I got an email a little while back from a person on the DFMC team asking if I would be interested in using his coaching services to coach me for the marathon. The email entailed the information below:
I’m already very impressed with your fundraising and training efforts. I take it this is your first marathon?
Anyway, I wanted to extend myself to you. I assist Jack with the coaching of the DFMC team. This will be my sixth year on the team and I believe I am an accomplished marathoner. I have successfully completed 26 marathons in 21 different states. I am also a certified running coach with the RRCA. I am in the midst of running a marathon in every state in my lifetime.
Anyway, I want to work with you on training and running this Boston Marathon. My philosophy is simple - keep runners healthy so they run the best possible race they are capable of on 4/21/14.
Why you – two reasons – enthusiasm and WANTING IT. I can teach a lot about running but wanting to succeed comes from inside. You have it!
Let me know if you are interested.
I said yes! I would be honored! I met with him this morning at the group run. We ran 16 miles together and he emailed me a training plan. During the run we talked about the Boston Marathon, techniques to boost my endurance, and diet tips.
This was my first time running 16 miles and it was enjoyable running with someone who has so much passion and knowledge for and about running.
Before the group run, I got presented with a couple of gifts and honors since I reached the $8,000 mark for my fundraising. I received a pair of running gloves, a patch to wear on my singlet at the Boston Marathon, my name will be on the fundraising map for the DFMC team, and I will be recognized on Marathon weekend. I thought this was pretty awesome!
This afternoon, I got a chance to finally meet my patient partner, Kiera. She is 5 years old and has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. I met her and her family at the Patient Partner meet up party at the Inn at Longwood in the hospital area of Boston. When I was in California last week, I picked her up a couple of gifts from Disneyland. Since, I know she likes Cinderella, I picked her up a beaded crown, a necklace, and an activity book all featuring Cinderella. We talked about school, her favorite color, and we played tag. I had a great time meeting her. I will see her on February 11th before she goes to the Jimmy Fund for treatment. I am looking forward to it!
