Still Room to Apply!

The Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team still has a limited amount of space available for runners to join our team to fundraise and run in the 2013 Boston Marathon. Visit the "application" page for all of the details.

It's not too late to join the fun and camaraderie!

Welcome to the 2013 FPC Team, Yogi Dani!

 

Dani Bialas, a.k.a. Yogi Dani, grew up and raised her family in Melrose, Mass. After the birth of her second child she re-entered the fitness world as a trainer, eventually starting up the practice of yoga and opening her own studio—Yoga in Me—in Medford, Mass. Dani was a runner in college and through the 90’s ran 5K’s, 10K’s, the Army 10 Miler, the infamous Falmouth Road Race, and numerous half marathons. Most recently, Dani completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C.—with an impending hurricane chasing her for 26.2 miles.

Dani gained a fondness for Franklin Park while her son ran high school cross country. She likens the start of a meet on the Playstead to a “Braveheart” style charge. After completing her own BAA Half Marathon with a finish in White Stadium, her love just continued to grow. For more info on Dani visit DaniRunsBoston2013.US. To support Dani’s fundraising efforts, please visit:

Michelle Collier is from New Hampshire and enjoys spending time outdoors and loves the city of Boston. Michelle has hiked 46 of New Hampshire's 48 4000 footers and has played ice hockey on the Lady Monarchs who were the 2011 USA Hockey National Runners up team. Michelle has been a runner since high school and ran a cross country race in Franklin Park and competed in several Boston Road Races and the Maine Marathon. Most recently, Michelle has been competing in Sprint Triathlons and has competed in two National Events just missing representing the USA at worlds in 2011. This year Michelle will be focused on raising money for the Franklin Park Coalition and training for the 2013 Boston Marathon--which she will run on her Birthday. Michelle believes everyone should have a chance to get outside and play in a safe environment.

To support Michelle's run and her goals of giving local kids a safe place to play, please check out her fundraising page at: http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteammichelle.

Welcome to the 2013 FPC Boston Marathon Team, Cindy!

Meet the newest member of the 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon, Cindy Brennan! Cindy hails from Roxbury and loves Franklin Park--not just because she is a librarian who is into historic preservation and Mr. Olmsted's amazing work, but because it gives her a places to train for cyclocross racing. The Boston Marathon won't be Cindy's first race atmosphere, but it will be her first marathon. Coach Toomey is thrilled to take on the challenge of working with this very fit newbie and maybe, just maybe, convincing her that running is better than biking!

If you want to be a part of the action on the Franklin Park Coalition team, we have a few spaces left. We offer superior support, USATF certified coaching, and a supportive group atmosphere to help carry you through both your fundraising efforts and marathon training. Apply today and contact our team leader, Julie Arrison, with any questions.

 

Spots Are Filling Quick!

If you're considering running the Boston Marathon and want to do it for a great cause with a great training program, please consider the Franklin Park Coalition! See our team application for all details or feel free to contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison with any questions at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

 

Fantastic Fundraising Events in Store!

 

Winter Fun Runs!

 

A dedicated coach...who really will do it all!

 

A huge network of support!

 

A plan to get you to the finish!

 

Indoor track.

 

Team Bonding at its best.

 

Crazy fast runners (as well as crazy average and slow runners!)

 

Atlantic Ocean Ice Baths.

 

Marathon Training Coping.

 

Supported Group Runs.

 

Supporting local music and culture.

 

Supporting youth and athletics in Franklin Park.

 

A race day experience like no other!

 

26.2 Miles of Amazing!

Welcome to the 2013 Team, Margaret!

The newest member of the 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity team is Margaret Newell. Margret hails from East Boston. She is a guidance counselor at Everett High School and strives to set a good example for he students. Because of this, Margaret is very exited to join the Franklin Park Coalition Team this year and to help support efforts to provide families, especially youth, a safe place to run, walk, participate in activities, or just be together. She has been running on again, off again for years and has quite the resume including 12 half marathons, 5 sprint distance triathlons, and 2 Boston Marathons with Wediko Children's Services . When not putting miles on her feet, Margaret likes to spend time with family and friends (particularly if there is a beach involved) and hanging out with her 6 year old Portuguese Water Dog, Buoy.

Need a Reason to Run with Franklin Park? Try Personalized Coaching.

One of the best perks about the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team is the individualized attention our runners receive both in the fundraising world and the running world. Whether you are a seasoned marathon veteran or a newbie looking to try their luck with 26.2 miles, our coach will guide you through the experience and help you get to Marathon Monday.

Michael Toomey, an experienced individual, collegiate and high school running coach, is USATF certified and a six time NEC coach of year. He currently is the indoor and outdoor girls head track coach at Marblehead High School where in 2010 and 2011 he earned Salem News Coach of the Year honors. As a private coach, he focuses his attention on on the Boston running community through on-line programs, city-wide clinics and the Wicked Running Club – a local running club he helped start in 2004. Mike works with athletes of all levels from beginners to experienced recreational athletes to world-class runners.

Mike has agreed to assist with coaching the FPC Marathon on a volunteer basis. To learn more about his business, please visit http://www.mypersonalrunningcoach.com/. Mike can be contacted via email at mike@mypersonalrunningcoach.com.

Seeking Raffle and Auction Prizes for the 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team

Our team will host anywhere from 10-15 fundraisers in the Boston area over the next five months and we need your help! We are seeking prizes that can be used at fundraisers for raffle items and also for our online auctions.

All donors will receive a listing on this site as well as social media postings from the Franklin Park Coalition. Runners will be encouraged to also share information about your business through their own networks and event promotions. Many of the runner events drew over 100 people per event last year, so a small donation can be a big investment for promotion.

Your donation also helps the Franklin Park Coalition continue to make the park great for all who use it. Last year's team raised over $60,000 which was put right back into the park by way of youth jobs, sporting equipment for youth nights, restoration of historic park features, and more.

Please contact Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org to pledge your support to the team. No prize donation to small...or too big!

Space is Filling Up Fast

If you are still looking to run in the 2013 Boston Marathon, we have space available for you! Not only will you be running for a wonderful cause, but you you will surrounded by a wonderful team of runners and a supportive staff from the Franklin Park Coalition determined to help you reach your fundraising goals.

Fill out an application today. If you'd like to learn more about our program, please contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

2012 Team Impact:

Thanks to the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon runners, we are able to support an Americorps member this year who will increase the number of young people who come to the park for service and play.

The staff are happy to welcome Allison Postlethwait, also a runner and volleyball player, who is originally from Massachusetts, but went to college at Virginia Tech, majoring in communications. Within a few days of starting, Allison worked with twelve 5th graders from the nearby Neighborhood School clearing invasive buckthorn trees. Next week 25 8th graders will spend the day in the park, planting daffodil bulbs, saving oak trees from prickly
catbrier and as always, pulling buckthorn and picking up litter. Then they'll hike through the Wilderness, picnic, and celebrate with a giant kickball game before heading back to school.

Allison looks great in her FPC sweatshirt and is excited to be spending beautiful fall
days in the park.

Group Runs: One of Many Perks of the FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team

One of the biggest perks and greatest parts about the 2012 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team was taking advantage of a group run schedule. Each week, members of the team were able to gather and build mileage together, while talking about the joys of fundraising and working for the good of the Coalition as well as learning about their fellow teammates. Our group runs took us along the sea through Salem and Beverly on the North Shore, on the track at Reggie Lewis, and through the streets of the Boston Marathon Course. We also raced together at the Great Stew Chase in Lynn and the Hyannis Half Marathon on Cape Cod. 

Through these runs, we were able to build lasting friendships and many have trained and raced together throughout the summer and fall months. Our coaching was provided by Mike Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center and we were able to share the highs and lows of training for the world's greatest marathon with one of the area's greatest coaches.

If you're look for a charity to run and have fun with, we hope you'll check us out! 

Team Spirit in the Brighton Bangers Running Club

Laura Derderian was a member of the 2012 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon team (pictured to the left with returning team member Shari Hewson). She and her husband Arra were so inspired by the camaraderie from the team and from members of the Forest Hills Runners in JP and the Wicked Running Club in Salem that they set out to form their own club in their nook of Brighton--the Brighton Bangers.

Group runs go on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings with an optional rehydration stop at the infamous Last Drop. The group has been growing over the summer months and Laura and Arra hope to keep the momentum up. Both have felt extremely rewarded in working with both experienced and inexperienced runners and helping all to meet their goals while getting fit and having fun.

Arra and 2012 team member Owen Kendall hitting
the Atlantic in February for a post Hyannis
Half Marathon Ice Bath.

If you want to be a part of the 2013 Boston Marathon team, those are certainly our goals, too--be fit and have fun. We offer an incredible amount of support both on the run and for your fundraising and encourage you to contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org to learn more.

In the meantime, if you find yourself in Brighton on some Wednesday night with the need for a run, find the Bangers for a good time. (http://www.brightonbangers.com/).

Politicians on the Run in JP this Weekend

This just in from our partners at the Forest Hills Runners: you can meet up with local Boston city councillor, Matt O'Malley on Saturday, October 20. He and members of the Forest Hills Runners group will meet at 9:30 a.m. at Daisy Field, which is located at the corner of the Jamaicaway and Bynner Street.

To see the entire article and a snippet from the last meeting with the Parkway runners of West Roxbury, click here: http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/jamaica_plain/2012/10/councilor_omalley_to_hold_runn.html

Fall Frolicking in Franklin Park

Courtesy of the Franklin Park Coalition Image Gallery

It's all about the pumpkin spice and apple crisp everywhere you go. Fall is certainly in the New England air. Even with some warm Indian Summer Days, it's hard to not get excited for the bright colors, cool evenings, and fun that goes along with fall.

If you're looking for a place to take in all of the wonderful things that fall has to offer, pay a visit to Franklin Park. Enjoy a picnic on Schoolmaster Hill, take a wander through the historic Franklin park Zoo--celebrating its centennial year, play a round of golf, find a fun activity with the Franklin Park Coalition, or better yet--go for a run!

The park features miles of roadways and trails, great for any runner. The park also hosts the BAA Half Marathon on October 7, with a start and finish in Franklin Park and 13.1 miles of autumn glory in the Emerald Necklace. The FPC is also in recruitment mode for the 2013 Boston Marathon and we want YOU to run with us. All of the details are on the blog or at www.franklinparkcoalition.org or you can contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison with any questions you might have.

Fill out your application today, start your training with a run through the leaves, and come enjoy our park today!

Run the 2013 Boston Marathon® with Franklin Park Coalition Charity Team

The Franklin Park Coalition is proud to announce that it has been selected to be part of the official 2013 B.A.A. Boston Marathon Charity Program for a second year.  Applications are now available for interested runners at FranklinParkCoalition.org.

The 2012 Boston Marathon ® team raised over $60,000 that was used for a number of Franklin Park Coalition’s summer programs including equipment and salaries for the Youth Conservation Crew and athletic equipment and barbeque nights for the popular Youth Sports Drop-In Nights which served over 1500 kids this past summer. Money raised by the  fifteen selected charity runners of the Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team will be used for these programs, as well as continued restoration of the cross-country track, used by thousands of regional high school and collegiate athletes on an annual basis; refurbishment of ball fields; repairs to the Playstead basketball courts including resurfacing or new hoops and backboards; and for cultural and family programming provided by the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park Program.

The Franklin Park Coalition mission is simple: to restore and preserve Franklin Park, a 527 historic urban green space located in the geographic heart of Boston. Through advocacy and stewardship, Coalition staff, board members and volunteers work to improve park management, public transit options to the park, park entrances s, bicycle access, restoration of historic features, and more. Coalition events and programs, such as park walks, history tours, and nature programs to encourage city dwellers to discover the park's treasures; bringing back the “Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park” for free summer concerts to build community and celebrate local artists; hiring neighborhood youth for summer and school year jobs restoring the 220 acre woodlands and promoting the park; and working with community members and public safety agencies to help people feel safe in the park.

Running and Franklin Park have a long history together. According to Steve Vaitones, a member of the Coalition, the New England Collegiate Cross Country Championships have been held in the park since 1912. The current cross country course was designed and built 1989-1991 after the awarding of the cross country World Championships.  USA National Championships have been held in the park throughout the twentieth century as well. The park continues to be the home for the many local high school and college program practices and various local and state meets. Most recently, the B.A.A. Half Marathon has its start and finish in Franklin Park at the George White Stadium. This event will take place on October 7, 2012 and information is available at www.baa.org.

Julie Arrison, a longtime volunteer for the Franklin Park Coalition and author of Images of America: Franklin Park will be returning as the Marathon Charity Team Coordinator. “I couldn’t be happier to lead a group of marathoners towards two major goals—completing the Boston Marathon and awareness building for an organization that serves Boston so well.” Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center in Salem, Mass., will be returning to coach the runners for the team. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with a group of athletes as they strive to complete one of the most elite marathons in the world. It’s going to be a fun, challenging time.” The 2012 Boston Marathon ® was one of the hottest on record and the Franklin Park Coalition team had a 100% successful finish rate.

For more information about how you can get involved with Franklin Park Coalition and the 2012 Marathon Team, please contact Julie Arrison, Julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

Benefits of being a part of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon ® Team:

·         Guaranteed race number for the 2012 Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013

·         Work with a team of runners who are committed to the mission of the Franklin Park Coalition and training for the Marathon.

·         Receive a handbook with coaching support from Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center and fundraising support from the Franklin Park Coalition. Online fundraising access will be provided.

·         Team training runs

·         Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Team clothing including a hooded sweatshirt, long sleeve tech, and singlet for race day

·         A planned team kickoff fundraising party.

·         A race weekend pasta potluck.

·         Race day hotel “drop zone” near the finish so that you can freshen up to hit the town on Marathon Monday, post-race.

·         Frequent support from Franklin Park Coalition coaches and other team members on training and fundraising concerns at our Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team blog.

Responsibilities of being a member of the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team include:

·         Raise a minimum of $4000 to support Franklin Park Coalition Services ($750 for those who have already secured their entry elsewhere)

·         Be physically able to complete the Marathon in under 6 hours

·         If you are local to Boston, attend Franklin Park Coalition Marathon Charity Team meetings between December 2012 and April 2013. 

·         $300 B.A.A. race entry fee that does not count towards your fundraising total.

Applications:

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team Application

2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Application for Runners who have Secured Entry Elsewhere

You Know You Want to be a Part of the 2013 FPC Boston Marathon Team

Monday, September 10 is the big day! Applications open up for all of the official Boston Athletic Association charities along with regular registration for the 2013 2013 Boston Marathon. Applications will be available here and on the Franklin Park Coalition website. We encourage you to peruse the website and blog to learn more about the organization and our team. If there are any questions, be in touch with our Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison.

Check out some pictures here from the 2012 Boston Marathon. It was a hot day, but the Franklin Park Coalition put on the perfect cheering section for the team.

We look forward to your inquiries and applications!  

An Update for the 2012 FPC Boston Marathon Team from the FPC Staff

April 16, 2012 did not mark the end of the journey for the 2012 Boston Marathon Team. The staff at the Franklin Park Coalition took time out of their incredibly busy and hectic summer of managing park projects, the Summer Youth Conservation Crew, Playhouse in the Park, and Youth Drop-In Sports Nights to keep everyone up to date on how our fundraising efforts were being used. Christine Poff, the amazing executive director, sent us the blog update that you can find a link to in an article below as well as this thank you.

Her words really put into perspective what the 2012 Boston Marathon Team was able to provide for teens around the park as well as everyday park users.

"..Attached is a photo of the crew playing a game on one of the park's old stone walls. They had to arrange themselves by birthdate without talking, it was pretty funny. Today at lunch they had a huge game of camoflauge ... some love this kind of thing, but the big tough guys act like they are too cool for anything that isn't HARD work, but they join in and get goofy.

Because of all your efforts we did a 2-night camping trip this year, the first time we've done that. Through a great partnership with the Appalachian Mountain Club the crew borrows tents and gear. They hiked, splashed in waterfalls, did a night walk, told stories by the campfire, and all came home thrilled with themselves - for most it was the first time in a tent and for about five of them it was the first time away from home. (I talked to parents a lot ... a few were really anxious)

Last week at Sports Night we had members of two rival gangs, but they played ball and ate burgers together with no problems - it's exactly what we hope will happen. We have a really cool coach who is coming out, used to play with the Houston Rockets."

Notes like this are just one of many reasons why someone should consider joining the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team. You truly make a difference.

What the 2012 Boston Marathon Team Provided

As we gear up to start accepting applications for the 2013 Franklin Park Coaltion Boston Marathon team, it's a great time to look back on the experiences that the 2012 Boston Marathon team was able to provide by raising money for the Summer Youth Conservation Crew. For many of the teens who participated, this wasn't just a "summer job," but a work experience that introduced the group to new friends, new challenges, and educational take-aways that will last a lifetime.

If you are considering running for the 2013 team, take a look at some of the statements (unedited!) from the Summer Youth Crew. We hope that you will realize that when you run with us, you are impacting the lives of a deserving group of teens as well as the beautification of Boston's largest urban greenspace.

Applications will be available here and on the website on Monday, September 10.

From Jamie: "Working with the Franklin Park Coalition was very helpful and productive. This job helped me learn about different types of plants and things about Franklin Park that I didn’t know about. I had fun working with my crew and getting projects done. Being noticed for what we did by the people in the community who use the park made this job worth working for."

From Jevon: "I have learned that I am a dedicated, hard worker. I work well with others and I put a lot of care into what I do. From the first day I started working at Franklin Park I have learned why it’s so important to the community. I’ve also learned a lot about its history, for example, the Overlook ruins have been there since 1885. The best thing about this job was learning how hard I can push myself and getting to meet new people."

From Tenia: "This summer was quite an interesting one. I got my first job at Franklin Park. I learned a lot about myself and the park . While I passed by this park almost every day before I had this job, my views of it were that it was disgusting and nasty. But now that I have worked in this park for six weeks, I know the park is not really like that. It is peaceful and nice with a lot of beautiful plants. This is something I learned about the park from my job experience."

How the 2012 FPC Boston Marathon Team Got Youth Moving

This blog article came out a bit earlier in the summer, but as of July 30, 2012, 1175 kids were "moving" in Franklin Park as part of the Youth Drop In Sports Night Programs. Equipment and barbecues featuring turkey burgers and dogs for the sports nights in 2012 were funded by the hard work of the 2012 FPC Boston Marathon Team--continuing to prove that $60,000+ in fundraising has wide reaching impact.

Look for adult and family programs in the park this fall to get people moving. Next summer, the Playhouse in the Park series will be one of the program beneficiaries of the 2013 FPC Boston Marathon Team Fundraising. One of the goals of the family programs is to bring in performers to get the audience moving.

Please check out the blog for pictures and details: http://www.bostonbeyond.org/blog/boston-youth-are-moving-health .

2012 Boston Marathon Race Record Books Are In! 100% Official Completion for the FPC Team is Confirmed!

96.1% of runners who toed the line in Hopkinton on April, 16, 2012 were able to complete the Boston Marathon. The official results have just been published in the Race Record Book, which is mailed to each participant.

Though two of our runners took the optional deferment due to injuries, 100% of our team who toed the line in Hopkinton on April 16, 2012 were able to complete the Boston Marathon.

Training to run 26.2 miles takes an incredible amount of dedication and hard work. Though our team was blessed with some mild training weather, they also ran one of the hottest Boston Marathon's on record. The dedication and hard work that goes into each and every step of training was evident on that day and more evident with a 100% completion rate.

One of our team perks was the ability to work with Michael Toomey of Toomey Sports Running Center in Salem, Mass. Not only did Mike generously donate his time and knowledge to our team, it was this time and knowledge that made each of realize the importance of our hard work and dedication. Without Mike to guide us, perhaps that 100% rate would have been a bit lower.

One of our race day perks was the fantastic FPC set up just past the half marathon marker. Each teammate that needed a gel, a water bottle refill, a cold towel, a PB&J, or even a hug had all of their needs met by the committed staff and volunteer base of the Franklin Park Coalition. Again, without this, a 100% success rate would have been much harder to attain.

Congratulations to our entire 2012 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team. Thank you, officially, for being 100% amazing.

Applications for the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team will be Available in Late August

Applications for the 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team will be available in late August. If there are any questions about the application process or the marathon team in the meantime, please be in contact with Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison at julie@franklinparkcoalition.org.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Franklin Park Coalition Runners Beat the Heat on Marathon Monday

If there was ever a day for a tough Boston Marathon, Monday, April 16, 2012, will go down in the record books as one of the toughest on record. Temperatures hovering around 90, asphalt temperature of 103-105 degrees, and cloudless, sunny skies created a recipe for dangerous running.
Fourteen of our sixteen team members donned their FPC singlets for an estimated 600,000 spectators and made the decision to "enjoy" the experience of completing 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston. Besides friends and family on the course, we also had an amazing rest stop at Mile 13 thanks to staff and volunteers from the Franklin Park Coalition. That pampering resulted in the below time and the completion of the marathon for all of our runners who decided to go for it:

Scott Powell 3:19:37 (http://www.thedailycortlandt.com/sports/westchester-runners-beat-boston-marathon-heat)
Nichole Bukowski 3:42:50
Jesus Fuerte 4:07:25
Kristen Day 4:19:54
Piotr Krupa 5:06:30
Laura Derderian 5:08:49
Jason Gerrol 5:11:41
Jason Carraro 5:15:32
Jared Egan 5:17:46
Shari Hewson 5:25:21
Carleen Tucker 5:56:15
Julie Arrison 6:04:42
Paula Renzi Gibbs 7:09:28
Dale Libkin 7:10:45

Almost everyone's times were proportionately off from the planned goal times, but a testament to the coaching that Mike Toomey provided for the team as well. Without his advice and support, we may not be able to say that all of our runners completed the race upright.

The team will have more pictures and posts coming soon, highlighting our overall experience on both Marathon Monday and working with the Franklin Park Coalition over the past few months.

FPC Runner Nichole Bukowski Featured in Today's Boston Globe Article on Boston Marathon Fundrasing

Nichole Bukowski, one of the runners on the Franklin Park Coalition's Boston Marathon Charity Team, was featured in this great article on fundraising for the Boston Marathon and beyond.

So many supporters have joined us for events, have donated to our runner's fundraising pages, and have sent well wishes to the team for the big day--now just six days away.

Please check out the link below to get the story behind the story of how hard our 16 runners have worked to raise over $60,000 to support youth and athletic programming in the crown jewel of the Boston Park System.

http://www.boston.com/sports/marathon/articles/2012/04/10/boston_marathon_charity_runners_race_to_meet_fund_raising_goal/?page=2


If you haven't had the opportunity to donate yet, please visit our Razoo page and check our Jesus and Elizabeth who are working hard to reach their $4000.00 goal by Marathon Monday. www.razoo.com/story/fpcmarathoncharityteam.

FPC Boston Marathon Team Member Featured in Sunday's Boston Globe Magazine

Congratulations to FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team Member Carleen Tucker for being featured as "the newbie" in Sunday's Boston Globe Magazine. We have been so proud to have her on our team.

Also featured was Franklin Park Coalition supporter, Michelle Audet. Michelle works for John Hancock and will be completing her fifth Boston Marathon on April 16. She has been a wonderful supporter of the work of our team and we want to wish her the best!

To check out the article, please visit: http://articles.boston.com/2012-03-18/magazine/31199683_1_boston-marathon-first-time-marathoner-heartbreak-hill

Community Running with Team Member Owen Kendall and the Forest Hills Runners

A few months ago, FPC Boston Marathon Team Member Owen Kendall was interviewed about his involvement with the Forest Hills Runners and the importance of community running groups.

The FPC is pleased that the Forest Hills Runners and Owen have been such great promoters of the park and its assests through sport.

To see the video, please check out the FHR website: http://foresthillsrunners.org/

From "On the Run:" Whatever Gets You Through: Pizza, Peanut Butter on Wonder Bread, Cheeseburgers, and Gu

Weekend of March 10: Whatever Gets You Through: Pizza, Peanut Butter on Wonder Bread, Cheeseburgers, and Gu

Elizabeth spent her Saturday at the pool trying out some workouts and kicking butt regardless of a painful knee issue—still not fully diagnosed! Oh, the frustration! Keep the positive flow coming for Elizabeth.

Kristen, Carleen, Jared, Dale, Shari, Jason C., Nichole, and Laura all took on the course for anywhere from 17-21 miles on Saturday. Julie and Nichole’s brother, Greg, played support and Christine from the FPC provided a transport run for the JP crew out to Hopkinton. While the day started cold and windy, the team settled into the course well. Dale was concerned about getting lost, but successfully found her way, while Shari and Laura got to a crossroads and made a panicked phone call…but also found their way!

Nichole, Jared, and Jason C. led the pack and kept great pace the entire time.  For Jason and Nichole, having completed marathons, they took the distance a bit more in stride, but for Jared, this was a huge accomplishment. Jared Egan: “Saturday was crazy for me. I was supposed to do 18-20, but I didn't have it in me to stop at the base of Heartbreak Hill and not do it, so I ended up doing 21 miles. This is the most I've ever ran in one go, by 4 miles. I'm very happy with these results. This was a game changing distance for me. I now know for sure how crazy you all are. I could feel the effect of everything I ate along the way, and for the first time, it felt like a truly absurd distance. For the rest of the day I was sort of in shock at what I had just done, and my mind was pretty well gone.” Welcome to the club, Jared! We’re all so proud!

Carleen had one of those days on the course. She tripped over a branch around mile 9 and hurt her ankle a bit. It slowed her down a bit, but also added to the mental trickiness for the day. Then the Garmin died. Then the iPod died. Then the limping started. Then the effects of a tough strength workout from earlier in the week kicked in. EVERYONE has had one (or more) of those runs and the good news for Carleen is that the breakdown actually is part of the build-up. Not only was the FPC team incredibly supportive, but runners along the course stopped to check on Carleen’s state—which was surely made better with a big glass of wine that night!

The 10:30 pack of Shari, Carleen, and Kristen want to thank Laura for her incredible tour of Natick along the way. Quite the hometown girl, Mrs. Derderian!

Dale, per usual, just ran and ran and ran and ran—and looked strong and fabulous doing it!

Renzi had my long run on Sunday and enjoyed almost perfect weather, sans wind, around Marblehead Neck. The good news is that the wind really tested the mental and physical strength…the bad news is that marathon runners don’t really need extra testing!

Jason G. is getting killed with a work schedule right now, so keep some good vibes flowing his way, too. His training runs are very early in the morning and after 13+ hour days at the law office. There’s only so much solace a run around JP and the Charles can bring, so show some love!

Finally, Julie spent 4 hours in Lynn Woods on Sunday, covering about 17 miles. The cardio was pretty intense from the uphills, the rock climbing, and the rock dodging. Julie had a little fall while heading out to the parking lot to meet a friend, somehow rolling her bad ankle on a rock, and sliding down the last slope of Lynn Woods.  When Julie’s friend showed up to find half of her dirt covered and limping, it was more humorous for both of us and after some stretching and resting, she was ready to go for another two hours. Renzi suggested wrapping Julie in bubble wrap…at all times.

Much discussion revolved around food, as it does for marathoners as they get into the last month of training. The tapeworm just won’t go away. For the on course run, Julie provided only the finest Skippy Peanut Butter and Wonder Bread sandwiches that Dale proclaimed were the best in the world (delirious). Shari and Laura talked about cheeseburgers for 13 miles. Julie’s run ended with a trip to the North Shore Pizza Wars at Swampscott High and she will never disclose the amount of pizza that was consumed...

Sidewalk Driver Plays the Brighton Music Hall

Our very own renaissance man and runner, Jared Egan, will be rocking out with his band, Sidewalk Driver this Friday night at the Brighton Music Hall. The band's set starts at 10:00 sharp.

If you liked Sidewalk Driver at Doyle's fro the Team Kickoff Party, you should come Friday for the real, electric experience. The bill also includes Black Thai, a very heavy metal band; Planetoid, a classic rock inspired 3 piece who dress up as aliens; andWalter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, who "defy description."

Team Member Highlight: Dale Libkin

We'll be highlighting our team members as they complete their fundraising and training goals over the next month. 

Dale on the far left after killing it at Reggie Lewis

Dale setting a PR at the Hyannis Half Marathon in February

A person's character often shines through their ability to tough something out. When Dale Libkin was making the decision to join the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team, there were moments of doubt and fear, but in just about a month, this woman, who still considers herself a running newbie, will not only be a marathoner--she'll be a Boston Marathoner.

Running with Dale has been a privilege. She is so determined, focused, and hard-working in all workouts. Whether she's toughing out her "longest run ever" or doing an interval workout on the track at the Reggie Lewis Center, she's just unstoppable--and that's just her character.

Dale is a proud member of the Franklin Park Coalition board and volunteers her time to the because she believes so strongly in the mission. She lives near the park in Jamaica Plain and visits nearly twice daily with her dogs Charlie and Marbles. All three can be seen running around White Stadium most mornings at sunrise.  She considers herself so lucky to be able to enjoy this gem of a park on a daily basis.

Dale will also be hosting a very festive Saint Paddy's Day style Zumba fundraiser this Saturday at the Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse. For a $10.00 donation, you'll get a great workout and support a great cause...and take away the guilt of imbibing in a Guiness and some corned beef this weekend.

Event Alert: Saint Paddy's Day Themed Zumba in the Park!

Join Boston Marathon team member Dale Libkin for her Zumba fundraiser in the Franklin Park Golf Clubhouse this Saturday at 10:30. While there might not be Whiskey in the Jar and Wild Rovers, there will be an hour of a great workout that will make up for all of that soda bread and corned beef consumption throughout the weekend.

Tickets are only $10.00 and you are sure not to forget this Zumba experience!

(yes, this is Riverdance...but you get the idea!)

Event Alert: Early Saint Patrick's Day Party with Jim Plunkett in Brighton

Join Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison for her Boston Marathon fundraiser at the Castlebar in Brighton! Tickets are $25.00 at the door and include entertainment with Jim Plunkett and a DJ, a snack bar, and 10 raffle tickets.

Raffle prizes include a weekend in Salem, MA, a gift basket and certificate for a private tour of Ryan and Wood distillery in Gloucester, vintage baseball season tickets, and a gallon of maple syrup from Julie's family's farm.

Jim goes on from 8:00-12:00, but you can arrive at the Castlebar anytime. Let's help Julie fill her pot o' gold and have some fun tonight!

Winter Walk in the Woods

Team up with local experts for an invigorating walk in the Franklin Park Wilderness. Together we'll learn to identify trees using bark and twig characteristics and investigate the urban ecology of the park. Free, but please register in advance: 617-542-7696 or email: mathew@bostonnatural.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  -Meet at Valley Gates Lot, midway along the park road, across from the golf course and adjacent to Pierpont Road, the fork leading to the back of the Zoo.

Thanks to the Boston Area Natural Network for leading this great, educational program.

Paula Radcliffe Runs Franklin Park

Thanks to Boston Marathon Charity Team Member Jason Carraro for this tidbit of both Franklin Park history and running history.

Paula Radcliffe is the current female world record holder in the marathon (26.2 mile) distance with a finishing time of 2:15:25. In 1992, she competed in the Junior World Championships, held in Boston's Franklin Park.

Paula isn't the only dedicated runner who has used Franklin Park. Right now, our team is training hard and fundraising to support youth and athletic programs and facilities in Franklin Park--keeping it a world class place. To learn more or to support the team, visit our team page at http://www.razoo.com/story/Fpcmarathoncharityteam

Team Member Highlight: Kristen Day

Leading up to the Boston Marathon, we'll be spotlighting our team members as they train and raise money for the Franklin Park Coalition.

Kristen Day will be running her first road race on April 16. This is certainly no ordinary road race, as Kristen has chosen to run the Boston Marathon for the Franklin Park Coalition to make her debut. Kristen loves Franklin Park and has fond memories growing up there and hopes to pass along the same nostalgia to her three kids, Josie, Noah, and Violet. "The park has become a very special place for me. I remember it from when I was a small child visiting my grandparents that lived alongside the park. When they got just big enough, we started sledding behind the golf course clubhouse. The first day we did this, my daughter was 6 and my son was 4. We stayed at the hill for 4 ½ hours! The sun was setting and the moon was rising. It was so quiet and beautiful, it felt like the city was a million miles away. The park inspires children’s imagination and offers places for kids to run, climb, sled and pretend. And it does the same for adults."

Kristen lives in Jamaica Plain with her family. Besides enjoying running for the sheer sake of enjoying running, she is an active volunteer in the park and has also just established a Boy Scout Troop. She believes that if her kids are involved now, they'll also recognize the work that goes into preserving such an important place in Boston.
This weekend, Kristen and her husband will be sponsoring a Neighborhood Night at their home on 25 Cromwell Street. The night will feature light hors d'ouvers, cocktails, music by Ulysses, and short talk on the history of Franklin Park by author Julie Arrison. The suggested donation is $1.00/mile, or $26.00 to support not only Kristen's fundraising efforts, but the great work of the Franklin Park Coalition. You can RSVP to kdaymatt@aol.com.

If you can't attend, but wish to support Kristen's fundraising efforts, please visit: http://www.razoo.com/story/Kristen-Day-S-Boston-Marathon-Fund-Raising-For-The-Fpc 

Want to Get Away?

Want to get away? Here's a chance to win a getaway to historic Salem, MA or the fabulous Big Apple. Want to get away from home for a weekend or treat your guests to some great accommodations? We've got a Boston Staycation for that. Love some baseball and history? We've got a prize for that. Want to get pampered a little bit? We even have a prize for that!

For the month of March, the Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity team will be selling online raffle tickets to benefit not only our team's fundraising goals, but also to benefit youth and athletic programming in Franklin Park.

Visit http://www.razoo.com/story/Boston-Marathon-Charity-Team-Raffle to enter the raffle. Tickets range from $25.00-$50.00. When you bid, choose your experience. If you are buying a raffle ticket to support a particular runners fundraising, be sure to include that information in a comment or email to julie@franklinparkcoalition.org so that we can properly credit our runners.

Our team thanks you for your support!

The details:

Experience #1: Discover Historic Salem:
Explore historic Salem, Mass. including a night at the Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast, 2 passes to Historic New England’s Phillips House, 2 passes for the Salem Trolley, 2 passes for the Peabody Essex Museum($250.00 value)
$25.00 raffle ticket; 25 tickets will be sold.

Experience #2: Boston Staycation
Description: Explore Boston with a 2 night stay at the Bullfinch Hotel and 4 passes to Boston’s Upper Deck Trolley Tours. This also makes a great gift for out-of-town visitors ($550.00 value)
$50.00 raffle ticket; 15 tickets will be sold.

Experience #3: Big Apple Weekend
Description: A weekend stay in New York City at the trendy Gild Hall—A Thompson Hotel—voted one of the 100 best hotels in the world.
($1000.00 value)
$50.00 raffle ticket; 15 tickets will be sold.

Experience #4: In the City Pampering Package
Description: Signature Spa Treatment Package at the Langham Hotel and a Haircut with Adrianna Dent at the Viselli Santoro Salon on Newbury Street.
($200.00 value)
$25.00 raffle ticket; 25 tickets will be sold.

Experience #5: Vintage Baseball Season Ticket Family Pack
Description: Enjoy up to 10 vintage baseball games, craft brews from the
Ipswich Ale Brewery, and the vistas of Historic New England’s Spencer Pierce Little Farm in Newbury, MA for 4 people. This is a great package for families!
($200.00 value)
$25.00 raffle ticket; 25 tickets will be sold.


The fine print: Employees of the Franklin Park Coalition or FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team Runners are not eligible to win these raffle prizes. The drawing for these prizes will be held on April 2. Winners will be notified by email or phone number provided so that the mailing address can be confirmed.