Special team is forming for 2013 runners who did not cross the finish line on Boylston Street

The Franklin Park Coalition is accepting applications for runners who did not have an opportunity to cross the finish line during the 2013 Boston Marathon. For those who are interested in running with a great team atmosphere and supportive fundraising staff, please consider filling out this special application.

Our fundraising minimum for this special category of runners is $500.00 and includes team gear, USATF certified coaching, supported group runs, and being a part of a fantastic team!

If you are a runner from the 2013 Boston Marathon who did not finish and have secured entry by deferment.: 
2013 Boston Marathon Starters Who Did Not Cross Boylston Street Finish Line Entry Runner

Please feel free to contact our Marathon Charity Team Leader with any questions at julie@franklinparkcoaition.org.

CCC: Collier's Cornhole for the Coalition

We're taking this Sunday Funday up North with the mother of our unofficial team mascot/sock monkey, Franklin. We'd love to see some friendly faces join us in Manchester, NH at Social 24. Sunday specials include $14.99 super tubes and a $9.99 pitcher and basket of wings to top off the experience.

The event start at 12:30 and goes all afternoon for double elimanation fun. The cost is $20.00/player and there is a $100.00 cash prize for the top team. You can register in advance at www.razoo.com/story/fpcmarathoncharityteammichelle or email mcollier04@gmail.com for more details.

Michelle and her favorite cheerleaders.

Community Volunteer Day; Long Run with the Heartbreak Hill Running Company

It's a big day in Franklin Park Coalition land. If you're not a runner, but want to help out with around the park, check out the Community Volunteer Day, which will be taking place from 10:00-noon on Saturday. Projects include removing catbrier from baby trees and trash pick-up now that the snow is just about gone! 

While the cleanup is going on, our runners will be taking on a double round of Heartbreak Hill with a double session of training with the Heartbreak Hill Running Company and Playworks Boston. 

Second Year Runner Carleen Tucker Exceeds Fundraising Goal

Carleen Tucker is a superstar. The Franklin Park Coalition is thrilled to have her back on the Boston Marathon team for a second year and also participating as a board member. 

Carleen has exceeded her fundraising goal with a combination of private donations from family and friends and also using the Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare "mini-grant" program that allows employees to donate up to $500.00 on an annual basis to a nonprofit of their choice. 

Carleen's story and connection to the park is compelling. Her husband Mark is born and raised in Roxbury and credits his time in Franklin Park as literally saving his life by giving him a safe place to play and grow up. Together, the couple has raised their children in the sunshine of the park between picnics and Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park nights. Like all of our runners, Carleen believes strongly in the programming goals of the FPC, but has seen the impact first hand of the good work of the park in generations of her family.

Join the Franklin Park Coalition in congratulating our fabulous board member and marathoning mama in exceeding expectations!

We also invite you to check out last year's feature on Carleen's Year One Experience from the Boston Globe Magazine: http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2012/03/17/runners-for-long-haul/buTsnC4I9oMSgj1qgUvwaJ/story.html

Team Kickoff Run!

Want to stay up-to-date with our training? Visit our "On the Run" page each week with stories, photos, and more that highlight the good, bad, and ugly of marathon training.

http://fpcmarathoncharityteam.blogspot.com/p/on-run-with-fpc-marathon-charity-team.html

The 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Team is Ready to Rock!

Current members of the 2013 Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Team had the opportunity to meet on Sunday, January 6 at the Franklin Park Coalition office in Roxbury. Members of the team, both returning and brand, spanking new, were welcomed by the staff with bagels and coffee and fruit and covered the essential topics from a lesson on the Franklin Park Coalition to what exactly is a tempo run.

So far this year's team is made up of all sorts--we have a marathoner looking to complete 50 marathons in 50 states and another who will use the Boston Marathon as her first ever road race. We have accomplished fundraisers and those new to the life of development. We have folks with kids, folks with grandkids, and folks with dogs. There are Olmsted geeks, those who work with youth, and those who just love urban parks and want to see them get even better.

If you'd like to join our team, we still have space available and it's not too late to catch up and join the fun! Please visit our "Application" page for full details and contact Marathon Charity Team Leader, Julie Arrison, with any questions.

See you on the run!

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:

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.

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/).

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.

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.

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...

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

Bleeding, Breakdowns, and Buzzes...Just Another Weekend with the FPC Boston Marathon Charity Team

The latest installment from our On the Run page.

Dale, Julie, Owen, Coach Toomey, Jason C., and Paula are smiling after completing their last indoor track workout at the Reggie Lewis Center last Tuesday night.

Weekend of February 18:

The team had some great efforts put in last weekend around the Emerald Necklace, around the hills of Brighton, and in the wilds north of the Tobin Bridge. The common denominator? Perfect February weather! We’ve all been chatting with friends who have run the Boston Marathon in the past—especially last winter—who have shared their jealousy and anger that this is the weather that we have been training in. Then again, last year’s Boston Marathon was 50 degrees, light sunshine, and a tailwind, so if karma means anything…

The miles are definitely creeping up. Julie and Dale set out for a jaunt around the Emerald Necklace and a detour onto both Huntington Avenue and Centre Street in JP. All in all, it was 14 miles of lovely views and good company. It was great coming back into Franklin Park at the end of the run and seeing so many golfers enjoying the nine holes of open turf, again, in February!!!

Jared also enjoyed 14 miles around the J-Way and the Fens (how did we miss him?!). While the knees are healing, he is now realizing the importance of body glides and well placed band-aids on his chest. Bleeding nipples will only toughen up a runner and the team has faith that he’ll recover well. Jared was also looking for more hills on his run. Perhaps he should have joined Laura for her 12 hilly miles with her Dreamfar team?!

Jason C. joined a number of members of the Wicked Running Club and a few thousand others for Half at the Hamptons. He’s been training hard and said he felt great! Shari, on the other hand, had a relaxing Friday night in a hot tub with martini and realized that soaking in water does not mean that a marathon trainer is hydrating…nor do martinis…and as she set out to meet her training buddy for a hybrid road/trail run to get in 16 miles, she realized just how under hydrated she was! There were many comments, akin to Owen of a few weeks ago, about throwing herself into traffic, but the team is happy to see that she recovered nicely and sparked a good discussion about pre-, during, and post- run nutrition habits, which, sadly, does not include martinis!

Speaking of Owen, our speed demon found some company with some speedy guys from the North Shore who planned on on-course run at varying breakneck speeds. Owen and Mike kept a 6:10-6:30 pace for 14 miles when Mike decided that maybe his nutrition was a little off for a run at that pace. Owen swears he tried to bring the pace down, but “it's hard to convince oneself to slow when fast feels so good.” Following leaving a dehydrated Michael Smith on the road in the fetal position, Owen strided out a few sub-6:00 miles for good measure. Mike is fine and recovered with a nine mile run in Lynn Woods the next day. No one worry.

Nichole is excited to get back on track with her training. She has been on the job hunt and in a yoga certification program, leaving little time to focus on the long runs. The good news is that she has accepted a job offer with a group that encourages family fitness and is so excited to have her many loves coming together…and re-focusing on the Marathon!

Kristen took on a 13 this week…not with all the gusto the world had to offer, but everyone in Marathon training has those tough weeks. She took some time to rest and regroup, which in the end is the most therapeutic thing a runner can sometimes do!

We’ve had two flu victims on our injury report this week—Carleen and Paula—who are rumored to be recovering slowly but surely. Elizabeth is also starting PT for her bum knee this week, but has been keeping up her efforts on the bike and elliptical and in the pool.

Long Run Antics

From our "On the Run" section from last weekend. This weekend many of our runners will be gearing up for distances between 13-18 miles on the course. It's a lot of work for a great cause!

"BAA On Course Charity Run, Breakdowns, Build Ups, and Mack Trucks"

Carleen, Dale, and Kristen took advantage of the BAA Official Charity Training Run that departed from Natick Town Common and extended to the FINISH LINE on Boylston Street. This run is organized by one of the BAA legacy charities, the American Liver Foundation, and provides runners who are training for Boston and working hard to raise some serious money with the opportunity to have a fully supported and simulated Boston Marathon training run. All three of our lovely ladies conquered “Heartbreak Hill,” and while the fear may still exist for race day on April 16, all were on “cloud nine” about a wonderful day with the other charity runners. Thanks also to the FPC executive director, Christine Poff, for taking Dale and Carleen to Natick and giving them a great sendoff!

Onto every bit of marathon training, a little injury must fall. Keep the positive vibes out there for Elizabeth who is battling a knee injury and spending a lot of time on the elliptical and in the pool right now. Jesus is also conquering an IT band issue and will be taking it somewhat easy for the next few weeks. On the flip side, Jared’s knee is FINALLY cooperating with his training plan and he is able to add on some miles. He completed half-marathon distance through Forest Hills Cemetery, Franklin Park, and a loop through the Arboretum. The moral of the story? There is hope for the injured!

Owen’s weekend of running was definitely hurt by a post-dental surgery infection, which has put him on two different antibiotics, dexamethasone (med student talk?!), and Percocet, plus lots of ibuprofen for the swelling. After consideration of jaw removal for the pain, Owen instead decided to go out and kill a long run…15.25 miles at race pace…which felt great. He credits the rest and good form, but perhaps the Percocet had something to do with the numbing effects of running 15.25 miles at a 6:00/mile pace?

Our ladies of the North Shore had some rough goings over the weekend. Paula may have still been in recovery from her 40^th birthday extravaganza the weekend before…or her tempo run the night before…but said that she eventually got all of her miles in and done. Shari, on the other hand, had a series of malfunctions including getting lost on back roads (in her hometown), loose pants (no, she didn’t moon anyone), and dehydration…followed by a wine tasting to rehydrate. Celebrating the small victories in training is as important as celebrating the large ones!

Laura ran 15 miles Saturday morning in the snowy/rainy mix from Brookline High down Beacon Street through Kenmore Sq over the Mass Ave Bridge, down Memorial Drive down to the Cambridge St Bridge, turned around and went back to Brookline High where I left my group and ran the last 4 miles home to Oak Square in Brighton. Her map is pictured below.

Julie was up for a ski weekend in NH. Apparently she didn’t follow Jason G.’s advice from a few weekends earlier and certainly had a case of Jello legs when all was said and done. The run also wasn’t well planned on her part. It was much hillier than expected and the traffic on Route 16 was frightening to run towards. The views on her left hand side might have been babbling brooks and wooded glens, but the views on the right were giant 18 wheeler Mack logging trucks going about 50 MPH. Luckily, for every Mack truck that passed, there was a chance to stare up at Mount Washington…certainly a different vantage point than running around MA.

Carleen, are you confident you can finish the Boston Marathon...I think your answer needs to be YES!!!

Sprinting up Boylston!

The lovely NH views the Julie enjoyed on her left side...the right side included dodging Mack Trucks and Apres Skiiers from NY.

Laura's Running Map...if only it captured the glow of snow and ice!

Franklin Park Coalition Boston Marathon Charity Team Member Completes Sunsmart Ironman

Our overseas team member, Piotr Krupa, recently completed the Sunsmart Ironman in Western Australia. Needless to say, he is on track for his Boston Marathon training and is looking forward to coming to the city to meet the team in person. To learn more about the race, and to see some shots of summer in Australia, check out the Sunsmart Ironman homepage.

A marathon is only part of an Ironman challenge. The Ironman began as a challenge between a group of Navy Seals and has turned into one of the largest endurance events in the world. Officially, the Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. The "season" is capped off with the Ironman championships, which are held each year at Kona, Hawaii.

Na Zdrowie to Piotr for a job well done!

Piotr completeing the 2.4 mile swim.

You need some gorgeous views when you riding for 112 miles.

Marathon man...and then some!

Now, it's time for the Boston Marathon!