There Ain't No Holidays in Marathon Training

Christmas Morning!  A time for a big greasy breakfast, opening gifts, time with family, oh yeah, and an 8 mile run.  Now, the schedule is supposed to be a guide designed to allow you to move things things around if they conflict with your schedule.  I decided to ignore this since I'm clearly a masochist  and I knew I would be eating probably about an extra 1000 calories for the rest of the day.

I fueled up with my favorite pre-run breakfast of french toast with bananas.  Carbs and protein all covered in syrup.  Is there anything better?  I donned my new Nike thermal pullover that I got from my brother (that's the plus side of having a brother who's also run a marathon, he knows warm running clothes).  My father snapped this pic right before I left although I ended up letting down Christmas fanatics everywhere and leaving the Santa hat behind for fear of overheating.

The route I took was a short 3/4 mile to a running trail that borders the Tarrytown Lakes Reservoir (running near water is my favorite as I'm sure you'll see in the months to come).  This trail is about a mile long and connects with the North County Trail which is about 20 miles long.  I went out and back on the trail which is pretty flat.  Unfortunately, my parents live in the Hudson River Valley which means that the roads are almost all hills so getting to and from the trail was a little more challenging and I could definitely feel pain creeping up my legs by the time I got back to my parents house, a clear recipe for a sore ass the next day.

The run took me about an hour and 25 minutes which equated to around a 10 minute mile pace taking into account that I probably went a little farther than 8 miles.  I made sure to keep at a conversational pace so I didn't overexert myself.  Having not been able to entice anyone in the immediate area to run the full 8 miles with me (surprising I know), I had to monitor my pace by myself.  I imagine if anyone had actually been out on the trail to see me, it would have been very entertaining to see me muttering nonsense to myself to make sure I could still say full sentences.

I finished the run strong and feeling good but I think because I rushed to get ready for Christmas dinner at my grandparents' house and therefore did not eat or drink  a while after after the run took it's toll on me.  I ended up feeling really light headed and exhausted all through dinner.  I finally recovered after rehydrating, eating, and taking a long nap under my new sheep blanket my Grandmother gave me for Christmas.  Though maybe not an endorsed recovery method, I felt some tea and sugar cookies were the perfect panacea at the end of the night.  Lesson learned though...make sure to eat and drink water within 30 minutes after a long run.

My Reward

Let It Snow!

 What better way is there to lead into Christmas than with a little snow?  Aside from the hour it took me to get home from work on Monday night, I love the snow.  There's nothing better than that silent moment when you go outside and everything is completely white and still before angry Bostonians come out to shovel and ruin it.

Since I was just starting to run last year, I only really ran inside on a treadmill, warm and out of the elements.  Because I now run longer distances and the treadmill doesn't really simulate the rolling hills of a road race (and trust me I wouldn't want to experience a treadmill marathon anyway), I try to run outside as often as possible to build strength in my legs from running hills but mainly for my sanity to have some change in scenery.  Sometimes that means running in the cold, rain, or in the case of Thursday morning, the snow.  When I stepped out my front door at 7am, it was still flurrying and not many of my neighbors had shoveled the sidewalk in front of their houses yet.  For the first 10 minutes or so of my run I had to deal with an occasional snowflake stinging my eyes, but the real challenge was that my normal running shoes, which I think are on their last leg anyway, don't get quite the same traction as they do on dry pavement...big surprise.  I felt like I have to take one and a half steps for every step I would normally take to do the same distance.

This was the sidewalk immediately outside of my front door and my struggling footprints in the snow.  Luckily, when I got out to Beacon St., the main road, a greater proportion of the sidewalk was not only shoveled but also salted in some places.  I'm not sure I would have made the full four miles if the entire route had been snow covered as it felt like I had to work twice as hard as I normally would.  As the snow started to subside I even saw a few other runners and despite a slower minute/mile the run went pretty well.  All in all I had a great morning:  had a successful run, worked from home, got some Chipolte for lunch and then left for Christmas vacation in at my parents' house in New York...all sans pain and injury.

The Real Challenge: Fundraising

As I mentioned before, the Boston Athletic Association sets a fundraising minimum for charity runners because the race is so popular. While this is great for the charities as it ensures that they will raise a certain amount based on the total spots the BAA allocates to them, it can be overwhelming for the actual participants. This year the fundraising minimum was set at $3,250.

Initially I wasn't really too worried about raising this much money. The final deadline is May 18th, 2011, a full month after the marathon and five months from now. That's $650 per month or about $150 per week. Piece of cake! Then I reread my signed agreement...

January 31, 2011 at 5pm marks the recommitment deadline. Up until this point I can donate what I've raised for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and still walk away from the marathon and my fundraising minimum. After this date, I supply the balance of the minimum and am reimbursed as I raise the money. Now don't get me wrong, I'm happy to donate my time and money to LLS, BUT I'm not sure my credit card can quite afford one large $3000+ hit. So that leaves me with really focusing on fundraising. Having never raised this amount of money in my life I was a little worried. My parents raised me in the traditional "we don't talk about money let alone ask for it" way so it's a bit of a challenge for me to solicit donations, even if it is for a good cause.

Despite my reservations, I've come up with a few different fundraising event ideas and I'm sure many of you have already received emails from me. I'm happy to announce that I have blasted through my first goal of $500 in just my first week. To-date I've raised $840 which is 26% of the way to my goal!

Thank you so much to all of you who have contributed thus far. I'm not really one to get emotional or sappy but I  have been really inspired and motivated by your words of encouragement and even more so by your stories of loved ones who have battled leukemia or lymphoma.  In fact, to show my gratitude, if you've donated to me and have someone close who has battled one of the blood cancers, I'd like to run in honor of them by writing their name on the TNT singlet I'll be wearing on race day.  If you'd like to donate, here's the link to my TNT website: Team In Training: Kate Lauro

Finally, this is my official announcement of my first fundraising event.  I will be hosting a Bowling Tournament at Jillian's (aka Lucky Strike) on January 6, 2011 from 6-8pm.  We will have four teams of five and the donation to enter a team is $75 ($15pp).  There will be a two game guarantee and a prize TBD for the winning team.  The Facebook event will follow shortly but you can let me know now if you would already like to reserve a spot!

Ok, I promise that's enough plugs for now...back to training!

Kick-off!

Bang! Was that the starting gun? Yes it was ladies and gentlemen and it was signaling the start of training! I dragged myself out of bed at 7am on Saturday and to The Wellesley Community Center (picture right), our training headquarters, for the Team In Training Kick-off party and first group training run of the season.

At the party, my weekend breakfast staple and our sponsor, Dunkin Donuts, treated us to some coffee and bagels as we were introduced to the Team In Training program and the people supporting us over the next four months. Jillian, the Campaign Coordinator announced that even before we had run our first training run, the Massachusetts chapter had raised over $109K! Over 10% of the way to our $1 million goal! Along with that announcement, she recognized the top 6 fundraisers to date who had already raised from $2K to $18K. We also heard from two of our inspired heroes who were both cancer survivors, one of whom was first diagnosed at age 6 and proudly bragged about recently getting her learner's permit. By the end of all these's speeches, I was shocked, inspired, and a little tiny bit shamed into committing to stop procrastinating and get fundraising!

Finally, our coaches, Kelly and Sarad came up to the stage to introduce themselves and get training started. Sarad really got to the heart of how we will probably all feel about our coaches by the end of training by leading off with, "Someone came up to Kelly earlier and asked if they could call her 'Mom.' So feel free to consider Kelly 'Mom' and me 'Dad.'" Already I'm thinking this is going to be a fun and interesting season and if my 18+ mile runs go the way I think they will, I may even end up calling them Mom, Dad, or whatever else is in my delusional mind at that point. Kelly and Sarad went over some basic training rules the most unfortunate of which is that we are not allowed to run with iPods. We're not allowed to listen to music during the marathon so we have to get use to running long distances without them now. That leaves a

lot of time for bonding with our teammates during runs. Will there be close heart-to-hearts? Heated fights? Awkward revelations? Only time will tell...

Finally, we took off on our first training run, going 1.5 miles out towards Hopkinton (the beginning of the race) and back right on the actual marathon route (picture left). The run went really well as it is shorter than most of the long runs I've been doing. I left Kick-off feeling really excited about our group runs and the entire program in general. For now I've got a very optimistic view of the entire journey and I can't wait to dive right it!

The Trail of Tears...I mean Training

At the clothing and shoe clinic we not only had the opportunity to learn about how to keep ourselves warm, dry, and injury-free, we also got to meet our coaches in person. Kelly and Sarad will be leading us on our metaphorical journey (well, I guess it's not really metaphorical if we will be traveling some fairly long distances, just always ending up where we started) for the next four months. Both my coaches seem very dedicated, inspirational, in shape, and, most importantly, like they know what they are doing. I'm feeling more and more confident that I might actually see the finish line and maybe even while still being able to stand! A few days after the clinic, I received an email from Sarad containing a recap of the clinic for those who couldn't make it and the thing I've been waiting for since I found out I made the team...OUR TRAINING SCHEDULE!

I've included the whole schedule below but I decided to point out some of the highlights (and lowlights...)

Dec 4: 3 miles but more importantly, our Training Kick-off Party!

Dec 25: 8 miles on Christmas morning. At least I won't feel bad eating extra Christmas cookies.

Jan 1: 9 miles on New Years Day. Run off the champagne and hangover from the night before I guess...

Jan 8: Our first double digit run!

Jan 29: First half marathon distance.

Feb 6: Super Bowl Sunday and thankfully just a 4 mile Recovery run.

Mar 26: Our longest single run of training, 20 miles. The adrenaline of race day should carry us through the last 6.2 miles (Really!?! That's a 10K!).

Apr 16-17: Two rest days in a row! That's unheard of! Oh wait, that must mean...

Apr 18: MARATHON MONDAY; 26.2 miles!

Now this training schedule is supposed to be a guide so we can work with our coaches to adjust it as our schedule, fitness level, and goals necessitate. Seeing how packed this is I'm not sure I can get around many of my long runs but at least maybe I can put off the New Year's Day run to Sunday...maybe.

Boston Marathon Mileage Schedule

April 18, 2011

Week Of:	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Nov. 28	Recovery 20 minutes	Rest Day	2 miles	XT 30 minutes	3 miles Easy	XT 30 minutes	3 miles
Dec. 5	Recovery 20 minutes	Rest Day	Track Workout 1	XT 30 minutes	4 miles Easy	XT 30 minutes	4 miles
Dec. 12	Recovery 20 minutes	Rest Day	Track Workout 2	XT 30 minutes	4 miles Pace	XT 30 minutes	6 miles
Dec. 19	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 3	XT 40 minutes	4 miles Easy	XT 40 minutes	8 miles
Dec. 26	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 4	XT 40 minutes	4 miles Pace	XT 40 minutes	9 miles
Jan. 2	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Hill Workout	XT 40 minutes	4 miles Fartlek	XT 40 minutes	10 miles
Jan. 9	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 5	XT 40 minutes	5 miles Pace	XT 40 minutes	11 miles
Jan. 16	4 miles Recovery 40 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 6	XT 50 minutes	5 miles Pace	XT 50 minutes	12 miles
Jan. 23	4 miles Recovery 40 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 5	XT 50 minutes	5 miles Easy	XT 50 minutes	13 miles
Jan. 30	4 miles Recovery 40 min	Rest Day	Hill Workout	XT 50 minutes	5 miles Easy	XT 50 minutes	14 miles
Feb. 3	4 miles Recovery 40 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 2	XT 50 minutes	5 miles Pace	XT 50 minutes	15 miles
Feb. 13	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 3	XT 60 minutes	5 miles Easy	XT 30 Minutes	13 miles
Feb. 20	4 miles Recovery 40 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 4	XT 60 minutes	5 miles Pace	XT 30 minutes	16 miles
Feb. 27	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 5	XT 60 minutes	5 miles Easy	XT 30 minutes	13 miles
Mar. 6	4 miles Recovery 40 min	Rest Day	Hill Workout	XT 60 Minutes	6 miles Pace	XT 20 minutes	18 miles
Mar. 13	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 6	XT 40 minutes	6 miles Easy	XT 30 minutes	13 miles
Mar. 20	4 miles Recovery 40 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 3	XT 30 minutes	6 miles Pace	XT 20 minutes	20 miles
Mar. 27	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 2	XT 30 minutes	4 miles Easy	XT 60 Minutes	12 miles
Apr. 3	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 1	XT 20 minutes	4 miles Easy	XT 60 Minutes	8 miles
Apr. 10	3 miles Recovery 30 min	Rest Day	Track Workout 7	XT 20 minutes	4 miles Easy	XT 45 Minutes	Off
Apr. 18	MARATHON MONDAY

Burr...It's Cold Out There!

Westchester County, NY, much to my surprise, has no 5K's or Turkey Trots on Thanksgiving morning so my brother and I decided to run our own 5K.

We ran down a one mile path that goes alongside the Tarrytown Lakes Reservoir. The path is pretty much a flat run and can be extended up the North County Trail a further almost 20 miles. The run to get the path, on the other hand, is up and down a couple of fairly steep hills. It might have been my brother making jokes about runner's trots, but judging by how out of breath I was when we got to the top, I think I'm going to have to do a lot more hill work before I take on Heartbreak Hill at Mile 20 in April.

Even more important than my realization about the hills I'll have to face on the marathon course is that I'll be training in the dead of winter and it's going to be a hell of a lot colder than it was yesterday. So today being Black Friday I decided to stock up on some winter running gear.

Luckily, Team In Training had a clinic on choosing the right running shoes and gear lead by Colin Peddie, the founder and owner of Marathon Sports, a Boston-based running company, to make sure we knew how to equip ourselves. You should always dress for weather approximately 10 degrees warmer than the current temp to account for your rise in body temperature as your heart rate increases. I have a pair of capri pants but as I found out on my 4 miles run in 15 degree (9 with the wind chill) Minneapolis weather this past weekend, these won't carry me through my winter training schedule. I picked up a pair of Nike running tights as well as some loose-fitting dry-fit pants. Between the tights and the pants (layered together in the coldest weather) I should be fine in most types of winter weather. Having synthetic materials in key as cotton holds moisture which will make you cold even in mild weather. I also picked up an extra track pull-over but I'd still like to get a fleece vest and/or light windbreaker for colder and windier conditions. Also on my list are some ear warmers (so my hair still looks good in my pony-tail!) and some gloves. Luckily my mother helped me out with the stuff I bought today as a Christmas gift and Macy's was having some amazing sales otherwise all this running gear can get pretty expensive. I guess I'll have to accumulate the rest as I can afford it!

It's Official!

A few weeks ago, I received a voicemail when I got home from work from Team In Training (TNT). I've been accepted to be a part of their Boston Marathon team!! There's no turning back at this point...

So what is Team In Training and what do I have to do to get myself to the starting line on April 18th? Team In Training is a branch of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society which started 1988 in Westchester County, NY when Bruce Cleland and 38 other runners raised over $300K to run the New York Marathon in honor of his daughter Georgia, a leukemia survivor. TNT has complete 16- to 20-month training programs for a variety of endurance programs such as triathlons, hikes, and of course, marathons. As part of the program, I'll have coaches, a mentor, group training runs, and various clinics to make sure I have the proper gear, nutrition, and injury prevention information to get me to the starting line and across the finish line with minimal lasting scars.

The Boston Athletic Association (BAA) sets a fundraising minimum for all charities since registration is limited and the marathon is so popular (regular registration filled up in 9 hours for 2011!). This year, the fundraising minimum is $3,250. It's a daunting task but I think, with the help of my friends and family, I can do it. Visit my fundraising page if you'd like to help!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ma/boston11/klauro

The Application is in...

Now that marathon season has rolled around I'm picking my blog back up. I'm still determined to run the Boston Marathon which is officially 182 days away. Tomorrow will mark the six months to the day until the marathon kicks off!

The application process for the Boston Marathon opens tomorrow morning and is one of the toughest around. Just to be able to apply you have to have a qualifying time in another pre-approved marathon or half marathon that varies based on sex and age. For women in the 18-34 age group, the qualifying time is 3:40:00. As I'm not quite up to these standards and am short on time to train for and run another marathon, I've decided to make this goal have a dual purpose and run for charity.

On October 6th, I faxed in my application and

donation to run for the Massachusetts Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training. Running for a charity means that I don't need a qualifying time in another marathon. Now I'm just holding my breath and hoping my application is accepted! Until then, I'll give you some background on Team In Training and keep you updated on the training I've been doing for the past six months and everything else to do with running.

This is a binding contract...

I'm running the 2011 Boston Marathon. I'm running the Boston Marathon. I AM RUNNING THE BOSTON MARATHON. Do you believe me yet? Good. You may need to convince ME in a few months when my foot is more blisters than foot.

Six months ago I could barely run more than a few minutes at a time so how did I come up with this unbelievable goal to run 26.2 miles and why do I even think I'm capable of achieving it?

Well I'm not sure I can fully answer the second question because I'm not sure yet that I can. I'm more hoping that telling people I'm doing this and asking them for donations to support me will make me so guilty I'll see my mother's disapproving face every time I push off a training session. Trust me that would move your ass too.

Why did I pick this goal? And why is Boston so important? Any college student in Boston knows that Marathon Monday is the biggest drinking holiday of the year. Everyone looks forward to it every year whether you're in college or not. As a student at Boston University I was no different. I drank and cheered and was hungover by 2pm with the rest of them. The race holds a special place in my heart. But running it? Six months ago it seemed more likely that Rush Limbaugh would become a Democrat than that I would run a marathon. Then I started running...slowly...very slowly. About two weeks ago I ran my first race. It was a 4 miler in Central Park in NYC and the high was amazing. But the icing on the cake cake (or straw that broke the camels back) came on Monday, Marathon Monday 2010 to be exact, when I had to work instead of enjoying the festivities with my friends. I bitterly drove into work and saw school bus, after school bus, after school bus, carrying the runners out the the starting line in Hopkinton, MA. Coming down the straight stretch by the rest stop between exits 12 and 13, all I could see what a row of yellow down the middle lane. And then it hit me...I can do that. Drunkenly cheering didn't need to be my only contribution to the race. I should have my friends out there drunkenly cheering for me. The next day, I was at the airport and there were so many people walking around with their Adidas official Boston Marathon jacket that screamed "Yeah, that's right I'm pretty bad ass. I just ran one of the most challenging marathons in the world." I want that badge of honor. I think I'm strong enough and I should put it to the test. So this is my testament and signed contract committing to the test. Hopefully I'll make it to the finale!