This 5k was sponsored by heavy tree pollen. It was not my best run but Coach Jeff Galloway says cover the distance.

And I did

#NewYorkMarathonTraining #notalwayseasy

Run for Beer And Run To Remember pics

Run for Beer
Just a fun 3- mile run in Hampton New Hampshire. I wouldn’t say I like beer but it was a good time. It was a warm race, but I survived.

#summertraining #coverthedistance #Bubbieruns
#NewYorkMarathonTraining

The Run To Remember race has always been an important celebration for me during Memorial Weekend. 

 It takes place in Boston every year. 

 I love this race

 It is one of my favorites.

 Runners have the choice to run a half marathon or the 5-mile race. 

I ran the 5 miles.  

This race is a tribute to the fallen enforcement officers and first responders. 

It was one of the most organized, emotional races I participated in throughout the year.

……………….

Sunday

Ed and I went into Boston to pick up my bid number and running shirt at the expo held at the Seaport Hotel. 

 It was a very well-organized expo with plenty of vendors. 

 They also had a beautiful memorial for the officers who died in the line of duty. 

After the expo, we went to my favorite restaurant PICCO’s  ( Pizza and Ice Cream Company ) located in BackBay Boston, to carbo-load.  

Then we headed home so I could relax, and it was off to bed.  

……………………….

Monday 

It was a beautiful running day in Boston.

 It was in the 60’s and overcast at race time.  

The five-miler started at 7:55 am in front of the Seaport Hotel.

  To get to the start, I took the blue line to the aquarium and then walked about a block to Seaport Blvd. 

Once I arrived, I spent about 45 minutes enjoying the atmosphere and hanging out with other runners.  

Then, it was my time to line up in the corrals. 

  At 7:55 am, the National Anthem was sung by an officer and I was sent on my way. 

The amount of Police, Fire, and EMS presence throughout the course was amazing to see. 

Flags were also hanging everywhere near the start and finish line.

 The course was beautiful and started outside the Seaport Hotel and made its way through downtown Boston. 

Some highlights seen along the course are the State House, Government Center, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and the Old State House.

It was a very Patriotic race.

  I look forward to running again next year, 

……………………….

Saturday Training Run May 25 ….Summer races to train 

5k race ….Hamilton-Wenham Friends of the Arts hosted the 28th Annual Melody Miles

It was hot but I got it done. Slow and easy. Just building a running base

My New York Marathon training season has officially started.

 ……………………………..

Monday and Friday… Barbell Strength Class.  

I am excited to run the New York Marathon for Team for Kids. To read more click and donate. All donation love is appreciated Show me the love.

https://runwithtfk.org/Profile/PublicPage/113172 or just read below

I will run the New York Marathon for Charity ……Team for Kids the first week in November.

Team for Kids offers free running programs for kids throughout the country.

These programs allow kids to run, exercise, and set personal running goals. When these kids achieve their goals, they become more confident, not only in the athletic arena but in the classroom also.

I chose this charity because running has transformed my life in many ways.

Back in 2000, I started running marathons. Running Marathons changed me. It opened my eyes to all the possibilities when I’m willing to believe.

The world of academics and commerce was not in my calling.

I was a slow learner. I could not process information as fast as my peers. My challenges did not sit well with the fast-paced world we live in today. It caused me a lot of anxiety.

You can imagine how difficult work and school were for me. At the age of 25, I decided to leave the workforce and become a housewife, and never looked back.

Why did I choose to run for Team for Kids?

I want to help other kids find inspiration despite academic struggles.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

Written in March 2024

This charity is close to my heart because running has helped

transform my life. As a child, I felt like I was in Charlie Brown in a classroom. Learning to me waa,waaa waaa, wa wa. By the second grade, I was identified as a person with learning “issues”. I struggled with poor reading comprehension and writing.

The world of academics and commerce was not in my calling. I had one failure after another.

I was very blessed that a mentor introduced me to distance running. In the year 2,000, I stepped onto the road of distance running and started training for my first marathon. Every time I stepped onto the track or road, I felt awesome.

I could keep up. Mile after mile I ran and I was succeeding!

The more I ran, the more excited I got.

Running has given me self-esteem and life skills and has taught me I am capable of much more than I ever thought.

Running is not only a physical sport; running coaches also informed me it is a mental game.

When I get to the race start line, I know I will finish.

All I need to do is dig deep when I become tired.

I usually don’t share my story, but it was important for me to do so.

Why again did I choose to run with Team for Kids?

All children should be allowed to have a passion for a sport and live their dreams of becoming amazing athletes or track stars.

All athletes should have the ability to chase their potential.

Since then, I have been a homemaker and raised two beautiful girls, ages 25 and one who will be 29 in May.

I have also been married for 30 years.

I have run 17 Boston Marathons, 5 Disney Marathons, and one New York marathon.

I have no desire to stop.

This charity can not exist without help from others.

Please consider donating.

……………………………………………………………………………

Your donation will help provide critical funds for Rising New York Road Runners – NYRR’s free youth program and events platform – designed to help kids of all ages and abilities to build confidence, gain motivation, and develop healthy attitudes toward physical activity that last for life!

Together, we can help 250,000 youth across the country to live healthier, more active lives. To donate, just follow the steps below. You can also click here for more information about Check Donations and Matching Gifts.

Thank you again for joining me in support of this great cause. Our finish line is active kids!

My first race of the season. Boston Athletic Association 5k.

Fun Times

To my family and friends

Spring is here, and my running season has officially begun.

This summer, I am participating in various neighborhood 5k’s and 10k’s. I also have two big marathons in the fall.

I am running the New York marathon for an organization called Team for Kids.

Team for Kids brings free running and fitness programs throughout the country. Team for Kids funds help support programs for children nationwide, including New York City’s five boroughs. These programs help build students’ motivation, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life.

This charity is close to my heart because running has helped

transform my life. As a child, I felt like I was in Charlie Brown in a classroom. Learning to me waa,waaa waaa, wa wa. By the second grade, I was identified as a person with learning “issues”. I struggled with poor reading comprehension and writing.

The world of academics and commerce was not in my calling. I had one failure after another.

I was very blessed that a mentor introduced me to distance running. In the year 2,000, I stepped onto the road of distance running and started training for my first marathon. Every time I stepped onto the track or road, I felt awesome.

I could keep up. Mile after mile I ran and I was succeeding!

The more I ran, the more excited I got.

Running has given me self-esteem and life skills and has taught me I am capable of much more than I ever thought.

Running is not only a physical sport; running coaches also informed me it is a mental game.

When I get to the race start line, I know I will finish.

All I need to do is dig deep when I become tired.

I usually don’t share my story, but it was important for me to do so.

Why again did I choose to run with Team for Kids?

All children should be allowed to have a passion for a sport and live their dreams of becoming amazing athletes or track stars.

All athletes should have the ability to chase their potential.

Since then, I have been a homemaker and raised two beautiful girls, ages 25 and one who will be 29 in May.

I have also been married for 30 years.

I have run 17 Boston Marathons, 5 Disney Marathons, and one New York marathon.

I have no desire to stop.

This charity can not exist without the help from others.

Please consider donating. You might need an opportunity to direct your philanthropy. May I suggest this charity?

https://runwithtfk.org/Profile/PublicPage/113172

48.6 miles I am Dopey!

Dopey Challenge completed!   Crossing the finish line was the biggest celebration of the past months of hard work, dedication, and discipline.  I was nervous about completing the marathon because my last training runs in December stunk and were cut short due to a common cold. 

The Dopey Challenge is so hard but worth it!   Today, I experienced every emotion.   My emotions varied from joy, nervousness, fear, excitement, and finally, at mile 26, a real sense of pride and accomplishment. I hope everyone who ran today is walking up and down the stairs well or able to walk. 

 6 MEDALS EARNED, always earned. 

This event was my 4th Dopey.   I ran 48.6 miles.   The Disney marathon is my favorite marathon of the year. Dopey was an AMAZING experience, and I am so glad I ran it. This Dopey Challenge is a culmination of days of hard work and months of training. The Disney characters, spectators, and medals were more than I hoped for! 

The Dopey challenge is a mark in time for me. 

I am 54 and have been married to my spouse for 29 years.   My two kids are also doing well.

This year, I gained a new grandson.   Isaac Ryan was born on August 12, 2023.  

Carrie, my daughter, and John, my son-in-law, are the proud parents of two children, Sarah, and Isaac. 

My youngest daughter Izzy has been dating a nice fellow named Bobby for over a year.

During this past year, we also experienced a sad loss.

My husband lost his dad, but I believe he is still with us in spirit. He probably thinks I am insane running all those miles. 

 My family also lost our beautiful 13-year-old black Labrador retriever, but we now have a new black Labrador puppy to love that joined the family on December 11. 

Overall, this past year, God blessed me with many gifts. 

Besides a new grandson, I ran the New York marathon and loved it.  

I also enjoy family time, meeting new friendships and maintaining old ones. The Dopey Challenge is more than an ordinary event for me.   It is very big for me.  Time to celebrate big.  

. I am looking forward to what comes next year.

This race closes out my training season. I will be taking a break from running to prevent burnout during the rest of January, February, and March. See you on the road this spring.

Time 6:49:05 

The half marathon was crazy and wild this morning! 

Last night around 6 pm, Disney shortened the Half marathon to 7.1 miles due to severe thunderstorms forecasted in the area during the Half marathon. 

However, I did not feel cheated because I made up the 6 miles by hauling my body around the Old Key West Resort and the parking lot of Epcot (runners staging start area) before and after the race.  Don’t worry I made sure the storms were passed Disney.

13.1 done.

It was impressive to see other runners brisk walking or running in circles around the resorts and parking lots to complete the extra miles. 

 This is why I love running ……. Such a supportive community.

   The weather for the Half Marathon was not what I wanted, but the memories will last a lifetime.  

 Even though the weather sucked, muggy followed by a cold rain, I still had fun.  

  Tomorrow will be the best morning of the year!  The day of the Full marathon!

 26.2 miles 

I am well-rested and ready to go.

 To Ed …Thanks for keeping me company in Florida.  

To Carrie and Izzy,

It is getting easier to do the Dopey Challenge because I can count on both of you to take care of the dogs and the family business.

, 

Hopefully, tomorrow, I will complete my 4th Dopey. 

Let’s go.  

Wish me good luck. 

Bib Number

27864

Run a 5K on Thursday.  Done check.  3.1 

Run a 10K on Friday. Done check.  6.2 

 Run a Half Marathon on Saturday. 13.1

 Run a full Marathon on Sunday. 26.2.

Tomorrow is the Half Marathon of the Dopey Challenge! 

So far, so good.  I am having a good time. 

During both mornings, I was able to hang out with awesome Disney Characters before the race.

I had a good time running both the 5k and 10k.   Disney organization does an excellent job putting on a race.

My costume vibes this weekend is Monsters Inc. I ended both races with a yummy breakfast, consisting of waffles, pancakes, and cereal, followed by a gentle walk around our resort and a boat ride to the Disney Springs outdoor shopping attraction. We also sat by the pool. 

What an extraordinary  way to start the year! 

IT IS TIME FOR ANOTHER DOPEY CHALLENGE!  48.6 miles 

Run a 5K on Thursday. 

Run a 10K on Friday.

 Run a Half Marathon on Saturday.

 Run a full Marathon on Sunday.

Good evening, greetings from Run Disney Marathon Weekend! The energy is alive, and I am on cloud nine. I am just soaking it all in.

 My day began with a flight to Florida. After the flight, we grabbed a quick lunch and went to the Run Disney expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports to pick up my bibs and shirts.   Afterward, we went to Il Mulino Italian for dinner. The food is so delicious. 

Our home for the weekend is gorgeous. 

 My spouse and I are at the Old Key West Resort. It is a one-room villa with a working kitchen, refrigerator, dining room, bedroom, and a bathroom with a jacuzzi. I love the fully working kitchen because I can cook whatever I want for runner’s weekend. Our resort has the luxury of grocery delivery service. 

Now it’s time for bed. The challenge starts tomorrow.