Snowy Days

Last Sunday TZ and I headed out for a trail run in the snow. We haven't gotten much snow this year but it always seems to snow a little bit on the weekends when I'm about to head out for a long run!




Also, last Saturday I received another package of encouragement. Some CDS to add to my running mix and a beautiful card with a picture of my friend Caitlyn and her sister Aly! Thanks, Cait!




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Acts of Kindness

As you know, the past year has brought about plenty of sadness in my life. Not a single day goes by where I don't think about my Dad or my Nannie. But throughout it all, I have been constantly reminded of the kindness of the human spirit. If anything, these losses in my life have opened my eyes to the great friendships I already have. I can't begin to explain how great my friends have been. The endless support has made me realize how truly lucky I am. In addition, I have experienced so many acts of kindness from people who I don't know very well at all. Simple phone calls, letters, or gestures surprise me all the time. For example, yesterday I came home after a long week of work to a little package in my mailbox. My brother's friend, Marie, who I've never even met sent me a little package in support of the marathon. I'm truly touched by all everyone has done to support me and my family and to fight this disease. I cannot thank you enough!



Check out Marie's page here. She makes beautiful jewelry. Marie also works at a wig shop that serves people fighting cancer. She sent me a baby harmonica necklace and a beautiful set of earrings. Thank you, Marie.

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The Training Continues

Hey there! Sorry I haven't written in a while. I've spent these past two weeks getting back into my routine (work and working out) after an extended break in Rhode Island for the holidays. I've been doing a bunch of 30 minute runs along with cross training on the elliptical, biking, and doing hot yoga. My goal for the upcoming weeks is to get more mileage under my belt and I think I've set a pretty good foundation for that to be possible. I've been doing most of my runs on the track at the Y or on the treadmill (unfortunately!). It's better than nothing and the hardest part is just getting to the gym. Luckily, I've been going to the Y twice a week to coach a youth basketball team (6 year olds!). They're really cute and pretty entertaining. It's been great to teach them the fundamentals of the game and to make it fun at the same time. We practice one day a week and have Friday games which gives me an opportunity to go right up to the track after and get a workout in.

Yesterday I went to yoga and it felt great to be in a warm room on a snowy winter day. The heat in the room really helps me stretch and I can feel myself getting stronger with every practice. Today I went for a 40ish minute run/approx 4 miles with my neighbor and running buddy, Tizoc (I call him TZ for short). We traversed our usual argo pond loop along the Huron River. It's a trail route and it was packed with snow! It was about 17 degrees out, sunny, and the air was refreshing. The terrain was a little tricky at times but since everyone in Ann Arbor runs no matter what the conditions, the path was pretty packed down from the runners that ventured out before us.

That's all I have for now. Thanks for reading and thanks for your donations. I've got 93 days to reach $5,000 and your support has been awesome! I have some fundraising ideas in the works that I hope to roll out within the next month. Updates to come. If you have any suggestions or ideas, please share! :)



East Matunuck State Beach - December Sunset

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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

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!!