Running Introduction

On April 16, 2012, I will be running the Boston Marathon on behalf of Massachusetts General Hospital. I am an avid runner and it has always been my dream to run Boston. However, as I think of the reasons why I am running this particular race, another story comes to mind. For 26.2 miles I will run for an organization who has saved the person that I love most in the world, my mother. Jan Mertz is my role model and best friend, and on April 16th, she will be my inspiration (follow the SPONSOR ME link to read the full story). My fund raising goal of $5,000.00 is not nearly enough to thank such an amazing hospital, but it is a start. Thank you in advance for your support and for reading my blog!!

Follow my blog for updates on my training schedule, energy-rich snacks and meals, but most of all, how to prepare mentally and physically for 26.2 miles!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

2012 Boston Marathon: CHECK!

I DID IT! Last Monday, April 16th, I completed the 116th Boston Marathon! It was far from ideal conditions, and the heat actually threw a huge wrench in my initial running plan (to beat my personal record), but I loved every minute of the marathon and cannot wait to run it again someday! In addition to receiving a LOVELY new metal to hang on my wall, I reached a new fundraising total (thanks to my generous friends who donated on race day). I have currently raised: $7,718.00! I'm not going to lie, completing the Boston Marathon is super cool, but raising that much money, and having that much support and love from family and friends truly makes me feel like a ROCK STAR!

This unfortunately will be my last post (this blog is about running the Boston Marathon after all), but please feel free to keep in touch via e-mail (valerie.valant@gmail.com). I have loved being able to share my journey with all of you and I hope you will also send me updates on your lives as they occur. Below is a recap of my "race day experience" as well as a few fun photos from the day (the 2nd to last is my favorite....note the completely exhaustion on my face!).

So, until the next Marathon adventure, PEACE, LOVE AND RUNNING!!!
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Race Day: The alarm went off at 5:05am and much to my surprise, I quickly hopped out of bed (I am not exactly a morning person!). I went to bed the night before at 9:30pm and had a great night sleep. I quickly pulled on my race day uniform, made some breakfast (bagel with peanut butter), grabbed my pre-packed bag and headed down Beacon Hill to our team bus (which was conveniently located 2 blocks from my house). At 6:00am sharp the bus pulled away and began the drive to Hopkinton. Let me tell you, this was one of the most entertaining and nerve racking parts of the day. Why you might ask? Well, has anyone every driven from Boston to Hopkinton? For those of you that have not, it's about a 45 minute drive, which is a LONG time to drive and an even LONGER time to run! It was at that point that we all took a deep breath, a big gulp and realized, this is the real deal....in a few short hours we will actually be RUNNING this route home!

We arrived at the MGH pre-race tent around 7:00am and were greeted by water, Gatorade, snacks and porta-potties galore! For those of you who read my 1st blog post on "marathon perks" you may remember my obsession with porta-potties. As any runner will tell you, there is nothing more satisfying on race day than an abundance of porta-potties (let's just leave it at that). After settling down, we had some time to kill since our wave (#3) did not head to the start line until 10:10am. We filled our time by decorating our shirts and bodies with sharpies, taking group pictures and completing a group stretch. Soon enough, it was 10:10am and we began walking the 0.7 miles to the Boston Marathon Start line! The crowd was very dense and the sun was already VERY hot. My teammates Delia and Dain and I passed the time by talking about our "race strategy." Basically we were all going to start running at our race pace and would adjust accordingly.

Well, for any of you who tracked me on Monday, you may have noticed that it did not take long for me to "adjust accordingly." I have run in the heat before, and know some decent tips to keep cool while running (wear a hat, splash yourself with water, etc), but Marathon Monday was pretty miserable. I think part of the problem was that for the past 4 months we had been training in snow, rain and overall cold conditions. We were not used to running in shorts let alone in 86 degrees! I felt the effects very quickly into the first 5K. I began running the race at an 8:30 min/mile pace but around mile 6 started feeling lightheaded and tired. It was at that point that I had a little mental fight with myself: This heat is absolutely horrible, I do not want to run ANOTHER 20 miles in these conditions and overall, I am NOT having fun. My counter-argument: Really Valerie? You're running THE BOSTON MARATHON! Sure, the heat sucks, but what are you going to do about it, drop out at mile 6? Get over it, enjoy the experience and stop being a baby! My counter-argument won this battle and I decided to slow my pace (10:30 min/mile) and enjoy the amazing race that I was so fortunate to be experiencing!

The Boston Marathon is truly an experience! The race course was filled with spectators along every inch of the 26.2 mile course and the spectators even became 4-5 people deep at some spots. During the residential towns of Ashland, Framingham and Natick, families were handing out a WIDE array of snacks for runners, which included pretzels, Twizzlers, freeze-pops, water, Gatorade, and my personal favorite, ORANGE SLICES! I usually do not like eating while I run, but holy moly, those orange slices were absolutely heavenly. But even better than the snacks were the water hoses and ICE! Almost every 0.25 miles (or more) you could find a garden hose, open fire-hydrant, sprinkler, or kids with super-soakers that were ready and willing to cool you down. I honestly felt like a little kid playing around my backyard, running in and out of the sprinklers. The pro: I was cool and wet the entire race. The con: my sneakers and socks were SOAKED! I luckily did not get any blisters, but I know quite a few runners who had some nice battle wounds to show off the next day. Also, having ice on the race course literally saved my life. I was handed a zip-lock baggie of ice around mile 12 and kept refilling it during the race for a constant supply of ice cubes that I would both chomp on and put in my sports-bra (which I must say is a GENIUS way to keep cool)!

Feeling great, I entered into Wellesley where I encountered the "screaming tunnel" of Wellesley girls! Talk about GIRL POWER! Since I had my name on my jersey, I received lots of personal shout-outs, screams of motivation and high-fives. I received similar enthusiasm as I ran through Boston College (mile 22ish) and Boston University (mile 24ish), but the BEST motivation came at Mile 20! It was here that I was greeted by the MGH Marathon Team cheering squad and my family! Below is a picture of my reunion with my Aunt Susan and grandparents, as noted by my attacking hug, I was very excited to see them.

Photo 1: The MGH Marathon Team party at Mile 20! My grandparents and Aunt Susan were awaiting my arrival, and as a thank you for their cheering efforts, I gave them all a nice wet hug :)

After a quick jog up heartbreak hill (mile 21) I was greeted by one of my best friends (Leigh!) who gave me a quick pep-talk as I ran through Boston College. After giving about a zillion high-fives and receiving some VERY enthusiastic cheers from the BC kids, I headed into Brookline and was greeted by another group of friends! My girlfriends Liz, Bethany and Katie were awaiting me at mile 23 and cheered me onward as I entered the last 3 miles! It was at this point that I began to get really excited. My legs were tired, but I was feeling great mentally! A HUGE part of what kept my excitement was knowing that I had another 2 groups of cheering squads at miles 25 and 26! My boyfriend and friends had made a HUGE "RUN VAL RUN" poster which awaited me at mile 25 and my mom, brother and co-workers awaited me at mile 26! However, by mile 26 I was tired. Luckily, I had convinced my brother to run the last 0.25 miles to Boylston St with me. In typical competitive, younger-brother fashion, I got a "suck it up, stop being a baby, you're almost there, push through the pain, it's not that bad" speech as we ran the last bit. Finally, I turned onto Boyslton St to run the last 0.37 miles and complete the Boston Marathon! See photo below:

Photo 2: I just turned onto Boylston St for the final 0.37 miles to the finish line....I was SO excited and COMPLETELY exhausted!

Crossing the finish line felt AMAZING both for the realization that I had completed this race in crazy conditions and because I knew I could finally stop running. See photo below:

Photo 3: FINISHED! I received a lovely "reflective" blanket and a SWEET metal, which naturally meant a photo opportunity!

After the race, I made my way to the FitCorp Fitness Center where I had an AMAZING shower and met my friends and family for a post-race party hosted by the MGH Marathon team! After receiving my complementary massage, I made my way home for an afternoon of lounging: napping, pizza and tv.

To recap: I ran the Boston Marathon and CANNOT wait to do it again! I had an absolutely amazing day and felt more love and support than I knew what to do with. I love running, but more than anything, love knowing that in running this race, I have been able to connect and share my passions with my family and friends. So, to everyone who tracked me, donated to my fundraising efforts, read my e-mails, or liked my numerous facebook updates, thank you - your encouragement means more than you will ever know.

Love, Valerie

Sunday, April 15, 2012

13 HOURS UNTIL THE 116th BOSTON MARATHON!

Hello family, friends and fellow runners!

As I sit here in my bed, 13 hours before the start of my 1st Boston Marathon, I am thinking about the challenge that lies ahead of me. Tomorrow, after waking up at 5:00am, I will head to Hokpinton, MA via bus. At 10:10am, I will exit the Athletes' Village and walk 0.7 miles to the Boston Marathon starting line. By that point, the elite women (starting at 9:30am) and the elite men (starting at 10:00am) will already be on their way to Boston. At 10:40, I will cross the starting line and begin my journey. From Hopkinton, I will run through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and finally enter into Boston. Over those 26.2 miles, I will have net elevation drop of about 500 ft, and encounter both uphill and downhill regions that are notoriously known by runners worldwide - ex: heartbreak hill. Also, to top it all off, it will be a high of 87 degrees tomorrow.

Wow. I have a wide variety of feelings going through my head. I'm nervous for a new course, anxious for the pain that I know my body will feel and scared for the heat. But most of all, I am EXCITED. Despite the pain, weather and course (which is known by many as the world's most challenging marathon), tomorrow I know that I will be running THE Boston Marathon. Even more exciting, I am running on the 30th anniversary of women running as well as the 15th anniversary of the MGH Marathon Team. The Boston Marathon is not just a race, it is truly an experience, and I plan on enjoying every single step.

So to end my pre-race post, I want send out a final thank you. Currently, I have raised $7,608.00 and have already received numerous texts, e-mails and facebook posts from friends and family wishing me good luck for tomorrow. I cannot tell you how much this means to me and I promise that tomorrow, when I think I can't go any further, when I am cursing myself for signing up for such a physically exhausting and painful race, I will be thinking of every single one of you and will remind myself that I cannot let myself and my fans down :)

Peace, Love and RUNNING!

Valerie

Friday, April 13, 2012

3 Days to GO: 84 Degrees? REALLY WEATHER?!

Check out this forecast for Marathon Monday...84 degrees and partly cloudy! Granted, for those of you who have been checking the weather daily (as a certain blog writer/runner has been doing), you know that the predictions for Marathon Monday have ranged from 65-85 degrees and have included sunny, partly cloudy and isolated thunder storms. Needless to say, I am very anxious to see what the weather on Marathon Monday will actually have in store for the 27,000 runners headed for a nice little 26.2 mile jog! For anyone running, or spectating (which is a whole sport in itself) be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and be aware of the warning signs for heat stroke, heat exhaustion and heat cramping (which include dizziness, chills or nausea while running).

I had a nice little 3 mile jog yesterday and will run another 2-3 today. Tomorrow I am resting and enjoying myself at the Running Expo and then a little pasta dinner and RACE DAY!

Remember to set up your AT&T Athlete Alert if you haven't already done so (text RUNNER to 345678 - my bib# is 25476) and let me know where you'll be standing on race day.

Peace, Love and RUNNING!

Valerie

Thursday, April 12, 2012

4 Days to go: MARATHON MOTIVATION!

Kenyan Caroline Kilel winning the 2011 Boston Marathon women's race (2:22:36):

What I tell myself on days I don't want to get out of bed:







Truth:

My all time FAVORITE quote:



Bring it on Marathon Monday!


Peace, Love and RUNNING!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

5 Days to Go: MGH MARATHON TEAM JERSEY!

Check me outtttt!!!!




If you're planning on watching the Marathon, PLEASE e-mail or text me your estimated location so I can be on the lookout as I am SPRINTING for the finish line :) Also, don't forget to track me on your cell phone so you know when I'll be approaching (cow bells, blow-horns and excessive screaming will be very much appreciated)!

I LOVE TAPERING


A few of you have asked what my "training" regiment is for my week leading up to race day, well let me tell you, it is WONDERFUL. I think I may run marathons for the taper week. Not to brag, but I can run 2 or 3 miles in my sleep, so the fact that these are my "training" runs is heavenly. Below is my training schedule

Monday - 3 miles
Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 2 miles (WALK)
Thursday - 3 miles
Friday - 3 miles
Saturday - REST (1-2 mile walk)
Sunday - 2 miles (EASY), stretch, rest
Monday - RACE DAY: 26.2 from Hopkinton to Boston!

The point of the taper week is to keep your body loose while cutting back on distance and intensity. All of my runs will be at an 8:20 min/mile pace or LESS and will be accompanied by a lot of stretching. I am also hydrating like a camel - water and mango ZICO coconut water are my new best friends! For food, I am keeping pretty normal to my regular diet (nutritious and healthy), and staying clear of fatty foods. Starting on Friday I will begin the infamous carbo load (another reason why I love marathon running!) of pasta, potatoes and rice! I will add in veggies and protein, but will make carbs be my priority for lunch and dinner.

Keep up with me this week as I blog about my: MGH Marathon Team Jersey, Pre-Race jitters, Pre-Race Pasta Dinner and of course, one last final blog about RACE DAY!

Peace, Love and RUNNING!

Monday, April 9, 2012

How To: AT&T Athlete Alert (Bib #25476)


Good Morning!!!

With only ONE WEEK until Marathon Monday, I thought I'd share the AT&T Athlete Alert instructions with you. This wonderful tracking system will provide you with 4 updates during my race, so whether you're wondering when to head over to Boylston St or keeping track from Dallas, now everyone will know EXACTLY where I am!!!

Instructions below:

AT&T and the Boston Marathon are proud to introduce the AT&T Athlete Alert for the 2012 Boston Marathon. Whether you want updates on top runners leading this year's race, or want to track the progress of your friends and family as they make their way from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, the AT&T Athlete Alert is the easiest way for you to stay up on the latest from the 2012 Boston Marathon.
Beginning on March 20, there will be three different ways to sign up for the AT&T Athlete Alert.

Please note that you will need an athlete’s bib number to register:

* TEXT - Simply text the word RUNNER to 345678 using your US mobile phone. You will then receive an sms text response with instructions on how to submit a runner’s bib number. (You will be opted in to receive 4 messages during the race. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel, Text HELP for help. This program is available on the following carriers: AT&T, Boost, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and Verizon Wireless.)

* EMAIL - Continue to the registration page for the AT&T Athlete Alert on the race website. Sign-up using your mobile phone number for SMS text message updates, or by entering an email address for email updates. Click here to sign up now.

* ONSITE - If you prefer to register in person or have any questions, representatives will be available in the Bib Number Pick-Up area at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo on Friday, April 13, from 2:00pm-7:00pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, from 9:00am-6:00pm.

If you register a mobile phone online, you will receive a message asking you to confirm your intention to receive updates from the 2012 Boston Marathon AT&T Athlete Alert. Once you’ve completed registration for AT&T Athlete Alert, you will receive text updates courtesy of AT&T and the Boston Marathon when your runner has crossed the following points on the course:

10K
Half-Marathon
30K
Finish

Registration through the BAA website will close on Sunday, April 15th, at 6:00pm. However, AT&T is pleased to announce that registration via mobile phone text messaging (for US mobile phones only) will remain open during the marathon.


Peace, Love and RUNNING!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

YOU GO GIRL!


Hello Friends!

With only 12 days until the 116th Boston Marathon (AH!) I want to blog quickly on what has been motivating me recently. As a "seasoned" marathon runner (this is my 2nd) I can tell you that it is about this time that running gets tedious and often feels like a chore. Imagine you finish a busy day at work (even got out a little late), you didn't get your full 8 hours of sleep, and you need to grocery shop, make dinner and pay bills all before you go to bed. The last thing you want to do is run, right? That's the same way I feel, except, I HAVE to run. The most important part of marathon training is consistency, which means I have to get on my sneakers, stop complaining and run.

Yesterday was particularly bad. I left work at 6:30p and was super grouchy that I had stayed so late, tired from looking at the computer all day, and mad that the sun was going to set in an hour. I got home and had a letter waiting for me from the parents of my childhood friend. Inside was a donation towards my race and a note that had one sentence: You go girl!

I looked in the mirror and smiled. Why was I so grouchy? It was a beautiful day, I was going to run on the Charles River and I have more support and love than I know what to do with! I then went for an AMAZING 7 mile run to Harvard and back, which I ran at a comfortable 8:10 min/mile pace!

I don't know what motivates you to run, but for me, it is knowing that I am running to train for the Boston Marathon, running to honor my mom, and running to better myself! I saw this NPR article last night and wanted to pass it along to my readers. It is about Katherine Switzer, the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon in 1967 (unofficially). She started a revolution for women runners and helped campaign to include the women's marathon in the Olympic games. YOU GO GIRL!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/04/02/149876890/photo-the-first-woman-to-enter-the-boston-marathon?sc=fb&cc=fp

Peace, Love and RUNNING!