Saturday, November 23, 2013

Pardon the break, but I am back!

Sorry for the months of inactivity on this blog.  As it turns out maintaining 2 running blogs, running and working a full time job are a lot!  But have no fear, the time of year has come to begin training for my favorite race of all time, the Boston Marathon.  While you can read about some of my experiences on my Boston.com blog, Run Along, I'll post here too with some more personal updates.  

Training has in fact begun.  Last week, this beautiful group of folks from the Run to End Alzheimer's team met for our first group run.  


This morning we were out again.  12 miles completed along a very windy Charles River in the company of Ken and Bob from the team.

And so has the fundraising.  My goal this year is $7500.  Please support me and the Alzheimer's Association this year if you can.  You can make a donation here.

Check back often for more updates throughout the course of the training season!

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Trying Something New

"You can't say you don't like it if you have never tried it."  My mom used to tell me this about all the vegetables I claimed I did not like when I was a kid.  As it turns out, the advice is applicable to running as well.

I am a self-proclaimed "urban runner."  I like running on pavement and along city sidewalks.  I don't mind stopping at crosswalks some days, or picking up the pace to beat the end of the walk signal other days.  I know how to weave through packs of pedestrians.  I can tell what drivers are completely unaware I exist, and therefore not to try to cut in front of them before they make that left turn.

I will also admit to being a bit clumsy.  I have been known to trip and fall running on more than one occasion, yielding scrapes, bruises and swollen ankles.

So the idea of running a trail race was seemed to me to be as far from enjoyable as I could imagine.  The closest thing to a trail run I had ever done was running along the dirt paths, instead of the pavement ,along the Charles.  But, having gone without running a race since Memorial Day weekend, I was getting antsy and decided last week to register for the VERT Race Series Sasquatch Trail Race.

The word on the street (literally, I heard it while running with friends) was that VERT Sasquatch, a 2.35 mile race, was a great "first-time" trail race.  As I've been a little bored with my running lately, I thought a change might be good.  Plus, running this race would give me a basis for opinions about trail running.  I had never tried it, so maybe I would like it.  And if I didn't, 2.35 miles seemed to be a short enough course that I wouldn't suffer too much.

I recruited my running pal, Laura, to join me in this adventure.  We were both on the same page that the goal of this race was to have fun (and at least for me, to finish without twisting an ankle).  Humid and 80 degrees this morning, Laura and I ran a warm-up mile that left us dripping with sweat.  I was even more excited this race was only 2.35 miles.

The race had about 900 runners and the start was broken into 3 waves.  We started in the 3rd wave, in about  the middle of the pack.  The first 1/3 of a mile was on grass and then the road.  As soon as we turned onto the trail, I felt my heart rate pick up a bit, despite the fact that we were still on a paved path.  Shortly after we hit the dirt and rocks.

I was a bit nervous and made sure to pick my feet up as we ran over rocks and tree roots.  Slowly, I started to feel more comfortable and began to focus on running and not "not falling".  We started passing people and picking up the pace.  One significant difference between road and trail races is the need to run single-file on the trails, and the new challenges that results in when trying to pass others.  Seeing 2 runners fall kept me conscious of my own 2 feet and didn't let me get too cocky with a quicker pace.  One little slip gave me a small scare, and I may had gasped out loud, but I remained upright.  Coming out of the trail, about the last 1/10 of a mile finished on the grass.  Laura and I picked up the pace, and dodging a few runners crossed the finished line together.

And thanks to the excellent photography skills of my always-supportive boyfriend, Brian, we got a great shot of the 2 of us, just feet before the finish.


I must admit, I enjoyed today's race way more than I had planned.  Instead of now being able to say I know I don't like trail running because I finally tried it, I kind of want to try it again.  Sort of like brussel sprouts.


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

A Weekend to Remember

Memorial Day is a day to remember all of the men and women who have died serving our country.  This weekend I participated n 2 events that honored and remembered officers and citizens.

As a result of the bombings at this year’s marathon, more than 5000 runners were stopped in their tracks along the course, unable to complete the race they had trained for all winter. 

#onerun was a 1 mile run along the marathon course that began with an email by Andy Marx, leader of the Most Informal Running Club Ever and grew into a city-sanctioned event thanks to the collaboration of leadership from running groups across the Boston area and coordination of the race management company, RaceMenu.

The event was pretty amazing.  I arrived early to volunteer and so did a heck of a lot of other people.  So many in fact, that RaceMenu had to close their volunteer registration link on their website because so many people wanted to help out.  I helped set up and sold t-shirts for a while, but then got to head over for the coolest part of my volunteer assignment – being part of the human chain that would lead runners to the starting line

The runners lined up on Beacon Street, listening to pep talks by Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino, former Celtic Walter McCarty and city Councillor Mike Ross.  Four runners, 3 with American flags and one with a Chinese flag in honor of those killed, led the line of about 3,000 runners.  I held it together while children from the St. Ann’s choir in Dorchester sang the national anthem, but after our human chain walked to the “One Mile To Go” mark on Beacon Street, my eyes filled with tears as the Boston Police played the bagpipes and our human chain broke apart to send the runners on their way. 

After most of the runner’s passed, I jumped in and myself ran the last mile of the marathon route.  For a portion of my run, I was near a couple, the guy shouting words of encouragement and filming the girl, who it appeared had run the marathon April 15th.   I separated from them a bit and made my way down Boylston Street. 

The crowds were not marathon-sized, but the cheers were.  Runners who had already finished lined both sides of the street and along with spectators cheered as new runners finished.   Many runners who had run the marathon wore their marathon bibs, and several had family hand them their medals at the finish line. A few moments after I crossed, I saw the couple I had run near earlier hugging, the girl, between sobs, saying, “I finally did it.”

Obviously there were a lot of urgent issues to resolve after this year’s Boston Marathon.  For the Boston running community, it was important to again make the finish line a place of joy and celebration again.  

It seems very appropriate that Boston’s Run to Remember was held at the Seaport Sunday to honor Massachusetts Law Enforcement Officers who died in the line of duty.  Given the role law enforcement has had in Boston over the last 6 weeks, specifically as it related to a running event, it was also not a surprise that the race sold out well in advance.

While originally I had not planned to run, I registered after the marathon as a way to both honor the law enforcement officers who played such an important role in the marathon and post-marathon events, as well to come together with my teammates, many of whom ran today as well.  A small part of me also registered to run to prove to myself that I could again be a part of a large race without fear.

About 9000 runners showed up on this chilly drizzly morning.  Due to the size and timing of the race, extra security precautions were taken this year that had never been implemented in the past.  Only limited roads were open to access Seaport Blvd and all who entered through the open roads had to go through a security check.  Runners were given a clear plastic bag to bring belongings into the World Trade Center, instead of the usual option to bring your own bag/backpack to leave in the designated “bag check” area. 

As we lined up at the start, my friend Nicole mentioned she had her phone and some other items weighing down the back of her running skirt.  After being unable to retrieve her personal items on the baggage buses at the marathon, she didn’t want to leave anything she might need behind in case she couldn’t get back to it.  It seems like the events of that day still stick with us all in various ways.

The World Trade Center, which serves as the hub for both pre- and post-race activities, did not allow new entrants, except runners, once the race was underway.  I can’t say how everyone felt about these extra measures, but for me, these steps did not add any inconvenience to my race, and actually made me feel a bit better about being in the largest crowd I have been a part of since the marathon.

And while the weather, 42 degrees with on and off rain, had many runners confused about how to dress, no one was complaining.  (Having run and volunteered at this race when it was 90 degrees and sunny, personally I was much happier with Sunday's weather.)

Before the race began, the stage near the starting line hosted several speeches, bagpipes played Amazing Grace (I held it together this time) and a moment of silence for the fallen officers we were there to honor.  Tributes were also made to the marathons victims and Officer Sean Collier.  Race organizers printed copies of a second race bib for runners to pin to their backs, to honor Officer Collier who had registered to run today’s race. 

Police officers were on duty throughout the race course.  And for as many officers I passed, I heard at least 10 times as many “thank yous” from runners around me and even several high fives exchanged.

With an upset stomach for most of the race, this was certainly not my best day.  But I am so glad I ran, as this run will absolutely be one to remember. 


Saturday, May 25, 2013

Newbie Run!

I'm a little behind on this, but could not let it slip by.  Last weekend, my cousin Liz visited from NY.  The main purpose of her visit was to run the Harpoon 5 Miler, her very first race.

On January 1st, we had a text message exchange that went something like this:
Liz: My new year's resolution is to run a race.
Me: Hooray!
Liz: Maybe I can find a race in Boston and use it as an excuse to visit too.
Me: Woohoo!  I'll find us some races and we can figure out what will work.

One of the things I love most about running is the feeling of accomplishment that comes from completing something challenging.  A new distance.  A new pace. I get excited when I train with first time marathoners when they run their first 16 miler, first 18 miler, first 20 miler...sometimes I may be more excited than they are.

So needless to say, I was excited for my cousin's race, and not just because I secretly hoped it would provide me with a running buddy when I head home for holidays from now on.

Five months, and a marathon later (for me), it was race day.  I offered to run with Liz, which she accepted.  She said it was so she wouldn't stop and walk, but I know she is way too competitive to have let that happen.

She was running really well and in the last mile, she did start to get tired.  I told her we were going to pick someone in front of us and just focus on passing that person.  We would forget about how far away the finish line was.  Girl in the pink shorts.  Check.  Girl in the blue shirt.  Check.  Guy in the red shirt.  Check.  Suddenly the finish line was in sight.

With about 25 yards to go, she broke out into a sprint.  With about 5 yards to go, she moved to the left, putting me behind another runner and crossing the finish line 1 second ahead of me.  The little stinker.

Liz was awesome, and she even had a good time.  She left the following morning and by 6:00 that night was asking me about 1/2 marathons.  As the week went on, she bought a GPS watch and found a local half in October she plans to register for.

Congratulations Liz.  And welcome to the world of running!


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Boston.com Marathon Blog Posts

This year I was fortunate enough to be selected to blog about my training for Boston on the Boston.com Marathon blog.  I was a total slacker and did not keep up with this blog at the same time, so here are all my Boston.com posts, for record-keeping and historical purposes.

A different focus this time around - March 6

Getting by with some help from my friends - March 13

It's all in my head - March 20

Boston is running at its best - March 27

My own March madness - April 3

Laying out the Game Plan - April 10

Boston Keeps Running - April 25


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Putting the FUN in Fundraising

Asking people for money is not easy.  I hate asking friends for the $20 they owe me or for the $5 everyone at the office promised to chip in for that other coworker's farewell gift.  So, it might be slightly unnatural that year after year I volunteer myself to ask friends and family to help me raise thousands of dollars.  Except, it's exactly the opposite.  I actually look forward to the opportunity.

To me, being successful at fundraising comes down to one very important thing - being passionate about the cause.  The fact that I think the Alzheimer's Association is an organization worth supporting makes asking for money to support their work much easier.   I also know I could never donate a gift of an equivalent amount, so if I want to help, this is the way I can do so.

However, even once the barrier of being uncomfortable asking for money is broken, fundraising can still be challenging.  I find you get people to support you for any combination of these 3 reasons - 1) they want to support you, 2) they want to support the cause you are raising money for and 3) they will pay for something they want and you can direct the proceeds to your fundraising efforts.

So that was my strategy today.  With the help of my great friend Brenna, I planned a spin-a-thon - a 3 hours spin class that folks could pay to attend, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer's Association.  Brenna, an Alzheimer's team running buddy temporarily sidelined with some health issues, generously volunteered to teach the class and coordinate the space at the gym where she teaches, Commonwealth Sports Club.  She also recruited many of the attendees, apparently having a huge following of gym members who LOVE taking her classes.  Folks signed up for 1, 2 or 3 hour class options - and 8 participants spun for all 3 hours!  Sweaty and tired afterwards, everyone seemed to have a great time.

We put the FUN in this fundraiser, if I do say so myself.

If you didn't make it to today's fundraiser, you can still make a donation by clicking here.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

This one's for Gramps

February 28, was my grandfather's birthday.  As I train to run my 7th Boston Marathon, the 5th in his honor, it seems like a good time to talk about the man who inspires me to unabashedly ask for donations to raise money for an organization I believe can help those with Alzheimer's disease and their families.

Felix Iovino was my mom's father.  He was the father of 5 and youngest of 5 siblings himself.  He emigrated to the US from Italy when he was a boy.  He grew up in New York where he met my grandmother and started a family.  He worked for the New York City Transit Authority when I was a kid, although had a short stint as a pizzeria owner before that.  I begin to salivate just imagining if that had worked out!

Continuing to talk about my favorite bready foods, I'll make this simile; Gramps was like a good New York bagel, crusty on the outside, but a real softy inside.  He would grumble and complain about pretty much anything.  He would curse in Italian when he was really mad, usually at the squirrels in his yard or his crazy dog, Spanky.  But he would never hesitate to help any of his kids or turn a grandchild off his lap.  He drove us to the airport early in the morning for many family vacations.  When I was in college, he took a "day trip" to Baltimore with my dad to see a weeknight volleyball game against our conference rival.

That's me with Gramps!
As Gramps got older, we laughed about the list he kept in his wallet with the names of his 10 grandkids.  But that was really the beginning of what would later be diagnosed as Alzheimer's disease.  I lived in Boston for most of the progression of the disease, but when I did come home for holidays, the changes were that much more noticeable.  It was difficult to watch these changes take place, and even more difficult to see my mom, grandmother, my aunts and uncle deal with the decline of their father and husband.

On January 8, 2005, Gramps passed away.  This year is the 8th anniversary of his passing.  As a result, I have pledged to raise $8000 for the Alzheimer's Association, running the Boston Marathon, in his honor.  

After skipping Boston last year to run other marathons, this year running Boston for the Alzheimer's Association just seemed important.  I have continued to be involved with the organization and fundraised for 2 Reach the Beach relays since my last Boston Marathon in 2011, but Boston is just different.

The past week has been a little rough.  After having gum surgery on Monday and a stomach virus Thursday night, my diet and workout schedule have been far from normal.  Today's long run was not surprisingly miserable, as I just had nothing in the tank.  I still slogged through 16.5 miles, but it was not pretty.  However, on days like this, training with a greater purpose than a race PR can make a run like this tolerable (though definitely not enjoyable).  

I'm still working towards that $8000 goal.  Donations can be made here, and are very much appreciated!




Sunday, February 24, 2013

Body knows best

Training for a marathon takes a lot...of everything.  It takes a lot of miles on the road, a lot of hours stretching and lifting to support those muscles, a lot of ice for post-run recovery, a lot of  oatmeal and peanut butter (my favorite pre-run breakfast) and a lot of time.  A combination of all of these seem to have caught up to me this week.  After returning from St. John, I have been pretty determined, working out almost everyday for the last 2 weeks.  In the meantime, I also returned to real life, where I have a job, volunteer, fundraise for the marathon and try to maintain some kind of social life.

Somewhere in that list, I try to sleep each day.  But I admit, it is never the priority it should be.  So I should not have been too surprised when I woke up on Thursday at 7:00am with zero recollection of my 5:00 alarm ever going off.  After initially being annoyed with myself, I realized this was my body's way of yelling at me after it had tried to tell me for the last few days that I could not keep up my current schedule.  If I was not going to get to bed early enough, eventually my body was just not going to wake up when I wanted.

Like most runner's, I'm compliant with a training schedule, and a missed run can, in the moment, seem catastrophic.  However, just as I trust my body to get me through 26.2 miles, I also need to trust it when it tells me to take better care of myself. 

My disappointment in my missed run earlier in the week was quickly overshadowed by a very successful 18 miler on Saturday.  After struggling through my last 2 long runs, I was nervous how I might survive my longest training run thus far.  But it was great!  I felt strong the entire run, both physically and mentally.  Now, whether or not I would have felt this good if I had not missed my run the Thursday before, I will not know.  But what I do know is that missing that run did not seem to negatively affect me.

My goal for the next 7 weeks is to make getting the rest I need a priority, to recover from all the work my body is doing these days.  And while the plan is of course to stick to the training plan during that time, I will try to listen to my body more, so next time it does not need to yell to be heard.

Monday, February 18, 2013

A cold day to run, but warm and fuzzy inside

1 pair of socks
2 pairs of running tights
2 long sleeved shirts
1 jacket
1 pair of gloves with flip-top mittens
1 ski hat
1 pair of sunglasses

This was my attire for today's 16 mile long run.  The forecast at the time I ran was 23 degrees with 21 mph winds, making it feel like 10 degrees.  It was chilly.

After the Old Fashioned Ten Miler was cancelled on Sunday, I debated trying to go out and run in the wind and slush.  While I wanted to get the run over with (and running today was not roses), it seemed like the better alternative.  Either day I was going to be cold, at least today it was sunny and dry.

For the most part my choice of clothing was well-suited for the weather.  I had never tried running in 2 pairs of tights before, but I will say my behind and I are now huge fans.  And while I unzipped my jacket a bit while running with a tail wind, I zipped that bad boy all the way up and buried my chin as I faced the headwinds.

Not the most exciting run, I did 2 loops, or thereabouts, from Chestnut Hill Ave to the fire station and back on Comm Ave along the marathon course.  Mostly shoveled sidewalks and the plowed carriage road made for simpler navigation on a day when other roads were still a bit messy.

But it was still challenging.  Sixteen miles alone when the weather is not very friendly was not a great way to run.  The first 12 miles went ok, however the last 4 were ugly.  Eh, it happens.  Overall, for a cold, windy and hilly run, after 2 weeks on inconsistent training, it was not that bad.

What actually kept me going (and got me out there in the first place, I'll be honest) was the outpouring of generosity from friends and family towards my fundraising goals for the Alzheimer's Association this weekend.  Seventeen people made donations this holiday weekend!  So many that I cannot even keep up with sending thank yous!  (Sorry, they're coming!)  From family members to friends I have not talked to in months or years to my old high school volleyball coach, I am honored that they chose to support me and an organization I believe it so important.  And to have some of these folks thank ME for training for this race...well, it was pretty incredible.  It provided me with a solid reminder of why I needed to put on all that spandex and  go for a run today.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Being Flexible for February

You may know I am a big fan of yoga.  I try to make it a regular part of my weekly workouts to improve my mental focus, balance and flexibility.  And while it's fun to be bendy and make myself into a pretzel, I recently found a few new ways to test my flexibility.

I was fortunate to recently take an incredible vacation to the beautiful island of St John.  The beaches had the softest sand and the bluest water.  The weather was ideal with lows in the mid 70s and highs in the low 80s every day.  Perfect for a few days of running without hand warmers and layers of Under Armor.  Until I realized my potential running routes.




Hilly roads on the sides of mountains, with nothing for a shoulder, except a white line.  I thought about it, but after seeing a few runners attempt it, I was confident it was not a good idea.  So, for an entire week I woke up and did yoga and some strength training on the patio of our villa.  OK, so it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't running.

I didn't want vacation to end, but I looked forward to getting home for my Saturday long run with the Alzheimer's team.  Until Thursday, when the predictions for snow arriving in Boston Friday turned into predictions for a blizzard.

We made it to Miami and were rebooked on a flight to Boston Monday morning.

Again, a test of my ability to be flexible.  The plan was to return Friday to have the weekend to unpack, do laundry, go grocery shopping...get settled after being away for a week.  While Miami for 3 days was not part of the vacation plan, it wasn't so bad.  And I'm glad I was able to realize this then, and not just in retrospect.  I had great company, the weather was better than it was back in New England, and I finally got to go for a few runs in shorts!

I didn't however go for my long run.  So after I returned Monday afternoon to Boston, unpacked, and shoveled my car out, I hit the treadmill for 14.5 miles.  Three miles in my iPod died. (Oh, not my real iPod, I lost that on the plane.  This was my classic iPod mini, complete with playlists circa 2006.)  But I did it.

So far, February has tested my flexibility in a few ways.  I have rolled with the punches for the most part and am pretty proud of myself for the outcomes.  I may have wanted to use a different "F" word a few times, but instead, maybe this was all part of my training to get to the finish line on April 15th.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Are you really getting soft if you are still running hard?

This week's weather was not friendly to Boston runners.  Temperatures didn't crack the 20s the last few days, and with the windchill, they didn't crack zero.  It has not been fun to walk to the car, much less go for a 5 mile (or <gasp> longer) run.

Still, I struggled last night as I decided to head to the gym and complete my run on a treadmill.  I had hoped to meet friends for a run outside, but after some car troubles kept me from that option, the idea of running alone in the ridiculous cold was too much.

I described my treadmill option as wimping out, but as I thought about it further, it actually made for a more challenging run in several ways.

1. Instead of just struggling to complete 8 miles outside last night I put in quality miles, running fartleks for 5.5 of my 8 miles.  It was a strong workout and I felt really good at the faster paces.

2. I RAN ON A TREADMILL FOR 8 MILES!  I have friends who have stated they would rather stick a fork in their eye than run on a treadmill.  My feelings are not quite so strong, but 65 minutes on a treadmill is not exactly my dream run. But the discipline required for that alone makes me feel like the mental workout may have been tougher than the physical last night.

3. The over-cologned man next to me for the middle 30 minutes of my run did not improve the air quality around me.  (I swear I think I am a magnet for these guys!)

So while I didn't tough it out and freeze my face, and other body parts, off last night, I would argue that running indoors may not be as wimpy as I thought.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Harder Better Faster Stronger

It's been at least 4 months since I have run more than more than 12 miles.  Fighting with a strained hamstring this fall, I decided to ease back on running and focus on getting that hammie feeling better.  As a result, as I began my training for the 2013 Boston Marathon, I have been determined to build back up slowly.

I have started to come to terms with the idea after I remembered my best Boston marathon came after my slowest start training for that race.  I was recovering from a stress fracture in my right foot the previous fall.  I went for my first 3 mile run Thanksgiving weekend that year and added miles cautiously.  Still feeling the disappointment of missing the New York City Marathon that year, I was determined to be healthy when I arrived at the starting line for Boston that spring.

Different injury, same plan.  I have been gradually building both my weekly mileage and long runs.  I've also been less concerned with pace than with how I (and specifically my hamstring) feel during a run.  I have been often running watchless, (which as a numbers geek basically feels like I'm naked) when running a familiar route, only concerned with enjoying my run.

Last week's 11 mile run was a blast.  I felt good before, during an after and had fun running with my pal Dale. Our pace was nothing special, but comfortable.  This weekend I planned for 13, my largest jump in mileage by far the last 6 weeks.  But the plan was fun and easy again, so the 2 mile increase seemed reasonable.

Again I ran with Dale.  He and I seem to have a good thing going.  He tells lots of stories and I laugh at his jokes.  Win-win.  We started out feeling pretty good, and as the first 2 miles are downhill, not surprisingly a bit fast.  But we never really slowed down.

"I think we're a bit faster than last week."

"How fast was that last mile?"

"We're on pace for a negative split."

"Are we done yet?"

Thirteen miles at a pace 19 seconds faster per mile than the week before.  And while it felt like a tougher run, it certainly was not bad.  Perhaps we were really coasting the week before.  Or really pushing it this week.  Or maybe a bit of each.  But I can't argue there was some improvement that occurred.

While my competitive side struggles to be patient and not run as far as everyone else in our group, seeing my own progress helps make it a little easier to swallow.  The miles will add up quickly, and in a few weeks I'll be wishing I was running "only" 13 miles. I'm keeping my eye on the prize - a healthy training season and successful race day.

In addition to training, I'm still fundraising as well.  If you'd like to donate, please visit http://alz.kintera.org/boston2013/runchrissyrun

Saturday, January 5, 2013

I'm back, Boston!

The greatest race with the greatest people for the greatest cause.  That's why I am running the 117th Boston Marathon this year.

After a brief hiatus, I'm back.  Last year I thought I'd change things up a bit and for the first time since I ran my first Boston Marathon in 2004 (and was not injured) chose to run a different spring marathon (or marathons as it turned out).  And although I remained involved and even trained with the team from the Alzheimer's Association, I missed being a part of the big day, even if it was 90+ degrees.

So it was a no-brainer for me to decide I wanted to run the marathon in 2013, and raise money for the Alzheimer's Association yet again, in honor of my grandfather, Felix Iovino.  For me, this year's race is all about having fun and raising a lot of money for an amazing organization.  

The having fun part will be easy.  I spent about 2 hours Saturday morning laughing with my running pal, Dale.  I didn't stress about the headwind or the sometimes icy, unshoveled roads slowing my pace.  And to be honest, I felt great the whole run.

The fundraising will be the tougher part, but just as rewarding as crossing the finish line on April 15th.  As this January is the 8th anniversary of my grandfather's death, I am pledging to raise $8000.  Donations to help me meet this goal can be made at http://alz.kintera.org/boston2013/runchrissyrun.

Looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead of me this winter.  And hoping for mild weather to get it all done!