Roughly 13 weeks to go until the NYC Marathon on November 6th.  Here’s a quick update on my training and running life!  The count down is really on now!

1. Fundraising for Team in Training
2. Training
3. Weight goals

Team in Training Fundraising.  Hey all, I’m raising money for blood cancer research and to support Leukemia & Lymphoma society.  Have you donated?  Will you donate a few bucks to support my run?  Donate here:  www.bit.ly/jennsNYC2016

I’ve also launched a t-shirt fundraiser, a portion of every t-shirt sold goes to LLS.  Check out the t-shirt campaign now until August 18th.   We have enough orders to print shirts, and you’ll receive yours about 2 weeks after the close of the fundraiser.    Here I am modeling the prototype (that I printed locally because i could not wait to get one and wear it around town).    Check out the shirts here:   www.bit.ly/awesomeTNTshirts

 
the shirt prototype!  Be the one who donates, runs, fights cancer or supports those who do!

Training.  I ran a 12 mile run this past weekend and felt pretty good!  I’ve merged several training plans from the past into a hybrid plan that works around some upcoming races, life events and still gets in two 20+ mile runs.   I hope to do a 22 mile run before the end or even a few miles more than 22.  Most/many training plans have you go up to 20 and assume that the adrenaline/excitement/fear will get you those last 6.2 miles to the finish line.  But in my experience, that last 10K feels like another half marathon!  I plan to push the last long run to 22+ miles so psychologically I know i can make it to the end.  NYC will be my 8th marathon, so I know I can complete the distance but I would love to complete it without hitting that ole familiar “wall” that I know so well!    Running a longer last “long” run will hopefully be a confidence booster more than gaining additional fitness levels.  I

I’ve also connected with Team in Training Massachusetts team and am excited to go down to MA and run with them.  Most of the team are training for Chicago or Marine Corps Marathon but we all have to do a long run, so it will be nice to meet up with the Team.  Otherwise i am on the TNT “flex” team which is made up of runners from around the country.  We meet up virtually on Facebook and phone calls until we rendezvous in NYC for race day!  I have a virtual coach and support team at my finger tips, also nice!

gif borrowed from Eric Z., TNT!

Weight goals.  “I lost weight training for my marathon” – said no one that I know, ever. Ok, maybe I know one person who ate kale and sweet potatoes 24/7 but anyway…   I’ve had several false starts to weight loss in the last year but feel I’m on the right track toward losing 25 lbs by race day.  I’ve lost 12 so far and am very psyched!  For my past marathons, I have always had a weight goal for race day, but life, training and food (and donuts) have always gotten in the way.  Running and training burns a lot of calories but it also makes you ravenous. Controlling the “post-run chow down” has always been my weak spot.   So what am i doing now that is working?    #1 I’ve been working out 2 days a week at Orange Theory Fitness.  I’ve only ever run to train for the marathon, but adding in HIIT workout/strength training has really helped with my overall fitness, stamina and strength.   Secret weapon #2: tracking calories.  While it’s not an exact science, tracking it makes me accountable to ‘see’ where I am going wrong.  When you have to log a cinnamon bun, then you get shocked back to reality and to stay on the plan.  Secret weapon #3: lower carbs, more vegetables and fruit and I’ve added in Shakeology for one meal a day.    At the beginning of July, I went Whole30 for 2 weeks, i have done it in the past but that was too low-carb.  I bonked hard on my 8 mile run so I stepped back to just eating more balanced meals, but adding back in more carbs.   Whole 30 was great for a jump start and a useful tool for future but I don’t have time to make it work with my marathon training.

See you out there,
– Jenn

Much has happened in the 2 weeks since my last blog.  Let me start by saying it’s 11 days until the marathon and it freaking snowed last night!  I don’t need it to be warm, just no snow on April 20th!  Here’s a run down on the latest news.

Training.
I completed my 3rd and final 20-miler two weeks ago and ran an 11 mile loop in my neighborhood.  I didn’t make it down to the team run in Boston as I had hoped but I got the run done which is what counts.  My first two 20-milers, I ran with a buddy, but this time I ran alone in starting out at 0630.  I have now come to appreciate running with a buddy for the long runs.   I averaged 9:50 minute/miles which was my best of the season but the last 3-4 miles was a struggle mentally.  But all training is in the books now and I am ‘tapering’- cutting back on running and taking it easy until race day!   Can I get some cowbell?

Sponsor a Mile.
Each of us on the Dana-Farber team run in honor or in memory of those affected by cancer.  Many of my teammates decorate their race day “singlet” (shirt) with names of friends and family to be honored.  I am running  in honor of survivors (like my grandmother) and in memory of those who lost their fight. I want to honor 27 people this year and have 12 miles that still need a “sponsor” (one for each of the 26 miles and 1 more for the 0.2 mile = 26.2). Check out my SPONSOR A MILE page and please consider donating in honor or memory of someone close to you. www.bit.ly/jennsMiles    I will carry those names with me on the race and keep them in my thoughts.

12 miles still need a sponsor, consider donating in honor of a loved one!

Fundraising.
Thank you to all who came out to my fundraiser at Flatbread’s in Portsmouth!  The raffle and silent auction were really successful this year and we made more on pizza sales than last year.  The final tally was $1,425 all for cancer research!  I am getting very close to my goal of $12.5K !  Please consider sponsoring a mile or making a donation of any amount!
www.rundfmc.org/2015/jenniferh
Thank you!   See you out there,
– Jenn

Thank you supporters!  In the past 5 days, I have received over $2000 in donations brining me to $6K of my $10K goal.  We are getting close!  Only 4 weeks until Marathon Monday!  I am working hard on my upcoming fundraiser on April 7th and also on my training.  The last “20-miler” will be this Saturday, running with the Dana-Farber team from Boston College out 10 miles and back 10 miles – up Heartbreak Hill.   Let’s pick up the tempo in the final four weeks!  Thanks for your continued support!