Hay is in the barn

The long miles have been logged, the body fueled and now it is time to rest. With 14 days until race day, I have just a few short runs left and my primary job is to get to the start line confident in my training and uninjured. I suspect my family and co-workers would add sane to that list but with so little exercise happening over the next 2 weeks, it is likely that I will be a little cranky.

I ran my last long run, a 20 miler last weekend. The run went VERY well. I finished feeling that I had another 6-10 miles left in my legs and ran the 9:40 pace that I had set as the goal for the run. The weather was perfect for running and I picked a fairly challenging course with nice long uphill and downhill sections of 2-4 miles each way. I finished the 20 miles in 3hrs 17 minutes - faster than I have done before despite the conservative training run pace.

A few weeks ago, I ran at the New Bedford half-marathon and knocked 3 minutes off of my half-marathon personal record. I am hoping that I have a chance to knock some time off on the Boston Marathon course this year.

I have also passed my initial $10,000 goal and raised my sights to the $12,000 mark. If you are reading this and have not donated, take a moment to ask yourself why - why pass up the chance to help someone find or stay housed? $5, $25, $50, $500...any amount makes a difference.

A few closing notes: 1. we'll be celebrating my 34th birthday on Tuesday - and I look forward to diving into some ice cream cake - especially after being hungry for much of Passover! 2. The last day to purchase raffle tickets and win coffee for a year from Peet's (West Coast folks - you could use this too!), JP Licks gift card, American Express gift card or items autographed by Ryan and Sara Hall is FRIDAY, APRIL 16th at 5pm. Tickets are $2/each or 6 for $10

Raffle Time

I am 88% of the way to my $10,000 fundraising goal with five and a half weeks until race day. This week, I have started selling raffle tickets for $2/each or 6 for $10. The drawing will take place the evening before the marathon as friends and family dine on the traditional pasta and sauce. I encourage everyone to purchase tickets by e-mailing me, leaving a comment on the blog or donating through my firstgiving page and leaving "Raffle" in the comment section. The prizes are:

$50 American Express giftcard
$25 J.P. Licks Ice Cream gift certificate
Free Peet's coffee for 1 year (2 of them!)
Boston Marathon Vest autographed by Olympic Marathoner Ryan Hall and Sara Hall
John Hancock Turtleneck autographed by Olympic Marathoner Ryan Hall and Sara Hall


My goal is to knock out the final $1299 in fundraising by March 31st and raise my goal heading into in final stretch in April. This raffle is a great way to help me meet that goal and win some fun things along the way!

Thanks to Ryan and Sara Hall

I want to take a moment to thank Ryan and Sara Hall for donating items to raise money for Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership. These items, donated through the Hall Steps Foundation will allow MBHP provide outstanding service to thousands of low-income folks throughout the Greater Boston area. On April 19th, we will be one small step closer to ending homelessness 26.2 miles at a time thanks to their generosity!

Stay tuned for auction and raffle details!