Category Archives: Team in Training

May1

Team in Training You Are Amazing…

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Hey Guys! Happy May! How’s everyone’s Tuesday going?  This week is off to a good start and I’m thrilled.  I needed a nice and easy week…lets hope it stays this way! Last night I got out for a nice and easy 3 mile run and have to say I really enjoyed it.  I’m starting to feel like my running self again.  It was nice to just take in the views of Boston, relax and just run because I love it! I hope to do the same on Thursday night!

Today I wanted to talk about my experience with Team in Training.  I ran the Boston Marathon with them and raised over $6000 for the cause.  The entire experience from start to finish was all that I hoped for and more. Training and qualifying for Boston may be hard but so is training for a marathon and raising thousands of dollars at the same time.   It was quite the challenge from the moment I was accepted and signed up for the team.

My plan had been that if I qualified at the 2011 Chicago Marathon I would run in 2013 but if I didn’t I was going to apply  for a charity team and run in 2012.  Right after Chicago when I realized I had not qualified and knew I’d run for charity I started thinking about charities and who I’d like to run for.  I was first introduced to Team in Training when I ran my very first half-marathon in 2008.  I met some wonderful people who could not say enough about the charity.  The more races I did the more people I met along the way who loved Team in Training.  I also wanted to try to run for a charity that had some personal importance to me.  There is some history of blood cancer in my family but more so I saw the effects of it with Michael’s family.  His Aunt suffered from blood cancer and so did one of his Dad’s life long friends.  It was heart breaking to see his family go through so much pain and I knew then that this was the charity I’d run for.

I found out in early November that I was accepted to be on the team.  I was very excited and extremely nervous about the fundraising all at the same time.  Once I signed on I was set up with my fundraising page and emailed tons of tips and paperwork regarding the fundraising.  Michael and I spent a ton of time talking about a fundraising plan and brainstorming a million ways to help raise money.  That first weekend I received my first donation from a fellow blogger I’d never met in real life.  She had run with Team in Training and as she said, was paying it forward.  On top of her generous donation she emailed me with a ton of great ideas and some tips and tricks that helped to make her successful.  I was incredibly grateful.  Team in Training organized a meeting for anyone on the team to come and learn more about the fundraising and get started before the official kick-off.  A couple of weeks later the season kicked off.  The Boston Team has mentors which are people who fund raised and ran in years past.  Some of the mentors just volunteer their time while others are also training, fundraising and mentoring.  My mentoring group was amazing and filled with other young women who lived in Boston.   I was so happy to meet them on that first day and never guessed that some of them would become such good friends.

Team in Training Practice

The season started with short runs and I fell into a routine of running with my friend Lauren.  Each week we’d tackle the runs and chat the entire time while getting to know each other.  When I wasn’t running I was sending out emails to family and friends, hosting 50/50 raffles in my office and seeking out in-kind donations for a raffle here on my blog and for an event.  Myself and 3 other women all joined together to plan a fundraiser in Boston.  We raised over $4000 in one night had so much fun in the process.  We were lucky enough to have a beautiful venue and tons of food donated, they allowed us to charge a cover and donated money from a specialty cocktail.  We had over 50 raffle items for our silent auction and raffle and everything from gift cards, to photo sessions, to one night stays at hotels to cameras and Botox treatments.  Over 150 people came out that night to support us!  It was quite possibly one of my favorite moments of the entire experience.

Cocktails for a Cause Hosts!

With fundraising in full swing and friends and family helping me any way they could it became less of a stress and more fun.  I was even able to reunite with some old friends over coffee thanks to my fundraising and I never expected that. Ever.  I really came to enjoy every part of the fundraising and was blown away at how generous people were.  It brought tears to my eyes more than once.

At this point I was able to start really focusing on the running part of this challenge and each week the runs got longer but more fun.  Team in Training made sure to always keep it fun and interesting.  There was a Holiday themed run at Christmas, a St. Patrick’s Day run and barbecue and an amazing 20 miler.

20 Mile Day!

Each week volunteers came out to man water stops every couple of miles for us and they weren’t just any water stops.  They were complete with candy, pretzels, Shot  Bloks, GU and Gatorade.  Those volunteers stood in the cold and rain and cheered us on and put a smile on our face when we needed it most.

Team in Training Water Stop

Our teammates shared their mission moments each week giving us all a reason to keep running and tying this all back to the cause.  So many people were touched in a variety of ways and it was incredible to learn everyone’s story.  And each week Lauren and I kept running together, sharing stories of our week and learning more about each other.  We’d sit with our other friends and chat about life.  It was a really nice routine and more than once we all reflected on how much we enjoyed the time together.

In the weeks leading up to the marathon it was exciting to share our excitement for the big day, having a 150 other people with you for the journey is just awesome.  My friend Lauren hosted a Puff Paint Party and we all decorated our singlets and started to carb load.  I loved every minute of it.

Puff Painting My Singlet!

The girls and I even went to the expo together and got our numbers. I really wouldn’t have wanted to go with anyone else.

Team in Training at the Expo

Marathon weekend came with an Inspiration Lunch put on by Team in Training and it was amazing to celebrate our accomplishments.  At that point our team had raised $950,000 to fight blood cancer.  Some individual’s were honored for their extraordinary fundraising efforts, our coaches were honored for keeping us all healthy and happy and ready for marathon day and we all thought about those that we would be running for.

TNT Inspiration Lunch

Marathon day itself was in one word amazing.  A family volunteers to let the Team in Training Team crash in their house or on their front lawn while waiting for our starts.  We had bathrooms to use and dry ground to relax on.  Our coaches were there to answer our questions and send us off with our adrenaline pumping.  Along the course the volunteers who had cheered us on each week were there in their purple with water, ice, sponges, salt and anything we needed to fight those hot temperatures.  At mile 15 we passed our home base and I was never so happy to see our coordinator Jillian and our coach Kelly.  They hugged us, gave us salt, water, sponges and sent us on our way.  It was amazing.  The support from Team in Training never stopped.  Mile 17 there was a mentor, mile 19, mile 21, the whole way to the finish they were there to see that all 150 of us crossed that finish line.  One woman finished the marathon at 7pm and there were still mentors and volunteers along the way to support her.  At the finish the volunteers and coaches were there to congratulate us, hug us and send us into the shower before we all went to celebrate.  I could never thank those people enough.  And I could never thank my running partner Lauren enough, for being my side for every one of those training runs and what would prove to be a very challenging race day.  Lo, your truly a good friend!

Side by Side with Lo at Mile 26 of the Boston Marathon!

And finally Team in Training hosted a Victory Party for us the day after.  It was a chance for everyone to come with their medals and gear, share their story and congratulate everyone and remember why we all ran 26.2 miles.  It was the perfect way to end the season; to thank the mentors, coaches and staff and to end what was an incredible experience.

Team in Training touched me in a way I didn’t realize it would.  I never thought that I would make friends with women that I’ll undoubtedly stay in touch with for years to come.  I never thought that I’d actually consider raising thousands of dollars again but I am.  It felt so good to be a part of something that is bigger than myself and I’m proud to be a part of what has proved to be an amazing group of people.  Collectively as a team we have raised $992,000 and with matching gifts and donations still outstanding we will hit $1 million dollars.  I’ve always been in awe of Boston Marathon qualifiers but today I can honestly say I’m in awe of everyone on that team.  To qualify may be hard but to raise over a million dollars and run a marathon is just as hard.  Everyone of those Team in Training members was utterly committed to that marathon in ways I didn’t know possible.  To say they impressed me is an understatement.  So, yes, yes someday and hopefully sooner rather than later you’ll find me running again with Team in Training because how could I not want to do this all over again?! I’d recommend Team in Training to anyone looking to run with a charity.  And to my team, friends, running partners, coaches, volunteers and staff thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this an experience of a lifetime!

Have you ran a race for charity before?  Are you involved with Team in Training and The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society?  Are you looking to become involved with a charity?

Apr18

The Boston Marathon Mile by Mile

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The day started bright and early with the sound of my alarm at 5:45AM.  Actually it started long before that with my tossing and turning thanks to the warm temperatures making my apartment hotter than normal and my fear of sleeping through my alarm and a text around 5:15 from my friend Bridget.  I rolled out of bed after my alarm went off and started to get ready.  I made sure to wear extra sunblock, and lots of Body Glide, checked my bag to be sure I had all my race day necessities and made a bowl of oatmeal and applesauce to take with me.  The thought of hot oatmeal was not appealing, it was already hot and it was barely 6:40AM.  I said goodbye to Michael who gave me an extra long, and tight hug and I couldn’t help but wonder if he was worried about the challenge ahead of me.  A few kisses and I love you’s later I was out the door and walking to Boston Common to meet Lauren and the rest of the girls from Team in Training.

We met up at the Common and got settled on the bus.  Our excitement seemed to quite and we settled in for the hour-long bus ride to Hopkinton.  I tried to relax and think calm thoughts while sipping my Gatorade.  I listened to Bridget (a local news anchor) call into a few radio stations and thought about all the people celebrating the day.  I had my second breakfast, a cinnamon raisin bagel and was happy that my nervous stomach hadn’t kicked in.

All Smiles before the Start!

The rest of the morning was spent getting through Athlete’s Village, relaxing and getting ready at the Team in Training house.  At 10AM our coaches from Team in Training got us all together and left us with a few wise words.  The most memorable line was, “When your turn on Boylston,  you pull your shit together!”.  Then we made the long walk from Athlete’s Village to  the Start Line. It was a long walk, longer than I anticipated.  I realized I hadn’t even started running and already had sweat through my sport bra.  Lauren, my running partner and friend, and I crossed the start line and were so excited.

Mile 1 was slow and relaxed.  I remember looking at the stream of people in front of me and thinking “this is it!”

At Mile 2 we hit the water stop and there was no water or Gatorade left, part of me wondered what the remaining 24 miles would hold.  We told ourselves to stay around a 9 minute mile and we’d be OK.

Mile 3, it was hot and I couldn’t cool my body down.  We hit the water stop and I took one Gatorade to drink and a water to dump on me.

Miles 4 and 5 were just hot.  I tried to tell myself relax, but it wasn’t working.  I think we walked a hill or two.

At Mile 6 Lo and I walked the water stop.  It was hot and we had to cool ourselves down.  I remember looking at her and being full on scared.  Mile 6 felt like  a wall…what would 26 be like?! Lo looked scared too but we were determined to finish the race.  I remember thinking about all the people I’ve seen cramping on the side of the road during races and just thought, please don’t let that be me today.

Mile 7 we saw the misting tunnel at the fire station! I was SO happy! It felt awesome and finally my body started to feel a normal temperature.

Mile 8 our coach Sarad ran along side of us.  He told us to walk the water stops and hills and take it slow.  He gave us salt packets and water and my legs stopped cramping for a while.  We walked a few hills and really started to settle in.

At Mile 10 we were thrilled to have hit double-digit miles and both Lo and I felt good.  The heat wasn’t so bad as long as we ran through all the hoses and walked the water stops.  We found our rhythm and started to cruise. And the course looked more familiar, we felt at home.  We started to wonder how our friends were doing.

Mile 12 was Wellesley College.  We were appreciative of the distractions and slapping all of their hands was a welcome charge of energy. The road was slightly shaded and we were thrilled for a break from the sun.  Definitely a good mile.

13.2 miles! We passed the half way mark and I could hardly believe it! The crowds were loud and cheering and it definitely helped to motivate us.  We kept up with our routine of walking the water stops and running the rest of the mile.  In 2 miles we knew we’d hit our home base!

Mile 14 was long.  The sun was blazing down on us and it was so hot.  We had to walk for a minute and I could feel myself getting light-headed.  I knew we just had to push through to Mile 15.

Mile 15 I saw Michael’s parents.  Lauren saw her family and our coaches were there.  Jillian, one of the coaches gave me a huge hug and I was so grateful.  I needed that.  A few salt packets and some ice-cold sponges and we were off.

Mile 16 was downhill for the first part and it felt amazing.  Then we started on the hills and crossed the 1-95 overpass.  It was hot and we were forced to walk.  There weren’t any hoses there and I wished there was.  At the top of the hill we were able to run through a cracked fire hydrant and cool off.  Then we saw my parents, brother and Michael! Lo stopped and switched her socks thanks to the spare Michael had for me.  I was so happy to see them.

Lo and I at Mile 17 All Smiles!

Mile 17 was the start of the hills.  I took a few Shot Bloks and some more Gatorade. I knew I’d need the fuel.  We went through one of the misting tunnels again and it felt amazing but then the hills started….

We ran the first hill and my heart rate shot up.  I felt horrible, even walking felt hard.  Lo and I walked and just did our best.  We’d walk the water stops, run the downhills and flats, walk the uphills, run a little more, walk a little more.  It was tough.  I don’t even remember miles 18 and 19.  It was a blur.  I had hit the wall…again.  And it was too early for a wall.

At mile 20, I was just happy to know I had 6 more miles to go.  And then I wondered how would I ever get up Heartbreak Hill?  We walked it.  There was no running.  Walking hurt.  My head hurt.  Everything hurt. I was mad about being soaking wet. I was mad I was chaffing in places I didn’t know could chaffe. I was ready to be done.  I thought about my friends from Team in Training and wondered where they were on the course.

At mile 21, the top of Heartbreak Hill there was another coach.  I got more salt packs and water and my aching and cramping legs started to feel better thanks to the salt. A spectator yelled to us that it was all downhill from here!  I hoped it was.

Mile 22, I wish I remembered it.  I know we saw some Team in Training volunteers and just seeing their faces was amazing!

At Mile 23, I thought to myself 2 more mental miles.  That’s it.  2 more miles, I can get through this.  I just willed myself to keep running, I willed one foot to go in front of the other.  Miraculously it did.  Lo and I stopped talking as much.  We just ran until we slowed to a walk and then one of us would start running again.  We rounded a bend and I saw Michael’s friend Robby.  I was so happy.  I squeezed his hands and tried to take comfort from a friendly face.

Mile 24 was hard and hot.  We kept trying to run through the hoses and take ice and stuff it in our sports bras.  Lo and I just kept running and walking.  We wanted to be done.  I was thinking that this is what hell must feel like and held back tears.

Mile 25, it was hard to be psyched to see this…all we could see was the small hill over the 1-90 overpass.  We told each other we’d run the base of the hill and walk up it.  I remember a spectator yelled “Whitney, You Got This Hill!”  I looked at Lo and said “I do not have this hill. I do not want this hill!” And before I knew it we were running down the backside.

Lo and I decided to run to Mass Ave.  I was just thinking how am I ever going to make it this far.  I told myself to look around and get outside my body.  The crowds were loud and large and somehow it helped to propel me.  We hit the Mass Ave underpass and walked.

When we came out of the underpass we were going to run the rest of the way.  I remember thinking “Please body let me be able to run this, please”.  I saw my parents again before turning on to Hereford and my cousin Sara was there.  It was an extra bolt of energy that I desperately needed.

All smiles and waves at Mile 26!

A right on to Hereford and there was Lo’s friends…jumping up and down and screaming.  We knew we had this.

A left on to Boylston and there it was.  The long-awaited finish line.  I’m not sure how we did it but we ran that last mile at an 8 minute pace.  We just kept running faster, and harder and counting down the blocks.  We came to the finish and Lo and I grabbed hands before throwing them in the air! We finished!

We crossed the finish line and gave each other a huge hug.  Both of us knew neither of us could have finished that marathon and survived the challenge without each other (Lo, I’m tearing up as I write this.) I was so happy.

We funneled through the finish chute and got our medals.   We earned those medals, with every step.   I was holding back tears and so happy!

I finished with a 4:35! I am proud of that time and honestly think it was the fastest time I possibly could have done given the day.  I was a Boston Marathon finisher and was so proud of myself!

All of the Team in Training volunteers and coaches were amazing.  The extra support from them made the day just a little bit easier.  I also have to say thank you to every one of the spectators out there.  From those with the hoses and sprinklers set up over the course, to those with bags of ice, and wet rags and bottles of water and fresh-cut oranges it all made a hot day seem that much more manageable.  The cheering and words of encouragement always seem to come right when I needed it and I swear, it got me to the finish line that much faster.  Boston, your amazing! From the people, to the runners, to the BAA.  There is a reason why the Boston Marathon is what it is!

Apr17

I Finished!

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Hey Guys!  Just popping to say hi and tell you I finished!  It was hot and probably the hardest marathon I’ve ever ran.  But I managed to smile for most of it, have some fun and I finished with a time I’m proud of considering the conditions!  Post race was a whirlwind of after parties, dinner with my family and lots of celebrating and today I’m back at work with a final celebration party with Team in Training tonight!  I’m dying to upload my photos and write my recap.  I’m still getting my thoughts together from the day but hopefully my post will be up sometime tomorrow!

Here’s a quick look at my splits:

Boston Marathon Times!

And a photo before the start:

All Smiles before the Start!

I can’t wait to share the experience with you all! And many many thanks to everyone for all of their well wishes and tweets before the big day!   This tweet in particular was one that stuck with me the entire race!

Much love!

Whitney

Apr13

Boston Marathon Weekend!

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Happy Friday! 3 days to go!!! Today is a vacation day for me and I’m so happy to be sleeping in and having a relaxing morning.  My relaxing morning definitely entails eating carbs and foam rolling.  I’m beyond excited that this weekend is finally here!  Here’s what my weekend will entail…

Friday. 

  • I’m starting my day with what I’m calling a “Marathon Manicure”.  Yes, I’m thinking purple and sparkles for Team in Training.  I am a girly girl even when I am out sweating it up when running or on my yoga mat.
  • Expo Day! I’m heading to the expo with two of my girlfriends from Team in Training.  I’m so excited to get my number, finishers shirt and check out the vendors.  I definitely want to stop by the Sparkly Soul booth.  Those ladies were so wonderful and helped me with my fundraising efforts by donating to my raffle and providing me with a discount code and donating a portion of the proceeds, I owe them a big thank you! Also on my list, the Saucony booth! I love the t-shirts they’ve designed this year.  I’ll also be stopping by the Gatorade booth!  I have a Nutrition Feedback Session scheduled with them which may just happen to have a little perk for all of you associated with it!
  • Saucony Party! Michael and I will be attending Saucony Presents: An Evening of Running Inspiration with an All-Star Panel.  Bill Rodgers, Mark Herzlich and Karen Smyers will all be presenting and there will be a special tribute to Caballo Blanco.  I’m looking forward to meeting some fellow bloggers and FitFluential Ambassadors including Dorothy Thorn Beal from Mile Posts!

Saturday. 

  • Team in Training Inspiration Luncheon! I’m excited to carb-load with all my teammates and reflect back on the last 4 months of training and build excitement for Monday!

Sunday. 

  • My parents arrive!  It will be a low-key day for sure.  Hanging out, socializing and then heading out for an Italian dinner!

Can't Wait To See Them!

Monday

  • I board the buses for Hopkinton at 7am!
  • Race starts at 10:40am….I can’t wait!
  • Afterwards, meet up with Team in Training, Re-unite with my Family, Stop by the Lululemon After-Party and then Dinner to Celebrate!

I hope to get some down time Saturday afternoon to share with you the highlights from the expo and the Saucony party but I firmly believe in soaking in this experience and living life before blogging so you may just have to wait until after Monday…the suspense!

I know a ton of runners come into Boston for the marathon.  Undoubtedly you’ll want to check out the sites so here’s just a few of my favorite things I’ve done in the city over the years…

  • The Duck Tour!  It’s really fun, you can sit the whole time and you’ll learn a ton about Boston.  You’ll see Paul Revere’s house, go through the North End, learn about the Back Bay, take a spin out on the Charles River, and head through Cambridge a bit too.  It’s definitely worth it! Sign up online a head of time though as the tours sell out quickly!

Boston Duck Tours!

  • The Museum of Fine Arts! I’ve been a few times and always have a good time.  It’s a large museum with plenty to see and lots of different galleries.  The building itself is beautiful and they just opened a new wing.  It’s in the South End of Boston which is an adorable neighborhood filled with tons of cute brownstones!
  • The North End! This is always a favorite of mine.  If you’re looking for a delicious Italian meal before the marathon head down to this neighborhood, you won’t be disappointed!  I also loved the little Italian shops with fresh bread and pastries, and fresh meat.  Modern Pastry is also in this neighborhood.  Their sweets are delicious.  Take my advice and skip the line to Mike’s Pastry and head there.  It’s much better.  In fact Michael (whose family is Italian and had a shop in the North End) told me when we started dating that it would be a deal breaker if I liked Mike’s Pastry over Modern Pastry! Also in this neighborhood is Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.  It’s usually very busy but the neighborhood is like going to Italy!
  • The Boutiques on Beacon Hill! If you are in the mood to do a bit of shopping but aren’t in the mood for the more famous stores like Lord and Taylor, Crate and Barrel, etc (All of which are in Back Bay on Boylston St.) head to Charles St. in Beacon Hill.  The boutiques are adorable and carry tons of stylish dresses, handbags and jewelry.  There are also a few antique shops there too!

Beacon Hill

  • The Top of the Hub! I wouldn’t recommend eating there but it is really nice to go have a drink at the top of the Prudential building.  The views of Boston and the ocean are awesome.  If you are like me, and not from Boston you will definitely appreciate it.
  • Back Bay!  This is the neighborhood I call home and if you’e running the race you’ll cross the finish line here.  It’s a cute neighborhood with lots of shopping and tons of good restaurants.  Newbury St. has plenty of boutiques and there are even more shops on Boylston Street and in the Prudential Center.  Some of my favorite restaurants and bars include the Pour House on Boylston Street, Casa Romero (authentic Mexican) on Gloucester Street, Bar Lola (tapas) on Commonwealth Avenue to just name a few.
  • Run on the Esplanade!  My last suggestion is if you have to do an easy shake out run and are staying in or near the Back Bay head to the Esplanade.  The paths are beautiful, the river is right there and no matter where you are there are views of the city.  It’s relaxing and definitely worth checking out especially if the sailboats are out!

Run the Esplanade!

Ok! I’m off to have some fun and enjoy this weekend! I hope all of you who are visiting and in town for the marathon have safe travels and lots of fun!

What are your Boston Marathon weekend plans?  Are you heading to the expo?  Will I see you at the Saucony party?  What are your favorite Boston sights?

Apr12

Women and The Boston Marathon!

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Hey Guys! Happy Thursday to you all! Today is my last day of work before race weekend and I’m hoping it goes by quickly! I’m beyond excited for the weekend’s festivities and for my family to come into town.  Hard to believe there’s only 4 days left in the count down.  Tonight’s my last speed workout before the marathon.  A few 800m repeats with an easy warm up and cool down.  These workouts always make me feel really good!

While I am very excited to be running the marathon it’s not really my fundraising efforts or the months of training that have made it possible.  It’s really these two women, Roberta Gibb and Katherine Switzer who made this possible for me.  These two women were the first women to run the Boston Marathon!  Roberta Gibb first ran the marathon as a bandit in 1966.  She had 3 kids and her husband was her coach and biggest supporter, how cool is that?  Then in 1967 Katherine Switzer ran the marathon.  She was a 20-year-old college student at Syracuse University.  She registered for the marathon under the name K.V. Switzer and was able to obtain a bib number. The race director tried to forcibly remove her from the course when he found out she was a woman but she fought on and finished that marathon!

Katherine Switzer and two others, Nina Kuscsik and Sara Rae Berman lobbied the Amateur Athletic Union, the governing body of the time, to allow women to run the Boston Marathon.  In 1972 they were officially allowed to run the marathon.  They were required to meet the qualifying time of 3:30 which is what the men’s qualifying time was.  They also were required to start at a separate start line.  Nina Kuscsik won the marathon that year with a time of 3:10.26.  This year mark’s the 40th anniversary for women in the Boston Marathon.

I love stories like this.  Women are incredible and it’s amazing that thanks to these women thousands of women will line up in Hopkinton, MA on Monday morning.  I’m excited to be apart of it.  I know I will definitely think of Katherine Switzer when I’m out there and having a tough mile or two.  If she can fight a race director and finish, we can all complete the marathon with a smile on our face!  I’m so happy that these women made running a sport that I can enjoy and compete in.  And because of them I’m able to blog about running and races and interact with other amazing women runners every day.

All of these women will be the official starters of the women’s race on Monday in honor of the 40th Anniversary!  There will be many other events honoring these women like the Champions’ breakfast, the expo and events put on by the local news channels.  They deserve every second of these celebrations and I hope they enjoy them!

Women in the Boston Marathon!

It only seems fitting that Joan Samuelson would be joining the women runners and taking part in the marathon this year! Joan is a two-time Boston Marathon winner and won gold in the inaugural women’s Olympic marathon.  She ran last year with her daughter and I’m excited that she is running again!

And lastly, in case you were wondering what a Saturday morning practice with Team in Training looks like and what we are all about or just want to see how I run, check out this video on NECN.com! I’m so happy to be part of it and promoting a The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!  I’m still fundraising and the team is trying to reach the 1 million dollar mark! If you’d like to support the cause and my efforts, please visit my fundraising page!

(just a screen shot, you have to click-through to watch!)

http://www.necn.com/searchNECN/search/v/55034008/boston-marathon-running-with-purpose.htm?q=marathon

Sources for this post include Runner’s World’s article “2012: An Anniversary Year for Women in Boston” and CBS Boston’s article “How Two Women Changed Boston Marathon History.”

How has running empowered you as a woman?  What female runner inspires you the most?  Whose the woman runner’s your cheering on during the Boston Marathon?