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


Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Finishing 2014

Yesterday's marathon was tougher than I expected.  I was more emotional than I had anticipated, from the start to the finish.  I started my race according to plan - don't go faster than 8:50 per mile.  The pace felt easy but my mind wasn't as strong as my body.  The heightened security freaked me out a bit.  There were low flying helicopters, military, police, bomb squad, sniff dogs, bullet proof vests, etc.  I appreciate the security and I think that it was needed, I just didn't realize that it would affect me in a negative way.  When I got to the halfway mark, I realized I wasn't having fun.  My breathing wasn't easy with my anxiety and fear, it was hot, and I was emotionally drained.  I decided to walk for a few minutes, pep-talk myself, and remind myself that this was a race to just have fun.  I had a few previous fantastic race times so if I didn't beat them, it wasn't a big deal.
From that point, I had a great time.

Every year I list my favorite marathon moments, here they are:

Let me start with the expo:
Katherine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon signed my bib.  I was lucky to get her famous number of 261.  Well it started with 26 then 261.  She was so excited a woman had her number.

Then I met Dean Karnazes and he signed my book.  If you remember my photos from 2012 - I was only able to photo-bomb him.
2014

2012
Race Day:
Before the start - We waited at St. John's Parish wearing our awesome Goodwill PJ's.  We weren't allowed to have any bags at the start so we had to wear throw away clothes.  I am a little bummed I had to throw away my $2 hello kitty pajama pants.  They were pretty sweet!

The Starting Line - The announcer, "let's go Dana-Farber".


Mile 4 - I have always loved the biker bar in Framingham and they didn't disappoint this year with their cheers and support.
Miles 4-12 - Wow, usually we pass areas with no spectators, not today.
Mile 13 - Wellesley Scream Tunnel - Wellesley was amazing as always.  The signs the girls have absolutely crack me up; "Kiss me I'm Queer", "Kiss me I give consent", "Kiss me I'm bi-curious".  Here is a picture a friend took of me in the Wellesley Scream tunnel.  I didn't see or hear him over all the screaming girls.

Mile 16 - Passed Team Hoyt in their last Boston Marathon

Mile 17 - There you are Dana-Farber supporters
Mile 18 (and more) - The "Go Fancy" chants.  The best idea ever was to put "Fancy" on the front of my singlet.
Mile 19 - Hey Gail!  "I'm going to stop to say hi and you're my excuse for stopping." Also, popsicle number 1, amazing!
Mile 20 - Olivia grabbing my hand on Heartbreak Hill and running to the top with me.  There couldn't be a moment you need a friend more.
Mile 21 - There's Josh and Leah!  Josh confused that I'm stopping to chit chat.
Mile 22- popsicle number 2, thank goodness, much needed!
Miles 23-24 - I think I was asleep, I don't remember them much.
Mile 24 - OMG, did I just pass Emily, Kashmir, and Mike??  Glad they screamed "Fancy Nancy" loud enough that they finally caught my attention.
Mile 25 - high fives for all of the Dana-Farber patients. A reminder of why I do this.
Mile 26 - passing Forum, the crowd there was insane.
Mile 26.2 - Holy Crap, I finally finished!  Slowly but surely I finished in 4:18.  I'm completely proud of that because I decided this was a day for no disappointments, only victories!

I will likely be taking some time off from marathons for awhile.  It has been a fun and challenging road but it's time for a break

As of today I have raised over $6000 this season for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and as a team we have raised a record of over $6 million dollars.  I'm still $3000 away from my goal of $9000.  If you're interested in donating please visit my personal page rundfmc.org/2014/nancys.  I am so honored to have been apart of this organization for the past four years.  Thank you for all of your support.


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