Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Day 2

Tuesday, May 12, 2009
3 Miles
Perfect conditions for a running streak (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since May 11, 2009):
Total Miles Logged: 5
Total Time Running: 50:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged May: 5

Yesterday, I completed a nice, easy run around the lake. I've been trying to work running into my daily routine, so I ran 1.5 miles to Newton Center, paid for my LSAT class, and ran 1.5 miles home. It was an expensive run - costing $333.33 per mile!!

I felt a little bit of pain on my left side, so I'm going to take it nice and easy today. The reason that I started running every other day during marathon training was because my body didn't react very well to running multiple days in a row. With this in mind, I'm going to build in some easy one-milers every couple of days to give my body time to repair itself. I've got a two-day streak!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Day 1

Monday, May 11, 2009
2 Miles
Perfect conditions for a running streak (ha!).

FUN FACTS: (since May 11, 2009):
Total Miles Logged: 2
Total Time Running: 20:00
Total Time Crosstraining: 00:00

MONTHLY MILEAGE:
Total Miles Logged May: 2

I did it! I didn't want to do it. I was scared to start running again (for some odd reason), but I did it! I ran my first two miles since the marathon! Owen and I went grocery shopping this afternoon and I ran home from the store. I turned on the Nano and moved to the sounds of "Geek in the Pink," "L-O-V-E," "Bubbly," and "Pretty Woman." I could feel my heart working hard for the first time in three weeks, and it felt good. I found myself smiling mid-run. I was reminded of my very first run through the corn fields in Sunderland, when I started running to get into shape for the U.S. Collegiate National Figure Skating Championships in Hawaii. I woke up early before class, pulled on my cotton sweatpants, and gave it everything I had just to get to the next telephone pole, stop sign, and mailbox. I've come a long way.

I decided not to pace myself for the first mile, so I got off to a fast start. For twenty minutes, I forgot about work, worries, chores, lists, and all of the little things that create unnecessary stress in my life. I focused on me. It felt good.

Owen commented on my speed as soon as I got home. That felt good too. Today marks the first day of my running streak. Only 364 more days to go until I can officially become a member of the U.S. Running Streak Association! Talk to you tomorrow!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

So ... Now What?!?

So ... I just finished the Boston Marathon. I still have a lot of thank you notes to send out. I'm planning a wedding and I'm getting ready to take the LSAT in September. Then, I'm hoping to get my JD/MBA at Suffolk University while continuing to work at Dana-Farber.

I would like to keep up with my running now that the marathon is over. WHY?! Because it gives me discipline and focus. It's a great way to keep in shape and it's a stress relief from my day-to-day activities. Running makes me feel good all over, so why not keep it up?! I haven't run since the marathon, and I'm starting to feel like a blob. I've been wanting to get back out there, but my mind gets in the way every time. Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is so important to me, which is why I've decided to give streak running a shot. This does not mean that I will be running hundreds of miles in a month though!

A running streak is defined by USRSA as running at least one continuous mile within each calendar day under one's own body power (without the utilization of any type of health or mechanical aid other than prosthetic devices). Treadmill running is allowed!

Monday, May 11, 2009, will officially mark the first day of my running streak. My general goal is to run home from work and to fill in the rest of the gaps with shorter, easy runs to give my legs a break. I will use this blog to track my progress. If I can run everyday for one year, I will qualify for membership in the United States Running Streak Association. Do you think I can do it?! Well, there's one way to find out. Here we go!

The 2009 Boston Marathon and Beyond

The marathon. Sigh. It's done. I'm not quite sure where to start. I slept eight or nine solid hours. I ate a very Special-K breakfast. Kay and I boarded the B.A.A. buses around 5:45am. And - we ran 26.2 miles.

This might sound funny, but the race wasn't the highlight of my training this year. Last year, the marathon felt like a CELEBRATION! I crushed my goal! I overcame injury after injury and conquered the 2008 Boston Marathon (all for Dana-Farber). This year, I do not feel that I have reached my goal. While running was an important part of my 2009 DFMC experience, my ultimate goal was (and still is) to raise $10,000 for innovative cancer research at Dana-Farber. The good news is that there's still time to fundraise, and I've got a PLAN! I just got a call from Safar on Newbury Street, and we're in the process of planning another cut-a-thon! Do you think I can raise another $907.95? I'm so close! More to come!

The marathon itself was not my best run this year, but it felt FANTASTIC crossing the finish line in Copley Square. One of my teammates called the race a 26.2 mile schmooze, and that's just what I did! I hugged and high-fived my way from Hopkinton to Boston. My favorite part of the entire race was seeing my dad (alive and well!) at mile 10. He was so proud of me, and I thank God every day for giving us this opportunity (life). Another highlight was seeing Peter and Mrs. Lorenz in Wellesley because I know just how much this experience meant to Kay, and then seeing the Kellett clan on Commonwealth Avenue. I gave Katie Goodfellow a huge hug on Boylston Street and crossed the finishline after running for five hours, fifty-one minutes and forty-three seconds.

Again, I'm still working hard on my fundraising goal and I cannot thank you all enough for supporting my run!! So many of you sent me the names of your loved ones who have battled cancer, and I would like you to know that it was an honor to carry their names to the finish line. Your loved ones gave me the strength and motivation that I needed to run 26.2 miles for Dana-Farber. It was an emotional experience, and I thank each of you for trusting me with your loved ones.

I'm in the process of sending out my thank-yous and 100 Grands, so be on the lookout! People are already starting to ask me whether I'm going to sign up for the 2010 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. The marathon itself is currently up for debate (with the upcoming wedding and a JD/MBA on the horizon), but my heart is in it for the long run. Thank you to the DFMC volunteers, Jack and Jan for organizing this program for Dana-Farber. Aunt Joan, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Finally, Owen, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support. As always, LOL :).