Ooof.

Oof, this weekend's run hurt. It was a gorgeously sunny day and my mind was ready to go, but fore some reason my body wasn't on the same page. Perhaps it's because Mark was out of town and we didn't have the entire team there, but whatever it was my legs were glad to be done when I returned home after running nearly 16 miles with Suzanne.

This weekend was certainly beautiful - for the first time I was down to only ONE long sleeve layer (and probably could have been in a t-shirt). Because I had to be in Cambridge for a cooking class at Gran Gusto (go there and eat pizza!), we stuck to another city route, heading down the River Way, a stretch on the Charles, back on the bike path, and a nice loop in the arboretum. Because it's too dark to run in the Arboretum on weekdays, I always appreciate soaking up it's beauty on sunny weekend days.

By the time we got to Suzanne's house for a water stop around mile 9 my legs were ready to be done..but I don't really give my legs, or my doubts, a say in whether or not I keep going, so we did just that, we kept going.

While it hurt, and it continued to hurt yesterday when I did a 4 mile tempo run and today when I accidentally ran 10 miles at 5:30 in the morning, in the grand scheme of things I know I could push myself a lot more. And that is what marathon training is all about, pushing past imagined limits.

I'm actually finding the fundraising to be much more challenging than the running itself. While I'm confident we can do it, finding new ways to engage new supporters and get donations from contacts I tapped out long ago for Habitat International trips and the like takes a lot more brain power and creativity than just hitting the pavement. I'm so touched by the donations that have already come in and am really excited about our upcoming fundraising events (a happy hour at the Pour House, a Marathon Finish Line Party on Boylston St., and a potential Ice Cream Social-Justice and Pizza Party at Picco), but we're still making an effort to get people excited enough about Sport in Society and our campaign that they'll want to come. I'm confident we'll succeed in both running and fundraising, and I'm confident that Sport in Society's mission and work make it a worthwhile organization to which I'm asking people to donate, but neither is without its struggles.

13.4, 19.4, 15

To the right is a picture of Mark and Meghan with Olympic legends and Civil Rights activists Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the SIS True Heroes of Sport Awards Gala.

Two Weeks Ago:

I learned two weeks ago that I, just like everyone else in this world, need water when I run. I've always been pretty bad at keeping hydrated during long runs, using my inability to run and drink at the same time as an excuse. I learned the hard way a few weeks ago that no matter how much I try to convince myself that I'm fine without a lot of water stops, I need them just as much as anybody else. I was going away for the weekend, so I ran on Friday morning by myself. It was a gorgeously sunny day, but the wind was strong and I felt as if it was blowing against me no matter what direction I was headed. Wanting to get as far away from my regular running routes as possible in order to see new sites, I mapped out a route that took me out through West Roxbury and back through Brookline...with no water stops in between -- bad idea. The run was not completely terrible, but my body truly felt the toll of dehydration. Around 7-8 miles I ran through a few gorgeous cemeteries in West Roxbury and couldn't help joking to myself that, as bad as I felt, I at least was doing better than those around me. In seriousness, though, the cemeteries brought me an interesting sense of support and inspiration that day. I was definitely struggling without Mark and Suzanne's energy driving me forward, but I did find strength in the memory of friends (past and present) whose last names were written on many of the grave stones I passed. It's an odd sensation to write about, but I found real comfort in the memory and thoughts of inspirational friends. I definitely felt friendless, however, pushing through the last 5 or so miles...when the real headache and nausea set in from the lack of water. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I had no choice but to get back home if I wanted to find water, so I told my body to suck it up and just ran. It was among the most difficult of all runs yet, but as always, having pushed through the feelings of doubt and physical pain, it was that much more rewarding afterward.

Two weeks ago:



Last Week:

Last week was a very different story...on a bright, sunny, rather warm day, the three of us set out for what would be our longest yet - 18 miles. We all felt great and were happy to be together after a week of running on our own. That Friday we held a fundraiser for NEU staff and it was a wonderful energizer for us and a great chance for the three of us to be together without running. (Thanks to all those who came out to support us that night!). The run itself was also fantastic. I really wanted to be in Boston, so we picked a route that took us all the way downtown, down State Street, and up near the Garden. Generally, the only time I like to be downtown is early on a weekend day, when it is not the crowded, fast-paced place it is during the week (although sometimes I like to go downtown just to remind myself of why I appreciate working at Sport in Society, which at times may get hectic but always because we see our mission as so urgent). You realize just how small Boston really is when you try to map out a 18 mile running route...we got all the way across the city and had only gotten about 7 miles under our belts! While the usual crowds weren't downtown we did happen to run through a crowd of homeless individuals, being served a hot breakfast in Boston Common. Like our experience running through Copley a few weeks ago, it's a reminder of why I'm running this race. There are actually two main reasons why I'm running - the first is that I am a true believer in Sport in Society's mission and am amazed at how one small organization can make such a significant impact in the lives of so many individuals, whether we are providing Boston's youth wtih valuable opportunities to become physically active or take a stand against violence and discrimination, or whether we are educating adults as socially conscious leaders who can have an exponential impact on the youth and communities they interface with each day; the second reason is that I want to in some way inspire others who care deeply about creating a better world to become leaders in action themselves, in whatever way they can. For me, I'm an athlete, so I can use this opportunity to run and raise money for SIS; for those individuals in the Common, they have the time and ability to go out and provide food for Boston's disenfranchised once a week; what do you care about and what can you do? And I'm actually re-inspiring myself to do more. I've got a running list of things I am looking forward to doing post-marathon and at the top of the list is volunteering more regularly at Haley House , where I can use my other passion (FOOD) to strenghten my ability to understand and serve the community (make sure you check out the Haley House website and go visit the cafe!!!). Second on the list is having a glass of red wine! But, back to the run...it was great!! And, in all honesty, I was on a high ALL day. I originally thought I'd crash right away, but instead I wound up being hyperactive, chopping wood at Land's Sake Farm all day, soaking in a hot tub at Inman Oasis, having a superb dinner at Oleana Restaurant, and staying out until 2 a.m. listening to music! I honestly feel far better after running 20 miles than I do on the days I don't work out and feel groggy as a result!

Last week:




This Week:

This week was another "short" 13 mile run and I'm increasingly amazed at just how short they feel now! The morning started off rather dark, but it became an bright and beautiful day. It even warmed up enough for me to downsize to 3 layers half way through the run (I've been in 4 layers..at least...all winter)!! The most enjoyable part of the day, however, was breakfast at Sorella's, mainly because it is the first time Mark has actually had time to eat with us. Normally, we finish our runs and he has to dart home to shower and then go into work, since so much of his job involves interfacing with alumni at Northeastern's athletic events. I'm absolutely amazed and inspired by Mark. I'd like to complain that I am doing a lot and don't have much time to do much besides run, work and study for school, but Mark puts me to shame....having games to attend nearly every night on top of working full time and marathon training. And he does his job well...this past year NEU athletics quadrupled its fundraising dollars!! So, long story short, it was great that he had some extra time to kick back and enjoy some eggs and pancakes with us!

I will keep you all posted about our upcoming runs. In about two weeks we will be hitting our 20/22 mile mark and will be calling on volunteers to run our much needed water stops, so if you are interested please email me and let me know!

This week:

Coming Out of the Woodwork

Thanks to all those who have so quickly responded to our request for support! Our first donations have been coming in and I am really touched by how many of you generously offered something to our campaign, without even making it known to me. That is true generosity of spirit and I am unbelievably appreciative!

I've been amazed by how many people from my past, as well as from across the country, with whom I haven't connected in so long, have taken the lead in donating.

Briana
Katie
Bill
Steve V.
Luke
Tracey
Rachelle
Molly
Jim
William

..Thanks to you all!!

Black History Month in Roxbury

While we our exploring Boston in our own way, you should definitely take the time to explore Boston's rich history, as well .. Click Here to Learn more about Discover Roxbury!

For the Love of the Game

This really great story came out in yesterday's Worcester Telegram and Gazette about the Holy Cross Women's Ice Hockey team, which is having the best season of any HC team this year and the best season in the team's own history! Despite the change in the team's play, there unfortunately hasn't been any change in attendance since my tenure as a Crusader.

"These Crusaders aren’t as fast or as physical as their male counterparts, but they exhibit the same skills. The dedication to improve, desire to succeed and devotion to their sport ... is equally impressive. "

While our marathon campaign is all about gaining attention and raising awareness, it's equally as important to remember what sport, at its core and at its purest is all about - the value and joy of effort, the power of teamwork, the triumph against adversity, etc. It is unfortunate that the team isn't drawing more attention for their impressive success, but inspiring that what matters to them is the game and the self-awareness that they are achieving incredible things.

16.2, 17.2, 13.2...with maps!

Over the past few weeks, we've really been upping the mileage and, suddenly it seems, running 13 miles feels like a short little jaunt!

Probably one of the most self-affirming runs yet, took place 3 weeks ago when I did a 16 miler by myself, at 5:30 in the morning before work! I was going to Vermont for the weekend and had to get my long run in before I left if I wanted to do something other than running while I was away. I was rather wary of running 16 miles on my own -- my trepidation was much more a questioning of my mental toughness than it was a fear that my legs would hold out. I'm realizing more and more that distance running is much more about mental resolve than it is physical endurance. So, you tell your body that it has no choice, and you just do it. And I did! And not only that, but I got it all in by 8:30 and still was able to get in a full day of work and 5 hour drive to Burlington!

The run brought me down to Harvard Stadium, where I grabbed some water from my usual workout partners who meet there a few times a week, and then eastward down the Charles towards the city, where I was blessed with another gorgeous Boston sunrise! I also took a spin through the Copley area, where I got to watch the city as it started to wake up. I always experience great ambivalence while running through Copley, torn between enjoying the beauty of the place and always cognizant of the numerous homeless citizens whom I always encounter. I feel so fortunate to have been born with the privileges I have experienced and am so often frustrated that this reality can't be shared by everyone. I know that Sport in Society works to create better realities for all, which is why I am so honored to be on the SIS marathon team. And though my small bit of fundraising will never get us to the point where we can finally realize our ultimate social justice mission, perhaps the very fact that you read this will inspire YOU to act in some way (whether it be to donate, volunteer, or treat someone else with dignity) and then I will feel like I have done my duty.



Then, last week, we kicked it up ANOTHER notch and did a 17.2 miler as a group. It seems that every week, one of us is leading the pack, and last week it was Suzanne who was on fire, despite having 4 hours of sleep. I wanted so badly to feel great, but my legs were just incredibly tight from the cold. We did it, though. We told our bodies we were finishing one way or another and we did.

The 17 miler started out at Arlington's Fresh Pond, which requires extra attention due to the ridiculous number of dog-walkers. The run itself was quite a pain, since it seemed all sidewalks were covered in snow and ice. We were either dodging traffic or slipping on sidewalks, either of which I'd take over running against the wind along the Charles, which we wound up having to do from miles 12 -14 ish! I never knew someone's face could hurt so badly!



Since we did a long one last weekend and have an even longer one (18) next weekend, we just had a "short" one this week...."short" meaning 13 miles. Although we had an amazing warm front come in today, it waited until the afternoon, which meant it was still only about 17 degrees when we set off. While I don't mind the cold in general, it takes an incredibly long time for my legs to get warmed up and feeling good. So, while mentally I was in my prime and feeling great, my shins were burning for the first half of the run (the fact that it was almost entirely up hill didn't help much). Overall, however, it was a gorgeous run (taking us through Brookline and the Arboretum) and we were all amazed by how short it seemed compared to our first 13 miler just a few weeks ago!



In all earnestness, I wish that all people could experience this realization, the recognition that after a little effort, so much of what we once thought impossible now seems like a cake walk. I write this because we as a society so often put off working for change because, well, it just seems too impossible. But how long ago were we saying that having an African American president would be impossible? How many people said that women earning the right to vote would be impossible?

As T.S. Eliot wrote, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” To me, the idea of activism and challenging unjust norms is all about finding out how fare WE can go by risking the criticism, the questioning, the rejection. Because, as Thich Nhat Hanh, writes, "The tears I shed yesterday have become rain," meaning that it often requires pain to get to happiness, moreover a level of happiness that, like rain, helps others grow.

Yes, sometimes my legs might burn during a run, but how much better will I feel during the marathon because I have put in the long, painful training hours? And, yes, sometimes people might laugh at the idea that athletes have a special opportunity to create change, or might resist accepting shifts in commonly accepted paradigms because it is natural to fear the unknown, but isn't it our responsibility to face these challenges if we know that doing so will lead to a better life for everyone? There are so many ways that sports have the potential to foster social justice and I have actually been quite amazed at the level of reflection my marathon training has afforded me. And I hope that in reading my musings you are somewhat inspired to reflect and ACT upon these same ideas...without having to go through the actual physical pain!

Give By the Mile!

A lot of people have said that they'd like to donate, but don't know how much to give. Since we're asking people to sponsor our run, I thought I would break it down by the mile to give you some ideas of ways you can show your support.

If you let me know how much you'd like to pledge I'll give you your grand total when we near race day!
1. $26.20 equals ONLY $1 for every mile of the race
2. Pledge 26 Cents for every mile of my training, which will total about 640 Miles and $165
3. Heck, pledge $1 for every mile of training (roughly $640)!
4. Do what you can! Barack Obama's campaign showed us all how much can be gained if everyone donates even the smallest amount! I realize each time I run, that every step, every mile, every meal, every hour of sleep, counts. The same is true for our donations, so please be a LEADER IN ACTION and help us reach our goal!

You've heard it before, but these are tough times and they're even tougher for an organization whose end product is justice. But I believe in the value of this very important work and I trust that you do, as well, and will do what you can!

If you'd like to make a pledge per mile, please email me OR DONATE NOW BY CLICKING HERE!

Thank you very much for your time, your friendship, your support, and, most of all, your existence!

Looking Back: Weeks 1 and 2

Since I started my Marathon blog on my own personal blog, here are a few entries from my first two weeks of training:

Run, Meghan, Run - Boston, Here I Come: Week 1

My two New Year's resolutions are to write more and to commit myself entirely to training for the Boston Marathon, which I'll be running to raise funds and awareness for my organization, Sport in Society. So, I said to myself, "Self, why not just blog about your runs?" So here we go:

People keep asking me if I've started training yet, and my answer has been that I'm kind of in perpetual training. For just over two years, I've been running about three times a week, between 5 - 8 miles during the week and usually around 10 on the weekends. Plus, three times a week I do an outdoor work out with a group of friends, which consists of a lot of body weight training infused with sprinting and core work (lots of push ups, sit ups, and stair workouts!). So, I'm kind of always training. BUT running the marathon takes it to a whole new level. Now I HAVE to run at least three times a week and my weekend distance runs will start making my weekly 10 milers seem miniscule. So today, I suppose, I started my "official" training. From here on out, I'm dedicating myself to going to bed early, eating like a champ ("eat like a champ, play like a champ")...and running 'til my legs fall off on Saturdays.


What am I most excited about? Breakfast. Breakfast is good, but breakfast is AMAZING after a long run on a cold winter day. Saturday breakfasts for the next few months are probably going to seem like the best tasting food ever!!! Although I run for ice cream, this training has breakfast written all over it.

Ok, what am I REALLY most excited about??? Getting other people excited about Sport in Society. For a while now, one of my tasks has been developing outside networks of SiS supporters, from people who work in similar fields, to young professionals who want to use their passion for sport to do something for the community. Although there are only two of us running the marathon, I see this as a perfect opportunity to get people excited about helping out...joining our fundraising team, running our water stops during training runs, helping us plan our events, etc. We have a gender violence prevention campaign called Leaders Act. The idea behind Leaders Act is that everyone has a right and responsibility to take a stand against gender violence. Really, however, it relates to everyone's responsibility as a citizen to do what they can to take action and make a difference. So, in this intance, Leaders Run....and my hope is that others will step in and Act in whatever way they can to support our cause.

I really feel that this past election and all the attention focused on participation and service has made the atmosphere ripe for community involvement. I want to seize that wave of excitement and get people excited about Sport in Society's mission and values. And, if you are excited about Obama, then you should be excited about Sport in Society, an organizaiton with a core mission of Social Justice. Listening to Obama speak is like listening to one of our facilitators lead a discussion with youth about "becoming my brother's keeper" by helping one another out, finding ways to engage in life with the eyes and ears of compassionate understanding, and taking action to solve those problems you see around you. Because Leaders Act.

I am excited every day to work for an organization that, for 25 years, has been empowering youth through adults to make a difference in their communities and which uses sport and athletes to do it. And now I'm even more excited about getting others just as enthused about having this fantastic organization as a platform to make the changes they are ready to make. I hope that people will follow and comment on our blog, join us for runs and post-run breakfasts to talk about their great ideas for using sport to make this world a better place, and tell their friends about this incredible organization that raises awareness about some of the world's most pressing social issues, challenges thinking about commonly accepted (yet unjust) norms, opens dialogue for people to discuss these issues in safe spaces, and inspires the leadership necessary to effect real change.

I'm thrilled that I won't be training alone. I'm joined in training and Sport in Society fundraising with Mark Harris, who works for Northeastern's athletic department and recently graduated from Sport in Society's Master of Sport Leadership Program. While the Dana Farber team is made up of about 500 people, Sport in Society's team is just me and Mark! I'm excited to have him as a partner, not only because he's able to swing us free burritos at Qdoba, but because he's also completely committed to and confident in our ability to raise a combined $10,000 for SiS. We've already got a number of fundraising events and campaigns in the works!

In addition, Suzanne, one of my closest friends, is also in training; she's going to be on the Dana Farber team, running in honor of her boyfriend's mother who recently passed away after an inspiring fight with cancer. There is no better way I can imagine running a marathon than running it with Suzanne by my side. Suzanne has the ability to keep me thoroughly entertained throughout the entirety of a run, regardless of the distance. Although I once feared running with a partner because my running is a time for reflection and meditation, I do not lose that with Suzanne, a person with whom my conversations range between deeply religious and philosophical questioning to frivolous jokes about flatulence.
Today Suzanne and I had our first official run back after break. I planned out a route, as I mentioned, focused on breakfast. We went from my new 'hood in JP, all the way through the City, and ended up in my old Somerville 'hood, where we got Acai at Modelo, the fantastic Brazilian bakery on Winter Hill. Acai, if you don't know it, is a "super food" form the Amazon rainforest. It's a berry that is jam-packed with Omega 3's and is blended into a smoothie like meal and mixed with fruit and granola...it's kinda like eating ice cream for breakfast!!! According to facebook, it's the new diet of the stars, so if you eat it you might just turn into Oprah. But, hey, if that happened, then I'd be rich and wouldn't have to do all this fundraising!

Despite feeling an extra burn due to the fact that we were running against the wind for 10 miles, the run was, on the whole, great! It was fantastic to see Suzanne after a few weeks, and the 10 miles gave us plenty of time to catch up. We were on the South West corridor bike path for quite a while, so didn't have much traffic to worry about, and then we were in the Boston Public Garden (Suzanne's favorite spot) and running down Beacon Hill's Charles Street, lined with great restaurants and gorgeous brownstones. We were on the Charles for a bit, which every time I'm on it and taking in the gorgeous view of Boston, makes me SO glad I'm in Boston! At the museum of science we crossed the river and then ran through Cambridge and Somerville, through Inman Square and Porter Square, and then finished with an end of the run uphill push to Peter G. Piro Square....mmmm, Acai. The sun was shining and gorgeous which made for a soul-filling experience. The only down to the run was that we were running against the wind the entire time (since we just went in one direction the whole time). We wound up finishing much slower than we usually do, so either we were talking far too much or the wind was slowing us down as much as it seemed to. When we got there, Caitlin was primed and waiting with warm sweatshirts and a credit card to buy us some Acai. Of course, the support team is the most important part of the training experience!

Below I've posted the map of our run. Suzanne took a picture, but I'll have to wait til she sends it to post it. Thanks for reading and, when we get our page up and running, donating!



Week 2 - 13 Miles and Scrambled Eggs

I am on a high. A sheer high from this week's run.

At the end of last weeks ten miler, I was afraid that I had perhaps lost all of my running juice. I've been running 10+ miles on the weekend for nearly two years now, but the past few weeks have hurt... a lot. Over break I ran a 10 miler with a former coworker of my mother, who smoked me, absolutely smoked me, on what may have been my most painful run ever. Then, last weekend, I had my second awful feeling 10 miler in a row. Because we ran only in one direction, we were running against the wind the entire time. So, although it was a great run overall, it was somewhat brutal beating on against the wind for over an hour and Suzanne and I most definitely clocked our slowest pace yet! This week just added to the feelings of insecurity in my running. I now realize that my lack of juice was an attribute of just getting back from break and getting back into the swing of a full day of work plus evening classes, but every morning felt like I got hit wit a ton of bricks and that my legs just wouldn't GO.

But yesterday was a redeemer for all of the pain and negative feelings. Suzanne, Mark and I set our for our first long distance run as a threesome and I genuinely had a fantastic time for almost the entire 13 miles. It's hard not to enjoy a run when you're blessed with the beautiful sunshine we had yesterday morning. The sky was clear and the sun was radiant. There is still a bit of snow on the ground, so rays of light were dancing off both the sky and ground. The only downfall to such a clear winter day is that it is freakin' cold. I think the temperature read 20 degrees when I left and I didn't have to take off any of my 4 shirt layers during the run as I usually do. Once we got going, the cold wasn't a problem since there was no wind factor, but it does make it extra difficult to get your legs warmed up and in the running groove.

They sure got there quickly, though! I ran from my house (uphill) to meet Suzanne and Mark closer to the pond, if you take a look at the map below, you'll see that the next few miles go behind the pond and up Perkins and Goddard Streets into Brookline. If you know the area at all, you'll know that Goddard St. is something of a mini mountain, going up and up until you get to Larz Anderson Park....but with its gorgeous green hills and amazing view of the city, it's always worth it when you get to Anderson! It's my favorite place to watch the sun rise during a run, but these days I'm generally back home and in the shower before the sun starts showing its head.

I was torn between running up the hill at the beginning both because our legs weren't quite warm and because I didn't want to ruin the next 11 miles we'd have to run, but it turned out to be a great incline. I imagine if we keep running that hill we'll definitely be in good shape for heartbreak hill on the marathon course!

The rest of our run brought us through Brookline's Allandale farm area (even MORE uphill) and back down Centre St. (a very weak downhill for all the uphill) and past the Pond again.
We stopped for a quick water break back at our starting point and then set out for another 4.5 mile loop down the Emerald Necklace to Fenway and back.

I never cease to be blown away by the sheer beauty of the area in which I live. I technically live in one of the biggest cities in the Northeast, yet I can go out for a thirteen mile run and spend most of that time in wooded rolling hills, farmland, and in the quiet of secluded riverway trails. Thank you for that, Olmstead!

While I was certainly tired by the end of the run and could think of nothing but food by mile 10, the best word I can think of to describe the morning was sensational. Literally, my mind and body were alive by the sensations of sunlight, fresh air, good conversation, and as it's written in the Olympic Charter, the joy of effort.

It is easy to experience such contentment while running 13 miles when you're running with Suzanne and Mark, two of the most humble, grateful people I know. Seriously, I can't count the number of times each expressed gratitude for having the sheer ability to run, having a downhill, having good jobs and supportive friends. That kind of positive energy is contagious. They are both quite inspiring in their commitment and determination. Two people who, if they decide they are going to do something, do it. Mark actually ran the San Diego Marathon last year, so is the only Marathon veteran in the group. However, he did it entirely without training, so we've got a step up in that department. He's committed to it, though, that's for sure. It's amazing to me that he can go from barely running, to finishing a 12 mile loop with us without a hitch.

Suzanne is equally as determined and committed. Honestly, the girl is pumping with so much energy that she could go out today and run a double-marathon (yes, people actually do that!). But she's determined to train. And she's determined to do all that she can to honor the memory of Jonathan's mother, who gracefully passed away with cancer this past year. Suzanne shares her faith and love with everyone she encounters and is able to do it in a humble, inviting way that is both impressive and inspiring. Her running is a facet of her faith and where she often gets in touch with her deepest feelings and it has been a joy to be present to that for the past year and it is undoubtedly going to be a driving force for me the day of the marathon.

My own gratefulness and commitment are definitely most present when I run, or reflect on my running. This past week, especially, my thoughts kept returning to how grateful I am for the very fact that I have two strong legs and am able to get out there at all. Sure, after 13 miles it hurts and perhaps I didn't run that 13 miles as fast as I would have liked, but I just ran 13 miles! A lot of people don't have the physical ability to walk, let alone run 13 miles. Others don't have the time, the safe surroundings, or the physical health to even get out the door, let alone run 13 miles. So this week, whenever doubt set in, I returned to gratitude for these two long, gazelle like legs I have.

And I am committed to doing "the leg work" for those who can't. Not only those who can't run or don't have the access to be physically active, but those who are generally disenfranchised by our so often unjust society. No, running a marathon is not going to create a just society. But my hope is that I will be able to use my pursuit as a means of raising awareness and funds for Sport in Society, an organization that strives to foster equity and empower people with the knowledge and tools to construct the just world we all envision. And that is another opportunity for which I am unbelievably grateful. I am thankful every day that I get to work for such an extraordinary organization, and I wish there was even more I could do to support its work and our amazing staff.

Oh, yeah! Breakfast! Let's not forget the most important part - how lucky I am to return home to my own support team, which this week included Jessi, my best friend growing up! My friends took the cooking lead this weekend and made us some AMAZING scrambled eggs with veggies and toast. Jessi put together a sensational fruit salad and, of course, the java was hot and delicious as always! Really, though, the best tasting thing in the world after 13 miles of running is three huge glasses of water and a banana with a dollop of peanut butter!

The Athlete Activist

Eli Wolff, Sport in Society's Manager of Research and Advocacy, was recently featured in a story by SportsEvents Magazine. Although he's talking specifically about student-athletes, his words ring true for our marathon campaign, which in addition to raising funds for SIS is meant to both raise awareness about the potential athletes/former athletes have to create positive change and to inspire a diverse community of these individuals to become more involved in our social justice work...

"Athletes are already equipped with the kinds of skills that activism involves, such as critical thinking, teamwork and a strive for excellence, according to Eli Wolff, manager of research and advocacy at the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University, a social justice organization that uses sport to create social change both nationally and internationally. “It’s important that student-athletes have a broader definition of what activism is. There’s often a misconception of what it can be, but really we’re seeking a broader understanding of what student-athletes can define as activism. It can be anything from taking a public stand on an issue to being part of a coalition to community service through a local organization. An important part of student involvement is to have a larger world view and understanding of social issues and think about the role of sports/athletes in society and to stay informed about issues out there.”

More Miles Than Degrees Outside

Date: January 17, 2009
Distance: 14.1 miles
Degrees: 10
Falls: 2
Breakfast: Oatmeal Carrot Pancakes and the Dima's Omelet at Sorrella's (halvsies w/ Suzanne)

Who can forget the morning I went out for a short jaunt before day two of emceeing Sport in Society's Power of Sport Summit, tripped over my shoe laces a quarter of the way around the pond, and scraped up my knees so badly that they bled through my pants the entire morning -- it at least made for a good shtick for my introduction at the event.

Because I wear the same shoes for way too long before buying new ones, I had the very same irksome shoelaces untie and trip me not once, but twice on our run two weeks ago - a gorgeous 14 miler through what I consider to be the Best Of Boston - the River Way, Fenway, Copley, the Bike Path, the Arnold Arboretum and Jamaica Pond. Fortunately, we were running more miles than it was degrees outside, so my 4 layers kept me from feeling both falls (or was it the cold-induced numbness?).

Despite the falls, the run was literally sensational! While I try to deny it, getting sufficient sleep really does do my body good and having conked out 10 minutes into a movie on Friday night, I woke up refreshed and ready to roll with 10 hours of sleep in me on Saturday. WOW! Only a few weeks ago I was doubting if I could still run a 15 K ...and here I was busting out a 14 miler and feeling incredible while doing it. My energy wasn't just coming from sleep, though - it was coming from the presence of Suzanne and Mark, with whom I feel honored to run; it was coming from the gorgeous sunshine dancing off of the snow and through the trees in the River Way; it was coming from the ironic sense of freedom that comes with true commitment. Although my face hurt within seconds of starting the run, and the hair poking out from the back of my hat again formed some wicked icicle dreadlocks, and my legs went sort of numb at mile 13, I was physically and spiritually flying with not just a runner's high, but something more akin to a runner's elation!

I knew when I decided to blog about my training that I would want to bring Sport in Society's work into my reflections, but I did not expect that the links to SIS would come as naturally as they have. This particular run my thoughts were very much centered on the economic disparities that exist in Boston's urban communities, as well as the powerful change that can occur with the right mix of leadership, civic engagement, and hope...which is just what Sport in Society works to foster. The thought hit me as we ran to Suzanne's apartment, our halfway point, for a water stop. Suzanne now lives on Mission Hill - one of the most racially diverse neighborhoods in Boston, which has seen a great deal of revitalization in recent years, thanks to tremendous government leadership (especially Sport in Society's Kevin Fitz, after whom Mission Hill's Puddingstone Park was recently renamed) and an incredible combination of community organizations that engage both youth and adults in community revitalization. As we ran to Suzanne's, past multiple run-down factory buidlings, dodging potholes and avoiding traffic, I for a moment regretted taking that route because it was so "unsightly." But instantaneously, I checked myself. "Self," I said to myself, "aren't these streets, these crowded houses, this concrete landscape, the very reason you're training for this marathon?" Yes. I'm running to raise awareness about the disparities that exist ... to remind myelf that they exist ... and to support an organization dedicated to converting the concrete urban landscape into one of hope and opportunity. Last week, my gratitude was focused on my very ability to run. This week, I was incredibly appreciative to be a part of the Sport in Society family, to talk about Mission Hill and how Kevin Fitz, one of Boston's most loved change makers, was also a member of the SIS family, and appreciative for the opportunity to use sport itself to support an organization that brings the power of sport and a wealth of social justice education to communities like Mission Hill.

And then there was breakfast...after much confusion, the team, a few significant others, and coincidentally, a Mission Hill youth worker friend-of-a-friend, teamed up for one helluva brunch at Sorrella's. As always, the omelet was bursting at the seams with an odd assortment of veggies and the pancakes were piping hot and mouth-wateringly delicious! If I had to choose, I would take the pumpkin cranberry pancakes over the oatmeal carrot ones, but luckily I didn't have to choose since I got to trade half my oatmeal cakes for Dave's pumpkin ones.. God bless halvsies and food swaps!