The Last Long Run

March 28, 2009

The week of the last long run had finally arrived and Team Donahue was ready to go. We planned to run along the Marathon course on Sunday, but as the week progressed, it became clear that the weather on Saturday was going to be optimal. As you may have gleaned from previous posts, Mike is significantly faster than the rest of Team Donahue, so he made plans to run with his crew. Heidi, Christine, and Sharon planned to run together. For this significant and special run they were joined by Christine’s sister Maria, a former DFMC member (3 years!) who agreed to act as road crew during the run. In order to simulate the impact of the race on the runner’s quads as much as possible, we initiated the run in Hopkinton, at the official starting line. It was so exciting to see all the other runners out in Hopkinton kicking off their runs as well.

All along the course we were cheered on by folks manning various water stops, sponsored by the charity teams – “Joints in Motion”, “Team in Training”, "Run for Research", "The MGH Team" and "Miles for Miracles" – running clubs and sporting goods folks. It was inspiring to see so many people out there cheering for us when it wasn’t even marathon day!

Every three miles we were treated to Maria’s special road crew trunk which was stocked with water, Gatorade, Gu, and just about anything else we could have needed. As the miles wore on, Maria started greeting us with exactly what we wanted – we felt like elite runners! Here we were stocking up at Mile 12. Sharon and Christine were sporting the fabulous DFMC shirts available through Laura, another DFMC team member (http://www.twentysixpointtoomanymiles.blogspot.com/).

We all survived Heartbreak Hill and ended the run in Cleveland Circle – 22 miles. Following tradition, we shared a post run lunch at 21 Nickels in Watertown.

Later that evening, the entire team Donahue, including Mike who had also rocked his run, were treated to “timball” a fantastic pasta and pastry dish that had been prepared and decorated just for us (can you see the 26?).

Race day? Bring it on!

Saturday Guy

The team had a group run with the DFMC this past weekend in Waltham. The run started at the Boston Sports Club. This club is located at the same facility where the Celtics practice! They were on the road so we didn't get a glimpse of them. Good thing because I am sure Mike would have schooled them with his mad basketball skills! As usual Coach Jack Fulz had us running on a challenging course to prepare us for the rigors of running the Boston Marathon. This was an out and back course through some country roads in Waltham and Lincoln. And boy was it hilly! For just about the entire run we were either going up hill or down! DFMCer Laurie was also at the run and the Team picked up their awesome new DFMC 2009 running shirts!

After the run the Team headed over to 21 Nickels in Watertown, our favorite post run location! There is nothing better after a long run than a cheeseburger club and a beer at the Nickel. Check them out on the web at http://www.buckfive.com/site/index.html. Our favorite bartender, Mike (a.k.a "Saturday Guy"), made sure we had plenty of food and beverage to refuel and took the great picture of us above. We'd also like to give a shout out to the "Sunday Gal" at the Nickel, Steph, who makes a mean Hot Toddy. These lovely hot beverages have been key to warming us up after long runs in below freezing temperatures!

New Bedford Half Marathon

This past weekend we all went down to New Bedford for the 32nd running of the New Bedford Half Marathon. This was Heidi’s first New Bedford experience but for Sharon, Mike and Christine this was their second time running. Encouraged by Sharon, last year’s New Bedford Half was Mike’s first half marathon ever and the half marathon that got Christine off her butt and running again. We were joined by a group of friends, including some first time half marathoners! There was also a pretty good turn out of DFMCers running and many were sporting a DFMC running shirt that fellow runner Laurie is selling as a fund raiser. We are anxious to get our hands on one of those snazzy looking shirts!

The weather this year, in contrast to last, was perfect for running. Heidi took advantage of the warm temperatures to demo her new running Skort she is planning on wearing on the Big Day!

Not only was Sunday the anniversary of Mike's first Half Marathon, but it was also this time last year that Mike debuted his favorite post running outfit! The now famous Spidey Pants!!


The course is famous for a couple of notorious features including a monster hill around mile 4 and another big climb just before the finish around mile 12. At the top of the hill there is a McDonalds that Mike took advantage of, taking several minutes off his finish time to purchase a Big Mac. Look for pictures of Mike finishing with his Big Mac in hand when the photos are made available. For the rest of us, the run was topped off by a lunch at Freestone's in New Bedford. They have a room in the back that was perfect for the entire group.

Overall everyone had a great day and it was a nice change of pace from the long runs up and over heartbreak hill in Newton. Mike finished well ahead of the group (even with the stop at the golden arches) and Heidi and Sharon out kicked Christine at the end. Sharon ran her second fastest half marathon ever and Christine bested her personal best by 14 seconds!! Next week we hit the pinnacle of our marathon training as we head out for the big 22 mile run. This will be the longest training run we will do before the marathon! Then it is time to taper and rest for the big day.

Hyannis Half Marathon!!

Team Donahue took time off last weekend from the DFMC group runs and headed to Hyannis to run the Half Marathon. Sharon had run the Hyannis Half for the past 2 years and always had a great time, which inspired all of to sign up to run this year. Mike was originally going to participate as part of a relay team for the full marathon but things didn't work out and he ran the half as well. The weather forecast during the week suggested it might not be that great for a run but it turned out perfectly, overcast and cool. The rain held off until after we finished! Before the race we picked up our numbers and race t-shirts at the Hyannis Resort and Conference center.

The course is scenic running through Hyannis along the coast to Craigville beach. Passing by the summer home of Christine's college roommate, where she had spent many adventurous weekends, details of which she is reluctant to share....Everyone had a great time and run with Christine & Mike running personal bests for a half marathon!!

This weekend we were back running with the DFMC team. Mike ran 20 miles for the first time ever!! Sharon, Heidi and Christine ran 18.5 miles. The DFMC coach told them it was an 18 mile course but we all know that he adds just a little extra to make sure we get our miles in. Luckily, the run was on Saturday so we were able to avoid yet another weekend run in the SNOW!!! Spring can't come soon enough for marathon training!

The Singlets Arrive!!

On Marathon Monday the Dana Farber Team will head out of Hopkinton along with more than 20,000 other runners to run to Boston. If you go to watch the race you will be able to easily pick DFMC team members out of the crowd because we will all be wearing the same singlet (an Australian term for sleeveless shirt)!! Every year the DFMC designs a new team shirt and everyone looks forward to seeing them. This past week our singlets came in the mail. All of us were super excited to see them and try them on!

First time marathoners Mike and Heidi are shown here enthusiastically modeling their new singlets!!