Dedicated mile: Mile 2 "Honey's mile"

Honey

Ahhh...mile 2. From what I recall the second mile continues the downhill trend towards Boston with a few rolling hills to give the quadriceps a reprieve.  This second mile is dedicated to sweet Honey pictured above. Look at that adorable face!

Honey was a labrador x Pit bull cross that was fortunate enough to have hopped a fence and land in my friend Vince's yard. I have no doubt that it was love at first sight. She was officially adopted shortly after from the Santa Clara shelter where she lived a long and happy live with her "paw-rents."

Per Vince: She liked walks, "de-stuffing" stuffed dog toys, belly rubs and lying on the rug next to her mom & dad :)

NOTE: This is obviously not Honey

Honey was not a fan of the UPS driver.

Vince also says that she had a habit of passing gas and then leaving the room...but I think we know who the REAL culprit was, don't we Vince?

Here's to Honey and mile 2!

Dedicated mile: Mile 1

Kyra, Cyrus, Circe & Belle

Only 5 more days until Marathon monday...eek! FIVE more days. Training up to taper has been good but I had a minor tweak with some calf issues causing forced rest or rather no running until marathon weekend. Things are feeling good, however, and I am feeling good about April 15th.

When I first asked for donations for my Boston marathon charity bib to benefit the Animal Rescue League of Boston I stated that the first 25 people to donate $50 or more could dedicate a mile to a loved one.

And mile one is dedicated to.....(drumroll please)....

Cyrus (human), Circe, Kyra, Belle, Frisky & Chipper

Frisky & Chipper

I have known the Rapoza family for the last 4 years as they are frequent social visitors to the clinic on their afternoon walkies.

I have a special fondness for Belle who looks a lot like our chihueagle Toffee. Belle has had a history of being on the run - she is an amazing runner! It is for this reason that I will definitely keep her in my mind along my 26.2 mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston!

Belle is also a very good sleeper...

Five more days...

Hopkinton to Heartbreak 2013

On Saturday, March 23rd I ran my third and final 20 miler in preparation for the Boston Marathon. Next to marathon day itself this is one of my favorite days because it is like a "mini" or "local" Boston marathon rehearsal. It seems like all of the locals who are training for the "big day" are lining the streets from Hopkinton to Heartbreak hill getting in their final long run.

Besides having cheering and water every few miles and the amazing camaraderie of fellow runners, running from Hopkinton to Heartbreak hill is a great way to prep your legs for the downhill of the first 14 miles followed by the uphill of the next six.

This year I did not bring my camera to document the last 20 miler but here is a video from the same run that I did back in 2010. All in all it was a great day and I have a very good run. Very good in my books = minimal gastrointestinal distress and good energy/little soreness throughout the run.

Enjoy!



...also please stay tuned for posts of my marathon "dedicated miles"....