11 down, 13 to go:

Today was a cold, cold day!! Morning temps were listed at 26 degrees, and with winds at 22 mph, made for a wind chill at 14. The wind advisory listed increasing winds towards the afternoon, which brought out the extra layers for our Team run.

We had a great session with the Team- free socks from Thorlo, two dedications- one for a Hike for Discovery member who is undergoing his third bone marrow transplant and another for a runner who was inspired by his mother to do something positive for others.

We headed out again to the hills and at first, the weather seemed mild, with the wind towards our backs. Snow started lightly falling by the time we had made it halfway, but on the way back, was replaced by wind in the face and no snow at all. It was definitely a tough workout, but very good for us to do!

Tips for the day:
GU energy gels: These are great to have on hand for longer runs. They come
in caffeinated and non-caffeinated flavors and supply sugar and carbs when your body is begging for that extra kick- taking some with fluid at the beginning and then halfway through a run of this length helps the last bits go by with more ease. Another option I like are Clif Shot Bloks- square gummy shaped supplements. You can cut these up and roll them in salt and sugar for marathon length distances!

Running without legs: Chi Running has been a very interesting read. One of the concepts in the book talks about using your core to run while bringing your legs along for the ride. This can be helpful whenever your legs (quads, calves, you name it!) start getting tight and crampy- remembering to run starting from the body, then loosening and relaxing your legs, can help work out a tight spot that is headed for trouble.

Next week I am very excited to plan a 13 mile run with my sister in Oregon. I will miss the Team but will look forward to seeing her more. :)
-M

Double Digit Time! Saturday 10 miler
Well, it's mid- January, and our team runs are getting into double digits. This past Saturday was probably the largest team training that we've had so far. We had a great stretching session by a woman who runs a yoga studio and two very moving dedications from runners who are running for and in memory of loved ones.

Saturday's run was out to the Newton Hills from Wellesley. Starting out slow is a good thing to start practicing- taking the first mile or two very conservatively is a good way to save up time and precious energy in the end. Sometimes it's easy to forget to hold back, but this time we did well and ended up making good time, given the hilly nature of the course. Also, given the late night nature of the previous evening. Okay, time to cut back on the vino! Although... that run did go well.... hmm.

Running tip: I am finding recently that running up hills is easier if you pump your arms in front of your body rather than swing behind. It helps your torso not to slump forward and I believe helps direct your energy up the hill more efficiently.

Running tip 2: For long runs, a product called 'Body Glide' is my training ally. Rubbed onto any part that might chafe or blister, including toes before putting on socks, this stick will help keep your skin from tearing up and causing you to jump through your ceiling when taking a post-run shower.

The Strength behind the Sneakers- A post about donors:

Today's post is about donors- everyone who has donated to my fundraising so far and has supported my commitment to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

This past week, two of my wonderful sisters sent out e-mails to their address book, telling people about my running with Team in Training and inviting people to donate. I was touched, inspired and grateful for the support of my sisters and for the people who responded to their mails.

Since joining Team in Training, I have met many people whose lives have been touched by blood related cancer. I have met one strong woman who has since passed away, and others who are grieving for the loss of people they loved. You would have thought that I met these people through training, but instead, they were from my non-running life.

In reading comments by donors, I continue to learn about the numbers of people who have fought these same battles. Thank you for telling me and thank you for giving me the opportunity to raise funds for a cure. You all are the strength behind my sneakers and I think about this whenever I go out for a training run.

And thank you to all my dear friends and family who have donated to my training so far, both this year and last. You all know you have some heavy markers with me and I hope I will get the chance to show you how much it means to me.

Best, Marie

Happy New Year 2007!
Happy New Year! The year end saw us miss a group training run in hilly Grafton. We made up for it by driving up to Chestnut Hill Reservoir and running 5 miles backwards along the marathon route to get Heartbreak Hill and some of the other climbs along "Hell's Alley" and back out. A lovely, snowy day and a nice way to end the year.

We will be looking forward to rejoining our team this Saturday in Wellesley as training starts to become a little more serious. Here's to a good training season in '07!