23004

That's my bib number for the 114th running of the Boston Marathon! I'll be towards the back (but I knew that already), but I'm not worried - I'm running the Boston Marathon!

This past weekend I felt like I was initiated into the "club" - I can really call myself a runner now, after 19 miles in the wind, rain and cold. It was as miserable as you probably all think, and I'll admit, I didn't mind it too much until the last 2.5 miles or so. By then, I had puddles in both of my shoes, I was soaked to the bone, and was pretty tired. BUT! I finished in approx. 3:10, which puts me on pace (I hope) for around a 4:30 marathon.

I've been running with the same group for the past month or so, and we've begun to utilize the run/walk method that Coach Rick has been such a big advocate of. Basically, for every 9 minutes you run, walk 1 minute. It sounds like it would be counter-intuitive and wreak havoc on your overall time, but studies have shown that it actually improves your overall time because you're not as fatigued as you would normally be. It's a little difficult to do at the beginning of long runs (it takes me about 3 miles to get into my rhythm), but once you're well into the run, the break is welcome. And, with my pacing, every 9 minutes I should be hitting a water stop along the course, so it's an easy break. I've also been eating Power-Bar energy chews during the long runs like it's my job - I'm becoming immune to their taste.

I've got just over a month left to meet my $7,000 fundraising goal, and if you haven't donated yet, it's not too late! Click here to support me!

Taking it easy this week - busy weekend, Michael Buble Friday night, NYC on Saturday to see Come Fly Away, A Little Night Music and Sondheim on Sondheim and maybe run the NYC 1/2 Marathon bandit! But if not, I'll be meeting up with a MOS team member who lives in Long Island City to run through Central Park - it's supposed to be beautiful this weekend.