"I'm never going to run this again" - Grete Waitz after the first of nine NYC Marathons.
I can tell you, from personal experience, that running a marathon is nothing less than complete and utter pain. Your entire body does not just hurt, it throbs. This includes (but is not limited to) your feet, shins, calf, knees, quads, hamstrings, glutes, lower back, upper back, shoulders and neck. And let's not forget the best part - the blisters, chafing and complete physical and mental exhaustion. So why do it? Because there is nothing else in the world more empowering than running 26.2 miles. You run through the pain because you know you can't quit - you use it to push you forward, knowing that it would be ridiculous to walk the last 3 miles when you've already finished 23.2.
I completed my first Marathon on September 11, 2011. My brother and I both ran the Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon in an attempt to qualify for the 2012 Boston Marathon. Although we both missed qualification by about 10 minutes, we made great time and physically left everything we had on the course (3:16:18 for Vinny, and 3:51:28 for me). As we lay on the ground post race (see photo on the right), Vinny vowed to never run a marathon again, however, I knew it would not be my last.
So, here we are again! On April 16, 2012 I will be running the Boston Marathon as a member of the Massachusetts General Hospital team. Our team's theme is "Fighting Kids' Cancer ... One Step at a Time," however, my personal reasons for running on the MGH team are a little closer to home: My mother. In 2005 my mother was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and immediately began treatments at Massachusetts General Hospital. Over the past 6 years, we have experienced a roller-coaster of successes and setbacks, but ultimately have come out on top: my mother was declared "in-remission" on November 11, 2011! Her victory could not have been reached without the MGH oncology team, who compassionately supported my mother and my family both physically and mentally. I am honored to be running the 2012 Boston Marathon for an organization who has given me and my family a priceless gift and I thank you in advance for your support and interest in my cause!
Over the next 4 months, I will be updating my blog on my training, dietary habits, injuries and the mental battles that I encounter. Please feel free to comment and thank you in advance for taking the time to read my story!
