I thought the physical and mental challenge would be the toughest part of this endeavor.  Instead, I’m discovering that raising awareness and $9000 for the Dana-Farber Institute is proving to be my true challenge.

The Dana-Farber Institute, was recently ranked as one of the Top 5 Hospitals for Cancer by US News & World Report. One of the many programs that distinguishes Dana-Farber from other Hospitals is their role in cancer research.

All funds – a full 100% – raised by DFMC benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful ...]]> This past Sunday, I completed my longest Boston Marathon training run yet … 19 miles!  I’m walking around a bit wounded after that one, but I know I’ll be ready for the marathon on April 16th

I thought the physical and mental challenge would be the toughest part of this endeavor.  Instead, I’m discovering that raising awareness and $9000 for the Dana-Farber Institute is proving to be my true challenge.

The Dana-Farber Institute, was recently ranked as one of the Top 5 Hospitals for Cancer by US News & World Report. One of the many programs that distinguishes Dana-Farber from other Hospitals is their role in cancer research.

All funds – a full 100% – raised by DFMC benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind. Based on a rigorous and highly selective process, the Barr Program funds the brightest, most creative scientists making basic research discoveries that are transforming cancer treatment. Barr Investigators have made numerous major breakthroughs resulting in improved survival rates and quality of life for thousands of patients everywhere.

Barr Investigators have made, and continue to make, amazing advances in diverse areas of cancer research. For example, Kimberly Stegmaier, MD, and colleagues developed a novel approach to researching how drugs currently used for one cancer might be highly effective in treating other cancers in completely unanticipated ways. This breakthrough led to the discovery that the drug Gefitnib, used initially only for a type of chronic leukemia, could be effective for acute leukemias and led directly to a promising new clinical trial at Dana-Farber.

This is just one of valuable ways in which your donation will be spent.

Help me to meet my goal of crossing the finishing line and commitment to raise $9000 for my charity. There are two easy ways to donate:  by visiting my fundraising website

http://www.rundfmc.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=484862&lis=0&kntae484862=0A59A6828D714193AFE8162647CDB999 or by sending a check, made payable to the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, to me at 8 Pembroke Street, Apt 1, Chelsea, MA 02150.

I managed to to squeeze in 3 runs while I was there. I did two runs along the gorgeous Lake Tegernsee and then a 7 miler around the lake in the center of Hamburg. There really is something amazing about running in a new city or location.

Sadly, I’m pretty sure my running style hovers somewhere between ‘The Geezer’ and ‘The Stiffy’…although both of them appear faster than me.

Anyone out there ever come across this?  Have you found a cure?

Two hours later, I found myself breaking through the double digit mileage barrier like a wounded animal. Too say that I was slow during those final 2 miles is a gross understatement. I’m quite certain….NO…I’m positive that a small child could have walked faster than I was jogging. But, for me it wasn’t about the speed at that point, it was about finishing without stopping.  The most surprising thing to me was that I never felt taxed cardiovascularly…it was simply that my legs and knees grew sore.  In hindsight I suspect that having more than a yogurt for breakfast and a bit of water would have served me well.

The weather was gorgeous here in ...]]> This past saturday I somehow got duped into a run I had never intended to attempt. I set out with the intentions of doing a 5 mile run.

Two hours later, I found myself breaking through the double digit mileage barrier like a wounded animal. Too say that I was slow during those final 2 miles is a gross understatement. I’m quite certain….NO…I’m positive that a small child could have walked faster than I was jogging. But, for me it wasn’t about the speed at that point, it was about finishing without stopping.  The most surprising thing to me was that I never felt taxed cardiovascularly…it was simply that my legs and knees grew sore.  In hindsight I suspect that having more than a yogurt for breakfast and a bit of water would have served me well.

The weather was gorgeous here in Boston on Saturday, if you can believe it, I was actually running in shorts…in JANUARY!. That’s just unthinkable. My pace started out relatively normal. I was doing my typical 9:30 – 9:45 miles for the first few miles. As is typically the case, however, the longer I run the slower I become. In the end, I had some horrifically slow miles (13min + ) in there…no doubt due in part to the hills of Chestnut Hill.  My running partner on the other hand was blissfully running along without a care in the world. In fact, she wound up running 11 miles simply because she had to double back so often to check in on my sloth-like progress. 

It’s now 2 days later and I can honestly say that my legs are still recovering. Did I bite of more than I could chew? Probably. Will I likely make the same mistake in the future. Yup.

10 miles down. 16.2 to go.

Even if I had tried, I doubt I could have timed my route and run better. Just as the sun began to rise I found myself in the city’s highest point. To date, this is my favorite runners experience.

I picked up the Ironman Inspire Pro version because I love the built in mic system that my iphone headphones have.

I’m a half dozen runs into my life with Yurbuds and they have not caused me a moment of grief. I whole heartedly give these guys my thumbs up. If ...]]> Like many, I love my iphone. Like many, I find running with their headphones infuriating. I’m happy to say that I think I have found the cure. I was wandering the aisles of CitySports the other day and came across the Yurbuds display. There happened to be a sales rep right beside me. I asked if these worked. He quickly responded by telling me about their ‘twist-lock system’ and that he uses them and even if you yank on them….they refuse to fall out.  Right then and there I was sold.

I picked up the Ironman Inspire Pro version because I love the built in mic system that my iphone headphones have.

I’m a half dozen runs into my life with Yurbuds and they have not caused me a moment of grief. I whole heartedly give these guys my thumbs up. If you’re in the market for a pair of headphones that refuse to fall out…then look no further.

As of now, (knock on wood), all is well for me as a runner. My legs and knees get a bit irritated with me from time to time, but they are holding steady…growing stronger. Aside from the holiday week, My cardio also seems to be improving. All in all I can honestly say I’m enjoying this little adventure of mine.

I’ve been following a program created by 1976 Boston Marathon Winner Jack Fultz for ‘Novice-Level’ runner. Not surprisingly, Ole Jack hasn’t let me down.

For those who are curious, I’ve attached an outline of the first 3 weeks of the program. Enjoy.

Dana-Farber Team Member Lauren shared this video this morning. It’s definitely worth me sharing again.

Enjoy. And remember, we are all powerful beyond measure.