Half Way Home

Now into the ninth (of 18) week of training, and I am half way home. Last Saturday, I did my scheduled 13 miles (and added another 0.1 mi just to make it a ‘full half’ marathon), at a pace of 11:57/mile – not too shabby for a senior citizen who can only walk! If I can keep up that pace for the full Marathon, I will blow away my personal record by about 10 minutes. I can dream, can’t I? Since Boston is a ‘downhill’ course – the profile shows a net loss of just over 400 ft in elevation (but let’s ignore those pesky uphill sections, especially from mile 16 to 21!) – maybe I will have a chance. Unlike a runner, though, I can’t really pick up speed on the downhill parts. On the other hand, I don’t seem to lose a lot on uphill stretches, which helps some.

Just as importantly, I have also just passed the half way mark toward my goal of $10,000 for Dana-Farber. For anyone who would like to support my efforts, perhaps in honor of a family member or friend who has recovered from cancer, in memory of one who succumbed to this terrible disease, or just to support me, you can make an on-line donation by going to http://www.runDFMC.org/2010/alanc/ If you would rather write a check, make it out to Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, and mail it to me at 541 McCormick Avenue, State College, PA 16801. I will forward it promptly to the folks at the Institute. Every dollar helps to support brilliant scientists who continue to make significant strides toward a world without cancer.

In central Pennsylvania, we haven’t been hit as hard with as much snow as some areas to our south and east. But I measured 14-21” at various places in our yard last Saturday, and as I write I can look out at more flakes coming down to add to the 5” or so we have had already today. Needless to say, this poses some considerable training challenges, as roads and sidewalks, if folks clear them the way they are supposed to do, will still be icy and slick. We are looking at lighter snowfall each day until at least the weekend, so I must figure out alternative ways of getting in the miles. Going round in circles on an indoor track gets pretty boring after 3-4 miles. Haven’t tried a treadmill, but may have to check it out at a local club. It’s not the temperatures that concern me – anything down to almost zero is really quite pleasant after the first ¼ mile or so when I am warmed up – but the footing. A broken bone or a severe sprain at this stage of training would not be good!

My excitement continues to build, as I look forward to participating in the granddaddy of all marathons. And my commitment is strengthened by all the wonderful support I have already received, and the continuing additions by so many friends. The Dana-Farber Marathon Team collectively has broken through $1 million at last report, but we still have a long way to go to reach the $4.4 million team goal.

Thank you again to all who have supported me. I will do my best to honor your faith.