Marathon Training Update!

As always, a big THANK YOU! to all of you that have taken the time to donate to the cause. I am overwhelmed and greatly appreciative of your support. So far, we have raised over $3,000 for Tedy's Team and the American Stroke Association! My goal is to reach $ 5,400 by Patriots' Day (Monday, April 16).

*** As an additional incentive for you all, anyone that donates $25 or more by April 16 will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to a 2007 Patriots home game. Yes, I am going to give up a game to one of you! Does that tell you how important this is to me? ***

Training Update

18.3 miles down, 7.9 to go! The run over this past weekend was the longest yet! The 8 and 10 miles runs now seem "short." When did you think you would ever hear anyone refer to a 10-mile-run as a "short run"? Before race day, we will have completed a 21-mile run (this will take place sometime in March). The other weekend runs will be anywhere between 8 and 16 miles.

So far, I am INJURY FREE (knock on wood). I had a little ITB tightness early on, but that seems to now be resolved (still knocking on wood). I hope I feel this good come race day!

Businesses and people that are helpful along the Marathon Route

1. Dunkin Donuts, 1008 Beacon Street, Brookline

During our 10.5-mile run on February 17, Elaine and I missed one of the water stops! It was very sad! (It turns out the person manning the water stop had to take an injured runner back to Fitcorp). So, Elaine and I stopped and Dunkin Donuts with no money, pretty much begging for water. The gentlemen behind the counter were kind enough to give us two full cups of water. Between the two of us, Elaine and I probably had about a dollar in change, which we left as a tip. THANK YOU, DUNKIN DONUTS PEOPLE!!!

2. Dominick!

During the 18.3-mile run on February 24, I ran into (not literally) a very kind man named Dominnick. He offered encouragement and beverages, both of which I really needed at the time!! He also helped me NOT get hit by a car at the Comm Ave / Centre Street intersection. THANKS, DOMINICK! The world needs more people like you!

Businesses and people that are not at all helpful along the Marathon Route (and in my humble opinion, should be boycotted!)

1. Total Look Clothing & Shoes, 636 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton

During a 14-mile run on February 10, Megan and I stopped at a Dunkin Donuts in Newton Center and bought some Gatorade. By the time we go to the Comm Ave/Centre St intersection, Megan was ready to ditch the bottle. Not seeing a trash receptacle in the immediate area, Megan went into the Total Look clothing store. She came out about a minute later, still holding the bottle! She told me the person in the store told her they didn't have any wastebaskets at all. I'm wondering where they were going to put the Dunkin Donuts coffee cups (which were in plain sight on the counter) once they had finished their coffee. It seems to me they told Megan a big, fat, lie, which wasn't at all very nice. It's not as if the person said there was a wastebasket for customers only. Megan said he told her flat out that there was no wastebasket anywhere in the store. I wonder if I was a shopping customer, would there be a wastebasket available? I have half a mind to go in there and pull a "Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman."

2. The Crazy Lady in Brookline

I ran into (again, not literally) two young women at an intersection in Brookline. We had all stopped at the same red light, and I started chatting with them. I had asked what charity they were running for, and they mentioned that they were not running for any charity. OUT OF THE BLUE, this 40-ish woman started yelling at us, "Share the road! Why don't you run for share-the-road! You should be sharing the road." Well, we kept running, but the yelling went on for at least 1 to 2 minutes behind us. Clearly, *someone* got up on the wrong side of bed that morning. Now, I know we're supposed to be running two-across or in single-file on the sidewalks, but I was just having a quick chat with someone at an intersection! I'm sorry, lady! Maybe she just needs to meet more nice people like me! Maybe that will get her day started off on a better foot!

Call for Volunteers!

I'd like to have a few "stations" setup on Marathon Day where I can count on finding a friend, a bottle of Gatorade, and/or some energy gel! Please let me know if you'd like to be on the route somewhere for me on race day. I will provide you with (almost) everything you need - Gatorade, energy gel, and an estimated time of my arrival. You just need to get there, pass me some stuff, and push me along!

I'm looking for people to hang out between miles 6 (Framingham) and the finish line. Please let me know if you can help out!