It's training again....

Well, it's fall in New England again, and once again, will be training for the Boston Marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. Before I get bogged down with training details, I wanted to write about my coach, Rick Muhr. Rick and Lori Muhr have been coaches with Team in Training for many years and were responsible for getting me through Boston last year.

On October 28th, during a severe storm, Rick ran 61 miles around the Grafton High School track to honor the memory of a former TNT runner and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his employer, Saltus Press. Rick's goal that day was 100 miles within 24 hours. The driving rains and wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour put a damper on the mileage Rick made, but not his spirit. While thousands in New England lost their power, Rick powered through his run, always stopping to thank supporters and talk with those who made the laps around the track with him. I was lucky to be there that day both during the first 26 miles and during the last several hours, and I will never forget the grace and courage he displayed as an athlete and as a human being.

So before all the complaining about training and fundraising begins, here's to you, Rick! Thanks for being such a positive inspiration for me and for everyone who gets to be coached by you and Lori.

Best,
-M