The FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team Kickoff Meeting

The local members of the FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team gathered in Franklin Park for the Kickoff Meeting on December 17, 2011. The meeting started with a walk in the Woodlands led by the FPC's Youth and Volunteer Coordinator, Mike Watts and three of his students. The group showed the team the important work they have accomplished the last few months in clearing the invasive plants from the Woodlands. The teens also talked about the importance of the Summer Drop-In Sports Nights.

After our walk, we had the chance to go to the Franklin Park Zoo ECO Center (www.zoonewengland.org) for a little "tour" (a.k.a. getting lost looking for the ECO Center) and a meeting. Christine Poff from the FPC shared information about the organization, Mike Toomey shared information about marathon training along with a roundtable discussion about training with some of our seasoned, veteran runners. Finally, Julie Arrison had a very quick talk about the fundraising and event planning guides that each runner received. The day ended for some of the team with a quick 5K around the park that included the Bear Dens, White Stadium, the Woodlands, and the Golf Course. It was a great kickoff and we think it's safe to say that we are all very excited to get rolling!

Introductions all around for the Boston Marathon Charity Team members and the Youth Conservation Crew. After this, Mike Watts led us into the Woodlands with the "Alphabet Game--Movie Edition" followed by "Two Truths and a Lie."

Mike Watts of the FPC is talking to the team about the work of the Youth Conservation Crew.

Andy from the Youth Conservation Crew is telling us just how much damage the Cat Brier can cause in the Woodlands--and to the poor Youth Conservation Crew members sporting shorts on a hot summer day!

A wander around the lovely Franklin Park Zoo!

Marathon Charity Team Members Jay C., Shari, and Kristen stopped for a quick picture!

Down to business in the ECO Center at the Zoo. Thanks to the FPC for an awesome bagel breakfast and great meeting!

Boston Marathon Team Kickoff Meeting Today!

Members of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team will be at their team kickoff meeting today. The first part of the day will be a walk in the Woodlands with FPC Staff and members of the Summer Youth Crew to learn about their summer restoration work in the park and to get to know a few of the teens that the team will be raising money for. Later, the team will have breakfast and get down to business at the Franklin Park Zoo (http://www.zoonewengland.org/). The team will be learning about everything from training to nutrition to fundraising to event planning.

We'll be sure to post some pictures from our day!

National Recognition for the Efforts of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team

In the most recent edition of Field Notes, the newsletter of the National Association of Olmsted Parks, the Franklin Park Coalition's Boston Marathon Charity team was a featured article. The NAOP is a nationwide association of Olmsted related parks and organizations from around the United States consisting of professionals ranging from landscape architects to scholars to rangers to students. It is a true honor to be included in this publication that reaches out to thousands across the country.

"For more than 30 years, NAOP has raised awareness of the importance of the Olmsted legacy among public officials, community leaders, landscape design professionals and academics. NAOP encourages scholarship, publishes key reference materials, supports local park restoration, and provides technical assistance to preservation efforts." Here in the Boston area, organizations like the Franklin Park Coalition, the Emerald Necklace Conservancy, and the National Park Service help to extend a similar mission and vision for Olmsted designed parks.

To check out the November Field Notes or to learn more about the phenomenal work of the NAOP, please visit http://www.olmsted.org/naop-field-notes-november-2011.

First "Unofficial" Team Workout Tonight in Lynn

Six members of the FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team will be at the Lynn YMCA tonight with Coach Mike Toomey for group track workouts! Official training starts on December 26, but it certainly doesn't hurt to get a kickstart!

We can't wait to see Julie Arrison, Jason Carraro, Paula Gibbs, Shari Hewson, Dale Libkin, and Owen Kendall run fast tonight!

To learn more about Coach Toomey and his Boston Marathon training plan--one of the perks of running for the Charity Team--visit www.toomeysports.net.

Get Warm and Toasty at an Indoor Track Clinic

The FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team Coach, Mike Toomey, of Toomey Sports Running Center will be offering two indoor winter track clinics track clinics starting December 8. Please read below for details.

Session #1: Boston Reggie Lewis Center

Tuesday nights 7:30-9pm starting 12/13

This 8 week program will take place on one of the top tracks in the country. This clinic is open to all levels and perfect for those athletes running indoor track, training for the Boston Marathon, or those runners that work or live in Boston and want to train indoors. The track is a 200 meter mondo surface.

Cost is $125.00  (A track pass will need to be purchased from The Reggie Lewis Center for $ 120.00 in addition to clinic costs.)

Session #2: Lynn YMCA Track

Thursdays 12/8 - 1/26 from 7-8pm

This clinic is ideal for all levels and will be  customized to the individual whether they are training for a specific race or just trying to stay in shape during the winter months. The clinic will meet once per week and you will receive an 8 week training plan to follow on your own as well.

Cost is $125.00 (You do not need to be a Y member to participate in this clinic.)

Mike is also offering a 50% discount if you sign up for both clinics.

For team members interested in joining Mike on Thursday nights, transportation to Lynn is quite easy. You can take the orange or green line to North Station and the Newburyport/Rockport Line to Central Station in Lynn. From there, it's about a .25 mile walk to the Y and there are many members of the Wicked Running Club that will be happy to try to arrange transport for you.

MBTA departure times from North Station are at 5:55 (6:19 arrival) and 6:15 (6:37 arrival). A train leaves from Lynn at 8:34 (8:54 arrival in North Station).

To sign up for the sessions, please visit: Toomey Sports Winter Running Clinics. Payment can be made via paypal or check.