26.2 The Journey Continues!

26.2.  What a number!  We all have our 26.2's in life as I mentioned in a previous blog.   Big, scary, mountainous goals ahead of us, that we wish to accomplish, are determined to accomplish.  Personally, I need big goals to get me moving, to get me out of my comfort zone.  When I started this journey after The Jimmy Fund Marathon Walk on September 9, I had no idea the obstacles I'd face, only the heroes who paved the road ahead for me to run.  I keep telling myself I can do this, one step at a time, and when I hit an obstacle, I just move the lever a little - adjust the formula.  We can do this.....

In order to help me along my journey to run 26.2 miles on April 15, 2013, I knew I'd need to lose some weight.  I originally set to lose 26.2 total, which I hit TODAY!  I increased my goal as I got closer, as I do realize it will be easier for me to go all those miles with less weight, but I'm still really excited to pass this first 'marathon' mark.  I owe a lot of it to being finally, "ready to change", and finally keeping track of my calories in and out on SparkPeople.com.  I'm continually inspired on that website by others with similar goals - to "Die Young at a Very Old Age"  (Quote to Don Bergey of WFU).

Some other goals ahead of 26.2 magnitude:  The amount of $ I need to raise for The Red Sox Foundation?  $2,620.  Hoping for a total of over $5,000, and I've raised over $2,000 so far, so we're getting there.  Please contribute to my efforts to help The Red Sox Foundation!  More about that particularly VERY generous local charity here: 

https://www.fundraise.com/the-red-sox-foundation-inc/marias-boston-marathon-page?fb_action_ids=4819258480408&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=246965925417366

Our Red Sox have some 26.2's ahead of them in 2013 as well, don't they?  We all do!  What are yours?  I look forward to this journey we are taking together.  One.  Step.  At.  A.  Time.......

Bunches of Thanksgiving Graditude along the 26.2 Journey

At this point in time along my journey to 26.2, I am compelled to stop and write about some things I'm feeling especially grateful for.  Regarding the alien living in my abdomen, I discovered that the tumor continues to grow, and am grateful to have it removed tomorrow.  I am truly thankful to live within walking distance to the best medical care in the world.  I am confident in my surgical team, and thankful to be here.

Being in this situation makes me think of my family, who are always there for me, and vice versa, no matter what.  We don't see each other as much as we'd all like, as we all work and are always running around after our kids, but we all know, we're always there.  I'm thankful to live so close to my beautiful family, as my Mom is coming out to stay with my boys while I'm in the hospital.  Thank GOD for that!  What would I do without her.  As I type, she's home in Leominster making soup, sauce, meatballs, etc - preparing to help her Grandsons while I'm out of commission.  Hoping for a speedy recovery - how can I go wrong with Mom's Chicken Soup in my corner!! 

I'm very thankful for the progress I've made toward my marathon, both in mileage and fundraising.   I've worked up to about 6 miles - was to be at 13 by December, but that is on hold right now due to surgery tomorrow. I do still plan to run 26.2 on April 15 - just a little more interesting of a journey now. I'm thankful, as I've posted before, that in addition to my family, one constant in my life has always been exercise.  In addition to being an athlete myself, it is my life's work, my passion, and I'm grateful to have realized it early on in college. 

Related to fundraising for THE Marathon, 2 major events occurred last week, that also cause me great appreciation.  I had my first meeting with Meg Vallaincourt, Gena Borson, Ania Burke and fellow runner Justin Prettyman of The Boston Red Sox Foundation.  We were up in a boardroom at Fenway Park, overlooking the beautiful, historic baseball field that is so precious to my family.  Talking about where our money will be going that we raise for running the marathon.  I could not be more proud to run for this team and it's arms of charity outreach.  The Jimmy Fund, Red Sox Scholars, Home Base program for Veterans, and Dimock Community Health Center.  All these programs touch my life in a very meaningful way. 

My first fundraiser was a great success!  We hosted it at the Nazzaro Center in the North End, which is the site of election polling in the North End.  On election day, we sold coffee, pastries from ALL our local bakeries (Mikes, Modern, Parziales, Bovas, Maria's) and Regina Pizza during the dinner hours!  And so many home made items as well!  Flora Matarazzo, for one, kept sending over fresh hot homemade biscotti and other baked goods to sell.  We raised $2,000 that day (toward my goal of $5,000-$10,000), which I'm so thankful for.  And so appreciative to Carl Ameno, for obtaining all those donations, and allowing me to use his venue for fundraising.  So appreciative to all those who contributed, baked, and volunteered to help me.  This neighborhood is second to none when it needs to accomplish a goal together.  And I hope you enjoy this picture - how's that for NORTH END!:

I am grateful to have discovered today that my dear friend, Kim Walker is training again for the Lavaman Triathlon which is next May.  Kim COMPLETED her first Lavaman last year, overcoming the obstacle of having a STROKE the year before.  This year, she is running for her Mom, who is now ALSO battling with cancer.  I will be adding her Mom to my list of people who inspire me to keep running.  It's WONDERFUL to have such an inspiring ray of light from California to train with, raise money with, and encourage.  Love that our races are one month apart :).  Go KIM !!

So, now I have to deal with this tumor, and face a bump in the journey to 26.2.  A few steps backward.  But I'm running this.  Rosanne will be there the whole way with me - I feel her presence, I know she's my biggest cheerleader now.  So with her, and my sons and family, Carl, and so many amazing friends (like Kim), we're going to get through tomorrow, raise money that our charities desperately need, and run 26.2 together.  I'm appreciative for the strength of the very rich friendships in my life, the old friendships and newer friendships.  How lucky can one girl be???  See you all on the other side of surgery, and THANK YOU for all your love, cheers and support!  I'm grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful souls.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and your families.

The Road Ain't All that Smooth.....Part II

Two weeks ago I swam 2 miles on Saturday and ran 5.5 miles on Sunday.  Monday I did yoga at my favorite gym (Equinox) and ran 3 miles that night after work.  On my way home that night, I was about to embark on a bit of a bumpy road to 26.2.

I was doubled over in pain!  Lasted all night.  Finally Tuesday, after my trusted family doctor recommended for me to go to MGH, I went.  As expected (and the reason I try to avoid the hospital at all costs), I was in abdominal pain, stuck in a bed in the hallway at MGH for 10 hours!!  What an experience.  In those 10 hours, I managed to have blood work done, and a CT scan.  While in the hallway (STILL), the NP came up to me to tell me I have a large tumor in my uterus (about the size of 5 months pregnant - a grapefruit/cantaloupe size), and a polyp on my cervix fighting for blood supply and causing pain.  She said, "GYN is coming in to do a biopsy as we are not sure if it's Malignant or Benign"......and was gone.....  (the older man across the hall from me, also in a bed in the hallway then asked, "Are you a believer?").  I guess MGH is immune to HIPPA regulations?

Gyn came in, did a biopsy, kept me overnight for observation (went to the hospital around noon, got into a room at 10:46 pm!) I had to wait until this past Tuesday for results.  I have to admit, while all the odds leaned toward this being benign, I was so scared!  That week waiting (in pain) for results felt so long.  Luckily, I had a very busy work week and a presentation to our Corporate Officers from Hong Kong to keep me busy!

The outcome - it is a BENIGN degenerating fibroid tumor and then polyps.  Actually pretty common for women my age, but since it was so large, and my body was unable to supply blood to it, it was causing severe pain.  I'd have to have it removed.  Very good news overall, but......what about my marathon?  I was making such progress, and hit a MAJOR BUMP in the road here.  I think about my dear friend Rosanne going to personal training days after chemotherapy, and I know I can do this.  Just need to remember no journey that is truly worthwhile is without pain and obstacles.   In the song Memory Motel, the Stones sing the line, "The Road Ain't All that Smooth", nor is my journey to 26.2.  But one step at a time.......we'll get there!!

Give Me Novacaine

 

Yes, those are 2 anvils.....aka my running shoes!  Even though my actual shoes are Asics 2160's, they feel like lead weights!  Whatever reason....I hope this gets better soon, because it's HARD!! Reminds me of the Green Day Song, "Give Me Novacaine".  

 

What, what did I just think???  No, Maria..... running a little more every day is not hard.  Even with the anvils, it just takes discipline.  Eating healthfully is not hard (and hopefully will result in those anvils getting lighter!), it just takes discipline and self control.  Getting up every day and going out for a run - that is not hard either, just takes going out and taking that first step usually.  What IS HARD?  Fighting for your life when you have cancer.  Now THAT's HARD.  Losing someone you love to cancer or any untimely death - that's HARD!  So the angels that are inspiring me, those who both lost their battles with cancer, and those who beat it, I vow to continue to live each day to the fullest because of you.  Thanks for running with me, and keeping me going, by helping me realize how easy I have it here on this planet.

 

It's funny, I hear these songs when I'm running, and it leads me to this train of thought like the one above.  Fun journey so far......anvils and all!

Runnin' Down a Dream

 

Right now, I'm running down a dream, that's for sure.  Several dreams, actually.   Yes, the obvious one, in SIX MONTHS, running The Boston Marathon with a strong finish.  But on other, possibly more important levels, a dream to be stronger, physicially and mentally, a dream to raise more money for my friend Rosanne's favorite charity, a dream to eat healthier and lose the weight I've gained over the past couple of years.  A dream to inspire my sons to do great things - if Mom can run a Marathon at 49 years old, what can they accomplish?  A dream to overcome the things in life that are holding me back, personally and professionally.

 

These are all still dreams and goals of mine.  Three weeks ago, I was running down the dream to hit the 3 mile mark, and I did that today.  My journey to 26.2 began with one step, and has been multiplying ever since.  As I keep my commitment to this journey, the big day, exactly 6 months tomorrow will be one of great accomplishment.  Thanks for all the support!

 



Everyday is a Winding Road

 

 

 I was running this morning around the North End and Charlestown before work in the rain - thinking about how good it feels to be up and out with the 'club'.  What is "the club?"  There is an entire society of runners out there!  People I pass every day, that now give a wave - those who get out of bed, even on dreary mornings like today to indulge their healthy habit.

 

This morning I did want to throw the covers back over my head, and sleep for another hour, but I knew I'd miss the boat.  Am I getting addicted to this healthy habit?  I got out of bed, hung out with my beatuiful teenage son for a minute who was getting ready for school, and then headed out to my new running journey today.  I joined the 'club' out there running.  Beating the odds.  It was perfect running conditions - 55 degrees, drizzle rain in the air - smelled scrumptious- just perfect.

 

Speaking of clubs - there is also the 'inner circle' club, the Marathon Runners, to which I have never been a part of until now. (pending I make it until April 15!!)   Yes, I've run numerous 10k's and even a 1/2 Marathon, but never the Granddaddy of them ALL.  As soon as a former marathon runner hears that I'm training for Boston in April, there is an instant cameraderie - a bond!  Tbey smile, tell their stories, and immediately connect.  The advice-giving, the 'apps' to add to my iPhone, the diets that I HAVE to try.  The, "have you heard of Jeff Galloway's program?"  Where to buy shoes where people really know what they are talking about - and the ups and downs of the Boston Marathon Route.  These are my biggest cheerleaders - Kim, Stephanie, Lisa, Gordon (one of my wonderful Health Club Members), The beautiful Taylor Lopez of Safar Coiffures,who ran Boston for the first time last year in 90+ degree temps, those who have done it, and KNOW deep inside I can do it.

 

So I'm running along thinking of this today - happy that running feels better and better each day, happy I got out of bed, and am becoming stronger and stronger......this running feels GOOD.....when all of a sudden......  I feel pain in my left knee!  WHAT ?!!!  And it persists.  So I walk a minute, and then go back to running around the Charlestown Harbor (hello Constitution!).  Still there.  Ugh.  I fight it and keep running KNOWING the task ahead of me won't put up with any knee pain.  Then the 'exercise physiologist' in me kicks in, and I walk the rest of the way today.  Until "Sweet Child of Mine" came on my iPod, and I just HAD to run back over the C-Town bridge!  But I digress......

 

Now what do I do?  I have to stick to my program, back up a little.  Yeah, I started out a little strong, so it's back to the Jeff Galloway program for me.  And I need to also build up my quadriceps and incorporate yoga at my favorite gym (Equinox) to stay strong and flexible.  But I'm realizing I'm no longer 30.....  Right now as I type this after work, I have a bag of frozen peas (thanks for the tip, Joyce Stephens and Lynn Bova!) on my swollen knee.  How did this happen?  I've never had knee trouble!   I'm also deciding, the extra weight I'm carrying around has to come off.  Otherwise, I'm in for six months of aching joints, followed by a painful marathon.  I'm scared!  I really want to do this!!  I NEED to do this..... 

 

If any of my fellow club members have any advice, I'm listening :).  I will go out tomorrow morning too and test it, and hopefully it will feel better.

The Road Ain't All That Smooth

 

This picture came from my run today.  On Sundays, I bring Tj and a friend to Latin tutoring in Milton - by Blue Hills, and it's so beautiful and peaceful around there.  I dropped them off, and came prepared to go for a run/walk.  (My run sections are becoming easier and easier by the way!).   I was about half-way through, and running more and more each time, and just looked ahead at the long road ahead - still so far to go.  I was thinking about life, and while (quoted from the Stones' Memory Motel) "The Road Ain't All that Smooth" - the journey is still breathtaking, as you can see by this picture.

We all have our 26.2's.  All have things we're working on, trying to get better at, goals we're working toward.  Today, I'm a few more steps toward my 26.2.  Still a long way to go, and I don't expect the road to be smooth (in fact both my soleus muscles are screaming at me tonight - thank God it's time for a yoga/swim cross training day!), but we'll get there, one step at a time. 

It's Real!

 

I'm running in The Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013! I'm creating a blog to track the journey, as I hear it's quite a long road. The journey to 26.2 begins with one step, and that's about where I'm beginning from!! Right now, in fact, I'm only at the point of alternating days of run/walk programs (run one minute, walk two; run two minutes, walk one). To the angel on my shoulder, Lisa Gallagher - thanks for your support here, and just knowing I can do this!! Thanks for also inspiring me, Stephanie Nelson and Kim Walker!!

Walking along the Marathon route on Sept 9 for The Jimmy Fund helped me realize that I too, could finish a marathon. And that I used to LOVE running. While I swim distance all the time, walk everywhere, and truly enjoy yoga and pilates regularly, I haven't run distances since my sons were born, so I know there is a lot of work ahead. I will use all my exercise physiology background to run a safe race :).

I need to do this, for me and my surrounding cloud of support.  For my Rosanne Ameno - my inspiration.  She inspires me to put one foot in front of the other, and I'm sure will be along the 26.2 journey with me.  Inspiring me and teaching me.    For Alexander Whipple, another toddler who befriended Rosanne at the Dana Farber. For all my family and friends who have battled and lost, or battled and won - but battled with cancer - the true emperor of all maladies. For my Papa, and Willie and Tony......for my Mom and Luisa.....for all the names on my Jimmy Fund t-shirt that took up the entire front side of the shirt on September 9!

I also need to do this for me. I just need to run (Forrest??). My 40's have been so tumultuous- so crazy! Like my life has been in a blender for seasons of this decade. Exercise has always been so healing for me, a constant, a rock. I told myself if I could get a number (it is very competitive to get a Boston Marathon number for charity teams) I would do it!

Yesterday, I heard from The Red Sox Foundation! On April 15, 2013, I'll be running THE marathon for THE most beloved baseball team (yes, even this year) to me. I chose this foundation for so many reasons. One is that the Red Sox Foundation overall supports The Jimmy Fund. There are so many other reasons- as they also support Dimock Community Center, Red Sox Scholars and more. However, I feel that while I run on the Red Sox team on the big day, and along my journey leading up to that day, a lifetime of Red Sox memories will run with me! Memories with my Dad, Grandmothers (one kicking the TV when the Red Sox lost), family, friends who I miss. Friends who are still with me, and enjoy a great day at Fenway!   Rosanne, Luisa, Carl and I at this year's 100th celebration.......14 inning post season games with Joy Hackett, Hannah Karass, and Kim Walker..... My first date, and first World Series game where my son Tj turned 10 at Fenway in 2007 on October 25/26 with Carl Ameno. It all fell into place, exactly as it should be. When I run past Fenway Park, on April 15, as the Red Sox game is going on, I think I may shed a few tears :).

Off in a bit to take a few more steps.......stay tuned! And wish me luck for an injury free journey ahead!