The Bucket Run

Thursday, December 11, 2008
5:30PM (5-Mile Run)
Brookline Avenue Run
Weather: 40F
Conditions: Serious Rain
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

It was difficult to get going today because the weather was nasty out, but I heard Jack saying, "There is no bad weather, just bad clothing...". It took us at least a half-hour to mentally and physically prepare for this run. We changed several times, and tested the weather in a couple of different "outfits." I told Kay about my top- secret rain gear: a cotton hoody and a waterproof jacket. Few people believe me when I tell them that cotton sweatshirts are the key to a successful, rainy long run. I almost don't believe it myself, but it works every time! I couldn't have survived my 18-miler last year without my hoody. You see, people just want to curl up under the covers whenever the weather is bad, so I've somehow talked myself into thinking that wearing a hooded sweatshirt is just as nice as crawling under my down comforter. The hooded sweatshirt soaks up all the rain, but keeps you really warm. The waterproof jacket protects against the wind and rain underneath the hooded sweatshirt. I find it uncomfortable to wear multiple layers underneath a jacket, so I just wear them on top.

We got off to a shaky start this evening when I accidentally kicked the bucket at the end of my street. We also hit a couple of deep puddles, but my feet dried off pretty quickly. Even though it was "raining buckets," the rain was almost refreshing. I really enjoyed this run with Kay. Five more miles in the bank!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 72
Total Time Running: 12:30:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 21.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00
Total Hours December: 00:00:00

GUT RATING SCALE:
(1) Great workout! Could have run twice as far (if I threw caution and The Plan to the wind).
(2) Rewarding effort - felt almost great.
(3) Worked up a decent sweat - had fun in general.
(4) Heart and soul not out here with my body, but...The Plan, Boss, The Plan!
(5) Thank goodness the race wasn't today. I'd rather be doing almost anything else.

Cold Gums and a Visit from Jan!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008
7:00AM (4-Mile Run)
Rt. 9
Weather: 30F
Conditions: Wind, Sunny
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

It was chilly this morning, so I wore my new minty green fitness fleece. There are a few things that every runner/fundraiser should own: an L.L.Bean Fitness Fleece and several pairs of Wrightsocks. FYI - If you are shopping for a runner this Christmas, a wide selection of Fitness Fleeces is currently on sale at L.L.Bean. You can't beat the price at only $25.00. I love them so much that I own six of them! I also never run without my blister-free Wrightsocks! I wish they made Wrightsocks in black and nude, so that I could wear them under my dress shoes at work. I wore Wrightsocks during the marathon last year, and I didn't get a single blister! Lastly, I never run without my "sip," and other runners tease me for it. My "sip" is a miniature water bottle. It holds only eight ounces of fluids, but it's my lifeline. People find it strange when I carry it during road races, marathons, and training runs ... but you never know when you're going to need a sip!

Anyhow, back to my run! My run felt great, but I seem to be struggling with cold hands and gums. I wonder if any other runners suffer from cold gums. How do you warm up cold gums anyways?! Any suggestions? I don't think that I feel comfortable wearing a ski mask because I would feel like a bank robber -- not the best way to raise money for Dana-Farber! I've tried so many different types of gloves in an attempt to solve my cold hand problem, but nothing seems to be working. My hands turn bright red and freeze during the winter. I don't remember having this problem last year. Karen suggested that I try a liner underneath my gloves. If that doesn't work, I'm going to try Katherine Kellett's "mittens over gloves" approach.

One of my favorite memories from this run was that Jan Ross, the Director of Marathon and Running Programs, saw Kay and me when she was driving to work. She saw us before we saw her. She pulled over in her SUV and wished us a good run. This gave us just the burst of energy that we needed to finish our four-miler, and I hope she visits again in the future!

I just noticed that I'm really behind with my crosstraining. Hmmm. A good New Year's resolution!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 67
Total Time Running: 11:40:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 16.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00
Total Hours December: 00:00:00

GUT RATING SCALE:
(1) Great workout! Could have run twice as far (if I threw caution and The Plan to the wind).
(2) Rewarding effort - felt almost great.
(3) Worked up a decent sweat - had fun in general.
(4) Heart and soul not out here with my body, but...The Plan, Boss, The Plan!
(5) Thank goodness the race wasn't today. I'd rather be doing almost anything else.

A Note to a Fundraiser

You can do it. You can raise $10,000. You just have to buckle down and do it. Stick to the calendar because April will be here before you know it. You started your Facebook group and sent your emails. You contacted the skating rinks to book some ice time for the Skate to Freeze Cancer 2. You're working with the salon on another event. You are on the right track. Just be patient. You will raise $10,000, but you need to work harder. Get to work early. Stay late. That's how you get it done. Ask everyone you know for contributions. Keep at it!

Snowy Sunday

Sunday, December 7, 2008
9:00AM (5.5-Mile Run)
Newton "Flats"
Weather: 30F
Conditions: Wind, Snow
Gut Rating: 3
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 12

Felt good to finish my run in the morning. Ran with Kay.

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 63
Total Time Running: 11:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 12.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00
Total Hours December: 00:00:00

GUT RATING SCALE:
(1) Great workout! Could have run twice as far (if I threw caution and The Plan to the wind).
(2) Rewarding effort - felt almost great.
(3) Worked up a decent sweat - had fun in general.
(4) Heart and soul not out here with my body, but...The Plan, Boss, The Plan!
(5) Thank goodness the race wasn't today. I'd rather be doing almost anything else.

Where did November go?!?

November was a whirlwind of a month. Since my "Lone Runner" post, I have logged thirty-four miles (all of them with Kay)! We celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving and my dad's 65th birthday on November 30th. AND ... I got engaged! Owen asked me to marry him on November 21st. It was totally unexpected! I finished a rather long day at work and went on a quick run with Kay (because Owen and I had dinner plans that night). Neither of us really felt like running. We originally intended to do a quick three miles around the reservoir, but we made it as far as the football field. It was so funny! We lapped the football field a few times and headed back home. Owen showed up while I was getting ready. He seemed like he was antsy for dinner ... so I hurried to get ready. Every time I left my room and came back, he was sitting in a different location. I was about to ask him if he was feeling okay, when he closed the door to my bedroom and took my hand. He said that he had something to ask me. Then, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! I said yes, Yes, YES! He gave me a beautiful ring, and filled me in on everything that had happened up to that point (the pre-proposal story). I was pretty speechless for a couple of minutes because this was all so unexpected! Then, I got a little teary and started laughing. THEN, I was just so excited! We drove home to tell his parents the news and then drove to tell my dad. My dad's reaction was totally priceless, and I wouldn't change it for the world. He kissed my hand and shook Owen's hand. He couldn't have been happier. Owen and I were so excited that we almost forgot to eat dinner. We grabbed subs around 9pm ... and headed back to my house. I think that I said "oh my gosh" about a hundred times that weekend. Again, this has been a whirlwind of a month ... but I've managed to keep up with my running! Now, I really need to keep up with my fundraising and blogging.

I sent out over two hundred emails a couple weeks ago and started a DFMC group on Facebook. I plan on asking all of my Facebook friends for $10.00 contributions. This was a great suggestion at the DFMC runners' meeting the other day! I guess you could call it my "Aha moment." The meeting on Thursday was excellent. Steve Koppel addressed the economy and how it will impact our fundraising. Tyler collected fundraising suggestions from the audience. Jan handled the "administrative stuff" and Jack talked about training. We also heard from Ryan at the Boston Running Company, who gave a great talk on dressing for the winter. It was a great surprise when we found out that he participated in the Olympic trials in NYC!

Tomorrow will be a busy day. I'm going to run the hills at 9am with Kay. Then, I'm going to take a GMAT practice exam because I'm taking the GMAT on December 29th. I need to write my fundraising letter and secure some ice for the Skate to Freeze Cancer 2. I also need to do my laundry, cleaning, Peapod grocery shopping, and buy gifts for my mom, Owen and Emily. Busy, busy because Christmas is just around the corner!

Please sponsor my run at www.runDFMC.org/katyc2009

Catching Up

Thursday, December 4, 2008
7:15AM (3-Mile Run)
Rt. 9
Weather: 35F
Conditions: Windy
Gut Rating: 4
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

Shouldn't have gone to the Cheesecake Factory last night! Slow, slow, SLOW! A Canadian Goose hissed at Kay and stared her down. I thought that there was going to be a serious brawl.

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 57.5
Total Time Running: 09:45:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 7

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00
Total Hours December: 00:00:00



Tuesday, December 2, 2008
5:30PM (4-Mile Run)
Rt. 9
Weather: 45F
Conditions: Dark, Clear
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

Nice and warm for a December evening. Water was calm and crystal clear. Easy four miles after the Conference on Philanthropy.

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 54.5
Total Time Running: 09:15:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 4

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00
Total Hours December: 00:00:00


Sunday, November 30, 2008
5:30PM (5-Mile Run)
Rt. 9
Weather: 40F
Conditions: Rain, Wind
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

Wore my waterproof shell under my UMass sweatshirt. Downpouring rain. Serious wind. Legs felt AMAZING! Happy 65th birthday, Dad!!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 50.5
Total Time Running: 08:35:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00



Wednesday, November 26, 2008
7:15AM (3-Mile Run)
Rt. 9
Weather: 30F
Conditions: Sunny
Gut Rating: 3
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

Kay and I are anxious for Thanksgiving tomorrow!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 45.5
Total Time Running: 07:45:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 36.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00


Monday, November 24, 2008
5:30PM (5-Mile Run)
Newton "Flats"
Weather: 30F
Conditions: Dark
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

Woodland to Reservoir. Great run with Kay!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 42.5
Total Time Running: 07:15:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 33.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00



Sunday, November 23, 2008
5:30PM (3-Mile Run)
Neighborhood loop
Weather: 30F
Conditions: Dark
Gut Rating: 1
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

First run as Owen's fiance! Oh my gosh!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 37.5
Total Time Running: 06:25:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 28.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00



Friday, November 21, 2008
5:30PM (2-Mile Run)
Football Field Run
Weather: 25F
Conditions: Dark
Gut Rating: 3
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

Kay and I did not feel like running. Owen was on the way to my house. Our plan was to run down to the reservoir, but we decided to lap the football field insstead. Little did I know that Owen was going to ask me to marry him tonight!!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 34.5
Total Time Running: 05:55:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 25.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00



Wednesday, November 19, 2008
7:15AM (3-Mile Run)
Rt. 9
Weather: 20F
Conditions: I can see my breath!
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 32.5
Total Time Running: 05:35:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 23.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00


Monday, November 17, 2008
7:15AM (3-Mile Run)
The Fens
Weather: 35F
Conditions: Sunny
Gut Rating: 4
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

Nice Fall day. Not so nice run. Stomach cramp.

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 29.5
Total Time Running: 05:05:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 20.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00



Saturday, November 15, 2008
6:30PM (4-Mile Run)
Comm. Ave Loop
Weather: 30F
Conditions: Dark
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

We didn't get lost this time! This was a nice, slow run. We decided to run down Comm. Ave. instead of up Comm. Ave. to avoid the massive hill!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 26.5
Total Time Running: 04:35:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 17.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00



Thursday, November 13, 2008
7:15AM (3-Mile Run)
Rt. 9
Weather: 30F
Conditions: I forget!
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 22.5
Total Time Running: 03:55:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 13.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00


Tuesday, November 11, 2008
7:15PM (3-Mile Run)
Rt. 9
Weather: 40F
Conditions: I forget!
Gut Rating: 3
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: Who knows?

This was a gross run! I almost stepped on a dead squirrel and the reservoir smelled terrible today!

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 19.5
Total Time Running: 03:15:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 10.5

MONTHLY CROSSTRAINING:
Total Hours October: 00:30:00
Total Hours November: 00:00:00

GUT RATING SCALE:
(1) Great workout! Could have run twice as far (if I threw caution and The Plan to the wind).
(2) Rewarding effort - felt almost great.
(3) Worked up a decent sweat - had fun in general.
(4) Heart and soul not out here with my body, but...The Plan, Boss, The Plan!
(5) Thank goodness the race wasn't today. I'd rather be doing almost anything else.