Week 13 "2nd Place Masters Clydesdale Division"

OK this weeks training started out not so well and ended up pretty good. I started Monday with a proposed 14 mile run that ended up only 11 miles with me almost giving up the quest. It felt like I was running in quicksand and I would never be able to run 26.2. My partner that day (Paula Finestone) was great, she helped me through it and felt that I didn't do that bad. I saw it another way and was depressed for a day or 2. I then went out for runs of 9, and 8 miles that went fairly well building my confidence back up some what. Leaving me with the daunting 16 mile Boston Prep. Everyone that has run it had nothing but horror stories about the hills, the hills, and more hills. So I hoped to at least finish the race without embarrassing myself as I was running with the only brave soul (Rich Doucette) that took me up on my request for some help. Sunday came and we went to the race and we ran and we ran up some hills and then some more hills and then some more hills, it was as expected. So I did end up finishing the race, no pit stops, and a little bit of walking, in 2:27:05 good enough for 2ND PLACE MASTERS CLYDESDALE DIVISION. (A jug of Maple Syrup, which will taste sweet on my pancakes) Not bad. Although I think there were only maybe 5 or 6 in our division I'll take it. So for the week I ran 44 miles. Next week we'll see how it goes. Oh yeah, Rich didn't win anything but there's always next year.

On the fundraising front Cambridge Local 30 sent in a donation. Once again thanks to all that have donated. The tables for the fundraiser are filling up. Please get your tickets early.

I would also like to send my thoughts and prayers with Bro. Paul Doyon he is being deployed to Afghanistan and we all wish him a safe return.

Week 12

Week 12 has brought a whole new set of problems, not only is the weather not cooperating but my 44 year old knees have become rather cranky. The close to sub zero temperatures have sent me back to the treadmill, and with my knees aching I scaled back the training this week with runs of 3.5, 8, 5, and 10.5 miles for a total of 27 miles. Not too bad but I definitely have to step up the mileage in the next couple of weeks. I will remind you that I am running the Boston Prep 16 mile road race next Sunday. I am hoping for a finish around 2 hours 25 minutes. They kick you off the course at 3 hours lets hope that doesn't happen.

The fundraising keeps chugging along with this weeks donations from: Debbie Hanson, The Doucette Family, Tom Tello, Jimmy Flynn, The O'Hare Family, and The Spinale Family. Thanks to one and all for you generous donations.

Tickets are going fast for the Karen's Team Fundraiser please contact me at 978-490-8018 for tickets it is going to be a great time.

Week 11

Training is going well although the weather just refuses to cooperate, I guess running in this weather is what makes this a real challenge as if 26.2 miles isn't enough. I had runs of 8,5,8,and 12 miles this week for a total of 33 miles. Not bad I was actually going for a long run of 14 miles with the DFMC team this Sunday but due to the forecasted snow it was cancelled and I was left on my own, so of course I cut back 2 miles. Again I am throwing it out there to anyone that is interested, I am running the Boston Prep 16 mile road race on Sunday Jan. 25th. I actually have 1 taker and more are welcomed. I hope a few more hearty New Englanders will take up the invitation.

Fundraising is going great, this weeks contributors are: Dan McCartney, The Camuso Family, Megan Brown, and The Parent Family. I am truly humbled by the generosity of all that have donated, Thank you all very much.

There are still tickets available for the Karen's Team Fundraiser to be held Saturday March 28, 2009. Karen' Team T-shirts are going to be available soon please check back for information.

Week 10

So I finally reached a respectable training goal for the week. With runs of 6, 6, 5, 6, and 13 miles I got in 36 miles this week. The last 13 coming with the DFMC Team on part of the Marathon Course. Once again the hills of Newton were brutal, but it is good training physically and psychologically. Although I have to admit I did walk about 300 yards up the last hill, I don't know what hurt more my knees or my pride. I feel that I am on track and will keep the running going even through these awful winter months. I have signed up for the Boston Prep. a 16 mile race in Derry NH. on Jan 25th. Everyone I have spoken with about it says it is a great training run for Boston, they also say it is brutally hilly and it will be very cold. Anyone interested in running that day please let me know and we can go together.

The fundraising is still moving forward, with this weeks donations coming from: The Jolie Family, The Linehane Family, The Mahoney Family and The Rogato Family. Once again thanks to all that have donated and made this event worth every mile that I have trained.