Marathon Weekend

In just 16 short hours I will be returning to the starting line of the Boston Marathon to complete the journey I began last year.  This year's race brings forth a lot of emotion, strength and hope.  I am looking forward to completing the final leg of this journey with the support of all of you.  

This afternoon was the pre-race pasta party for Dana-Farber, which once again had wonderful speeches and reminded us why we are all running with the organization.  Our team has raised over 6 million dollars this season to support innovative cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute- what an amazing impact all of your generous donations have made!  Thank you so much!!

I am going to keep this short as I need to get rested up for the run tomorrow, but remember I have all of your loved ones on my mind as I make the trek from Hopkinton to Boston tomorrow.  Together we are making strides towards a world without cancer.  

Enjoy the pictures below and thank you again!  This journey would not be possible without all of you.

Happy Easter!

-S

Finish area

Front of my singlet

All my donors should take a look for their loved ones ribbon on my singlet!

DFMC Pasta Party

Finish area

Race expo

It's not too late to donate if you still wish to contribute!  www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah

1 Week To Go!

With just one week to go until race day, the excitement has been picking up in Boston.  They have begun to set up the finish line area and Sports Illustrated came to do their cover shoot over the weekend!  They invited the Boston area to come out and be a part of the cover shoot at the finish line- I headed out bright and early Saturday morning to be a part of it.  I was able to get to know some other charity runners while I was there (we were out there for over an hour!).  It was a great experience and I can't wait to pick up the new issue this week- be sure to check it out!

At the cover shoot

At the cover shoot

A church that was there was handing out these scarves- it is a part of the Marathon Scarf Project 2014.  Scarves were made from all over and the church received over 6,000 in total which were to be given out to those running the Boston Marathon.  Mine was made by Dee from Easton, MA- If she happens to read this:  Thank you Dee!! The scarf is beautiful!  The back of the yellow tag also reads "This scarf is interwoven with love and courage."  

I have completed my last double digit run of training and have just a couple short runs left to go!  I'm looking forward to completing my journey to the finish line in a week- it has been a longer journey than originally anticipated, but it has become more meaningful each and every day.  I am incredibly honored to be able to run this race for all of your friends, family and loved ones.  Running with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge has allowed me to combine philanthropy with one of my passions.  I am proud to say that in my 2 seasons with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge you all have helped me raise over $9,000 in total and all to benefit innovative cancer research!  I am blessed to have the encouragement and support of you.  Together we truly are making a difference in the fight against cancer!

I have a lot to look forward to and be thankful for this coming week.  It will be busy with final race preparation and family getting into town to support me on my run, but I will make sure to keep you up to date with all of it with more frequent updates!

For those who still wish to donate, please visit www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah.  We have raised just over $3,500 so far (including mail-in donations not yet posted)!!  Your generosity brings tears to my eyes as we work together to stride towards a cure for cancer!

Thank you all again!! :)

-S

We Hit the $3,000 Milestone!!!

Just 2 weeks to go until Marathon Monday and we have surpassed the $3,000 milestone!!  Thank you all so much for your generosity and support- every single dollar raised goes directly towards funding innovative cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  I will be running in honor of you, your loved ones and all of those battling cancer on race day.  Running with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge has made my marathon journey incredibly meaningful and I am blessed to be a part of it!

For this week (now through April 13) I will add in an additional $2 for every person who donates.  Please consider a donation today and become a part of my journey and the fight against cancer!

Last week, I was featured in my hometown newspaper- the Blaine Spring Lake Park Life.  For those of you who receive it- take a look in the sports section!  You can also check out the article here:  http://abcnewspapers.com/2014/04/03/blaine-grad-ready-to-finish-run-in-boston-after-raising-funds/.  The donation link does not work from the article, so please continue to use www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah to donate :)

The last two weeks of training will test my patience and discipline as I enter into the heart of taper.  My weekly running mileage drops down and anxiety creeps up as thoughts of "Am I ready?  Do I need to run more miles?" run through my head.  I plan to use this time to focus on the reason I am running the marathon- in honor of all of those who have battled or are currently battling cancer.  Running a marathon is a trivial battle compared to what they have been through.

As excited as I am to run this race, I am more excited to reach my fundraising goal and make an impact in the fight against cancer!  Since I began this journey with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge in December of 2012, you all have helped me raise nearly $10,000 to support the fight against cancer.  Without all of you, none of this would be possible.  Words cannot express my gratitude- thank you, thank you, thank you!!  Marathon Monday will be here before we know it and I can't wait to share it all with you!

Have a great week!

-S

www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah