The Hay Has Been Planted - 2016 Season Preview

Our DFMC team is beyond blessed to have 1976 Boston Marathon champ Jack Fultz as our training coach. Jack's contagious enthusiasm, whether in advising a qualifying (aka super fast) runner or a new/developing runner such as myself, makes you feel as if you too could win the marathon (if you spend enough time on the arc trainer that is). Okay, maybe winning the marathon is a bit of a stretch. But Jack is one of those people who reminds you that no goal is unattainable if you plan ahead and put in the hard work required to reach it.

When the marathon draws near, Jack is well known for proclaiming that "the hay is in the barn." It is time to trust in the months of hard work, training, and fundraising you have done to reach your goals.

Last season I was pretty proud of the hay I put in the barn. Having set an initial goal of simply finishing the marathon and hoping to do so in less than 6 hours, my official time was 4:55:12 which was 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 48 seconds faster than I had initially anticipated! And together you helped me raise $6,600 more than my initial goal of $10,000 to fund vital cancer research. Incredible! 

Yet as wonderful as that first hay harvest was, I know I can do even better the second time around. Because last season I never fully let myself trust that there was hay. Or a barn. Or enough metaphors that could make me believe I would really truly cross that finish line or reach my fundraising goals. So this season I am looking forward to more fully trusting in the entire process and scope of this challenge. The seeds have been planted and are ready to be nurtured through the months to come,and I know they will yield the best hay yet. There is no need to worry, to doubt, or to obsess. Well, we are still training for a marathon so obsessing is sort of inevitable, but I will do my best to find more balance this season as I strive towards a 4:30 finish and my $13,100 fundraising goal (in honor of the half marathon distance). 

Part of that balance is making sure I am taking care of  and showing my gratitude to YOU - my amazing, rockstar supporters. Because honestly folks, without your love and support I certainly would have never crossed that finish line the first time let alone dreamed of going for it again!

This season will bring back crowd favorites such as my "Sponsor a Mile" campaign while also giving you some opportunities to score DFMC swag. Keep checking back here for more specific updates but this is just a snapshot of some things in the work for this coming season: 

• 2016 Kick Off Drawing Ending Tonight! In honor of completing the BAA distance medley this past weekend thereby having ran all of the 2015 B.A.A. races (5K, 10K, Half, and Full Marathons), I am giving anyone who makes a kick-off gift through midnight tonight the chance to win this limited edition Dana-Farber Boston Red Sox hat. 
• $5 (5K) = 5 entries
• $10 (10K) = 10 entries
• $13.10 (Half) = 14 entries
• $26.20 (Full) = 27 entries 


   

• Sponsor A Mile: All season long you have the chance to "Sponsor a Mile" along the course with a gift of $126.20 or more in honor of the marathon distance. NEW for this year, all mile sponsors will receive a special thank you gift and will also be entered to win a grand prize (to be announced soon!). Miles are already filling up so click HERE for more info! 

• DFMC and Stronger Every Run Swag: Thanks to everyone who completed my survey about DFMC swag for the coming season.Your feedback has been very helpful! I am working through internal approval and vendor quotes but hope to have more info in the very near future on this. In the meantime, it's not too late to share your thoughts HERE. Are you a vendor or someone who works in promo products? Send me a note and let's chat!

• Give to DFMC, Get a Song from Me: As a special way to thank my donors, I will be incorporating some very special musical opportunities for various gift levels this season -this one is still in the works so check back for more details in the weeks to come!

• Superbowl Squares for Cancer: This was one of my most successful campaigns last year raising $2500 for DFMC (after a partial corporate match) and paying out $1500 in prizes! No deflation here, the same great prizes are once again up for grabs again this year and I will be posting details as my Pats get closer to defending their title - I mean, as we draw closer to the Super Bowl! ; )

• March Madness: Oh it's coming back. And it's going to be good. 4 weeks or prizes with prizes growing in size/value each week. Every $10 donation during each prize period gets you one entry for that week's prize(s). NEW for this year, multiple prizes/winners each week! Stay tuned for more details in early Spring. Are you a vendor or business owner who wants to contribute a prize? Send me a note and let's chat!

As I have often said, it takes more than financial gifts to get us closer to the ultimate finish line and a world without cancer. Your generosity last season went far beyond those gifts to encompass notes of support, prayers, posters, surprise visits, phone calls, and so much more. Tight on funds but have an idea for a great fundraiser? Send it my way. Maxed out on your 2015 gifting but willing to make or donate a prize to use in 2016? Let's chat about that too. Local to the Boston area or willing to travel in for marathon weekend? Sign up to be a DFMC volunteer. Even the simple act of sharing my posts with family and friends helps to generate interest and support, so I cannot thank you enough for sharing whenever possible. And it goes without saying that if anyone can control the snow this winter, we would greatly appreciate it!

Also in the works? A revamped training log so I can more easily share my weekly totals with you (last season a technical glitch required extraneous editing), guest posts from some of the people who inspire me most, teammate spotlights, and more! 

Who knew growing hay could be so exciting?  

Click HERE to make a gift in support of Erin and the 2016 DFMC Season 

Monday Motivation: Stronger Every Run and Square Two

Yesterday I ran the B.A.A. Half Marathon. Without having trained for it. And I expected to hate every second.

Yet, for some reason, as I hobble around the house today, I am smiling and more encouraged than I have been in months. Why? Because heading into yesterday's race, all I could do was focus on how far I had drifted from my previously disciplined running routine. For weeks I had been berating myself for needing to "start all over." But races have an uncanny way of bringing you right back to where you need to be while pushing you towards the path to where you need to go next.

Heading to the start line yesterday I took a deep breath and said a prayer of thanks. For my health, my limbs, my family, friends, teammates, and an absolutely beautiful day to be alive and outdoors breathing in the fresh crisp fall air. As my group slowly surged closer to the start I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Looking around at runners of all ages, shapes, and ability while fans cheered endlessly on either side of the roadway, I stopped worrying about the should haves, could haves, and would haves and I made a choice to embrace whatever awaited me on the course. What followed was two hours and thirty-ish minutes of much needed perspective and reflection (apparently my bib did not register with the checkpoints so my official time is still TBD). 

Last year's B.A.A. half had been my first ever half marathon. And I spent most of that race questioning how on earth I would complete double that distance, as at that time I had just learned I was on the DFMC team. It too had been a beautiful October day, but I spent most of that race letting negativity wreak havoc on my psyche. I told myself I was a fool. That there was no way I could ever do it. That I wasn't a real runner and should stop pretending to be. After the race (and a good old fashioned cry), I contemplated giving up my spot to someone who I thought might deserve it more than I did. And then I told those voices to shut up and I got to work.  

As this year's race got underway and we weaved through Franklin Park, I inevitably found myself reflecting on last year's run. "Thank goodness I didn't give up," I thought to myself as we made our way through the first part of the course. And little by little as the miles clicked by, I thought through everything I had accomplished since the year before and how much I had grown as both a person and a runner. Where the year prior I had arrived to the race by myself and unsure, this year I walked confidently in the direction of teammates now friends to await the start. Where the year prior I shivered through the morning and cursed myself for not having enough layers only to have to unpin/repin my bib at mile 1 because I had too many layers once things warmed up, this year I benefitted from a wealth of layering knowledge fine tuned through this past winter. Where last year I had leg cramps and thoughts of quitting by 6.5 miles in, this year I hydrated properly before/during and suddenly found myself at mile 10 with only 3.1 to go (and yes, those were the 3.1 miles that got me, but feeling relatively strong for the first 10 was unexpected!). Yesterday's run reminded me that it wasn't about what I had lost in terms of speed or training since the summer, but rather how much I have gained through this journey thus far and all the wonderful things which still lay ahead. 

That is the essence of becoming "Stronger Every Run."

"Stronger Every Run" was my mantra last season. For whatever reason that little phrase is the one that gets me back on track every time. It isn't about finish times or pace - though it can certainly encompass those things. It means that even after your toughest run or a run where you aren't happy with your performance, training  etc., you can still come out of it stronger. Stronger from what you have learned. Stronger from what you have been inspired to work towards. And stronger from your decision to move forwards not backwards through every experience. And that is the goal

So yesterday's half certainly wasn't my best run in terms of time - nor did I train for or expect it to be - but I came out of it stronger, refocused, and ready to rock this year's marathon training and my goals for DFMC. I have not fallen back to square one but instead am reaching upwards towards the summit of square two, and I hope you will continue to support and encourage me along the way.  

Click HERE to make a gift in support of Erin as she completes the 2016 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge

DFMC Survey

Good morning! No long run today as 13.1 awaits me in tomorrow's B.A.A. Half. Instead, taking the morning to focus on the most important part of the upcoming 2016 season - meeting my goal to fund innovative basic cancer research!

I have some exciting things in store for this season and my chief goal is to make it just as fun and rewarding for all of YOU! With that in mind, kindly take five seconds to take this super quick survey and help me narrow down some potential projects for this season:

Click HERE To Take the DFMC Supporter Survey

Recaps and exciting announcements to come so be sure to stay tuned. You can also follow me on Twitter and follow this blog via email (see the right side of my blog). Your support and encouragement never fails to amaze or inspire me - I can't thank you all enough for helping us to imagine a world without cancer! xo

Drum Roll Please....

Last evening I had the great honor of attending our DFMC Check Presentation ceremony at Dana-Farber's Yawkey Center for Cancer Care in Boston. As you know, 100% of the funds raised through the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC) goes directly to the Claudia Adams Barr Program in support of their innovative (and life changing, extending, and saving) basic cancer research.

Mingling with teammates - some of whom I had not seen since we crossed the finish line on Boylston Street this past April - we eyed the outline of the giant cardboard check cleverly concealed under a Boston Marathon heatsheet (the seemingly flimsy yet amazingly effective capes we receive after crossing the finish line to protect against the rapid temperature drop) as we eagerly awaited the grand total for the 2015 season. After some opening remarks including a lovely and heartfelt thank you from the B.A.A. for everything our team brings to the marathon experience (thank you B.A.A., the feeling is mutual!), it was time to set the stage for the reveal with a few fun facts.

In 2015 our team had:

• 576 Runners from over 33 states and 5 countries (wow!!!)
• 41,604 donors from dozens of countries and 6 of the 7 continents (Antarctica was the only continent not represented...more on that later!)
• Gifts ranging from $5.00 to $25,000 (because every gift truly adds up!)
• A team goal of raising $5.2 million dollars through the 2015 DFMC Season

This past summer we learned that our team had met our goal of $5.2 million, which is an incredible feat in and of itself. But if you haven't learned by now, our team has a habit of not only setting goals but surpassing them in a big way (it's kinda our thing).  And so, without further ado...

That's right friends, after raising $16,600 dollars for vital cancer research, training through one of the worst winters on record, running countless miles, and capping it all off with a 26.2 mile jaunt through freezing rain - I finally got to hold one of those large cardboard checks. Cross that one off the bucket list! 

Oh and we surpassed our team goal by just a few dollars...$204,653.73 to be exact, for a grand total of $5,404,653.73!!!

Here is what I think you should do. You should print out this picture, cut around the outline of the check and hold it up for yourself (happy little dance optional but encouraged). Because I could not have done this without all of YOU. 

"Thank you" does not come close to expressing the depths of my gratitude to each and every person who has supported this team in our journey. Each generous gift, prayer, note of support, congratulatory comment, and good vibe sent our way were appreciated more than you can ever know. The proof of which was not only in the tremendous grand total announced last evening, but also in the poignant and moving words shared by my intrepid and inspirational teammates who have been personally touched by the research funded through this challenge.

So...who is ready to do it again???  The 2015 experience was so incredibly powerful that I still haven't been able to put it all into perspective or words to share here (I am working on it!), but suffice it to say I have never been more proud of anything than being a part of this team and our mission.  

T-Minus 199 days. Now who knows someone in Antarctica that wants to make a gift of $26.20 to start me off???

 

Coming Full Circle - The JP Morgan Corporate Challenge

Oh hey, remember me? No, I didn't collapse after the marathon and retreat to a life of solitude, swearing off both running and writing forever (though I could see how you might make that assumption). Full recaps and reflections for all things marathon are in the works and coming your way very soon, and trust me when I say that I needed these few weeks before I could even attempt to put the huge emotions from that entire experience into words.

First, however, I want to share a recap from last evening's JP Morgan Corporate Challenge (JPMCC). Now in it's 32 year, the JPMCC is an international series of 3.5 mile races that allow companies to come together for a fun and healthy event which also benefits local charities in each host city. Oddly enough, I never would have made it to the starting line in Hopkinton this past April if it wasn't for this race and my first experience with it two years ago. 

Back in 2013, I subbed in for an injured coworker who could not use her bib for that year's JPMCC. At that time I had not had a running routine since 2010 when a serious ankle injury in Los Angeles turned into a three year excuse for not exercising, so I knew that the 3.5 mile course would indeed prove a challenge. But with participants of all shapes, sizes, etc. and many signed up as walkers, I figured "how bad could it be?" As we lined up for the race that year, the realization set in that this was not only one of the first running events, but one of the first large public events being held in Boston since the tragic events of the marathon bombing which had occurred just a little over month and a half prior.When the announcer called for a moment of silence in honor of those who had lost their lives and been injured on that awful day, you could have heard a pin drop through the Boston Common. Tears blurred my vision as the National Anthem was performed and I looked around at so many runners - many of whom had run the marathon that year - and realized the enormity of that moment. Running has always been a prominent thread in the fabric of Boston, but since the fateful events of 4/15/13 running has also become a prominent part of the healing process for this town as it allowed us to celebrate and demonstrate strength, resilience, and health in the face of unspeakable acts of violence. Like so many others, I felt moved to one day run the marathon after those terrible events but, at that time, I doubted that I would ever be capable of doing so.

Lining up for the race that evening, I reflected on what a gift and blessing our health and mobility is. Blessings I had been ignoring and taking for granted. My weight had ballooned to over 200 pounds for the first time since high school and the running capris that had been gathering dust in the bottom of my drawer barely fit. It was a hot and humid evening and I frantically fiddled with my headphones and flipped through various Pandora stations hoping to find something that would give me the energy to complete the race. Soon we were off and I attempted to keep up with a coworker but was winded and struggling before we hit the quarter mile mark on the out and back course. Embarrassed, I slowed to a walk and told myself I would catch my breath before attempting to run again. I muddled my way through the first half of the course that way, alternating between running a few feet before walking and then attempting to run again. Finally I reached the half way point in Kenmore Square and I limped over to the side of the course to adjust my worn out sneakers which were doing little to protect my aching feet. Retying my shoelaces and trying to catch my breath, I brushed away tears as I realized just how out of shape I had once again become. Mad and frustrated, I contemplated simply walking straight to the post-race meeting point and abandoning the second half of the race. But I am not a quitter, so I set off to finish the race - no matter how long it would take me and no matter how hard it might be. Finally the finish line was in sight and I thought my lungs and legs would give out as I pushed towards it. Limping across the finish I immediately vowed to myself that I would get back into shape and run the race the following year (2014). After all, how could I even dare to dream of one day running the marathon if I couldn't even run a 3.5 mile race?  

My official time was 50:31. An average pace of 14:26 per mile. 

One would think I woke up the next morning and started running again. I didn't. 

Instead, I enjoyed and indulged the rest of the summer...and fall. Dave was completing his final pre-reqs and received word that he would be starting his nursing program the following January, and so I let myself enjoy the final few months and holidays before he would begin what was sure to be a hectic new chapter. 

On January 13, 2014, I dropped Dave off for his first day in nursing school and I headed to my office early to use the treadmill in our gym. This would be my new routine. I struggled through two miles and needed to take several walking breaks, but the entire time I envisioned the corporate challenge course. I envisioned myself running those 3.5 miles without walking and how good it would feel to compare my time from the year prior. Days turned into weeks and slowly but surely, the miles increased and the walking decreased. Combined with a renewed commitment to solid nutrition, I began shedding the weight that had crept on over the previous years. No longer stressed out and exhausted from my long work days and commute, I felt myself being a happier and more supportive partner to Dave while also having more energy and focus. I began feeling healthy and strong, and finally felt like my best self again.

As the winter gave way to a beautiful spring, I ventured outside beyond the treadmill and never looked back. Taking advantage of the multitude of running routes in Boston, I found myself becoming the runner I never thought I could be. And while I registered for some other races to keep myself accountable, all the while I kept the corporate challenge in the forefront of my thoughts. 

And then the 2014 race sold out before our company could register.

I was heartbroken but not deterred and kept focused on my other races. Soon I was training for the marathon I could have only dreamed of running when I lined up on the humid June evening in 2013. And just as soon I was crossing the finish line on Boylston street. But there was still one race I was eager to run.

On April 21, 2015 (the morning after the marathon),I rolled out of bed and hobbled my way downstairs to fire up my laptop. Having volunteered to Captain this year's JPMCC team, it was my responsibility to register our team and get the info out to prospective runners before the race sold out. As I waited for the site to load, I was still in disbelief that I had just ran 26.2 miles the day prior and now symbolically, here I was registering us for the race that started it all. A few clicks later and our team was registered. 20 minutes later, all 9,000 spots had been claimed and the race sold out.

Last night our team met up for a quick picture in the lobby before departing for this year's JPMCC. I couldn't help but smile because my journey back to my healthiest happiest self had come full circle. Two years ago, I barely believed myself when I vowed to come back and run 3.5 miles without stopping.  In 2013, when I sat down on the curb in Kenmore Square at the 1.75 mile mark and contemplated quitting, I could have never imagined that less than two years later I would run through Kenmore Square at the 25.2 mile mark with quitting being the farthest thing from my mind. 

So I smiled because I was about to run a 3.5 mile race, but the journey to last night has been so much bigger than that. 

After our team pic we headed over to the Boston Common and joined the 9,000 other runners lining up for this year's JPMCC and though it was another humid steamy evening, I felt confident and ready. Before we knew it, we were lining up on Charles Street and slowly trudging forward. Inevitably we bottle necked on the first few turns and the first half mile or so was spent jockeying for position and trying to find open spots to settle into your pace. But after that it was a perfect - albeit warm - evening for a race, with wonderful volunteers at much needed water stops and local residents cheering us on. As I rounded the bend at Kenmore I was beaming - I had literally come full circle. And when I rounded the final turn and saw the finish line ahead of me, I have to say I felt just as happy as I did when I turned onto Boylston at the end of April. 

Oh and my official time? 33:19. Not that fast for some people, but at 17 minutes and 12 seconds faster than I ran/walked/limped it in 2013, not too bad for this girl.  And now to start envisioning next year... 

Our 2013 team picture - I am in the back row wondering why I am doing this?!?

Our 2015 team picture. Ready to go rock the challenge! 

Took a look back on my timeline to find the 2013 race date and found this gem...never say never!

Monday Motivation: T-Minus One Week Baby!!!

So ya know, a week from now right about this time I will be about 10 miles into the 119th running of the Boston Marathon. Just a nice 26.2 mile jog. With 32,500 of my newest friends. No biggie. I am cool as a cucumber. Not a bit nervous. Or anxious. Or excited. Or freaking out.

Oh that's right, April Fools day was weeks ago.

I AM FREAKING OUT RIGHT NOW.

In one week I will be running the Boston Marathon - what?!? How did this happen? What was I thinking? Did all that training really happen? I can't possibly be ready for this, right?!

No, no I must be dreaming. Any minute now my alarm clock will go off and it will be 5:00am on a chilly February morning with a -3 degree temp and more snow falling, and I will be bundling up to head out for a DFMC team run, and the marathon is still months away. Yup, that alarm is going to go off any second now. Oh man, wait until I tell Dave about the crazy dream I was having about it being a week before the marathon and how my stomach started feeling like there were a million tiny acrobats doing flips, boy will he get a kick out of that. Just as soon as that alarm clock goes off and I wake up. Any second now...

Um, shoot. There isn't an alarm. Guys, I don't think I am dreaming.

Wow, this is really happening.

Okay Erin, get a grip.

Sorry about that! Though now you basically get a sense for the cycle of thoughts that keep running through my head. Boston is in full on marathon mode and just about everywhere I look right now is a reminder of the adventure and celebration that awaits us one week from today. Trying to soak it all in but it already feels like it's all flying by so fast.

This has been a journey like no other and I can only imagine the memories that will still be made in this coming week. I could never have reached this point without the support and love from my incredible family, friends, and teammates - I am so blessed to have all of you cheering me on!

It has been hard for me to put into words what this team and our mission has come to mean to me, but pictures are worth a thousand words right? So here is a little Monday Motivation treat my teammates and I conjured up on an 18 mile training run this season, as the snow swirled around us and winter refused to "Let It Go." A "Frozen" medley seemed an appropriate tribute after the training season we endured and this gives you a sense for the unbelievable spirit, dedication, and passion of this year's Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team. And while I may be the one singing, this was a true team effort with my incredible teammates Laura, Crystal, Elise, and Amy getting the bulk of the credit.

T-Minus One Week!!!

One week from today, it all starts in Hopkinton baby!!! 

Monday Motivation: T-Minus 2 Weeks!

When I decided to chronicle my journey as a first time marathoner for all of you, I had three primary goals.

First, to allow my family and friends –many of who live far outside the Boston area – to cheer me on from afar and follow my training and learn more about the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge.

Second, in hopes of inspiring or providing more information to anyone who might be considering applying for a future DFMC season – particularly as I gained the final courage to push “send” on my own application after reading about other runners experiences with the DFMC.

Finally, to keep myself accountable – because it is far too easy to let yourself down but by sharing this journey publicly I knew that when things got tough (and they did) I could not and would not let all of you down by quitting. 

So with these goals in mind, in the days after receiving the notification that I had been selected for this year’s DFMC team I started imagining all the wonderful posts I would craft for all of you. Recaps after every group run, witty commentary on the trials and errors of a first time marathoner, pictures, videos –oh the fun we would have!

And then…well, I started training for a marathon.

To say that this journey has consumed me these past few months would be an understatement. And how could it not? There is a reason it is not called the “Dana-Farber Marathon Experience” or the “Dana-Farber Marathon Commitment.” It is called the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, because it is indeed a challenge in every sense of the term. Raising thousands of dollars to support vital research while training through a record setting winter was not for the faint of heart. But without a doubt this has been the most rewarding challenge of my life thus far, and I am not sure that anything I write here will ever fully capture what this team, this mission, and this journey have come to mean to me.

And so while many of the posts and reflections that sounded so good in my head during those long runs never actually made it onto the screen thanks to the post-run fog I would immediately fall into upon returning home, well…rest assured it’s not because there hasn’t been an abundance of things to share with all of you. I have just been a tad bit busy becoming an almost marathoner. In the next two weeks I will do my best to catch us up and embrace the taper (the time where we reduce our training and mileage to rest up for the marathon while attempting to distract ourselves and our nerves). 

But for now, I am in Eugene, OR visiting two very special training “coaches” who are demanding morning snuggles, and who am I to ignore coach’s orders? 

T-Minus 2 Weeks!!! 

 Lifting a 4 and 3 year old counts as cross-training, right? 

 With two weeks to go the nerves are definitely starting to set in...
but the last 26.2 are merely the celebration of all the miles and memories from this journey! 

Click HERE to make a gift in support of Erin