Here I go again. I have joined the 2014 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team and will be running this year's Boston Marathon on April 21st, 2014. This will be my eighth marathon, fourth Boston Marathon, and fourth time running for such an amazing cause.

I will be running 26.2 miles in honor of my Mother, a breast cancer survivor. I am also running in memory of my Grandfather James H. Smith, Grandmother Nancy Baumhauer, Uncle Ray Saddington, and friends Patricia Marchetti, Frances Angino, Anthony Marchetti Sr. and Heather Thibodeau.

A full 100% of funds raised by DFMC benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in innovative cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful programs of its kind. Based on rigorous and highly selective process, the Barr Program funds the brightest, most creative scientists making research discoveries that are transforming cancer treatment. Barr investigators have made numerous major breakthroughs resulting in improved survival rates and quality of life for thousands of patients everywhere.

I need your help. I have committed to raise $4000 to run for this cause but my goal is to raise over $9000. You can help by making a donation for this amazing cause, to find a cure for cancer.

Click here to support my cause.


Thank you in advance for your support. It really means so much to me.

Nancy C. Smith


Sunday, March 30, 2014

Final 20 miler

Today was the final 20 mile training run of the 2014 Boston Marathon. I ran with the DFMC team and was joined by thousands of other runners along the marathon route. There were more spectators and support along the course than many marathons on race day. This is by far the best run of the season. Second place goes to the 20 miler when I ran the Newton Hills 4 times and the final run up Heartbreak Hill a car with 4 guys rolled up next to me, drove slowly next to me the entire way up the hill, put their fists in the air out the window and blasted "Eye of the Tiger" from Rocky. I definitely needed that the 8th time up Heartbreak.
Check out the news story from today's run  http://www.necn.com/03/29/14/Thousands-participate-in-2014-Boston-Mar/landing_mobile.html?blockID=864432&feedID=11106.

Now I start to taper (run less and less) until race day. It's glorious! That is, except for the lack of cupcakes, pizza and wine that I give up.

To track me race day text the word "runner" to 345678.  When you receive a return message reply with my bib number "26261.

I've raised about $4000 at this point but I am a far way to my goal of $9000. I greatly appreciate all donations of any size. How about $26.20 for the 26.2 miles I will run in 3 weeks?  Donations can be made at rundfmc.org/2014/nancys.  Thank you in advance for your support!