dog, Rowen, loves to run. And did I mention that I got a really cool medal?

Success! - Elise

I was going for under five hours and made it! 4:55. I felt good the whole time but definitely slowed down on Heartbreak Hill. I was so impressed with the crowds cheering along the way. There were so many people it felt great. The finish was so awesome and packed with fans. I ended up getting the free massage they offer all runners after the race. I think it really helped with the recovery, that and the beer with my dinner. I just wanted to thank all my friends and family that supported me along the way. I couldn't of finished without you!

Still Sinking In – Jenna

What a day! I finished my first marathon ever, the Boston Marathon 2011, in 4:57. It’s a bit longer than the 4:30 I was hoping to run it in, but I don't mind because I know I gave it my all. Everything went well, until about Mile 21, after the Hills, when everything seemed to slow down.

My running buddy Ture and I, whom I ran with for all our long runs, stayed together from start to finish, helping pep each other up over the last five miles when we were both hurting a bit. I was able to see some of my other friends along the way, many of whom were running for other charities, so that was really neat. The very best part for me was making the turn onto Boylston and seeing all of my family and friends cheering for me as I ran by strong and bolted to the finish line. Even though I was hurting, they all said I ran right by like it was the first mile, which is exactly how I wanted to finish!

I loved the whole finishing experience – crossing the finish line, getting wrapped in my marathon foil and receiving my medal. All of the volunteers were so nice, and greeted me like I was the only runner there that day, with enthusiasm and smiles. The BAA and all the thousands of volunteers do a great job of putting on the race and showing all runners a great time.

I met my fiancé and family at the athlete meeting area, took some pictures and headed back home, only a block from the start line (thank goodness!). From there, we celebrated and barbequed, with me mainly enjoying my new found appreciation for sitting still!

I found it quite amazing that no matter how much I was hurting at the end, all these thoughts vanished as soon as I crossed the finish line! The whole day was very special for both my family and me, and I appreciate all the support from everyone whom I knew and I did not know who cheered for me and NWH along the way.

I am not sure if I will continue to stick with my usual half marathons, or will now be addicted to full marathons, only time will tell. I thank NWH for giving me the opportunity to run and support our organization, everyone who donated and supported me along the way and my family and friends for being understanding when running became one of my top priorities over the past few months.

It's still sinking in that I have achieved this dream of mine (and ran for approximately five hours!!)

Ready – Jacqui

The mileage this week was even less than last week. I found it hard mentally to cut back on my regimen after training on longer runs for so long. At first, I began increasing my speed as I had a lot of excess energy, but I quickly learned this is NOT what you are supposed to do during the taper weeks. The next day after running 10 to 11-minute miles (up from my prior 12-minute miles), all of my muscles in my legs tightened up. Ugh... definitely not the time to develop new injuries!

Although I have the energy to go faster and train harder now that I am not running really long distances, the whole idea behind a taper is resting your body and muscles for the big day. I have found that I have to consciously hold myself back during my runs as it just seems too easy. Who is this person?

I am trying to focus more on getting good sleep and stretching regularly. I am really loving the extra time away from running to spend with my family. I have done all of the hard work. Now it is just a matter of time until the big day. I am ready.

A Force to be Reckoned With – Jacqui

I made it at last! This is my final entry before the big run. I am both very excited and anxious about the upcoming day. Since I have not been running excessive mileage over the last three weeks, there is a part of me that worries that I can no longer do a really long run. I know the whole taper idea is tried and true by the best of experts, but I am still anxious about the distance. 26.2 miles seems a lot longer to me this week after only running a maximum of eight miles last weekend, compared to three weeks ago when I had just run 20.6miles. It is a good thing the mileage is less this week, as I have been spending a lot of time trying to coordinate my run and my supporters. I picked up my running shirt and some cow bells from Newton-Wellesley today. This weekend I’ll be getting my bib #26135. The Boston Athletic Association offers many options to track runners while on the course. You can sign up for text messages that alert spectators to specific mile markers once crossed and you can monitor progress on-line. The Boston course has a lot of key topographical and emotional landmarks, so runners often have loved ones at pre-specified locations for help with motivation in these areas. Many people have informed me that they plan to come out to see me run. I thought that I would probably have my husband, son and parents watching me on Marathon Monday, but I never dreamed this many people would fight the crowds to see me pass by. I can’t believe how supportive my friends and family have been. I have been getting phone calls, e-mails, snail mails, care packages and donations for the Newton-Wellesley charity all week long. If you are planning on coming out for the run and you happen to see me in the crowd, please yell out your support. I will use every and any help out there. Thank you for joining me on this journey to 26.2 miles. It has been a long and hard 14 weeks, but now I feel like I can cross any bridge that comes in my path. Armed with my realized physical and emotional stamina, and more importantly my amazing support network – I can be a force to be reckoned with.