Hello friends,

Just back from Florida (my review of the Disney Princess Half Marathon coming soon) and yep, the snow is still here.  Shoveled the driveway twice this week already, a few inches of snow on Monday and Wednesday, just enough to be annoying.  Training for Boston is going pretty well.   I am following a new plan this race from a book, Run Less, Run Faster.  It prescribes 3 ‘quality runs’ per week where you focus on a specific pace or goal rather than just getting in mindless miles.  This appealed to me because with working and parenting, 3 runs a week sounds awesome.  I also wanted to take a step back from over training or the brink of over training, where I have been in the past.  The book:  http://www.runnersworld.com/race-training/run-less-run-faster

I’ve been running since January 1st on the treadmill with 2 exceptions, the 3M Half Marathon in Austin, TX and the Princess Half last month in Orlando, FL.   The snow is everywhere and roads are still dangerous– too narrow in spots, no visibility around snowbanks, ice, more snow.   I did run my first OUTSIDE run of 2015 on March 1st, and ran a 20 miler out and back down by the beach.   I find I have to go out and back, because once I am out there, I have to get back to my car.  That second half is where my motivation sometimes waivers.

Some things I’ve learned this training season or observations (so far):

1. The Walking Dead may not be the show to watch while on the treadmill.  Too many suspenseful zombie moments.  But I am looking for a new series since finishing LOST and Criminal Minds.
2.  As a runner, you should rotate your shoes.  Last month I got two new pairs to replace the pair that I have been wearing since summer of 2013 and through 3 marathons (Boston, Disney and Marine Corps).  Yes I know, I’m a bad runner.  I don’t follow some of the usual things one should do.  But I’m on the right track!
3. When you see it, buy more body glide.  You can never have too many of those travel sized sticks.  Not elaborating further for your benefit.
4. My iphone freezes at 8F despite being in an inside pocket.   On my 20 miler last weekend it died 3.5 miles in.  Ironically during a Morrissey song.  GU also semi-freezes.
5. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.  Or enjoy the sunrise, sunset or beauty of the season.  Yes, even in this wintery hell there can be some beauty.
6.  Wear my Dana-Farber Marathon Shirt to my next race.  I wore it in Texas and Disney and had a few cheers of “Go dana-farber” or people comment how Dana-Farber has helped them or a loved one.  Reminds me what the real goal is: a world without cancer.  And if I can help reach that goal, I will.
7.  This winter must end.   Forget Elsa, this winter is the work of the “White Witch’ of Narnia!  (currently my girls favorite movie, ironically they weren’t big Frozen fans).

Fundraising update!  For my local Seacoast friends, I will be holding a fundraiser at Flatbread in Portsmouth on April 7th!  A portion of pizza sales will go to my campaign and I will have prizes for raffle and silent auction.  This year you can throw down raffle tickets just for the prizes you want– a separate drawing for each item.   And a few items for silent auction so you can secure them right away.

Please mark your calendars for April 7th, from 4-9pm for benefit night.  You can join the event on Facebook for more updates on raffle & auction prizes.  So far a few items include gift certificates to Loco Coco’s Taco’s,  Cycle Fierce spin studio, Blue Mermaid Bar & Grill, Cinemagic movie tickets.  Just a preview of some of the awesome prizes!   Join the Facebook event click here

Please support my run and support cancer research!  Still time to donate at www.bit.ly/dfmcjenn2015   I’ll be updating the fundraising ‘thermometer’ soon.  So far I have raised about $1000 of my $10,000 goal.  Help me reach my goal!

thanks, run safely out there!
-Jenn