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.

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!

Purchase your DFMC Gear!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JWKk5fNenmFV0Iy-aJPLv8a0DmRaiYFZRirsxNmETew/viewform

Check out this awesome article in the Bucks County Courier Times.  I hope everyone can make it this Sunday to Cocktails Against Cancer. 

Cocktails Against Cancer

Less than 2 weeks to Cocktails Against Cancer.  Please join me January 19th from 4-7pm at Johnny Apples in Holland, PA and enjoy DJ, appetizers, complimentary cocktail, raffle, silent auction and cash bar.  $25 donation to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at the door.  If you would like to purchase tickets in advance please call Nancy 215-801-2993.  Please invite all of your friends.  View the Facebook Event page https://www.facebook.com/events/585894214780145/.  If you or you know a business who would like to donate a raffle prize please email or call Nancy 215-801-2993, N.Caroline.Smith@gmail.com.

Music by DJ Chris Marx from On the Town Entertainment.

Raffle Prizes (list will update frequently)
* Night at The Radisson Hotel - Northeast Philadelphia
* 4 Tickets to The Adventure Aquarium
* Philadelphia Flyers Memorabilia
* Talking Heads Hair Salon Gift Basket
* Wegmans Gift Card
* Newtown Bookshop Gift Basket
* Pascarella Eye Care & Contact Lenses gift card and basket
* QVC - 6 tickets to watch live
* Vodka and mixer
* Oishi Gift Card - 2 chances to win
* Pelican Swim and Ski lift tickets and rentals - 3 chances to win
* Preston & Steve - View live in the broadcast studio
* Thunderbird Lanes - bowling for 5 people includes shoes and soda
* Taormina's Pizza & Pasta Gift Card
* Fireside Flowers
* Buckingham Valley Vineyards - Certificate for 2 bottles of wine and 2 glasses
* Runbucks - Mothers Day 10k race entry
* Boulevard Brewing Co. - 4 beers and a glass

6th Annual Beauty Bash

The 6th annual Beauty Bash Cancer Benefit is Sunday, February 23rd at James Joseph Salon. Go to the Beauty Bash site for more information. beautybashbenefit.blogspot.com.

Photos from 2013

The moments that changed my life forever

I had just crossed the finish line when it happened. At the time I was so excited since I had a personal best by 7 minutes and finally broke 4 hours with a 3:58 finish.  After I crossed the finish line I saw my coach and gave him a hug, I continued down the finish shoot getting my medal and mylar blanket. 
I then heard and and felt what seemed like a cannon, I looked behind me and saw a cloud of smoke go up in the air.

Happy Memories of 2013

It's so unfortunate the circumstances surrounding the bombing of the Boston Marathon finish line. You'll read in my next post my terrifying experiences on Monday.  I am just remembering some of the fun I had during my race on Monday.  I had the race of my life, finishing 7 minutes faster than I ever had before, finally finishing a marathon in under 4 hours, I had so much fun seeing so many funny things during the race but I now find it difficult to be excited about any of it.  Now that I'm remembering the good parts, I want to share some of my happy and funny memories with you.
First. Just after I started,

The final stretch

Wow, less than a week until I run another 26.2 miles.  I feel like time flew.  To track me race day text the word "Runner" to 345-678.  You'll receive a text back, reply with my bib # "23353".  You can also track me online at baa.org.  My ultimate goal is to finish in under 4 hours.  Fingers crossed. Time for me to start resting up.  Only a few short runs until the big day.  Thank you for all of your support and generous donations.  If you haven't yet donated and would still like to, it's not too late, go to rundfmc.org./2013/nancys.

Happy Cancerversary Mom!

Two years post chemo and my Mom is doing great.  It's a big milestone.  The type of cancer she had usually returns within two years if it's going to return.  Next milestone is the 5 year mark.  Yay Mommy!

I need your help.....

Thank you so much for all your support and donations.  I still need your help to reach my goal of $8500.  I appreciate anything you can do, no donation is too small.  Please go to rundfmc.org/2013/nancys to make your donation.  Thank you so much for bringing us closer to a cure!

Taper Training

Well I've been so busy training, fundraising and working that I haven't updated my blog for some time now.  My training has gone well.  Only 2 weeks, 2 days until the marathon, yikes!  For the next two weeks I will train less and less until race day to let my body recover from all the difficult training.  I get a bit antsy during the taper, always nervous that I'm loosing fitness from all my hard work.  I also have to watch what I eat since I was burning 3000 a day with many hours of training and while tapering you're not burning as many calories.  I always give up alcohol and unhealthy food during the taper.  I'm already craving cupcakes, chocolate chip cookies, pizza and wine.  I can't wait to indulge in my favorite foods.  If you would like to track me during the race text "runner" to 345678, then after you receive a text, respond with my bib number 23353.  You'll be updated when I pass the 10K, half-marathon, 30K, and finish.  I hope you will make it out marathon day to cheer me on.  Here are a few photos from my training runs.....

Beauty Bash Success

Thank you to everyone who came out for Beauty Bash Cancer Benefit.  It was a huge success and raised nearly $4000. 

Beauty Bash Cancer Benefit

Please join me at James Joseph Salon on Sunday, February 17 from 6:30-9:30pm for a night of hairstyling, makeup, manicures, food and cocktails.  Their will also be an opportunity drawing as well as a silent auction.   Tickets are $50 in advance or $55 at the door.  To purchase opportunity drawing and admission tickets please email me NcSmith1980@yahoo.com.  Act fast, only a limited amount of tickets available. Bring all of your friends!!  I hope to see you there!

And so it begins.....

I have officially signed up to run the 2013 Boston Marathon for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  I'm very excited to be starting strong this season.  I just completed the first week of training, only 17 more to go.  Stay tuned for more information about my fundraiser "Beauty Bash Cancer Benefit" on Sunday, February 17, 2013, 6:30-9:30, Presidents Day weekend at James Joseph Salon.

I Finished!!

The weekend started with the Sports expo where I picked up my bib and official race shirt and of course some memorabilia.  I met some very cool people there including Olympian Meb Keflezighi and the first women to run the Boston Marathon Kathrine Switzer.  The story of Kathrine's first run is awesome, I recommend googling it.  I also jumped in a picture with Dean Karnazes, the "Ultra Marathon Man".

Monday's forecast was not ideal.  The reports called for 70 degrees at the start and 90 at the finish.  I'm not a good runner in the heat.  Sure enough the weather report was correct.  I started the race very conservatively thinking I could pick up the pace after the Newton hills.  That was not exactly what happened.  There was no shade and we were all just cooking on the black pavement.  I decided very early in the race that I will take my time, have fun, and just get back to Boston with a medal on my neck.  I have many wonderful and funny memories from the race.  In Ashland, at about 11am, there was about 100 people dressed in leather completely drunk outside a biker bar cheering us on.  That made me laugh. Along the entire route residents were out with hoses, sprinklers, ice, candy, pretzels, water and gatorade for us.  There were bands playing music all along the way.  The scream tunnel in Wellesley (mile 13) is always one of my favorite moments, this year I filmed it.  The Wellesley girls can be heard from a mile away cheering on the runners, all with signs offering good luck kisses.  Here is the link to my scream tunnel video.  My brother Jim and nephew Hunter jumped in with me at mile 15.  We ran past team Hoyt at about mile 18 which was exciting to see them.  Hunter ran with me almost to mile 20.  That's the furthest he's ever run. It was hilarious approaching Boston College.  A very drunk student was cheering Hunter on calling him the "s*&%!" for being the youngest marathoner ever.  After Jim and Hunter left me I had only 6 miles to go.  A very long 6 miles!  Passing Boston College was fun with them yelling "Go Nancy" and endless high fives.  Then at mile 23.5 I passed Julie's house where Julie, Kashmir, and Emily cheered me on and gave me much needed oranges, salt, and water.  2.5 miles later I crossed the finish line 1 hour, 20 minutes past my target.  Oh well.  Despite the weather and my very long run, it was the most fun I've had in a marathon.  Everyone [runners, volunteers, residents] supported each other.  It wasn't about racing, it was about helping everyone get back to Boston safely.  I ate so many oranges, candy, water and ice from random people, I'm surprised I didn't get a strange illness.  I'm sure next year we'll have better weather and I can run a faster race.  I appreciate all of your support.  Thank you to everyone who has donated, I raised almost $6300 this year alone for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

36 hours and counting

I'm only 36 hours from running my 2nd Boston Marathon, 4th marathon all together.  I'm very excited!  I met some very iconic people today at the expo.  Meb Keflezighi, Olympic silver medalist and also on our 2012 U.S. Olympic team, and Kathrine Switzer, the first registered women to run the Boston Marathon.
I was quite stressed for a few days until today.  The weather they are calling for is exactly what I was praying we would not have.  At the starting line it will be in the high 60's, by the time I get to Boston it will be almost 90 degrees.  Luckily we have 10-20 mph tail winds the entire way.  I am typically not a good runner in the heat.  Since this year I was already expecting to run slower because of a hamstring injury, I'm not as bummed that I'll have to run slower because of the heat.  I'm going to enjoy this race and run it at the pace my body can handle.
 My strategy is, I'm taking a bus to Hopkington and I need to get back to Boston somehow.  Best way for me to get there is to run.  I'm going to look forward to a few points in the race, Kim at mile 6, Wellesley scream tunnel at mile 13, Jim and Hunter at mile 17, Gail at mile 20, the drunks at BC at mile 21, my coworkers geared with water, salt, oranges, sponges, and 5 hour energy at mile 23.5, Jim and Hunter to join me for the last few at mile 24.5, DFMC patients and supports at mile 25, the insane cheering at Kenmore at mile 25.5, and then of course the finish line.  With the warm weather it will bring out even more supporters.  I'm also really looking forward to a glass of wine, a cupcake and a greasy bacon cheese burger at Eastern Standard after the marathon.  I gave up good food and drinks for the last month leading up to the big day so that will be quite the reward!  80% of what gets me to the finish line is mental.  Having mental markers throughout the race will help make 26.2 feel shorter.  If I can spend weeks training doing 20 mile runs around the 1.6 mile per lap Chestnut Hill Reservoir, I can run a 26.2 mile straight line with supporters.
24 more hours of carbo and salt-loading.  That's right, salt-loading.  Salt will help me retain water for a hot marathon and of course the carbs to fuel my muscles with glycogen.  
Time for the fun to begin.  My next post will be post-marathon.  Yippy!


 

Wow am I excited or what?!

Only 10 days until the marathon and I only have a few runs left.  The taper is going well but I always want to run more than I should.  Wednesday I was able to run some bunny hills along the Charles River, I will do the same on Sunday for my 8-10 mile long run.  I can't wait for a cupcake and a glass of wine after the marathon.  I have cut alcohol and junk food out of my diet until the big day.  I have now raised $6000 for the 2012 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge.  Thank you everyone for your support!

Two weeks away

Yesterday I completed my 20 mile run.  That is the furthest I will run before the marathon.  It went very well.  I have been running along the Brighton Reservoir to protect my injured hamstring.  I'm getting very excited and I feel strong and ready to go.  To track me during the marathon text the word "runner" to 345678.  After you receive a text back reply with my bib number 23421.  I am going to be runner slower than originally planned due to my lack of training for the last 5 weeks.  Hopefully I can beat a 4:20 but we'll see.