Faina, Maureen and Jodi donate!!!

I am so thrilled that my fellow Broad colleagues Faina Anufriev, Maureen Donohue and Jodi Greco have joined other Broadies with generous donations to the Dana Farber Claudia Barrs Program for innovative basic cancer research. I could not begin this journey with out the support of family friends and colleagues. It is an honor to run for you! I hope I don't let you down!

About my bet with the EHS guys........I think they gave one to the old lady.....I won. Tyler said he "forgot" about the bet and Mike was just too busy to continue after giving 2 full hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I won with only 384 minutes. Last year the three of us were doing 500-600 minutes a week for a 12 week period. It is time for us to step it up. It is also time for me to remind all you blog followers that 100 percent of the money you donate goes directly to research. Make your donation today, just click the link on the right.

May you have a very Happy and Safe New Year!

Terry Hayes Thank you very much

Terry's Christmas donation has me over 1,400. raised to date! Terry has participated in the PanMass Challenge and is well aware of the cause. Thank you Terry for supporting me again this year. I hope next year you will join the team!

Today's long run was by far one of the top ten miserable runs of all time. I went out this morning at 9 and planned on running from Quincy to Milton, around Milton and back home. It was drizzly but the rain was due to stop soon. I was thankful it was really warm out side. Almost all of the runners I passed were in shorts. The route was nice and hilly. Not too much was flat and some of it really steep. At about mile 6 it started to pour. I got drenched. With 5-6 miles to go, I really didn't want to be that wet in the middle of my run. I passed a dead deer that was pulled onto the sidewalk. Poor thing. I guess things could be worse. Fatigue settled in and I was quite miserable. The wind picked up and I started to feel cold. I walked for a minute and then thought the faster I run the quicker I will be home in a hot shower. That may have been my strongest finish yet. I was surprised to find my hands and feet all pruney when I took my shoes off, but thankfully, no blisters!
Stay tuned for the update on my contest with Mike and Tyler........

Another bet with the folks in EHS

We are betting how many minutes we will workout this week. I'm sure I'll get my usual 6 hours in, hopefully 7 but Mike is sure he is gonna win this one......The winner gets a six pack from the losers. With Tyler hitting his trainer and logging some serious minutes on his long rides, I'm going to have to work really hard at the gym to keep up with these guys. It should be interesting........

Larry Brutti ROCKS!

Larry thank you for your donation to the Dana Farber. It is friends like you who make me keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Today I met with fellow Dana Farber runners in Lexington to run 10 miles on the bike path. It was really cold out there but somehow I managed to run a very relaxed 10 miles. 5 miles out and back. The first 5 were mostly downhill and the 5 back were a steady incline. Although I didn't have a negative split (back half faster than the first half) I ran the same time going uphill. I was pleased that I didn't walk and I'm really hopeful that I'll be able to continue my training without injury.
I'm looking forward to going out tomorrow for a short run in the snow after I shovel us out!
Everyone, be safe if you need to drive tonight.

Kathleen Mitchell supports me again!

Kathleen, thank you so much for your generous donation to the Dana Farber. I have been touched by the caring of my colleagues and friends here at the Broad Institute. Thank you.


Happy Birthday Carolann. Hope you enjoyed your day off!


On the training front this has been a decent week. I had a 4 mile run, a 40 minute elliptical work out. I lifted weights and will get a 4 mile run in tonight. I've got my first group long run this Saturday. The team will run out in Lexington so I'm happy to have a new route to try and it will be nice to run with my fellow Dana Farber runners. If all goes according to my plans I will run 18 miles this week and be ready to start increasing my long runs from 10 miles to 12 miles.

Why I run

Many wonder why I run. I had originally been overweight my whole life. As a child and adult, I was anywhere between 40-60 pounds overweight. Following my mom's death ten years ago, at age 35, I began to live a healthy life. I was fueled by my mom's suffering from the cancer treatments, knowing any discomfort I was experiencing was nothing compared to what she endured. Being too large to feel comfortable at a gym, I walked l hour in the morning and 1 hour in the evening. I ate only the foods I could control and avoided anything that one bite would not suffice. 4 months later I was down 40 pounds and able to start my running journey. I joined MIT's gym and began running on a treadmill. I was slow (I'm still slow), but I am out there doing it. Soon I was running 3 miles and more weight came off. I raced in some local 5Ks, did a sprint triathalon and even ran a half marathon with my brother, Danny who was always my idol when it came to fitness. My goal is never to win, but rather to finish. A year after I started my weight loss journey I was down 60 pounds and actively going to the gym 5 days a week. Seeking new ways to challenge my body and mind.

Ten years later, I am older and it is getting harder to keep my weight down, but I firmly believe that if you really want something and you have a clear plan to get it, you can accomplish it! We the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge members run for many reasons. I am running because I don't want to see anyone I love suffer from cancer. With each step and each donation, I know that I'm doing all I can so that you and your loves ones don't suffer as my mom did!

Join me at the finish line! Together we can help find better treatments and a possible cure for cancer.

18 miles this week!

Slow and steady was my plan and I was successful with a decent 10 mile run today. That brought my weekly total to 18 miles. 2 cardio workouts and 2 weight lifting sessions. Almost a near perfect training week.

I went to the Greater Boston Running Club in Higham to pick up my first of three pairs of sneakers that I will need to make through the training and marathon. I was fitted and $139.00 later I have the first pair, ASICS with Powerstep orthopedic innersoles. They are pink! It has been suggested to rotate two different pairs though out the next 16 weeks and then break in your marathon pair two weeks before. I estimated that between sneakers, gu(energy supplement), new mittens and socks I will spend $500.00 during the training period. I'm invested in crossing the finish line....you can be too, just click the link on the right to donate and join me on this journey.
Thank you.

Thank you Kelley

Thank you Kelley for your generous donation to the Dana Farber and for the technical support with this blog. You are a constant source of energy!

Went for an hour long walk last night to get a cross training hour in. The official training period begins next Monday. I hope I have a good base for the miles that are ahead of me.

During this holiday season, consider making a donation as a gift. Your donation is tax deductible!

Click the link on the right to donate today!

Mike McCarthy & Signer Harris

Thank you again Mike for your donation to the Dana Farber! I appreciate your support. I also want to thank you for taking the time to tutor my daughter with Chemistry. You are a great friend and I like working and running with you....even though you say you are not a runner I consider you a training partner. Thank you Bill and Marcia Harris of Signer Harris. Once again your generous support to the Dana Farber Researchers will help find better treatments for those suffering with cancer. Your dollars have us on our way to the finish line. Thank you!

I'm up to $1,186.20. Job well done for month 1. Yesterday, I ran 5 miles and did weight training. I hope to get to the gym and face the elliptical machine for 40 minutes. Ideally I want to run 18 miles this week which is getting challenging now that the weather is cold and stormy. Knowing that you all are watching keeps me motivated to lace up and hit the streets.

THANK YOU JESSE

Thank you Jesse Boehm. Your contribution to the Dana Farber is much appreciated. Another Broadie supporting the cause. How amazing is it to work in a place where people really care about finding better treatments to aid those who are suffering? It is great! I love working at the Broad Institute.

On the training front I did a 4 mile run with Tyler along the Charles, a one hour yoga class and one trip to the gym. I'm finding it difficult to carve out the time for training, but I have a finish line to cross and I can't let you all down! I should be working out at least 5 or 6 hours per week so I've got to kick it up today with a run and strength training. Anyone want to go out for 4/5miles?

UPDATES

Just when I started to stress over donations, I received one. Thank you to Leah Eisenstadt. You restored my faith that I can do this. I can meet my goals. It won't happen over night but like my training, we can get there! To all my fellow Broadies, your support is appreciated.

On the running front, my long run was 8 miles and included the 3 major hills in Quincy. I was super pleased with my run up the hills. I was able to maintain a run up the hills not stopping to walk. One of the hills was over a half mile of straight climbing. That was my longest and hardest run yet without walking. To top it off my recovery was a breeze. I'm hoping to run 10 miles this weekend without walking. I know I'll be ready for the official training (starting in two weeks) if I can run 10 without walking and recover without too much pain.

On a totally different note, I have been dealing with a medical crisis with my daughter. It is scary as a parent to know that she is suffering and there isn't much I can do. Her prognosis is good but she will probably need surgery and have a long recovery in the months that follow. I can not imagine how parents go through this when they have a child sick with cancer. How do they balance work, house chores, doctor's appointments, holidays, balancing what their child wants to do and what they can do, and worst of all fear of the unknown? With your help and your dollars, the Dana Farber Claudia Barrs Investigators are working hard to find better treatments for those suffering with cancer including children. 100 percent of your donation goes directly to research. Every dollar!

Click the link on the right to donate today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you Tyler and Mike for joining me yesterday on my 5 mile run along the Charles River. In the Facilities and EHS suite we bet on everything. Such as who can have the most exercise minutes for the week, how long will the cake stay in the kitchen before it is gone, who has the best heart rate recovery after running up 7 flights of stairs....you get the picture. It is harmless fun and it never involves money. The three of us bet the time we would finish. We established the rules and prize and decided that it would be whoever got closest without going over would get to go in the shower first and pick the person to use the second shower (The Broad has 2 shower rooms). Time flew by and I tried to keep us quick (I had the quickest time) while Mike tried to slow us down even stopping to do some pull ups. It was really funny and kept us all in a great mood. Following the 4th mile heading in the last mile I really felt great and could have done another 4 but the run was over and the winner was........me! I really enjoyed my shower because I felt like I earned it.


I am truly grateful to have good health and a loving family. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

RUN ALONG THE CHARLES RIVER

I was planning on hitting the gym today for strength training, but after a week of not running with Tyler I decided to hit the Charles River. We ran a 4 mile loop that is usually pretty and doesn't have too many lights, but luck was not on our side. We had to stop for 3 lights. Frustrating when you get in a groove. It was a little chilly but with the borrowed polar fleece I was nice and toasty. I'm going to have to bring a hat and gloves for the next time.

I still need to get to the gym so that will be my priority tomorrow.
Unfortunately no donations to report but I feel that luck is on my side and I'll get one maybe two tomorrow. Be well!

No Running today :-(

Back to back running days gave me a little bit of knee trouble so I didn't run long today. I'll try tomorrow.
I'm so pleased that I received two more donations today. My colleague Amanda Bennett has supported this event again this year. Thank you Amanda. Prof. Thomas DeFrantz is supporting my run as well. I worked with Prof. DeFrantz at MIT in the department of Music and Theater Arts. I love that he engages with his students to keep movement beautiful. I am so blessed to be surrounded by people who have decided to run the distance with me....working towards the finish line of better treatments and a possible cure for cancer. Thank you Amanda and Tommy. I am grateful for your support.

Turkey Trot results

31:38 for my Turkey Trot. That is an average of 10 minutes and 13 seconds per mile. Not too bad for a hilly course.

Updates

Thank you to Bill Hagerty and Kim Hurley. Your donations to the Dana-Farber have me over the $1,000. mark. Bill, we will have to start a collection to replace your shoes!
I've set up a collection jar for desk/pocket change in the Facilities suite. Last year I received over $23 in this jar. Every little bit helps.
I didn't get out for that Thurs. night run but did go for a quick three miles with Mike. As soon as the sun came out we went out from the Broad down to the BU bridge and back. At one point it started to rain but we persevered and kept going not having to stop at the Mass Ave. lights in either direction. It was a refreshing run.
Today I have a Turkey Trot in Milton. A nice easy 5K. The weather is perfect and if I feel good I'll run another 6 after the race.

Donations are coming in!!!!

A big shout out to Edda Cicconi, Rhonda O'Keefe and Allen Mullaney of Aldon Electric. Thank you. One day after sending out my first mailing I have $885. towards my goal.

On the training front, I had Physical Therapy with James this morning, yoga at noon and hopefully will get out for a light run while dinner is cooking.

To donate click the link on the right.

Update on my Colleague

I guess he made home.......

Nice lunch run with Brenda

Today I went out for a 4 mile loop around the Charles river. It was perfect running conditions. We left the Broad Institute and walked for a quarter of a mile and then ran for 3.5 miles finishing with another quarter mile cool down walk. I didn't sleep well last night and have been a little stressed so I think it was a slow run, but I always feel better when I finish.

A colleague ended my day with a very funny story. He decided to wear an old pair of very nice dress shoes to work. He hadn't used the shoes for 10 years. Early in the day he noticed a lot of black dirt marks on his file cabinet. Upon further investigation he noticed many pieces of rubber on the floor. He took one look at the bottom of his shoes and they were disintegrating. By the end of the day most of the sole of his shoes had fallen off. He showed me huge pieces that he had picked up off the floor. He has offered the shoes to me to wear when I run Boston. He thinks they will provide me with a fast time now that they weigh almost nothing. I hope he makes it home before they completely fall apart...............

Am I sure I want to do this?????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5C7qzxxJBo&NR=1


YES....small price to pay to help in finding a cure.

The Invitational Entry for the Boston Marathon arrived on Saturdayl!!! I just completed it and will post it on my way home tonight. I'm hoping to get a run in tonight that will include some speed work.....3 or 4 miles would be great.

Please read an article on the DFCI site about the importance of mammography in the early detection of Breast Cancer. "Dana-Farber Cancer Institute breast cancer and prevention experts feel it is important that women recognize that while mammography is not perfect, it is the best breast cancer screening tool currently available."

http://www.dana-farber.org/abo/news/press/2009/dana-farber-experts-underscore-importance-of-mammography-screenings.html

Samatha Lynn and Rebecca Rita

Nice Running Weather

After a restful Saturday with the newest additions to our family Rebecca and Samatha Wood (my younger brother's daughters). I went out for an early Sunday morning run. It was misty and very quiet. I ran 7.25 miles and it felt great. I always struggle the first 2 or 3 miles but then I find my groove and just feel like I can keep going until my legs get heavy and fatigued. That was at mile 6. It is hard to imagine that just 4 weeks ago I ran the BAA half marathon. Thank goodness for muscle memory.



Early this morning I headed over to Planet Fitness to use the elliptical and do a little weight training and stretching. Following my recent injury (Patella Tendinitis) strengthening my calves, hips, and quads is necessary for me to undergo the training that lies ahead. Marathon training officially begins in mid-December and lasts 18 weeks. During last year's training I logged over 8,100 minutes of training. Most of it running. How did I find the time????



On the fundraising side, I have 300. in donations. Thank you Hama!

Click the link on the right to donate.

WELCOME

I'm going to do it again............I've been chosen to be on the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge 2010 Team. My goal is to raise 5.5K for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research.
Established by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver in 1987, the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research fosters scientific breakthroughs by advancing the work of gifted researchers in a variety of basic research disciplines. The program is named in memory of Delores Barr Weaver's mother. 100% goes directly towards research. I need your help to reach this goal. On the days that follow, you will be able to follow my progress with training and fund raising. I hope to bring you with me each and every step of the way.

Click the button on the right to make your donation today!