March 20th

Dear Friends,

I'm writing because I have a lot on my mind right now, and I really need to share my thoughts. March 20th leaves a bitter-sweet taste in my mouth for a couple of reasons. For starters, the 2009 Boston Marathon is coming up on April 20th -- exactly one month from tomorrow! I'm nervous. I'm excited! I'm gearing up. I just ran a successful 18-miler, but I really, REALLY need your support because ....

I'm running in memory of my lovely grandmother, Rita V. Higgins, who passed away just one year ago -- on March 20th. She was perhaps my favorite person on this Earth, and I miss her more than you could ever imagine. I would not be the same person that I am today, if it weren't for my 4'10" tall grandmother.

Tomorrow is also the first day of spring -- my grandma's favorite time of year. This is the first spring that we will not be celebrating together.

Please go to http://www.rundfmc.org/katyc2009 to make a special gift online in support of my run in the 2009 Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Your support on March 20th is especially important to me because it would also be a gift in memory of my grandmother. Every gift is greatly appreciated, whether it be $5, $15, $26.20, $100, or $1,000. Tell your friends. Tell your family. I have raised $5,000 thus far, but I really need your support in order to reach my $10,000 fundraising goal for my grandmother.

Please contribute to my run for innovative cancer research. Your support is greatly appreciated on March 20th.

Many thanks,
Katy Counihan

B.A.A. Charity Clinic

I attended the B.A.A. Charity Clinic a few weeks ago, and it was AWESOME! I was so bummed when I couldn't attend last year, so it was great to be able to participate this year. DMSE planned a quick run before the clinic, but I wasn't able to make it to the run. I did, however, make it in time for the trail mix consisting of chocolate chip cookies! BRILLIANT!

Then, we watched a video of the 2008 Boston Marathon. I really hope that nobody saw me, but I got so excited and sad all at the same time. I became so incredibly emotional that tears started streaming down my face. I'm so glad that I sat in the far right corner of the auditorium. It was then that I truly realized how passionate I have become about the DFMC.

Dave McGillivray (my idol) and his team spoke about the Boston Marathon. They gave us some insider information about registration and hydration. Josh Nemzer ran us through the race route in about ten minutes (or less). Chris Troyanos gave us some medical advice.

I heard Dave McGillivray speak a couple of times before, and really enjoyed both of his presentations. Then, I read his book, "The Last Pick" and became even more interested in his story for a variety of reasons. For starters, Dave ran across the country for the Jimmy Fund!! If I had been working for DFCI at the time, I would've reviewed his pre-event plan and budget. Dave described the review process a little bit, and I really enjoyed reading about how thrilled he was to find that his plan had been accepted! Now, I'm just waiting for Dave to call us up to tell us that he's going to be running the Great Wall of China! It was nice reading Dave's story because I was able to relate to it on many different levels.

Anyhow, I introduced myself to Dave McGillivray following the clinic because I figured that I might as well go for it while I had the chance. I was totally shy and silly, and I really just said, "Thanks for everything!" After all, if it weren't for Dave's philanthropic spirit, I might not have the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber!

Hello Kevin Counihan

Dear Kevin Counihan,

I'm not sure if we're related, but I regularly see your name listed as a participant in Boston-area road races. Looking forward to running in the pack behind you in the 2009 Boston Marathon! Best of luck out there (from one Counihan to another), and I hope that you will consider sponsoring my run for Dana-Farber at http://www.rundfmc.org/katyc2009 should you read my blog. Much appreciated!

Many thanks,
Katy Counihan

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That's my number!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't forget it!!! :)

Thanks Pete!

I was running home from work the other day, and I was almost to Heartbreak Hill when someone yelled "RUN KATY, RUN!" out their car window. I couldn't tell who it was at the time, but it gave me just the boost I needed to get home during what was not an easy run. I found out a few days later that the driver was Pete!! THANKS PETE!! :) ... That made my run! :)

A Running Stream of Consciousness

I'm going to use this post to ramble on for a little bit because it's been awhile since my last post. A TON has happened over the last month!! Owen and I got a new apartment together, and we are totally loving our new life! I've discovered a ton of new runs, and I'm still running with Kay on a regular basis. I also got into the habit of running home from work every couple of days, and I'm hoping that I'll keep up with the routine following the marathon.

The weather is starting to warm up and I had an AWESOME 17-miler a few weeks ago. It was my favorite run this year because it felt so great running in just a long-sleeved t-shirt. We got our 18-miler in, and we're gearing up for our 20-miler this weekend! I'm pretty pumped because I feel like I'm doing things right this year. I've been going for regular massages at the Boston Bodyworker (Natalie is highly recommended), and I feel good! I'm not going to do anything silly. I'm just going to keep on keepin' on, and take things one day at a time.

When I logged my mileage this afternoon, I noticed that I'm already well over the 400-mile mark! This is truly amazing considering some of the injuries that I battled last year.

I just discovered Arnold's Arboretum and it might just be my new favorite place to run!! Did you know that there are Redwood trees in Boston!?! It's true! Arnold's Arboretum is a secret (well, er public) garden in JP. There are tons of paths and it's quite hilly, but the view of Boston from Peter's Hill is well worth the effort. I can't wait to do this run again soon!

It's almost 10pm, and I'm in the process of washing my running clothes. I have no idea what I'm going to do with my time following the marathon!!

I'm still working on my fundraising -- BIG TIME! I sent an email to my Facebook Friends, and I'm in the process of organizing another cut-a-thon at Salon Acote. I really hope that we can pull it together! I'm setting up a table at the annual West Boylston High School Play Competitions on Friday night to collect contributions, and I'm looking into setting up a table at Walmart. Finally, I'm contemplating one more fundraiser, but I'd really like your feedback and suggestions.

Should I conduct a) an organized dog walk or b) a frisbee tournament?! Please comment!

Finally, I'm past the halfway mark with my fundraising!! I've raised over $5,000, but I still have a LOOooOoOOooooNNNGGggG way to go to reach my $10,000 fundraising goal! Please go to http://www.rundfmc.org/katyc2009 to sponsor my run! :)

You GO Daddio!

Have you ever seen those intense mom and dad runners? You know who I'm talking about -- those parents who take their toddlers out for a quick twelve-miler after work. Are you wondering where I'm going with this post?! I'm starting to wonder myself. Basically, I just wanted to tell you about the dad I saw running up Heartbreak Hill. I'd guess that the guy was probably about forty-two years old, and he was pushing his toddler up the infamous Heartbreak Hill. GET THIS -- he was ALSO pushing his six-year old son on a bicycle up Heartbreak Hill! The POOR DAD!! His toddler was crying, and his six year old was whining about how he wasn't going to make it. I have a hard enough time just running up the hill. IMAGINE running up the hill with two small children! I stuck behind the bunch for a bit during one of my long runs because the scene made me chuckle outloud. Bottom line: that's dedication! Hats off to all of those parents who run with their children!

A Note to a Teammate - Listen Up!

We still have over a month to go! Don't start questioning your abilities now. You've got this one! Crank it on the arc trainer and in the pool. Strengthen areas that need strengthening. Prepare your body and your mind. This is your battle to win. Not sure what injury you're dealing with, but walk-running might be okay. Do what you can every other day. Spend four hours on the elliptical. Give your body time to heal between workouts. Go for massages, and S-T-R-E-T-C-H. I struggled with injuries last year (primarily ITB and peroneal tendonitis). I didn't run my first 14-miler until mid-way through March. My longest run before the marathon was eighteen miles and I made it to the finish-line during the 2008 Boston Marathon in 5:30 -- thanks to some great advice! :)

You can finish. It's okay to walk. Just go out there and give it your all. Your donors cannot be disappointed if you give it your best. AND, keep collecting those dollars!!! Dana-Farber needs them!

All Caught Up!

Saturday, March 21, 2009
(12 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 422.0
Total Time Running: 81:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 108



Thursday, March 19, 2009
(8 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 410.0
Total Time Running: 78:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 96



Tuesday, March 17, 2009
(6 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 402.0
Total Time Running: 76:30:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 88



Saturday, March 14, 2009
(18 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 396.0
Total Time Running: 76:30:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 82



Wednesday, March 11, 2009
(8 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 378.0
Total Time Running: 72:30:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 64



Tuesday, March 10, 2009
(6 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 370.0
Total Time Running: 71:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 56



Sunday, March 8, 2009
(17 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 364.0
Total Time Running: 70:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 50



Friday, March 6, 2009
(3 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 347.0
Total Time Running: 66:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 33



Wednesday, March 4, 2009
(8 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 344.0
Total Time Running: 65:30:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 30



Monday, March 2, 2009
(6 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 336.0
Total Time Running: 64:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 22



Sunday, March 1, 2009
(16 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 330.0
Total Time Running: 63:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95
Total Miles Logged March: 16



Friday, February 27, 2009
(5 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 314.0
Total Time Running: 60:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 95



Tuesday, February 24, 2009
(3 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 309.0
Total Time Running: 59:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 90



Monday, February 23, 2009
(7 Miles)
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 306.0
Total Time Running: 58:30:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 01:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 87