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!