Sunday, February 22, 2009

DFMC Events

We conducted a series of successful events to raise additional funds for DFMC over the last couple of weeks:

On February 8th, Kay and I conducted "If Looks Could Cure" at Salon Acote! We were expecting approximately 40 people to participate in our event, but the final number was closer to 80 attendees! People got their haircuts on Newbury Street, and we provided refreshments. Salon Acote donated its venue and its stylists, and the event was extremely successful, raising almost two thousand dollars!

On February 11th, I conducted a deep water running session at the Evelyn Kirrane Aquatics Center. The pool was generously donated at no cost to us! Jack Fultz volunteered to coach the session, and we had approximately twenty attendees. The session raised almost five hundred dollars, and everyone had a great time! We also surprised Jack with a cake, wishing him a happy 2:11 on February 11th in honor of his personal best!

On February 18th, Kay and I conducted the Skate to Freeze Cancer 2 at The Skating Club of Boston. The skating club generously provided the arena and skate rentals, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse (and other stars from Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy) joined us! We encountered a snowstorm during the evening of the skate-a-thon, so we had several cancellations at the last minute. Still, we raised over $2K for Dana-Farber! Following the skate-a-thon, Mickey and Minnie visited kids at The Jimmy Fund Clinic!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our fundraising events! We are thrilled with the results of our hard work, and we are already planning our next round of events including another potential cut-a-thon in May and a skate-a-thon in April. I'm almost up to the halfway point with my fundraising!

Running of the Brides

Got a great workout in this week during Running of the Brides! I found a great dress (not the one in the video clip below), and I was on the news! Check it out and feel free to read the email that I sent to my team following the run below:

http://wbztv.com/video/?id=73230@wbz.dayport.com

OMG! We made it on the news, (LOL - and probably the Christian Science Monitor), team!!! Mo, thanks for sending me this video!! That's hilarious!! Emily, we didn't end up getting the dress in the video. This was the first dress that I tried on -- thanks to Katherine!! I have no idea how she managed to get it so quickly!

The whole experience was so fun -- definitely sets the tone for our entire wedding, and I'm glad that I didn't have to do that by myself! Could you imagine!?! Between our strategy, 80's funk beat music machine and cardboard cutout sign, we definitely had the BEST, ragtag team there!! Can you believe some girls slept on the sidewalk overnight?!? CRAZY!! I love how we strolled in at 7:45am with Donuts!! My favorite moment was when we started running, and someone from the team was like -- "Oh. We actually have to run!?!" Patty charged straight through the madness with Anne. We lost Katherine and Mo. I laughed uncontrollably by an empty rack while Marielle took pictures. Then, Katherine came running with A REAL DRESS!! That's when WBZ news started filming! Then, the bartering began! Does anyone know who that random woman was who "formed an alliance" with us?! So strange!! Mo, I'm so glad you weren't trampled! ;) ... Thank you all for helping me find a great dress at a great price! LOL - and let's hope that I still fit into it in 2010!! :-P

Lots of love,
Katy

P.S. I showed the dress to my mom and dad today ... and they both love it! :) ... Dad said that I, (Insert we), couldn't have found a more perfect dress! :)

Just Catching Up!

Saturday, February 21, 2009
10:15AM (13 Miles)
Washington and Hills
Weather: 35F
Conditions: Sunny
Gut Rating: 3
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Sluggish. Slow. Harder than usual today. Feel semi-wiped out this week, which is strange because I'm on vacation. We were supposed to run 16, but we ran 13 instead. We stopped at Dunks for bagels at mile 13, and we walked a little bit. Okay. Okay, a lotta bit. Kay's knee started bothering her, and she didn't bring fuel. We decided not to push ourselves today because we haven't missed a run in three months. We hopped on the T at BC. Got off at Cleveland Circle. Hopped on the T at Reservoir. Ran home with our bagels from Brookline Hills. Still give this run a decent gut rating.


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 299.0
Total Time Running: 57:30:00
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: 79




Thursday, February 19, 2009
7:00PM (8 Miles)
Hills
Weather: 35F
Conditions: Dark
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Ran the hills backwards and forwards. Stopped at Star Market to use the ladies room, but the door was locked. Good run in general.


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 286.0
Total Time Running: 54:30:00
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: 66




Tuesday, February 17, 2009
9:30AM (5 Miles)
BHAC
Weather: 40F
Conditions: Sunny
Gut Rating: 1
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Indoor workout at the gym! On vacation this week. Ran and tried out a new machine! Loved it!


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 278.0
Total Time Running: 53:00:00
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: 58




Sunday, February 15, 2009
2:30PM (15 Miles)
Random Hills
Weather: 40F
Conditions: Sunny
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Great long run! Slow pace.


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 277.0
Total Time Running: 52:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 57



Thursday, February 12, 2009
7:30PM (8 Miles)
Hills
Weather: 35F
Conditions: Dark
Gut Rating: 3
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Long day. Ran with Kate and Kay. Felt the ITB coming on during the last mile. Slowed the pace. Felt better.


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 262.0
Total Time Running: 48:30:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 42




Tuesday, February 10, 2009
7:00PM (4 Miles)
Weather: ?
Conditions: ?
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Just catching up with my blog!


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 254.0
Total Time Running: 47:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 34



Monday, February 9, 2009
5:30AM (7 Miles)
Weather: ?
Conditions: ?
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Just catching up with my blog!


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 250.0
Total Time Running: 46:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

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




Friday, February 6, 2009
7:00AM (4 Miles)
Local Loop
Weather: ?
Conditions: ?
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Did a four mile recovery run today. Busy week!!


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 243.0
Total Time Running: 45:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 23

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Skate to Freeze Cancer 2 - Feb. 18th

Hi Boston!

I'm running the Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, so I've organized a kid-friendly fundraiser (tomorrow, Feb. 18th from 5-7pm at The Skating Club of Boston)! Join stars from the cast of Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy in a skate-a-thon to benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute! Skaters are asked to raise only $25.00, and the top ten skating fundraisers will each win two tickets to Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy!

Rumor has it that two famous mice are in town for our skate-a-thon, and we have some great giveaways lined up as well (including passes to the New England Aquarium, a family membership to the Puppet Showplace Theatre, Learn-to-skate lessons at The Skating Club of Boston, ice cream giftcards, skating-themed DVDs, cupcakes, Red Sox Hats, etc...)!

Please go to http://www.skatetofreezecancer.blogspot.com for more information, or feel free to email k.s.lorenz@hotmail.com with questions. Hope to see you tomorrow!

Many thanks,
Katy Counihan

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Over the Hump

Wednesday, February 4, 2009
7:00PM (14 Miles)
Beacon to the Hills
Weather: 24F
Conditions: Dark
Gut Rating: 1
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

This run kicked cancer's a$s! Our group fourteen miler is scheduled for Sunday, but we won't be able to make it because we have our fundraiser at Salon Acote. Saturday, we're setting up a table at the Skating Club of Boston to register skaters for the Skate to Freeze Cancer 2! Go to http://www.skatetofreezecancer.blogspot.com for more information! We can't get our long run in on Friday because Kay has plans on Friday evening. Tonight, I'm going to a Celtics vs. Lakers game with Owen. SoOooOoo, we decided to get it in on Wednesday this week. And ... it ROCKED!

My blog followers might remember that my breaking point occurred last year during my 13-mile run, so this year we decided to skip the 13-miler altogether. We ran a solid 14.1 miles last night, and we ran at a great pace!

The Marathon and Running Programs Office would be so proud of us because we wore our reflective gear and carried plenty of fluids, fuel, T-passes, money, a debit card, extra gloves, and quarters in case we had to make a phone call. We carb loaded on Tuesday night and nibbled/hydrated all day long on Wednesday. We were ready! And, boy did we have fun!

Our run took us out past Boston College and down Beacon for many miles. I didn't really "discover" Beacon street until my 18-miler last year. I always take Beacon into the city, but it's wonderful following Beacon into the 'burbs because the road widens and we can run in the breakdown lane. We didn't have to worry about snow and ice either! We turned onto Chestnut for a little while, and we found it scarier running down Chestnut than along Beacon. We really watched out for traffic because the road was so narrow. Kay expressed a little bit of "road runner rage" when a woman was driving and talking on her cell phone without paying attention to her surroundings (us). We actually jumped into a snowbank at one point. Whenever a car neared, we yelled "We're here!"

We were THRILLED when we turned onto the hills. We walked for just a moment, so that we could refuel. I broke into my Chocolate Outrage flavored Gu (the only one I had in the house). I didn't think that I was going to like it very much, but it was delish! It was sort of like eating chocolate frosting in the middle of my run! It gave me such a huge shot of energy! When we got past the hills, we stopped at Dunkin' Donuts because Kay had to pee for the second time during our run. Our first stop was at Pete's Coffee in Newton Center. The guy at Dunkin' Donuts was beyond nice! He filled our water bottles and cheered us on as we left the store! Thank you Dunkin' Donuts!! From there, it was an easy three miler home!

I'm so glad to have that run behind us. My body really seems to appreciate running every other day. I got a massage the other day, and that really helped too. I'm stretching and doing all the things that I didn't do at the start of my training last year. My legs aren't too sore this morning, which is a very good sign. We stretched on the kitchen floor for almost a half hour when we got home last night, and we called "the boyfriends" to let them know that we made it home. Owen called me before the run to wish me luck because he knew that this run would be mental challenge for me, and I was so excited to call him to say, "I did it!" Go DFMC!


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 239.0
Total Time Running: 44:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 19

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Skate to Freeze Cancer 2

Lace up those skates! Help find a cure!

Join stars from Disney on Ice presents World of Fantasy for a Skate-a-thon to benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Wednesday, February 18th, 5pm-7pm
The Skating Club of Boston, 1240 Soldiers Field Road, Brighton, MA.
Cost: $25.
But don't stop there!

The top 10 participants who collect the highest dollar amount in flat rate pledges will receive 2 tickets* to Disney on Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy at the TD Banknorth Garden, February 13-22, 2009. **Performance date and time TBD**

To participate:

Please visit www.skatetofreezecancer.blogspot.com to download a free registration form. Return the form, along with your $25 check or money order made payable to "Dana Farber Marathon Challenge" to:

Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Attn: Katy Counihan
10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor
Brookline, MA 02445
Questions? Email k.s.lorenz@hotmail.com today!

*100% of your $25 gift and any additional fundraising will benefit our run for the Claudia Adams Barr Program at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Newbury Street Haircuts to Benefit My Run!

Kay and I have organized a hair cut-a-thon at Salon Acote (just in time for Valentine's Day) to raise money for our run for Dana-Farber! Enjoy haircuts, appetizers, beverages and giveaways at Salon Acote located at 132 Newbury Street on February 8th to benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Haircuts cost only $30 for women and $20 for men. This is an amazing deal for a Newbury Street haircut, and the best part is that 100% of the proceeds will support innovative cancer research because the stylists are donating five hours of their time at no cost! Contact (617) 262-5111 to schedule your appointment between 11am and 4pm. Walk-ins are also welcome! We'll be there on Sunday to collect cash and checks made payable to "Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge." Forty people have already signed up for a haircut, and we hope to more than double that number! Feel free to email me at kcounihan@gmail.com if you'd like more information!

Dear Sock God, It's Me Katy.


I just sent an email to WrightSocks, asking for a $5,000 contribution. I already have a TON of good things to say about their socks, but you bet that I will tell the world about their socks if they sponsor my run for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute! Fingers crossed. Will keep you posted!

WHOA!

The economy is in rough shape, but this has been an AWESOME week for fundraising! I received not one, but two $500 contributions!! I danced around my room both times, and now I know what it feels like when a Major Gifts Officer receives his or her first HUGE contribution for an organization!

Whenever someone goes above and beyond to do something special for someone else, I make a mental note. $500 means 50 hours of work to some people. In today's economy, it means food on the table and a roof overhead. To some, $500 could mean a new television or a new computer. In this case, $500 means that the human race is one step closer to a cure. I'm so appreciative of the thought that went into both of these gifts (and every gift) for that matter. If anyone cannot afford to make a contribution, notes are greatly appreciated too! Support comes in all shapes and sizes, and all of it is greatly appreciated when training for the 2009 Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber!

Thank you, Thank YOU, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to everyone who has sponsored my run because Dana-Farber is doing great things, and it's a cause that I fully support! It is also an honor to run in memory and in support of your loved ones. If you would like to sponsor my run, please go to http://www.rundfmc.org/katyc2009. The marathon is just around the corner!

Splish Splash

Monday, February 5, 2009
7:00PM (5 Miles)
Neighborhood Loop
Weather: 36F
Conditions: Dark
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

This run was pretty hilarious. Kay did a high split over a puddle. While I was busy making fun of her, I stepped in one (ankle-deep). My shoes squished for three miles. Karma is a .... I would fill in the rest of that sentence, but I'd like to portray Dana-Farber in a positive light. LOL. Talk about deep water running!

So ... I'd also like to use this post to apologize to my readers. Some of you might be following my blog because I've accidentally led you to believe that I'm really, REALLY fast. One of my readers pointed out that I'm always running at a 10mph pace (according to my stats). I meant to post that I'm running a 10 minute mile (or a 6 mph pace). You see, I'm actually very slow. My dad tells me that, that's okay because I get more for my fundraising dollars!


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 225.0
Total Time Running: 41:15:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 108.5 <<<< CHECK THAT OUT!!!!
Total Miles Logged February: 5

Wind Tunnel

Saturday, January 31, 2009
8:00AM (12 Miles)
Watertown Run
Weather: 26F
Conditions: Sunny and Windy
Gut Rating: 3
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

Kay and I had a great group run today! We got our 12-miler in! I was a little concerned about Kay because she suffered from some pains on the right side of her stomach (likely caused by dehydration). We walked for a couple of minutes, and the pain subsided before it caused her more grief. Eventually, the problem subsided. The hill getting to "the hills" was tough, but the last stretch of the run was even tougher because we were faced with a nasty headwind. I sort of felt like I was a football player trying to rush the ball with a hundred obstacles in my way. Kay described it as "running two miles with every step." I hope the marathon isn't that windy. Felt great to get the mileage under our belts on Saturday morning because we had the rest of the weekend to relax.

We had a great run nonetheless, and Jan gave us the opportunity to promote all of our fundraising events!! I'm thrilled because we've actually had a lot of signups as a result!

Mentally, running is easier this year because I know I can do it. I'm running more, but I'm probably more cautious this year because I know what happens when you get off track. Note to self: Just keep at it! You're doing the right thing!

Finally, check out my stats below!!! I finally hit the 100-mile mark in a single month!


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 220.0
Total Time Running: 40:15:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

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

A Run and A Rental

Thursday, January 29, 2009
6:45PM (7 Miles)
Owen's House Run
Weather: 26F
Conditions: Icy
Gut Rating: 2
Perfect conditions for a marathon (ha!).
Pace: 6 mph

This was my first run to Owen's house this season. We were hit by a nasty storm, so the sidewalks were sheer ice in some locations. I was forced to run in the street during most of it. I was in a bit of a hurry because we made an appointment to sign our new lease following the run. Can you believe it!? It's our first apartment!! I'm so excited! I stretched and changed into one of Owen's shirts and fleece jackets; I didn't even have time to shower! GROSS! Our real estate agent must've had second thoughts about renting to us when she saw my attire (and probably smelled my attire) that evening. Looking forward to finding some new running routes near our apartment come March 1st!


FUN FACTS: (since October 20, 2008):
Total Miles Logged: 208.0
Total Time Running: 38:00:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:30:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged October: 9
Total Miles Logged November: 41.5
Total Miles Logged December: 61
Total Miles Logged January: 96.5

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