4/18/16 – Mission Accomplished!

First and foremost, THANK YOU for all the love, support, encouragement, and donations!  I ran for Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children and together we raised a boat load of money for a wonderful cause. My $5,000 required minimum was met only a few days before the marathon. Phew ~~ that was a major relief!!! Team Tufts MC collectively raised over $330K!!!!

Glen & Jeannine

I ran this marathon in memory of a dear friend & neighbor, Glen Briley.  Glen, only 44 years young, left us far too soon this past December. He passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack, and his loss is one that I will carry with me for many years. Glen loved life and seized every moment to be with family and friends. It’s been a major factor in making me realize that I need to live every day of my life to the fullest. He will be greatly missed!! I pray everyday for my friend Jeannine knowing the road ahead of her is not an easy one. Many times in training and during the marathon when I thought I couldn’t go any further, I would think of her and say to myself … push through it …this pales in comparison to what she has to endure.  Love you Jeannine! ❤️

Thank you to all the people in my life who helped make this day happen.  You all somehow supported and inspired me to cross that finish line.  You know who you are, but some deserve a special mention!

My husband and kids for once again putting up with me and everything that comes along with marathon training!  Ashley & Michael … I hope this inspires you to DREAM BIG!  Know that you are capable of achieving anything if you put your mind to it!  Mark … marriage is like a marathon if you think about it … it takes dedication, commitment, endurance and hard work to continue on the journey in life together!! Anyone who says otherwise has not been married long enough or is simply not being honest.  I love you with all my heart!

Ashley, Mark & Michael in Natick @ 10 miles.

My Mom & Shelly … you are my rock!  I wouldn’t be where I am today without you both!  Thank you for everything that you do!

Mom & Shelly a/k/a best parents EVER!

My Aunt Carolann, who was by far my biggest cheerleader along this journey and wanted so desperately to be there on Marathon Monday, but couldn’t due to a furry family sickness. Stay strong Mickey! 🐾  Love you both to pieces!

 

Katie, Charla, and Camila ~ my training buddies for 4+ months ~ you ladies absolutely ROCK!  You pushed me when I thought I couldn’t go any further.  We have so many great memories together and we are now friends for life!  Love you ladies!

Katie, Me, Charla & Camila

Coaches Rick, Greg , Paul & Cara … for all your pep talks prior to our training runs, and all your advice on marathon training!

Alana – for volunteering your time and wanting to be out on the course EVERY week no matter what the weather … ALWAYS with a warm smile!  Keep running happy!

~ MARATHON DAY RECAP ~

So it was definitely not the goal time I was hoping for, but I finished my 2nd Boston Marathon in 4:42:30 ~~ a PR 9 seconds faster than Boston 2014!  I really thought I was ready for a big PR, but the weather did not cooperate, plus I had some stomach issues along the way. All weekend I was trying to convince myself that it was not going to be too warm and that I love the sun and warmer temps. But starting in Hopkinton at 70+ degrees and full sun was not a good recipe for running a marathon. I was sweating just walking to the corrals.

The first 4 miles or so I tried to hold on to a 9:30 pace, but I quickly realized that it was too hot and sunny for me to maintain that pace for 22 more miles. I enjoyed the race. I high-fived kids along the way. I read people’s signs, I chatted with other runners, mostly about the heat. I heard the women of Wellesley before I even saw them. I saw my Sole Sisters Jenn and Janice at mile 10 who provided me with frozen sponges to keep cool.  Sole Sisters ROCK!  I stopped to hug and chat with my family at mile 10 and again at mile 20 right before heading up Heartbreak Hill.

Other than seeing family and friends, my favorite parts were running past BC, Fenway and of course the Finish!  The crowds there are by far the biggest and loudest.  At about mile 25.5 just before the Boston Strong bridge I saw Alana and I stopped (more like fell into her arms) and gave her a big hug.  On the other side of that bridge, you see Hereford Street. Right on Hereford, left on Boylston! The finish line is in sight, however .25 miles away.

Running Boston is about taking it all in, enjoying the crowds and runners. I’m so proud to be from an amazing city that truly shines on Marathon Monday.  I am Boston Strong! 💙💛

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

 

4/16-17/16 – Marathon Weekend!

After work on Friday, Ashley and I headed over to Marathon Sports on Boylston Street so that I could buy my Boston Marathon storm jacket.  Just so happens we were there for the moment of silence at 2:49 PM in honor of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.  It was surreal to stand there with so many others thinking that 3 years ago at that exact moment in time, a bomb went off and changed so many lives forever. To listen to the church bells ring sent shivers down my spine.

Ashley and I then walked over to the Hynes to pick up my bib at the expo.  We walked around for a while and  I also got a free taste of the Sam Adams 26.2 brew … YUM!  Looking forward to more that tomorrow!!!

Last night was the Marathon Coalition pasta party at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston.

Now here I sit writing my last blog before the 120th Boston Marathon.  It’s hard to believe all the months of training are now coming to an end.  I’ve had so many moments today that I’ve stopped and said outloud “Holy crap … I’m running the Boston Marathon tomorrow!”  This is it … when I wake up tomorrow morning, it’s GO TIME!  Tomorrow at 11:15 AM, we will line up at the starting line and begin our 26.2 mile journey to the finish line on Boylston Street.  It’s going to be an emotional day for many!  I’m ready!!

Thank you to everyone for joining my 26.2 mile journey for Team Tufts.  Thank you to all those who have donated!!!!  As of this past Friday, I have raised $5,050!

If you’d like to track me during the marathon, text “RUNNER” to 234567, then enter my bib number ~ 27747.  You can also download the BAA Marathon App. My wave starts at 11:15AM.

Thank you again and GO TEAM TUFTS!!!!

Let’s do this!

4/12/16 – T-minus 6 days!!!!

I cannot even begin to tell you how over-the-top excited I am for next Monday!  I have been living and breathing this marathon for the past 4 1/2 months and now it’s here. Hearing it on the radio, seeing it on TV, seeing all the media posts on FaceBook, I want to crawl out of my skin!  I don’t know if I can make it until next Monday!

I’m only $300 away from my fundraising goal!  Please join my journey to the finish line and make a donation today!  Click on the “Donate Now” tab!

Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported me along this amazing journey, especially my family for putting up with all that goes with marathon training!

IT’S GO TIME!

4/9-10/16 – Last Team Training Run & BAA Packet Stuffing

A marathon is hundreds of miles.  The finish is the last 26.2!

Yesterday was our last training run with the Marathon Coalition as a team.  Thank you to my Saturday morning rock stars  … Katie, Charla and Camila ~ you ladies are absolutely awesome!! Our next run together will be on Marathon Monday!  It’s going to be AMAZING!  It’s bittersweet when you spend every Saturday together for 4 months and it comes to an end.  However, the friends I’ve made during training have become lifelong friends!  I’m already looking forward to our GNO in May!

Thank you Coaches Rick, Greg, Paul & Cara!!!

Today (Sunday), I spent my morning at Gentle Giant warehouse in Wilmington stuffing packets that the runners will receive at the expo next weekend.  This was my third year volunteering!  So much fun!

4/8/16 – Check Out Runner Doreen Cronin!

Hey … I was featured on Tufts Medical Center’s website today!  Everyday, a team member gets featured … today was my lucky day!  Happy Friday!  We are officially in the final countdown … only 10 days left??!!!

I’m still $722 away from my fundraising goal of $5,000.  Please consider joining my journey to the finish line and make a donation to Tufts MC today!  Making a donation is quick and easy.  Just click the “Donate Now” tab!

 

 

4/3/16 “LAST” Long Training Run

The only time to ever look back is to see how far you’ve come!!

16 wet miles done yesterday morning!! My last long run before Marathon Monday (I feel like I said that last week). We were scheduled for 12 miles but I had to make up some miles and I knew I didn’t want to be running today in the snow(!!??!!!). I have a new appreciation for Sundays; the rest day after our long runs ~~ Some of the most important training days are rest days!!!

We were asked to “Light It Up Blue,” yesterday as April 2nd is annually observed and dedicated to raising awareness of autism.

And … is it a coincidence that they unveiled the “Boston Strong” tribute on the overpass just past Kenmore Square yesterday, and we all wore our blue “Boston Strong” shirts?!?!!!! Things that make you go …. hmmm!

Race day is around the corner (only 15 days away!!!) and I’m beside myself excited. I’m so ready! That’s what 18 weeks of training with the Marathon Coalition will do.  I feel very fortunate to have Coach Rick Muhr and all of the other Marathon Coalition coaches ~ Greg, Paul and Cara. They have collectively helped me stay focused, in check and motivated for the big day. It’s been a great journey so far and the best has yet to come. I can’t wait to see them all on Marathon Monday, whether it’s at the start, mile 15, the finish or at the Westin for the post-race celebration! It’s sure to be an amazing, emotional day!!!

Here are some fun facts:

15 = days left till Marathon Monday

26.2 = miles in a marathon (believe it or not, some people don’t know this)

59 = number of wonderful people who have already made a donation to Tufts MC

62 = number of times I have run during my training

164 = miles I ran in March alone (the most I’ve ever run in one month)!!

494.7 = total miles I have run during my marathon training!

793 = amount I still need to raise to hit my fundraising goal

5,000 = my fundraising goal

For those considering a donation or those who have already donated and wonder how your donation will help others, check out this video made by a fellow Team Tufts MC runner.

If you haven’t already made a donation, go ahead, make my day!!! 😉
Click on the “DONATE NOW” tab.

Carpe Diem! Only 19 Days Left!

Carpe Diem ~ only 19 days left until Marathon Monday!!

17 weeks of hard training … DONE! This past Saturday was my “dress rehearsal,” my last, long training run before the marathon. I ran 22 of the 26.2 miles I will run on Marathon Monday!!! I have some minor injuries, but nothing that will stop me from crossing that finish line!!! I have now entered what’s called “taper madness.” A time to heal and let my body recover. I’ll still be running, but only to maintain what I’ve built up.

Now I need to focus my attention on reaching my fundraising goal. I still need to raise $1,213 to reach my fundraising goal of $5,000. That’s where all of you come in!!

If you’ve been thinking about making a donation but haven’t had the chance … carpe diem!

Please join my journey TODAY and MAKE A DONATION by clicking on the DONATE NOW tab. That will bring you directly to my fundraising page where you can contribute by credit/debit card. However, if you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to “Tufts Medical Center” and send it directly to: Attn: TEAM TUFTS MC, Tufts Medical Center Trust, 800 Washington Street, Box 231, Boston, MA 02111. Please be sure to include my name on the memo line of your check.

All my best,
Doreen

3/26/16 – LAST crazy long run!

22 miles in the bank and 22 days left!!!

Yesterday was incredible!!  It was my “dress rehearsal,” my last, long training run before the marathon.  I ran 22 of the 26.2 I will run on Marathon Monday and I feel STRONG!!!  Today, on the other hand, I’m feeling really sore … the good kind of sore!!

Yesterday was the day most charity runners and running clubs do their last crazy long (21 miles) training run on the Boston Marathon course from Hopkinton to Heartbreak. It was amazing to see over 2,000 runners training on the course, some dressed as bunnies.

It’s taper time!

3/19/16 – Training Run #15, etc.

Saturday called for 13 miles. My running mates were all running the Ashland Half, but I decided to run on the course instead. I ended up running 14 because I had some miles to make up for the week. It was cold! ❄️❄️❄️ We were spoiled last week with the warm temps.  Not an easy run but I got it done.  We also had a guest speaker who talked about nutrition before, during and after the marathon.  I’m trying to upload it but I’m having technical difficulties.  As soon as I figure it out, I’ll post it.  It will benefit all those training for marathons.

Saturday night was also Katie’s Team Tufts Thank-You and St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!  Lots of fun!  I even won a door prize for Cold Stone Creamery, and the 50/50 raffle, which I will be donating to my personal Tufts fundraiser.

Today (Monday), I went on a really cool “field trip.” Ashley had a snow day so she came into town with a friend and met me at work. We took the subway over to Copley because they wanted to walk Newbury Street. Once there I told them I wanted to make a pitstop at Marathon Sports for a few things. Of course I couldn’t resist getting a picture at the finish line (no, I didn’t cross it)!  Pretty soon it will be sporting a fresh coat of paint!!

We then walked down to the adidas Runbase store. I hadn’t had the opportunity to go since they opened. OMG!  When I walked up to that store, a wave of emotion come over me. It really hit me that 4 weeks from TODAY, my final journey to Boston will begin and end. This store is SOOO cool if you’re a runner and marathoner. They have a ton of memorabilia about the Boston Marathon. One display even had our singlet from the 2014 One Fund Boston Team.  What an honor it was to be a part of that team!!!

They also have a model of the entire course with elevation , and the story behind the Unicorn which I often wondered about.

THE UNICORN ~ Chosen by the founding members of the Boston Athletic Association in 1887 — ten years prior to the inaugural Boston Marathon — the Unicorn is believed to have been chosen as the organization’s symbol due to its place in mythology. In Chinese and other mythologies, the Unicorn represents an ideal: something to pursue, but which can never be caught. In pursuit of the Unicorn, however, athletic competitors can approach excellence (but never fully achieve it). It is this pursuit to push oneself to his or her own limit and to the best of one’s ability which is at the core of athletics. And for this reason, as the marathon matured, that the B.A.A. also decided that the Unicorn would be the appropriate symbol for the marathon” – per Boston Athletic Association.

Really cool place to visit if you’re a runner!!

20 miles on tap for Saturday!! We get bused out to Hopkinton and run from the Start to Heartbreak Hill!!!

“You Don’t Have to be Big to be Strong”

Only 30 days left until Marathon Monday and I still have $1,584 to raise for Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children.

Your donations help support the doctors, nurses, and miracle workers at Tufts Medical Center as they continue their work to provide care to patients, and perform groundbreaking research.

I dare you to watch the following video about the children at Floating Hospital and not have it tug on your heartstrings. THIS is why I run:

Please MAKE A DONATION by clicking on “DONATE NOW” tab.  That will bring you directly to my fundraising page where you can contribute by credit/debit card.  However, if you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to “Tufts Medical Center” and send it directly to:  Attn: TEAM TUFTS MC, Tufts Medical Center Trust, 800 Washington Street, Box 231, Boston, MA 02111.  Please be sure to include my name on the memo line of your check.

Thank you all who have already made a donation!!!  Please feel free to share this letter with anyone who might be inclined to help. Every contribution will have an impact, will be acknowledged personally by me, and will be appreciated by so many.

All my best,
Doreen