G.J. IS RUNNING TO CURE CANCER

Week 23

2010-03-22T13:18:00.002-04:00

With 4 weeks left until the marathon the training has been going well. I had training runs of 8, 5, 5 and 18 miles this week. The 18 miler was with the DFMC team out on the course. I had run this same 18 miler last year and as I checked my logs from last year remembered that it was not one of my favorite training runs. I went to the Wellesley BSC prepared for a long day on the roads and was pleasantly surprised at how well the run went. Even with the temperature hovering around 70 degrees I was able to maintain a good pace for the full 18 miles the first 9 of which were run with DFMC teammate Mike McDonough. It definitely helps to have a partner when you are out on the road for 2 plus hours even though there may not be much talking going on the miles seem to go past quicker with someone traveling the same road at the same pace. As this route is an out and back to the Wellesley BSC on my way back down the hills I ran into another DFMC teammate Tom Fitzpatrick. This is Tom's first year with DFMC and his first marathon. It hasn't been the easiest of training seasons for Tom but he has stuck it out and will no doubt have a great day from start to finish on April 19th. So for the week I had a total of 36 miles.

Donations this week came from Mrs. Deb Barret (My son Colin's 4th grade teacher that is due any day now with her first child. Good Luck Mrs. Barrett), Billerica Little League, Billerica Pop Warner, Tom Lavery, and the Arthur Family. I believe that with these donations we have gone over the $5,000.00 for this year. Thank you to all that have donated.

The fundraiser tickets are going strong. The prizes for the raffles are starting to come in and we will have a couple of pairs of Red Sox Tickets, a wheel barrow full of stuff, a hand made blanket, a hair care basket, a pair of Patriots tickets with more items to come. There will also be a silent auction of Boston teams sports memorabilia and music provided by DJ Captain Dave McCourt. If you need tickets contact me at beebrad@comcast.net.

Weeks 21 and 22

2010-03-15T11:19:00.005-04:00

Training for the the past two weeks has been going well. The weather for the outdoors runs has been very accomodating. I had runs of 8, 8, 5, 20, 8, and 5 miles. The 20 mile training run was very gratifying as I had been having some issues with the longer runs and didn't feel really good going into the 20 miler. I finished in just under 3 hours and felt good and healthy after. That will be the only 20 miles I run before April 19th as the long runs I have left are 18 and 13 miles along with my daily 6 - 8 mile runs I am hopeful that it will be enough to carry me throught the to the end on April 19th. So total training totals are:
Total Distance 584.32 miles, Total Running Time 81:57:04.

Donations have come from the following: The Spurrell Family, The Roberts Family, Beth Hennessey, Chris Martorana and The G.E. Foundation. Thanks to all that have donated.

Fundraiser tickets are moving briskly. There are tables and single tickets still available, if you need tickets please contact me at beebrad@comcast.net. Don't miss out on a great night.

Week 20

2010-03-01T09:19:00.002-05:00

Training runs last week were quite interesting due to the weather that we encountered. I spent two days on the treadmill for runs of 6 and 9 miles and then went outside for runs of 6 and 16 miles. The 16 mile run on Saturday was with the DFMC team on the bikepath in Lexington, during the 2 1/2 hours spent outside that morning we ran through just about every type of weather you can imagine. It started out a little overcast with some sun, then started snowing, then a little sleet, back to a snow squall, with some rain thrown in for good measure. It finally let up just as I was finishing. So for the week it was 37 miles logged.

Donation this week came from Everett Firefighters Local 143, The Kelley Family, Former DFMC Teammate Maria Baker, and The Perrier Family. Thank You to all that have donated so far.

Tickets are still selling briskly for the April 10th fundraiser. If you need tickets please contact me at beebrad@comcast.net and I will get them out to you. $20.00 per person and $200.00 per table. Just like last year it promises to be a great time don't miss out.

Week 19

2010-02-21T15:31:00.004-05:00

After taking the week off from running, I went out with the DFMC team on Sunday for the
18 - 20 mile run on the marathon course. The weather was great and as I have stated in the past it is always nice to get to train on the marathon course it let's you know what you are in for come marathon day almost. I only went 18 miles so for the week I trained 18 miles. Now comes the push for the next few weeks to get the miles in and hopefully be ready for the marathon.

Donations this week have come from, The Finestone Family, Gerry Celano, Malden Firefighters Local 902, Frank McDonough, Kevin McCarthy and Fred and Debba Andree. Thank You very much.

Fundraiser tickets are selling fast. Don't be left out. Last year was a virtual sellout.
The fundraiser is going to be held Saturday April 10th at the Billerica Elks.

Week 18

2010-02-14T12:45:00.003-05:00

The weather for running has been surprisingly good the last few weeks other than the cold temps, we have had no snow to speak of which has made running outdoors easier that I remember from last years training. I had runs of 6, 9, 7 and 12 miles this week for a total of 34 miles for the week. The last 12 miles were with the DFMC team on the bike path that runs through Lexington, Arlington and Bedford. Again it is nice to get out and run with the group and talk to the different members and see how their training and fundraising is coming along.
I am going to take some advice from one of the DFMC teammates Froggie Ted and will be taking the school vaction week off to get in some much needed rest. So far for the training period begining in September I have logged: 534 miles, total running time of 74:30, with an average pace of 8:30, running 76 of 167 days. So I feel one week off can help the body, mind and soul recuperate for the home stretch.

Donation sthis week came from: Worcester Firefighters Local 1009, Cambrige Firefighters Local 30, the Zvonar Family, Tracy Talbot, Jeanette Karolides, the Luongo Family. Thank You to all that have donated.

The fundraiser is picking up steam tickets are on sale. Mark your calendar April 10th.

I want to pass along get well wishes to Jonathan Roberts one of my 4th grade basketball players who broke his wrist yesterday while making an incredible drive to the basket.

Happy Valentines Day to all especially my wonderful wife Karen.

Week 17

2010-02-10T13:44:00.003-05:00

Again not much happening on the training front other than I am getting my miles in. I had runs of 5, 8, 8, 7, and 12 miles for a total of 40 miles for the week. I think it's the first time I have hit 40 miles for the week. I have been injury free luckily as a few of the DFMC teammates are struggling with injuries, so lets just hope that it stays that way.

Donations this week came from, the Costa family, the Maietta family, Mike and Colleen Rosa, Scott Martell and Pattye Murray. The money and the miles are piling up and I thank everyone that has donated.

The fundraiser is scheduled for April 10th and tickets are starting to sell. Don't be left out as it will be another great time.

Week 16

2010-02-02T11:28:00.002-05:00

As training weeks go last week was pretty uneventful. I am still just trying to put miles behind me while also working on running up and down as many hills as possible while training. I had training runs of 5, 8.5, 7 and 6 miles for a total of 26.5 miles for the week. For the training season I have total of: Total Distance: 403.53 mi., Total time Running: 56:06:27,
Avg. Pace: 8:20 min./mi., and Total Days Running 58 of 125 days from October 1, 2009 throught February 2, 2010.

Fundraising has picked up and donations have been made by the following people, The Nardone Family, Brian Stefaniak, Steve and Debbie Blute, Arthur Weeks, Dominic Ho, Laurie Gallotto, Eric Johnson, Eric Miller, Kelly and Bernie McGovern, Tim Brennan and The Andrew and Quinn Insurance Agency. Thank You very much.

The Karen's Team Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday April 10th and tickets are available. $20.00 per person and $200.00 per table. For those of on FaceBook that received the event and then it was quickly cancelled, well that was just a computing mistake on my part and another invite will be sent out shortly, for those of you not on Facebook I can be reached at beebrad@comcast.net for tickets or more information.

Weeks 14 and 15

2010-01-26T12:20:00.003-05:00

Ok so 1 new years resolution already down, but I will do my best to try and keep up with the training and fundraising as the marathon grown nearer.

The past 2 weeks I have had training runs of 9,7,7,10,5,5,7 and 16 miles for at total of 68 miles. I did not end up running the Boston Prep as scheduling conflicts with the boys basketball teams arose, but it was nice to get the 16 mile run in with the DFMC team out of the Longwood Athletic Club in Wayland. It was a nice rolling course on a pretty nice day for January.

One thing that my son Colin thought was pretty cool was if you go to the DFMC website and check out the picture montage there is a picture of Colin, Hunter and me just after we crossed the finish line of last years marathon.

Donations have come from the Sartell family, Nancy McAuliff and Wayne Fisher. Thank you to all that donated so far.

The Karen's Team Fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday April 10th at the Billerica Elks. For those of you that attended last year you know what a great time it was. Please check back for more information.

Weeks 10,11,12,and 13

2010-01-10T22:05:00.002-05:00

I'm back to blogging and training. The last few weeks have been rather crazy around the household and both the blogging and training have slipped a bit. But with the new year comes a renewed commitment to both.
As I have talked about in the past life somtimes gets in the way of this whole marathon fundraising thing and did it ever the last few weeks. My wife had another successful surgery and has recovered nicely. My sons have had us running all over for their High School and travel basketball practices and games and the holidays came and went with me gaining about 10 lbs. If I had been keeping up with the training it probably wouldn't have happened.
So due to life I fell back on my training and only had weeks of 17, 19 and 5 miles. I was not happy but you have to do what you have to do. So with the new year I jumped off to a good week this week with runs of 7, 5, 9, 5, and 12 miles for a total of 38 for the week, hopefully I can keep reasonably close to this pace for the remainder of the trianing period.
The last run of 12 miles was with the DFMC team out on parts of the marathon course, it was cold but it was actually an enjoyable run as I got meet back up with some of the people I had become friendly with through last years experience.
Still looking for a partner for the Boston Prep in 2 weeks I don't believe it has sold out yet.
Donations have been coming in. I have recieved donations from, Todd Evans, Nicole Parker and Steve Olivieri. Thanks to all that have donated so far.

Week 9

2009-12-13T13:30:00.002-05:00

Training runs of 4,9,5,7 and 5 miles this week for a total of 30 miles for the week. Training stats are as follows, from Saturday August 1 through Sunday December 13: Total Distance 311 miles, total Time Running 42:58:54, Average Pace 8:18 min/mile. We will be having the first team training run next Saturday, it should be good to catch up with members from last years team and meet some of the people that are running for the first time. Still looking for a partner for the Boston Prep, if interested please let me know.

Donations for the week came from the Hogdon Family, thank you everyone for the generous donations.

Week 8

2009-12-06T21:24:00.003-05:00

The weather for training was great up until Saturday afternoon. I had training runs of 5,9,9 and 5 miles for a total of 28 miles this week. I signed up for the Boston Prep in Derry NH in January and am looking for some company that day so anyone that is interested please let me nknow.

No donations this week.

Week 7

2009-11-29T16:33:00.003-05:00

Not much to update this week. Only ran 13 miles for the week and there were no donations. I did have a great Thanksgiving spent with my wife Karen and sons Hunter and Colin. We went to the annual Billerica vs. Chelmsford football game with Billerica prevailing 17-0, and then went to my brother and sister in laws and had a wonderful meal.

My DFMC fundraiser will be held on Saturday April 10, 2010 at the Billierca Elks, anyone that attended last year knows what a great time we had so please check back for updates.

Week 6

2009-11-22T11:24:00.004-05:00

Training is going great so far. With training runs of 8, 8, 5 and 5 miles this weeks total was 26 miles. This year as opposed to last year the training started much earlier and so far I have logged approximately 250 miles where as last year at this time I had around 40 miles behind me, so I'm feeling pretty good about that. Also the last 5 mile training run was run with my son Hunter he actually was kind to his old man and stayed with me for about 4 miles, when I tried to out kick him at the end he said "we'll have none of that " and left me to finish the last mile by myself. It was fun, which if you know me at all, the words fun and training have never before been used while marathon training.

Donations this week were received from Mr. and Mr Gerry Celano, The Graham Family, my Brother and Sisters from Medford Firefighters Local 1032, and Vinny Fratura from Hoff's Bakery in Medford, Ma. Hoff's has some of the best pastry, pies and cakes around, if you need any for holidays I recommend Hoff's for all your pastry needs. Thank you all for your generous donations.

WEEK 5

2009-11-15T16:57:00.003-05:00

Training runs of 8, 8 and 5.5 miles for the week for a total of 21.5 miles logged. The weather has been great for training. Not looking forward to the winter months when it can get treacherous out there.

I received donations from Mike and Gloria Craven and anonymous this week. Thank You very much for the donations.

Week 4

2009-11-09T10:44:00.004-05:00

Week 4 was a good week of training I had runs of 8, 5, 8, and 5 miles for a total of 26 miles for the week. As Jack has stated in the past I'm putting pennies in the bank for April 20, 2010.

I received my first donation from my cousin John Hunt a former DFMC'er himself. He is not running this year but he assured me that he will be volunteering for the long runs during the training season. It will be good to see him out there helping out the cause. I hope.

I also received the Grand Total from last years DFMC and it was and astounding $4,025,688.00. A great job done by one and all.

Week 3

2009-11-01T12:04:00.003-05:00

I skipped over week 2 because nothing happend during the week. I took the week off from training and no donations were made so it was on to week 3. I ran 3, 8 and 5 miles for a total of 16 miles for the week. The 3 miler was actually interesting as it was the Shawsheen Tech Alumni 5K. My son Hunter is a freshman at the Tech and he is running on the Varsity CC team so he asked if I would like to run the race. I accepted his challenge fully expecting to beat him with one foot tied behind my back . Well it wasn't a contest as he ran the course about 5 minutes faster that I did. Very humbling especially when you have to hear it for the next few days. As time goes on the mileage will be upped and hopefully the pain will stay low. Again I haven't started the fundraising push just yet but that is coming with in the next week or two. Please stay tuned.

Week One

2009-10-19T09:11:00.002-04:00

Ran the Lowell Sun 1/2 Marathon yesterday. Weather conditions were not the best but I managed to finish in (a personal best for a 1/2 marathon) 1:54:55. I ran the first 1/2 in 1:00:00 and pushed throught the 2nd 1/2 to make sure I did not finish in over 2 hours. So the training has kicked off well for my 2010 Boston run. Now I just have to start the fundraising end.

Last year we raised over $25,000.00 for Karen's Team as a part of the Dana Farber team, and this year with your help again hopefully we can raise as much or more for the fight against cancer.

My wife Karen has been cancer free for a little over a year and a half thanks to the treatments and care she has received at Dana Farber. We still have a long road ahead of us as a family but we are confident in the Doctors that Karen is in good hands. Some of the treatments Karen has received from Dana Faber has come from research from money that has been raised through the Dana Faber Marathon Challenge. That is why I run, to raise money so that maybe one day we can rid the world of cancer. So please help me in this cause, you can visit my personal webpage http://www.runDFMC.org/2010/gerryb to donate.

April 19, 2010 here I come!!

2009-10-09T15:26:00.002-04:00

I have been accepted by the DFMC for a second go round. I have actually started my training a little earlier this year as I am running the Bay State 1/2 marathon on October 18th. This should carry me right through April and hopefully a sub 4 hour Boston. Please check back for updates.

Some Pics from race day

2009-04-28T09:52:00.013-04:00

4:18:01

2009-04-24T13:12:00.008-04:00

That's it 4:18:01 my time for finishing the 2009 Boston Marathon. I did not think that a time would be important, I felt that just finishing would be the end all be all. But they keep time for a reason and that is how we are measured when we run. So that is me 4:18:01.

Now a recap of what I remember from 4 hours that seemed to take forever, but also seemed to go by in the blink of an eye.

I woke up at 5:00am after not really sleeping much. With all the nervous anticipation
I was surprised that I slept at all. I went and met DFMC teammates,Amy Troncoso, Maria Baker, and Nicole Parker for a ride out to Hopkinton. This went as smooth as you could ask for and we were in Hopkinton by 6:45am. We were dropped off right at Church St. and had less than 200yd walk to the DFMC refuge. We got into the parish center right at 7:00am and set up shop. Even though we had 3.5 hours to start it was nice to have the time to sit and relax with the DFMC team, the people that were about to make the same journey that I was. My cousin John Hunt another DFMC teammate showed up about 8:15 and had a good story about the bus ride from Boston. 9:10 we had the team photo in front of the church. One last check to make sure I had on the right gear and I finally packed my bag and placed it in the bus.

Started stretching and after 2 porta potty stops it was 10:15 and we started to walk down to the corrals. We got into the coral around 10:25 and at 10:30 we started to walk to the starting line. As I walked toward the starting line I just took a deep breath and I felt as long as I took it slow to start then I would be all right. As I crossed the starting line the DFMC trainer Jack Fultz got me off on the right foot with a shout out from the starters podium, and we were off. Down a small hill and onto the marathon course. I tried to keep my mind off of the fact that there were 26 miles to go. I was going to take the run as 26 one mile runs.

The first sight that I saw was a bar on the right side of the road just as we entered Ashland, the music was loud, the beer was already flowing and the crowd was cheering everyone on. That was theme all along the route. I felt good and was keeping a good pace as we started to put the miles behind us. The next sight was the Weavers (the founders of the Claudia Adams Barr Foundation) they were at the train station in Framingham. I went over and gave them a hug and a handshake as I went along my way. Then I came along quite a sight, 2 men dressed as cheerleaders cheering all the runners along. Again the beers were flowing early Monday morning.

Next at mile 12 came along the wall of scream, the Wellesley College girls. It was deafening and all the kiss me I'm a senior, and Hug me I'm a first year signs were too tempting to pass up so I had to stop and get a few pecks on the cheek and give a few also (Jack said we should experience everything we could). the cheering is a huge pick me up as you are running along and the crowds were just great. I came upon DFMC teammate Maria Baker and ran the next few miles with her which was great as I had someone to talk with as we were coming upon the Newton hills. As we came to the first hill, the incline that takes you over Rt. 128 I knew that the DFMC cheering section was coming up and I could not wait to get there and see my family. As I approached mile 17 I heard the calls of my family and I pulled over so I could get a hug and a kiss from my boys Hunter and Colin and my wife Karen. That was just what I needed as I took off for the hills on Commonwealth Ave.

I took the turn at the Newton fire station and started the grueling climb up the 2nd of the 4 hills. I put my head down and did not look up and before I knew it I was up and over the hill. Now it was on to Newton Town Hall and the next hill. I had run this part of the course many times and felt that if there was going to be a place to walk on the course this is where I would have to walk. But as I was running the thought of what my beautiful wife had gone through just a year ago, the diagnosis of breast cancer, the surgery, the chemo, and pain she had to go through just made me feel that there was no way that I could walk. She was my inspiration to just keep on going. So onward up the next hill after the Johnny Kelley statue I went. The crowd cheering and the thought of my wife carrying me forward. Now here is where I guess maybe I hit the the wall that is so talked about because I remember losing count of the hills and thought I had already run up Heartbreak hill. Until I saw the block of stores that leads up to the bottom of the hill, so once I had my wits back I realized there was no way that I wasn't running up that hill. So once again I put my head down and without looking up I chugged up that infamous hill and once again before I knew it I was up and over the hill and looking at 5.2 miles left.

Down through Cleveland Circle and Coolidge Corner I ran with my quads and hamstrings starting to tighten up. A woman to my left had both her legs lock up on her and she fell to the pavement. Myself and another runner stopped to offer assistance but she just wanted to get up and try to finish, I don't know if she did as a police officer on the scene was getting her help. So along I went my hamstrings grabbing every few strides. I stopped and stretched out my hamstrings, and then picked right back up. As I came over the bridge into Kenmore square there was the 2nd DFMC cheering section and Jack and Jan and all the others were cheering the runners on. After passing the DFMC section I came upon another cheering section of mine. About 15 Medford Firefighters were on the side and as I went over to acknowledge them they almost pulled me into the crowd(again beers flowing early). But they got me moving for the longest mile of my life. I got through Kenmore square and under the Mass. Ave bridge, a right onto Hereford St. and up to Boylston St. where again my family met me. After a hug and a kiss from my wife my 2 boys lept over the barrier and ran the last few hundred yards over the finish line with me. The running was over and I had finished 4:18:01.

The number 04:18:01 is respectable but it is not the number that is important to me, it is not the reason that I ran 26.2 miles. The number that I trained 6 months and ran 26.2 miles for is $4,500,000.00. That is the number that we as a team are hoping to raise. So that hopefully no one else will have to train 6 months and run 26.2 miles to eliminate cancer. My hope is that will be accomplished sooner rather than later.

I want to thank everyone associated with the DFMC team for a great experience.

Fundraising is still going on and I would like to thank, Peter Bove, Billerica Popwarner Football, Joe Riley, The Iovanna Family and Sandra and Tom Gracia for their donations. as it stands right now my team has raised $25,375.00. Thank You All.

Week 24

2009-04-12T21:11:00.002-04:00

This week has been a good week of running and getting ready for what lies ahead. I had runs of 9.5, 8 and 8 miles for a total of 25.5 miles this week. Pretty much pain free. Only a few more short runs are left before the big day arrives. Also on the training front I had a wonderful dinner at DFMC teammate Amy Troncosos house on Friday, other DFMC teammates that were there included Nicole Parker, Maria Baker and Jeff Tassi. We had a delicious meal and watched some very interesting marathon DVD's. It was great spending time with teammates, and getting their perspective on the upcoming marathon. Thanks again to Amy for her hospitality.

Donations this week have come from Steve Gibbons, Somerville Firefighters Local 76, Billerica Little League, Marc and Marie Condon and Juniper Networks. Once again thank you to all that have donated.

On another note if you have been reading my blog I hope that you have also checked the blogs of my DFMC teammates that are on the right side of the page. While I have just kept you updated on my training and fundraising during these last few months a few of my teammates have left some very poignant, emotional and uplifting words to be read. If you haven't already please read them and you too will get a feel for why we are running and fundraising.

Week 23 "As good as it is going to get"

2009-04-05T19:55:00.004-04:00

The hip is feeling better and I finally got some miles under me this week. With runs of 10 miles, 5 miles and 13 miles I had a week of 28 miles. It felt good to be out there again. I am not running pain free but I think this is as good as it is going to get. With 2 weeks left I have done all that I can. I will be at the staring line and hopefully at the finish line at some point.

The Fundraising is still amazing, donations this week have come from, John and Robin Quinlan, Chuck Casella, Kate Lamoureux, Tom Murray, Christine Morgan, The Munger Family, Ron Gomes and Aidan McCarthy. I am running out of ways to thank everyone for the support I have received. But once again I thank you all that have donated. I could not have done this withput you. You all will be with me while I am out on the course. Thank You.

Week 22 "Unbelievable"

2009-03-30T09:05:00.007-04:00

OK week 22 of the marathon experience has been quite a week. First off the hip has started to respond to the PT and I actually got in 2 runs of 8 miles so I am very encouraged that the hip shouldn't provide me too much pain from here on out as long as I stay on course with my stretching and PT. So for the week I did 16 miles. I will need a few more pennies in the bank prior to race day, and hopefully I can find them while I'm training.

So this past weekend was the the Karen's Team fundraiser and it was a great success. Thank you to everyopne that attended and thanks to the great donated prizes, the silent auction, Hank Morse the DJ and the help of great family friends we raised enough money so that the total donations is now over $20,000.00. Which after just hoping to get to the $8,400.00 original pledge is "Unbelievable" I would like to thank the following for donating either prizes or their time: Mark Condon, The Finestone Family, The Rita Family, The Bicknell family, Salon Monet, Barbara Piscatelli, The Nardone Family, The Teehan Family, Jim Frawley, Janice McLaughlin, Susan Murphy, O'Connors Hardware and Bubba Goodwin, Christine Glynn, Mike Linehan, Lynn Scanlon, Bruce Federman, Bob Canzano, The Billerica Country Club, Ed Brennan, Linda Salamone, Debbie Cohan, Gretchen Hughes, Tracey McGrath, and last but not least my beautiful wife Karen and wonderful boys Hunter and Colin. If I have left anyone out I am sorry and I thank you also.

This weeks donation also have come from: Steve McAveeney,Alex and Tom Brennan, Greg and Judy Zvonar, Mark and Tracy Knickle, Richard and Elaine McDonald, Jack and Carolynn Corliss, David and Barbara Piscatelli, Don and Joan Lonnberg, Joe Joyce, Michele Dedian, Michael Halloran, Catherine Johnson, Terrell Jones and T&S Express. Thank you all very much.

Week 21 "Nothing New"

2009-03-23T12:10:00.002-04:00

I'm still having hip problems so on the advice of the physical therapist stayed off the road this week. I did a few hours on the arc trainer but that's just not the same. Hopefully there will be better news next week.
This weeks donations came from the Maloney Family and from Tony Lavalle of Ace Automatic Sprinkler Company. Thanks to all that have donated.

Week 20 "I did it anyway"

2009-03-16T13:02:00.007-04:00

So today on the DFMC message board I have been reading posts about some of the weekend runs. It seems that most people opted for either the DFMC team 20 mile run out of Wayland or they ran the New Bedford 1/2 marathon. I took a different route.

To begin I probably shouldn't have been out running at all with they way my left hip has been feeling but I needed to know if I could get 20 miles out of my body at least once prior to April 20th. So along with 2 other DFMC teammates I made my way out to the Reach the Beach 30K. A run from the North Andover VFW to the Winners Circle Sports Bar in Salisbury it is 18.6 miles, with 1.2 more tacked on from teammate Nicole Parkers house it totalled out at 19.8 miles. I'm calling it 20.

The run began as most of my runs have lately with a moderate pain in my left hip/groin area but as the miles were put behind me it did not get any better, but it did not get any worse. I finished the run in 2:59:06 which I was very happy with. My hip area no worse for the wear. Physically and mentally I think I have at least reached a place that I feel now that even with some more time off to heal I will be OK for April 20th.

I want to thank DFMC teammates Nicole Parker and Amy Troncoso for keeping a great pace for me early in the run and a big thanks to Nicole's husband Chris who came through with a GU ( I had forgot to pack my own) at about mile 11. I also would like to thank Paula Finestone and her running partner Cheryl for a great pace towards the end of the run. Paula also helped me out with a GU for earlier in the run. So for now I think it will be back to the arc-trainer for a week or 2 and let the hip get better.

The fundraising is still going strong with donations this week from: The Medford Police Patrolmans Association, Malden Firefighters Local 902, Stephen and Kristin Corliss, Ronny DeSilva, Patrice Gay, Raeann and Guy Petrillo, and Donna Breen. Thank You all for for generous support.

Karen' Team fundraiser tickets are still available. Get them while you can.

Mrs. Lockes 3rd Grade Class

2009-03-15T15:04:00.005-04:00

This is my son Colin's 3rd grade class. (He is in the Karen's Team T-Shirt) They raised $54.00 for my run. I went in and talked to them about my training and why I was running. They told me their favorite part was that they got see the GU that I will be consuming the day of the race.

Week 19 " Still feeling the same"

2009-03-09T13:25:00.007-04:00

It could just be me but things are not looking or feeling to good. My hip is not responding to the medication that was prescribed and noone is responding to my pleas for help. Speaking with my doctor last week he finally set me up for a physical therapy appointment but when I called for said appointment it was for March 23rd. I tried to explain to the person on the other end of the phone that March 23rd wasn't an option so he gave me another physical therapy office to call, they were not much better coming in for March 19th. Again I told the other person my story of training for the marathon but it fell on deaf ears. So without really knowing what is wrong with my hip other than it hurts when I run, and the day after I run, I went out for a test run of 5 miles on Friday. It was the first time I had run in 9 days. I had a good stretch before I went out and within the first 3 strides I had pain in the hip/groin area but I kept going. Without any advice to fall back on I felt the need to run. After the 5 miles I again took the time to stretch and felt OK. Saturday the pain was back and I delt with it. So on Sunday without much pain after waking up I went out for a longer run of 8 miles again feeling the need to run. And once again within the first 2-3 strides I felt the pain in my hip/groin area. Now this is not excrutiating pain but it is more than just aches and pains. Again without knowing if I am making it worse or not I settled into a good rythm and finished the 8 miles. After stretching the hip/groin area remained tender all day.

Now on Monday I finally found someone that can see me on Wednesday the 11th. I am hopefull that some thing can be done for pain and that it will not impact my training too much.

So for training last week I did 13 miles.

On a better note I did have some more donations come in from my son Colin's third grade class, John and Ann Marie Locke, The Rotary Club of Medford and Courtney Locke.
With these donation I have surpassed my goal of $12,000. Thank You to all that have donated and made this possible.

Fundraiser tickets are still available. Please call or e-mail for your tickets today. (978)-490-8018, beebrad@comcast.net.

Week 18 "Pain no Gain"

2009-03-01T18:57:00.004-05:00

Well it seems as though I jinxed myself a few weeks back when I posted foolishly on this blog that hopefully I would get through the last few weeks of training injury free. Well you know that just was not the right thing to be posting. So of course I have come down with an hip injury. I am hopefully going to get into see a physical therapist this week and find out exactly what is wrong with the hip. So far I have self diagnosed with a stress fracture, ( the internet is a dangerous place), I went and saw a general practitioner on Friday and his quick diagnosis was traumatic arthritis, (what I'm only 44) and after x-rays he could find nothing. He just gave me some anti-inflamatories and told me stay off it for a week then resume light training for a week and if the pain persisted then go see an orthopedist. I explained that I was training for Boston and 2 more weeks only leaves me a month to get ready for the race, but those were his instructions. Also the dreaded IT Band has been discussed. So I spoke with the DFMC trainer and he has hooked me up with a physical therapist and hopefully I will get in to see him within the next few days so that I can find out what the problem is and how long before I can get back on the road and off the arc-trainer.

Prior to the pain being to much to handle I did get in runs of 8,8, and 6 miles this week for 22 miles and I spent 1 1/2 hours on the arc-trainer on Saturday while the rest of the team went for the first 20 mile run. I believe that in the past I have written about how much I do not like running but I have to admit I was very envious of the rest of the team as they got to go out and run. I was really looking forward to the first time to try and go 20 miles. The next scheduled team 20 miler is March 15th and I am hoping that I will be able to participate, but only time will tell.

I would like to the Rebidue family for their generous donation, and as always thank all the donors that have helped thus far.

Fundraiser tickets are still on sale. Purchase them before it is too late.

Week 17 "Time Off"

2009-02-23T09:11:00.003-05:00

I have been training now for 4 months and I think it is starting to catch up with me. I have had aches and pains that at the beginning I did not have. So I gave myself the week off to try and rejuvenate this tired old body. I think it worked. I did have some reservations that I might lose some stamina, and with the weather some of the best we have seen this winter it was really hard to keep from throwing on my sneakers and getting out there. But I stuck to the plan of not running for the week and I then went out for 16 miles on Saturday with the DFMC team and I felt really good for the first time in a few weeks. I don't think this is something I can do again but the rest did help and with only 8 weeks left until Boston I feel that 26.2 is within the realm of possibility. So for this week I ran a total of 16 miles.
My totals for the training are: Total Distance: 459.47 mi., Total Time Running: 66:15:54, Average Pace: 8:39 min/mi., Days Running: 58 of 113.

I would like to thank Boston Firefighters Local 718 for their donation and everyone else that has donated. I started with an original goal of $8000.00 and with your help and support I surpasssed that goal. I then upped the goal to $12,000.00 and again with your generosity and support I am on the verge of surpassing that goal. I am truly humbled and blessed to have family, friends and people that care about this cause as much as I do, I thank you and the DFMC thanks you for your support in these economic times.

Fundraiser tickets are still available. I have confirmed that the DJ will be Hank Morse of 96.6 WTKK, and he is brining a karaoke machine for all you American Idols out there that want to show off your pipes that night.

Week 16

2009-02-15T13:26:00.002-05:00

This week was actually a good week for running outside, the weather was fantastic except maybe for a little wind. I had runs of 9 (split 5 on the road and 4 on the Tufts track), 5, 9, 8, and 5 miles for a weekly total of 36 miles. With 2 months to go I am going to try start eliminating the 5 mile runs and making them 7-8 miles to beef up the weekly mileage. Lets just hope for a healthy injury free 2 months and I should be good to go.

Tickets for the fundraiser are selling well. Don't be left out get them early.

Week 15

2009-02-08T16:20:00.002-05:00

Week 15 and I'm still chugging along. This week I had runs of 9 miles, ( this was broken up into 5 miles on the road and then 4 mile indoors at the Tufts University track), 5 miles, 8 miles and then a team run of 18 miles. For a total of 40 miles this week. The team run was on Sunday and the weather was actually good for a change.

A big thank you to the Finestone family and the Tremblay family, this weeks donors. Once again I thank all that have contributed up to this point.

Fundraiser tickets are moving along, please get in touch with me if you need tickets.

Week 14

2009-02-02T11:24:00.004-05:00

The week that passed was pretty uneventful except for my sister in law Debbie's surprise 40th birthday party, it was a very good time. Especially the karaoke sung by Colin "lungs" Bradanese. As for the training I had runs of 5, 8, 5 and 17.5 miles the last run coming with the DFMC team out on the course. The 17.5 came on Saturday which I thought wasn't going to be too cold of a day boy was I wrong. So a little under dressed I took the road and paid dearly for it. I finished the run but I struggled the last 5 miles, I had to stop to walk a portion of that last 5 miles due to a face that was starting to freeze up, eyes that wouldn't blink, and breath that I couldn't catch. But I did survive with the hope that April 20th will not be 20 degrees with a 15 mph windchill. I had a weekly total of 35.5 miles and to date my totals are:
Total Distance: 367.96 mi, Total Time Running: 52:43:09, Average Pace: 8:35 min/mi, Days Running: 48 of 92.

Thanks to Denise Leonard, Scott Perrier and Bank of America, Billy Young, Stephen Olivieri, and Frank and Sue Cappuccio for the generous contributions.

Week 13 "2nd Place Masters Clydesdale Division"

2009-01-25T14:31:00.005-05:00

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

2009-01-18T16:51:00.002-05:00

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

2009-01-10T13:16:00.005-05:00

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

2009-01-04T18:45:00.004-05:00

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.

Week 9

2008-12-27T17:22:00.009-05:00

So much for my big comeback this week. I logged runs of 3 (on treadmill at home and received a distress call from wife with flat tire), 8, 12, and 5 miles for a total of 28 miles this week. I'm not happy with the conditions outside, you are either taking your life in your hands on the main roads or your one misstep away from a torn groin muscle on the ice covered side roads. The treadmill is OK as long as no more distress calls come in. I will make my weekly pledge of stepping it up next week.
So far since the start of traing I have logged: Total Distance: 189.25 mi., Total Time Running: 26:56:38, Average Pace: 8:32 min

Again the fundraising is great, I am up to $9,020. Due to the great response and generosity of everyone I have adjusted my goal from $8,000 to $12,000. This weeks contributors are: Anna Sabatino, Jim Devine and Dan Lennox. Thanks to all that have donated so far.

Week Eight

2008-12-21T10:40:00.007-05:00

Training took a bit of a hit this week with the snow and some extra work thrown in. I only got in about 25 miles so I'm looking forward to a big week next week.

Fundraising has been moving along at a steady pace. This weeks contributors are: The Blute Family, Dr. Anthony Giamberardino, Bill Siddall, Hanna Abi Saleh, Paul Doyon, Jimmy Fallon, Mike and Kathie Carpenito, Joe and Dottie Rosa, and Edwin Brennan. Thank you to all that have donated.

The Karen's Team Fundraiser to be held on Saturday March 28, 200 at the Billerica Elks, 14 Webb Brook Rd. Billerica is off and running, the first table was purchased by Rob Johansen. For more information you can check the blog or call 978-490-8018.

Everyone have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Chanukah!!

2008-12-14T12:10:00.003-05:00

The Impact of the Barr Program on Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common site of cancer occurrence in women and the second most frequent cause of cancer death. Nearly 180,000 women develop breast cancer in the US every year which means that most Americans have been touched by this disease either directly or through family members or friends. Fortunately, death rates from breast cancer have been falling for the past few years and part of the reason is the appearance of new drugs that are more effective against the disease. But we still have a long way to go before we can say that we’ve eliminated the pain and suffering caused by breast cancer. Our best hope for making a significant impact in this disease is basic research into the causes of breast cancer. This is the first step along a marathon route that leads to better treatment and cures, and it’s the step that is directly supported by the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Cancer Research.

Barr Program investigators have already had an impact in breast cancer. This is a disease that, to a great extent, is driven by female hormones which is why anti-estrogen treatments can be so effective in some cases. One of our Barr Investigators is a leading expert in the basic science of hormone action in cancer cells, and his insights have directly led to better hormonal treatments. Other Barr Investigators have had an impact through their basic research work in genetics. Like so many cancers, we now know that breast cancer arises because of genetic abnormalities that occur in breast cells. Several investigators have devoted their careers to discovering the basic genetic defects that lead to cancer in many organs including the breast. Their insights have led to the development of a completely new generation of drugs that specifically halts the growth of breast cancer cells. Because these drugs are so specific for the genetically abnormal breast cancer cells, they have very little effect on normal cells. The result is effective anti-cancer treatment with almost none of the usual chemotherapy side effects like hair loss or nausea.

The future of breast cancer treatment will involve even more of these highly specific, highly effective drugs and their discovery will grow out of the basic science research performed by Barr investigators. A recent, highly promising Barr project involves an analysis of so-called "stem cells" in breast cancer. Most scientists believe that the stem cells, which make up only a small percentage of all of the cells in a breast cancer, are the cells that are truly responsible for growth, invasion, and spread of cancer. Understanding the basic biology of these cells will lead to treatments designed to eradicate them. A project like this one evolves pretty clearly from our current knowledge about breast cancer. It is important to remember, though, that the impact of basic research sometimes comes from our inability to predict ahead of time where it will lead. For example, another recent Barr project investigated the basic biological mechanisms that control cell division in yeast. Surprisingly (and gratifyingly), the molecules identified in this project have now been found to play a role in breast cancer, and targeting those molecules with new drugs is likely to have a major beneficial effect. This is the power of basic research: new treatments require new insights, and new insights are gained through basic research. Supporting the Barr Program will generate more of these insights, and that knowledge will directly improve the lives of thousands of women with breast cancer.

© 2008 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
All Rights Reserved.
For use by Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge 2009 team members

Week Seven

2008-12-14T11:56:00.005-05:00

This week was another good running week. I had runs of 8, 5, 8, and 11 miles totaling 32 miles for the week. The 11 mile run was a group run with the Dana-Farber team. We actually went out and ran on part of the marathon course which for me was very interesting especially the hills by Boston College. So the training is going as well as can be expected.

On the fundraising part once again my expectations have been exceeded by the generosity of others. I have actually reached the goal of $8000.00 that I had set, so now I will press on and move the goal upwards. Every dollar donated goes directly to the research of cancer and we need all the help we can get. So thank you to this weeks donators, Vin Marcellino, Lori Johnson, The Robert's Family, The Perrier Family, Chuck and Steph Mahoney, Gerry and Kelley Celano, The Corbett Family, The Murphy Family, Dominic Ho, and Beth Hennessy. Thank you all very much.

Week Six

2008-12-06T12:08:00.011-05:00

The training has been going well, this week the weather was very cooperative and I had runs of 7, 5, and 8 miles culminating with a 10 mile run on Saturday. A total of 30 miles this week. I will be stretching it out next week with a scheduled team run of 14 miles on Saturday. I have also gone back to playing hockey at least once a week with the intention of getting in 2 skates a week after the holidays.

The fundraising has been incredible, I can't thank everyone enough that has already donated. This week the donations came from: Neil and Karla Rosie, Sharad and Robin Hulsoor, Fred and Debba Andree, Rick Sweeney, Donald Coutu, Gerry and Nancy Bradanese(Mom and Dad), Neil Epstein, Michiko Haas, Ericsson Broadbent, Eric Miller, Eric Johnson, Brian Cronin, Mike and Gloria Craven, Dan Cullinane, Bob Turner, Christine and Jason Gori, Kevin and Rita Rooney
Gerry and Jean Irving(The Kara Irving Fund).

I have to say a special Thank You to Todd Evans. Todd has gone above and beyond what I could have ever expected anyone to donate. Thank You Todd.

Week 5 "Making Strides"

2008-11-30T14:06:00.004-05:00

10 miles today brought me up to 30 miles for this week. If I can keep this training level for a few weeks I think this will put me in good shape to really up my long runs on Sundays. I have to start stretching those out to 12-14 miles. All in all I am happy with how training is going. I have also dropped a few lbs. That helps all around.

As for the fundraising it has been going great, I am getting close to the halfway mark of my goal of $8000.00. I would like to thank Colleen McCann, Vio and Dave Coutreau, Scott and Mary Graham, Keith Farrow, Janet and Jeff Breen, The Medford Police Superior Officers Association, Richard Ferrara, Shelley and Chris Ciulla, Charlie and Catherine Costa, Diane and Michael Albano, Laurel and Allan Boucher, Bob and Cheryl Delafano, and James and Ellen O'Connor. Thank you all for you generosity and support.

Week 4 "Down Week"

2008-11-23T11:21:00.003-05:00

Week four of training was not the best, I only did 20 miles this week with the long run on Sunday of 9 miles. Sometimes life gets in the way of training. I will not let this set me back . It is onward and upward from here.
On the fundraising front things have been going well I have surpassed the $3000.00 mark thanks to all of the generous donations that have been pouring in. A big thanks goes out to Anonymous, Frank Giliberti III, The Costa Family, The Jordan Family, Mike Rosa, Wayne Fisher, Brittney, Brandon, and Brooke Bicknell , Steve Doherty, Laurie Hayes, Sean and Tracy Bradanese, Fran Fusco, Steve and Dorothy Sands, Tim "Blamo" Brennan, Maureen Flynn, Larry and Linda Hawkins, Carole Paste, and The Boutwell Family. Thank you all so much!

Week 3 of Training

2008-11-16T10:45:00.003-05:00

Logged 8 miles today. This week I logged 27.5 miles. Pace of just under 9 minutes per mile. I don't think that will be my pace for the marathon but it is a good training pace.

I want to thank all those that have donated so far:
Todd Evans, Ed Scull, Medford Firefighters Local 1032, Joe Rosa Jr., Joe Albano, John Hunt, Janelle and Dickie Maietta, Joe Fraser, Marc Bradanese and Family, Joe Boczenowski and Family, Ed Buckley, Steve Craven, Ed Nolan, Siobhan Lyons, the Pinnette Family, The Duprez Family and Michelle Amato. Thank you all so much hopefully this gets us all one step closer to the elimination of cancer.

Today I Begin Blogging

2008-11-15T21:37:00.000-05:00

11/15/08

This is the kickoff to my blogging. I will update you on my progress toward my goal of raising $8000.00 for the Dana - Farber Marathon Challenge Team and my progress towards finishing the 2009 Boston Marathon.

As of right now I have raised 2100.00 towards my goal and I believe that I am on track with my training towards the marathon. I ran a short 5 mile training run with the other first timers on the team today. Finished in 45 minutes.