Emerald Necklace Fun Run with Playworks; Pounding the Pavement in Florida; Ocean Breezes

Our runners have been busy the past couple of weeks as training for the 2013 Boston Marathon has kicked off. Coach Toomey has some members running circles at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury on Tuesday nights, but the real fun has been in the long run...or what seems like a long run at this point!

Julie and Goofy pal Andrew cooling down after 39.3 miles .

On January 12-13, Marathon Charity Team Leader Julie Arrison participated in the Walt Disney World Goofy Challenge in Orlando, FL. "There is nothing like 39.3 miles of running to kick off marathon training," is what she says, followed by a "never again." While the run was well supported and blast, it was also hovered between 80-85 degrees for much of the runs. Needless to say there were some 2012 Boston Marathon flashbacks!



True to her 2012 form, Shari will continue to entertain us with her stories and fun from her runs. Shari followed Route 127 on the North Shore from Beverly to Manchester-By-The-Sea...which makes for a lovely summer run, but a challenge in the winter months! Reports of head wind on the loop back along with a nasty uphill added to the challenge, but we're sure a post-run red wine warmed Shari up quick!

Franklin hanging out in Tampa Bay.

Team member Michelle Collier has been away on business in Tampa, but that hasn't stopped her from taking in 13.5 miles with sightings of loons flying, and fish, ducks, and even a dolphin in the Bay. Plus, our NH runner just thought that running in shorts in January was a perk! Plus, she found some shoutouts to our fair city along the way.

"I went a long way to find a taste of Boston."

The highlight of the week was the our first joint run with the Playworks team. In order to consolidate resources and bring groups of charity runners together, great minds collided and great runners practiced for around 12 miles on the Emerald Necklace. The plan was to start in Franklin Park, travel along the Arborway, loop around Jamaica Pond, and head back...but one knows what they say about best laid plans! Team leaders Julie and Jon tried to keep up with the loops and wrong turns of our teams and eventually everyone got their needed miles and needed hydration along the way...plus they were treated to some great sites along the EN!

Babbling Winter Brook in Franklin Park...while waiting...waiting...waiting for lost runners!

Teammates flying around Jamaica Pond

Almost done...through the Forest Hills Underpass

Fanciest water stop on the Emerald Necklace this weekend!

Next week, the team tackles the North Shore, some increased mileage, and continued fun in preparing for the Boston Marathon!