Thursday, December 22, 2011

And so it begins!


I started my first official training run on Sunday 12/18. I just went for an easy 35 minute run but boy was it chilly! It was 35 degrees out in Ann Arbor but it felt like 27. I did my usual Argo Pond loop through the wooded trails along the Huron River. I spotted only a few other runners while I was out and a few dog walkers. It was a peaceful run and it really felt like winter with the cloudy sky and the naked trees. Luckily I was all bundled up in running gear that I've accumulated over the years and I was even wearing a new hat that I got for my birthday with a little hole for my ponytail (thanks mom!). I'm heading home to Rhode Island tomorrow and I can't wait to run through the old neighborhood and at Goddard Park. Happy Holidays!
-Anna

Friday, December 2, 2011

I'm running because...


I've decided to run the Boston Marathon to support Mass General and their team "Kids Fighting Cancer" in support of the Children's hematology - oncology unit for children. This is a cause that is very close to my heart and I will be running in memory of my Dad who battled cancer and was a patient at Mass General. He grew up in Boston and even worked at Mass General during his youth. Whenever I went to Mass General with him he loved walking the halls with me and pointing out the different buildings. When he worked there, he used to switch between different departments and move wherever help was most needed. He loved to share stories of the different medical cases he witnessed and how they were solved with utmost care and the patient's best interest in mind. He was always in awe of how different the place had become over the years. The hospital has so many resources which directly impacts the quality of care. These different changes have been made possible through generous donations throughout the years.

The race is also important to me because I am a runner. This is the marathon for runners! It will take place along the streets where my Dad grew up, where my parents met, and where my sister currently lives. As some of you know, this will be my second marathon. I ran the Baltimore Marathon in 2008 and I'm so excited to train for Boston!

I've been putting together a training schedule from mid December to April and over the past few weeks I have doing a little pre training. I've been running at the Y (or outside when there is sunlight). I've also been doing hot vinyasa yoga. I've found that it is really helping to build my overall strength. I've been working on a fundraising plan as well. I've committed to raise $5,000. Any donation amount will be a huge help! I can achieve my goal if 200 people donate $25. Please help spread the word and share this blog and my donation web page with your friends and family! (the link is on the right) or here: http://www.crowdrise.com/MassGeneralMarathon/fundraiser/AnnaGreeley

Thanks for reading. I'll be keeping you updated throughout on my training!!