Random running thoughts

Some random thoughts about training.

• Having done about 26 miles this week, and feeling good about it, it strikes me that I'll need to do this consecutively one morning in about 5+ months.
• It's a fine line between pushing through aches, and going easy because of injuries. Finding that line can make all the difference
• Corny as it sounds, knowing that people have donated their hard-earned money to my running efforts makes it easier for me to keep going.
• Don't think we're going to have too many more 60+ degree Sundays between now and April.
• The Cybex Arc trainer may be the closest thing to running, but it still isn't running.
• Then again, it is definitely a workout and my joints didn't even know they were running.
• Found out yesterday that a young patient (really a kid at 23) isn't doing well in his treatment. It's so incredibly sad. Makes me want to raise $10 million for Dana-Farber not $10 thousand so we can stop kids from dying from cancer.
• If I run 6 miles, does that mean I can raid the kids' Halloween candy with reckless abandon?
• No matter how good the music or the podcast, running with a friend is always better than running with an iPod.

Are we meant to run?

A really interesting article in the NY Times today about whether we were born to run.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/are-humans-meant-to-run-long-distances/

Mini-Milestones

It's been a week of mini-milestones, both in and out of the running shoes. For the first time in probably six years, I've topped 20 miles for a week; ran four consecutive days and did a 6-mile run. It feels good.

And I can already feel the power of running for Dana-Farber -- even before our first team meeting. On a rainy Saturday afternoon and a lazy Sunday, the extra motivation of just a week's worth of support helped me get out there and get some miles in.

All in all, a great week. Looking forward to moving clocks back so morning runs will feel like morning and not night.

What a Difference A Day Makes

I'm amazed at the quick response to my first fundraising email. Thank you to everyone who have quickly pledged support for my marathon run!

And for those who haven't, please visit my fundraising page. In an era of flat NIH funding, Dana-Farber relies even more on fundraising support to fuel their cancer research and treatment efforts.

On a running note, as I was running this morning, I couldn't help but think how lucky I am... not just to be able to run, but to be able to run in such great locales. My routes are either in Barrington, RI (my home town) or in Boston. Thursday morning, I ran along the Charles as the first light of the day hit the river. And this morning, I ran along our bucolic little bike path, and then along the Barrington river home. Between the early morning light, and the semi-haze on the water, it looked like a painting. Of course in January, I might be cursing New England running but for now, it's beautiful.

Why I'm running for Dana-Farber

I suppose I should start with the obvious: why I am running the 2010 Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber.

I ran my first marathon (the Long Island) when I was 22 to see if I could do it. I ran my second marathon (New York) when I was 40 to see if I still could do it. Both times, I ran for myself for the athletic challenge. Now that I'm closer to 50 than I am to 40, I know I can run a marathon. But this time, it's not about me. It's not about whether I can do it or how fast I can do it. Sure, I hope to improve my time -- can't help that, I'm competitive -- but this time it's about something more important. It's about helping out a great organization, so that they can continue their important research, so that they can continue to give people hope in their fight against cancer.

That's why I'm going to wake up when the stars are still out; why I'm going to run through the snow; through the bitter cold of a New England winter.

But no matter how difficult it will be for me, it pales in comparison to the challenge facing cancer patients. By participating in the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC), I'm supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's goal to find better therapies and, ultimately, cures for cancer.

The DFMC raises funds for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Established by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver in 1987, the Claudia Adams Barr Program fosters scientific breakthroughs by advancing the work of gifted researchers in a variety of basic research disciplines. The DFMC directs 100% of funds raised to the Barr Program, which enables gifted young scientists at the leading edge of discovery to achieve better cure rates and to enhance patients' quality of life. I hope you will support my challenge by giving a gift to my run and, in doing so, help bring an end to the challenge of cancer.

I'll keep this blog updated with tales of the training. Thanks in advance for your support!

--Michael