Training continues to go well and I feel in much better shape than I did last year. I went on a nice (did I say nice?) 9 miler through Carlisle and back to Billerica - it's one of my favorites now, running through Great Brook State Park and some nice country roads and not too much traffic. Feel like I've hit an inflection point and am actually enjoying the daily workouts a lot more. Thanks to all for the suggestions and encouragement.
I wanted to announce to everyone (again) that we are having a fundraising event on Friday April 1, 2011 at the Billerica Elks, 14 Webb Brook Rd. in Billerica (of course!). DJ, Dancing, Prize Raffles, a 50/50 and a Silent Auction are all on the docket, starts at 7PM and goes til Midnight. All proceeds benefit DFMC and Cancer Research. Tickets are only $20 each. Where else can you have that much fun for 20 bucks?? Just email or call to order your tickets. Also, every tax deductible donation to DFMC on website (or check) of $100 or more gets 2 complimentary tickets as well.
Lastly I want to recognize my fabulous donors this week without whom this wouldn't all be possible: my good friend from Hopkinton Steve Pitts, friends and extreme runners Gary and Kim Brown, my old ski buddy Scott Vezina, and my cousin from Minnesota Maureen Plitzuweit. Thank you everybody for everything!!!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
8 Weeks to Go and Miles to Go Before I Sleep...
Good training week this week, with local runs of 4, 6 and 4 miles and then DFMC group run on Sunday where I got a good solid, though unspectacular 16 mile run through Heartbreak hills. The runs through the Newton Hills are among the hardest and most humbling but will hopefully pay dividends in April.
Fundraising is off to a good start and I wanted to recognize all my gracious donors: Andrew Bronneck, Andrew and Tara D'Amato, Steve Slaman (in memory of Betty Fitzpatrick), The Desmond Family (in memory of Karen's Dad Joe Brown), David Adams (in memory of Bobby Adams and Betty Silverson), John Burke (in memory of Irene Burke and Mary Cullity), Jerry Farrell (in memory of Ruth Sullivan), and The Knickle Family (in memory of Tracey's Mom, Grace Russo). We had a bit of problem in processing on the DFMC website, so sorry for the delay in sending out this recognition and Thank you!!
Fundraising is off to a good start and I wanted to recognize all my gracious donors: Andrew Bronneck, Andrew and Tara D'Amato, Steve Slaman (in memory of Betty Fitzpatrick), The Desmond Family (in memory of Karen's Dad Joe Brown), David Adams (in memory of Bobby Adams and Betty Silverson), John Burke (in memory of Irene Burke and Mary Cullity), Jerry Farrell (in memory of Ruth Sullivan), and The Knickle Family (in memory of Tracey's Mom, Grace Russo). We had a bit of problem in processing on the DFMC website, so sorry for the delay in sending out this recognition and Thank you!!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
My 2011 DFMC Announcement and Fundraising Appeal
Dear Family and Friends:
First, I’d like to thank the many of you who supported my 2010 run for the DFMC. Because of you, I was able to raise over $8,000 for Dana Farber Cancer Research (and our team was able to raise an astounding $4.4 Million). The experience was so great, I decided to do it again. I will be running the 2011 Boston Marathon as part of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team. My goals this year are two fold:
1. To raise a minimum $8,000 for DFMC (my stretch goal is $10,000) for Critical Cancer Research and
2. To run the Boston Marathon in 5 Hours or Less
I am committed to these goals for a lot of personal reasons and to honor and raise money for a very fine organization. Dana Farber continues to lead the field in breakthrough cancer research and also in efficiency, the best part: 100% of our donations will go directly to the researchers to find a cure for cancer - how great is that?
Once again, I will be running in memory of my mother, Betty Fitzpatrick, who passed away in March 2009 from Lung Cancer and Ruth Sullivan, my wife Regina's aunt who passed away in July 2008 from Pancreatic Cancer. Both of them inspired me with their courage, love and dedication to family and unwavering spirit.
This year, I would also like to run in memory or support of YOUR loved ones who were victims of this awful disease. At your request, I will add their names or initials to my racing singlet with a ribbon and a memorial certificate for the DFMC Memorial in Boston in April. I would like to ask for your support in any way possible as I attempt to raise these needed funds for Dana Farber. There are 2 easy ways to donate:
The first (and preferred) is via the ultra secure DFMC donation website. You can use any major credit or debit card and it is 100% tax deductible. No amount is too small. You can dedicate your own donation to a loved one who has been a victim or survivor or is still fighting this terrible disease or just to sponsor my run (and you can choose to show or not show the amount of your donation). It's that easy!!
The link: http://www.runDFMC.org/2011/tomf Or: To send a check the old fashioned way (Please make payable to Dana Farber Marathon Challenge c/o Tom Fitzpatrick and mail:
Tom Fitzpatrick
16 Hawks Ridge Rd.
North Billerica, MA 01862.
P.S. I have started a weekly journal blog of my progress on both fronts and welcome you to check it out, and to recognize ALL MY DONORS each week (unless you ask me not to). The address for that is http://tomfitzruns.blogspot.com. It is aptly titled "The Survival Shuffle".
In closing, I'd like to thank you very much for your consideration and support in advance as I run for the cure in 2010 – in memory of Betty and Ruth and ALL Our Moms and Dads Taken By Cancer!!
Best Regards,
Tom Fitzpatrick
Want to Know More about Dana Farber Cancer Institute: http://www.dana-farber.org/
More Ways to Help: Dana Farber Marathon Challenge : http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=321295
First, I’d like to thank the many of you who supported my 2010 run for the DFMC. Because of you, I was able to raise over $8,000 for Dana Farber Cancer Research (and our team was able to raise an astounding $4.4 Million). The experience was so great, I decided to do it again. I will be running the 2011 Boston Marathon as part of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge Team. My goals this year are two fold:
1. To raise a minimum $8,000 for DFMC (my stretch goal is $10,000) for Critical Cancer Research and
2. To run the Boston Marathon in 5 Hours or Less
I am committed to these goals for a lot of personal reasons and to honor and raise money for a very fine organization. Dana Farber continues to lead the field in breakthrough cancer research and also in efficiency, the best part: 100% of our donations will go directly to the researchers to find a cure for cancer - how great is that?
Once again, I will be running in memory of my mother, Betty Fitzpatrick, who passed away in March 2009 from Lung Cancer and Ruth Sullivan, my wife Regina's aunt who passed away in July 2008 from Pancreatic Cancer. Both of them inspired me with their courage, love and dedication to family and unwavering spirit.
This year, I would also like to run in memory or support of YOUR loved ones who were victims of this awful disease. At your request, I will add their names or initials to my racing singlet with a ribbon and a memorial certificate for the DFMC Memorial in Boston in April. I would like to ask for your support in any way possible as I attempt to raise these needed funds for Dana Farber. There are 2 easy ways to donate:
The first (and preferred) is via the ultra secure DFMC donation website. You can use any major credit or debit card and it is 100% tax deductible. No amount is too small. You can dedicate your own donation to a loved one who has been a victim or survivor or is still fighting this terrible disease or just to sponsor my run (and you can choose to show or not show the amount of your donation). It's that easy!!
The link: http://www.runDFMC.org/2011/tomf Or: To send a check the old fashioned way (Please make payable to Dana Farber Marathon Challenge c/o Tom Fitzpatrick and mail:
Tom Fitzpatrick
16 Hawks Ridge Rd.
North Billerica, MA 01862.
P.S. I have started a weekly journal blog of my progress on both fronts and welcome you to check it out, and to recognize ALL MY DONORS each week (unless you ask me not to). The address for that is http://tomfitzruns.blogspot.com. It is aptly titled "The Survival Shuffle".
In closing, I'd like to thank you very much for your consideration and support in advance as I run for the cure in 2010 – in memory of Betty and Ruth and ALL Our Moms and Dads Taken By Cancer!!
Best Regards,
Tom Fitzpatrick
Want to Know More about Dana Farber Cancer Institute: http://www.dana-farber.org/
More Ways to Help: Dana Farber Marathon Challenge : http://www.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=321295
Monday, January 10, 2011
Chasing Valerie Bertinelli: My Quest for Mediocrity
One of the fun subtexts of my 2010 Marathon was getting home later in the day to read the text messages and emails from friends and relatives who were tracking my progress online. It tracked my performance perfectly and here are some of my favorites...
"Tom, you're doing great. You are on a 4:50 pace and are 12 minutes ahead of Valerie Bertinelli.... keep it up!!" - at the halfway point 13 miles in Natick.
"Hey, thought something happened to you but glad to see you passed the 30K mark... you are still 6 minutes ahead of Valerie, keep going!!"
"Hey, text or call me if you are running into trouble. I can come pick you up... LOL Did something happen to you on the hills... only 6 miles to go. Valerie is gaining on you"
"Hey, did you see Valerie Bertinelli, I think she passed you a mile ago, did you get her autograph?"
Yeah. Her and the juggler's and the giant hamburger. I got all their autographs.
Now some 7 months removed from my initial foray as a charity runner for the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge at the Boston Marathon, I never did see Ms. Bertinelli on course. Of course I was bleary eyed and if she ran by me naked after mile 22, I doubt I would've noticed (sorry Valerie). But there's always THIS year.
I started my training and did my first group run this past Sunday yesterday. It was good in so many ways - there is a very strong communal spirit among the Dana Farber runners and it was great to meet the new people - Matt, Tom, Beth and a woman from Billerica now in Charlestown named Kristie (sp?) who had the misfortune to follow me back to start after I made the wrong turn on Soldier's Field instead of Arsenal Street. Sorry Kristie!! We have a great team and it was inspiring to hear people's stories and why they are running, so many for the first time, like me last year.
I have come to the realization that I will never be a great long distance runner, but I enjoy it nonetheless and I guess my quest for mediocrity can still be a personal goal as I try to train and run the race better and to raise as many funds possible for this ever worthy charity. I will update the blog more faithfully this year and hope it is as enjoyable to some as it is cathartic to write and as I enjoy my fellow runner's blogs. Here's to a successful 2011 and everyone's quest for (something greater than) mediocrity!!
"Tom, you're doing great. You are on a 4:50 pace and are 12 minutes ahead of Valerie Bertinelli.... keep it up!!" - at the halfway point 13 miles in Natick.
"Hey, thought something happened to you but glad to see you passed the 30K mark... you are still 6 minutes ahead of Valerie, keep going!!"
"Hey, text or call me if you are running into trouble. I can come pick you up... LOL Did something happen to you on the hills... only 6 miles to go. Valerie is gaining on you"
"Hey, did you see Valerie Bertinelli, I think she passed you a mile ago, did you get her autograph?"
Yeah. Her and the juggler's and the giant hamburger. I got all their autographs.
Now some 7 months removed from my initial foray as a charity runner for the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge at the Boston Marathon, I never did see Ms. Bertinelli on course. Of course I was bleary eyed and if she ran by me naked after mile 22, I doubt I would've noticed (sorry Valerie). But there's always THIS year.
I started my training and did my first group run this past Sunday yesterday. It was good in so many ways - there is a very strong communal spirit among the Dana Farber runners and it was great to meet the new people - Matt, Tom, Beth and a woman from Billerica now in Charlestown named Kristie (sp?) who had the misfortune to follow me back to start after I made the wrong turn on Soldier's Field instead of Arsenal Street. Sorry Kristie!! We have a great team and it was inspiring to hear people's stories and why they are running, so many for the first time, like me last year.
I have come to the realization that I will never be a great long distance runner, but I enjoy it nonetheless and I guess my quest for mediocrity can still be a personal goal as I try to train and run the race better and to raise as many funds possible for this ever worthy charity. I will update the blog more faithfully this year and hope it is as enjoyable to some as it is cathartic to write and as I enjoy my fellow runner's blogs. Here's to a successful 2011 and everyone's quest for (something greater than) mediocrity!!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Donor Recognition: Up The Last Hill, Down The Stretch
Like the race itself, someone once said it's not how you start it's how you finish. Mirroring this concept in fundraising, I was fortunate from supportive friends and family to get off to a very strong start, sustain at even pace and, the best part, finish as a lot of people came in at the end to push me over my goal of raising $8,000 for cancer research at DFMC. This blog is as much about THEM (YOU) as it is about me and the running and training. Without further ado, I'd like to recognize the following donors:
Anne Barron (my mom's friend and first golf buddy), Theresa Sliney (great friend of mom's through golf), Kim McCown (cancer survivor and friend of our family), Candace and Paul Nash (neighbors and golf friends in Hopkinton), Gerry and Joy Arsenault (neighbors and friends in Billerica), Debbie and Doug Fogerty (friends in Billerica), Sheila and Carl Thieme (my cousin and her husband in Florida), CSJ of Boston/Bethany Health Care Center (very humbled here that a charity that is so special to OUR family donated to MY run and Dana Farber - Thanks Bethany!!), Bruce Hughes - BH Construction (in support of his Aunt Helen breast cancer survivor), Alan Waldrip (in memory of Walter Waldrip and in memory of Joyce Pepe), Steve Marquedant and his company Strategic Link (in memory of Betty and support of Heidi Marquedant), John Sullivan (in memory of Anna Sullivan and his mom Jean Sullivan), Andrea and Scott Lauzon, Kathleen Hughes and Family, Lisa Eautough and Family (Aaron - my pediatric partner's mom and family made a generous donation!), Joseph Vozzella and family, Bill Tierney - K&T Enterprises, Scott Corner (in memory of his dad Roger Corner and Betty), David Holmes, Theresa and Paul LaMarca, Cindy and Frank LoPresti, Laurel Newson, Mike Poppler, Jeff Zeichick, Steve Slaman, Rich Corbett (again!), Beverly Lees, WHEW!! I think that's everybody to date. Please let me know if I have anything wrong. I am the editor and publisher and can quickly correct. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a memorable experience this year!!
Anne Barron (my mom's friend and first golf buddy), Theresa Sliney (great friend of mom's through golf), Kim McCown (cancer survivor and friend of our family), Candace and Paul Nash (neighbors and golf friends in Hopkinton), Gerry and Joy Arsenault (neighbors and friends in Billerica), Debbie and Doug Fogerty (friends in Billerica), Sheila and Carl Thieme (my cousin and her husband in Florida), CSJ of Boston/Bethany Health Care Center (very humbled here that a charity that is so special to OUR family donated to MY run and Dana Farber - Thanks Bethany!!), Bruce Hughes - BH Construction (in support of his Aunt Helen breast cancer survivor), Alan Waldrip (in memory of Walter Waldrip and in memory of Joyce Pepe), Steve Marquedant and his company Strategic Link (in memory of Betty and support of Heidi Marquedant), John Sullivan (in memory of Anna Sullivan and his mom Jean Sullivan), Andrea and Scott Lauzon, Kathleen Hughes and Family, Lisa Eautough and Family (Aaron - my pediatric partner's mom and family made a generous donation!), Joseph Vozzella and family, Bill Tierney - K&T Enterprises, Scott Corner (in memory of his dad Roger Corner and Betty), David Holmes, Theresa and Paul LaMarca, Cindy and Frank LoPresti, Laurel Newson, Mike Poppler, Jeff Zeichick, Steve Slaman, Rich Corbett (again!), Beverly Lees, WHEW!! I think that's everybody to date. Please let me know if I have anything wrong. I am the editor and publisher and can quickly correct. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a memorable experience this year!!
Friday, April 23, 2010
The Big Day Arrives April 19, 2010: Hopkinton to Boston
I was thinking about this in retrospect, as I now stood at the DFMC Refuge at Hopkinton, pounding bottles of Poland Springs and cups of gatorade, and bagels spread with peanut butter. A little past 5AM, I had headed out my door this morning, to my friend Gerry's house where his mom and dad, in their early 70's had come from NH to drive us to the Hopkinton start. Surveying the town from the Town Common as the sun came up after walking to the start, I was struck of memories of days gone by, of carefree youth growing up in this rural town, and marathons experienced - riding bikes and playing football on the common as TV towers were set up, climbing elm trees at the start for the best view, and the time we decided as 12 year olds to just jump in at the end and follow the marathoners - running about 10 miles, and have to call one of the parents to come get us -- "You're WHERE?? Why you stupid.... stay right there and don't move..".
Heading to the DFMC Refuge, hosted at St. John's, I thought of the irony of beginnings and conclusions, I was baptized and had first communion in this church, and a little over a year ago I had eulogized my Mom in the same place, after she had died from the cancer I was running against today.
As I surveyed the room, I was taken by the strong convivial spirit and support given to first timers like me. Bouncing around like a fall Saturday before a big game, I had 2 full bags of crap, manuals, folders, etc. and I sort of saw people kind of looking at me and smiling, shaking their head. Gerry calmed me down and we had a couple good photos and seeing my good friend Helen Morey-Gallo and Froggie Ted at the medical table with some last minute advice helped a lot.
At 9:30, we went outside for a group photo and we were less than an hour to start. We heard the wheelchair and elite start and microphones over the loudspeakers. I stretched and tried to get ready as best I could, I felt really good. Of course, I went to the bathroom no less than 5 times.
Time arrives and we get escorted down to our corrals (basically pen like structures where you are put in with people in your Number sequence - 22500 - 23000 Charity and other non qualifiers). 10:27, and I'm jumping up and down now, staying loose and of course a bit nervous. It was an eternal 3 minutes and the gun goes off. We have to walk for a while up Main Street (it is a chip timed race, not that I'm worried what 5 or 10 minutes does to my time). Surrounded by DFMC runners with inspirational messages on the backs of their singlets and Large Letters with your name on the Front, I felt at home. As we crossed the starting line just off the common, we wished each other "Good Luck!" and "Good Run" and we were off. I stayed to the left. My high school classmate Chris Graham was having a party at her house and made signs for me. I wasn't sure where it was and I almost passed it, but got to look up and catch them just as I passed the view. Big signs and cheers. Thanks to Chris family and friends for the great sendoff!!
The roads heading down the hill to Ashland from Hopkinton I found to be some of the hardest. The road crowns badly which means you are running at an awkward angle on the side. Felt a couple twinges I didnt like, but no problem as I headed into Ashland and the 5K sign to grab a quick Gatorade and water. I'm hitting 9:30's and moving right along. Coming out of Framingham Center, my right calf began tightening and I felt a slight pull. Stop to stretch, fans screaming "TOOOOMMMMMMMM!!" Love these people. Felt better and hit Mile 9 and I was being careful to run striking my heel and pointing toes up to keep the calf straight (same one I injured in training). I was really looking forward to Natick and seeing the Flynns on course (Kevin and Amy and their boys Conor and Nolan). There they were just like they said in front of the Library. Quick high fives. Great to see the boys!!.
I'm off and hit Mile 11 and then it happened, a very severe calf pull and I felt the muscle fibers pull badly and a sharp pain. I pull up and I cannot put full weight on my right foot normally. I try to stretch it out and it's throbbing. Damn. What to do now?? I walked it for 75 yards and I tried the foot at different angles. As I angled my ankle so I was running on the outside edge of my foot, the pain went away almost completely. I basically would run this way, club foot style, for the next 10 miles. My left quad hurt a bit but I felt pretty good, I was glad I did the long run like this in my training, it certainly helped now. I was soon to enter one of the more inspirational parts of the course: the "Scream Tunnel" at Wellesley College. Basically think of an entire campus of super hyped female coeds with signs and loud voices screaming and you have it. I leaned through to get a couple kisses on the cheek (to my wife: it's part of the experience hon!!) and I have to say the college kids amazed me with their support here, at BC and Northeastern through the day. Heading out of Wellesley a bit of a blur, I made sure to take water and Gatorade at every stop and I had a couple of GU (chocolate frosting with glycogen) packets every 8-10 miles. I thought of my Mom and Ruth Sullivan cheering me on from heaven, got a little choked up a few times, it was very spiritual.
All I could think of now was getting to Newton and Mile 17.5 and seeing my family. As I turned down Route 16, I saw my son Stevie up ahead. He jumped up and down and ran a little ahead to scream I was coming. I made my best to look as fresh as I could, my feet and quads were starting to hurt pretty bad now, but as I lumbered up, all I hear are horns and cowbells and 2 signs "Way to Go Daddy" (Taylor) and "Your Family Is So Proud of You". Made my day and I ran in to give everyone a hug. My daughter buried her head in my stomach and hugged me for a full minute, as I drank a gatorade. "How you doin?" "Oh Great, I am having problems with the calf, though" I said and left it at that.
Stopping for the 2 minutes was good for the soul, but bad for the muscles. I was a bit tight, but I head off, lumbering and limping a little more now as I head up the Newton Hills. We practiced here a lot during the long runs so I think I'm ready. The first one is a little tough and legs are really sore now. I ran up the second one and started a brief walk and I saw the O'Brien's from Billerica - Gene and Shelley and their sons Danny and Steven(?). Couple pats on the back and I was energized a bit. Don't let em see you walking, I said and I gamely plodded on, got a big lift from them and the crowd as I made my way up Heartbreak Hill to the highest point on course. I felt some measure of victory as I hit Mile 21, but running this way had taken its toll.
They say there is a point where you really have to overcome or get divine inspiration, this where I got something, as I started my "survival shuffle" from here on out, oddly through some of the easiest part of the course. Mile 22, a blur, and drunken college students at BC, but lots of encouragement. Giant Hamburger and Hot Dog pass me, Ha Funny, A Juggler (oh the humility), and a guy in a hideous dress with a green wig. More partying college students. Wish I was with you, I'm thinking trying to conjure my 22 year old self. Lots of shouting and the miles are taking very long now, as I'm basically striding slowly. We are on a down incline and I can barely move, my muscles have had it, but I am determined to keep going. I see a few people go to medical tents and I just keep on trucking. I think of what Gerry Farrell (Regina's cousin's husband) told me "Do Whatever You Can To Finish The Race". It was my mantra for 5 plus miles as my body fatigued and locked up. I thought of my Mom and the struggles of my pediatric partner Aaron and what pain he goes through with weekly chemo treatments at Dana Farber and all the positive experiences and support and how lucky I was to have good family and friends. The montage kept my feet moving and constant yells of my name, "You Can Do it", "You've Got This", the crowd willing me to keep going. Mile 24 and 25 passed, but I knew I would make it. I just kept going.
Finally, running into downtown Boston. The crowd is thicker and I pick up a little more stride knowing I am within reach. I hit Hereford Street the one that narrows into Boylston and lots of cheering and then I make my turn onto Boylston. I hear my wife and sons screaming "There He Is.. TOM!!". I cannot begin to describe what an awesome feeling running those last 400 yards were. My sons Kenny and Steve were let out on course with their cousin Danny. They gave me a hug and we ran in together. The most awesome experience of my life. Announcer yells "Tom Fitzpatrick #22656 from Billerica Mass. Running for Dana Farber". Yes, I AM... We cross and are ushered through the gates, a BAA Mylar wrap is draped over my shoulders and it comes in handy as chills begin to get my body convulsing a bit. All I can think about as I'm walking (like a bad Frankenstein impersonation) is those last couple hundred yards and all the good things. I will sleep well tonight, and I hope all the Moms and Dads who have gone before us do too, and little Aaron, who deserves it. My marathon experience now complete. MY HONOR ROLL OF DONORS IN THE FINAL STRETCH WILL FOLLOW THIS POST. THANK YOU TO ALL!!
Heading to the DFMC Refuge, hosted at St. John's, I thought of the irony of beginnings and conclusions, I was baptized and had first communion in this church, and a little over a year ago I had eulogized my Mom in the same place, after she had died from the cancer I was running against today.
As I surveyed the room, I was taken by the strong convivial spirit and support given to first timers like me. Bouncing around like a fall Saturday before a big game, I had 2 full bags of crap, manuals, folders, etc. and I sort of saw people kind of looking at me and smiling, shaking their head. Gerry calmed me down and we had a couple good photos and seeing my good friend Helen Morey-Gallo and Froggie Ted at the medical table with some last minute advice helped a lot.
At 9:30, we went outside for a group photo and we were less than an hour to start. We heard the wheelchair and elite start and microphones over the loudspeakers. I stretched and tried to get ready as best I could, I felt really good. Of course, I went to the bathroom no less than 5 times.
Time arrives and we get escorted down to our corrals (basically pen like structures where you are put in with people in your Number sequence - 22500 - 23000 Charity and other non qualifiers). 10:27, and I'm jumping up and down now, staying loose and of course a bit nervous. It was an eternal 3 minutes and the gun goes off. We have to walk for a while up Main Street (it is a chip timed race, not that I'm worried what 5 or 10 minutes does to my time). Surrounded by DFMC runners with inspirational messages on the backs of their singlets and Large Letters with your name on the Front, I felt at home. As we crossed the starting line just off the common, we wished each other "Good Luck!" and "Good Run" and we were off. I stayed to the left. My high school classmate Chris Graham was having a party at her house and made signs for me. I wasn't sure where it was and I almost passed it, but got to look up and catch them just as I passed the view. Big signs and cheers. Thanks to Chris family and friends for the great sendoff!!
The roads heading down the hill to Ashland from Hopkinton I found to be some of the hardest. The road crowns badly which means you are running at an awkward angle on the side. Felt a couple twinges I didnt like, but no problem as I headed into Ashland and the 5K sign to grab a quick Gatorade and water. I'm hitting 9:30's and moving right along. Coming out of Framingham Center, my right calf began tightening and I felt a slight pull. Stop to stretch, fans screaming "TOOOOMMMMMMMM!!" Love these people. Felt better and hit Mile 9 and I was being careful to run striking my heel and pointing toes up to keep the calf straight (same one I injured in training). I was really looking forward to Natick and seeing the Flynns on course (Kevin and Amy and their boys Conor and Nolan). There they were just like they said in front of the Library. Quick high fives. Great to see the boys!!.
I'm off and hit Mile 11 and then it happened, a very severe calf pull and I felt the muscle fibers pull badly and a sharp pain. I pull up and I cannot put full weight on my right foot normally. I try to stretch it out and it's throbbing. Damn. What to do now?? I walked it for 75 yards and I tried the foot at different angles. As I angled my ankle so I was running on the outside edge of my foot, the pain went away almost completely. I basically would run this way, club foot style, for the next 10 miles. My left quad hurt a bit but I felt pretty good, I was glad I did the long run like this in my training, it certainly helped now. I was soon to enter one of the more inspirational parts of the course: the "Scream Tunnel" at Wellesley College. Basically think of an entire campus of super hyped female coeds with signs and loud voices screaming and you have it. I leaned through to get a couple kisses on the cheek (to my wife: it's part of the experience hon!!) and I have to say the college kids amazed me with their support here, at BC and Northeastern through the day. Heading out of Wellesley a bit of a blur, I made sure to take water and Gatorade at every stop and I had a couple of GU (chocolate frosting with glycogen) packets every 8-10 miles. I thought of my Mom and Ruth Sullivan cheering me on from heaven, got a little choked up a few times, it was very spiritual.
All I could think of now was getting to Newton and Mile 17.5 and seeing my family. As I turned down Route 16, I saw my son Stevie up ahead. He jumped up and down and ran a little ahead to scream I was coming. I made my best to look as fresh as I could, my feet and quads were starting to hurt pretty bad now, but as I lumbered up, all I hear are horns and cowbells and 2 signs "Way to Go Daddy" (Taylor) and "Your Family Is So Proud of You". Made my day and I ran in to give everyone a hug. My daughter buried her head in my stomach and hugged me for a full minute, as I drank a gatorade. "How you doin?" "Oh Great, I am having problems with the calf, though" I said and left it at that.
Stopping for the 2 minutes was good for the soul, but bad for the muscles. I was a bit tight, but I head off, lumbering and limping a little more now as I head up the Newton Hills. We practiced here a lot during the long runs so I think I'm ready. The first one is a little tough and legs are really sore now. I ran up the second one and started a brief walk and I saw the O'Brien's from Billerica - Gene and Shelley and their sons Danny and Steven(?). Couple pats on the back and I was energized a bit. Don't let em see you walking, I said and I gamely plodded on, got a big lift from them and the crowd as I made my way up Heartbreak Hill to the highest point on course. I felt some measure of victory as I hit Mile 21, but running this way had taken its toll.
They say there is a point where you really have to overcome or get divine inspiration, this where I got something, as I started my "survival shuffle" from here on out, oddly through some of the easiest part of the course. Mile 22, a blur, and drunken college students at BC, but lots of encouragement. Giant Hamburger and Hot Dog pass me, Ha Funny, A Juggler (oh the humility), and a guy in a hideous dress with a green wig. More partying college students. Wish I was with you, I'm thinking trying to conjure my 22 year old self. Lots of shouting and the miles are taking very long now, as I'm basically striding slowly. We are on a down incline and I can barely move, my muscles have had it, but I am determined to keep going. I see a few people go to medical tents and I just keep on trucking. I think of what Gerry Farrell (Regina's cousin's husband) told me "Do Whatever You Can To Finish The Race". It was my mantra for 5 plus miles as my body fatigued and locked up. I thought of my Mom and the struggles of my pediatric partner Aaron and what pain he goes through with weekly chemo treatments at Dana Farber and all the positive experiences and support and how lucky I was to have good family and friends. The montage kept my feet moving and constant yells of my name, "You Can Do it", "You've Got This", the crowd willing me to keep going. Mile 24 and 25 passed, but I knew I would make it. I just kept going.
Finally, running into downtown Boston. The crowd is thicker and I pick up a little more stride knowing I am within reach. I hit Hereford Street the one that narrows into Boylston and lots of cheering and then I make my turn onto Boylston. I hear my wife and sons screaming "There He Is.. TOM!!". I cannot begin to describe what an awesome feeling running those last 400 yards were. My sons Kenny and Steve were let out on course with their cousin Danny. They gave me a hug and we ran in together. The most awesome experience of my life. Announcer yells "Tom Fitzpatrick #22656 from Billerica Mass. Running for Dana Farber". Yes, I AM... We cross and are ushered through the gates, a BAA Mylar wrap is draped over my shoulders and it comes in handy as chills begin to get my body convulsing a bit. All I can think about as I'm walking (like a bad Frankenstein impersonation) is those last couple hundred yards and all the good things. I will sleep well tonight, and I hope all the Moms and Dads who have gone before us do too, and little Aaron, who deserves it. My marathon experience now complete. MY HONOR ROLL OF DONORS IN THE FINAL STRETCH WILL FOLLOW THIS POST. THANK YOU TO ALL!!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Taper or Not Here We Come April 5 week
Coming out of the first full week of April with less than 3 weeks to go until the big day, I focused on keeping the pace of medium runs during the week and with a DFMC long run on the hills in Newton on April 11th. Continues to astound me how I can find "second gear" (that point where muscle fatigue, high heartbeat, and heavy breathing goes away to a new easier gear) at so many different points in my run every time. I don't keep a regular journal and I'm sure more experienced runners would laugh at these "revelations" every week. Had a good long run though, with 13 miles, and I could have gone longer. Did not want to push it, as being healthy will trump being ultra prepared in this runner's regimen. FANTASTIC week on the donation front as I crossed $6K overall (well on my way to the $8K goal which I hope to exceed). My key donors this week include Bruce Hughes/BHC Construction (in support of his Aunt Helen who is fighting breast cancer a 2nd time - prayers to you Helen!!), Jay O'Shaughnessy, Rick Lavoie, Cate Shine, Rick Kelly, Kim McKown-Walters and the Walters Family, Dave Costa, and my brother and sister in law, Brian Doherty & Michele Boudros. Also Diane Johnson and Joe & Linda Iafrate Family donated on behalf of my pediatric partner Aaron. Thank you everyone again for helping me reach my fundraising goals. 2 weeks to go!!
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