Marathon training in winter, what was I thinking! That’s all I kept thinking as I began my 14 mile run this past Saturday. My name is Erin Peeney and I am going to be running for the Double H Ranch in this year’s Boston Marathon. The marathon is being held on April 20th which is exactly 67 days from today!
Last Saturday, I was due to meet a local running club at 7:30am in Albany. As some of you might know I sometimes have a minor issue with being late or how I like to refer to it as “always early for the next event”. On Saturday I however, was late/early for the next event and missed the running crew completely. That meant I was running 14 miles by myself. Boy, was I wicked excited for that.
For me, miles 1-3 are the worst. I constantly think “Why am I doing this?”, “I can’t do this”, “I would rather be sleeping”, “I want pizza” etc. After mile three I calm down a bit and the miles just always seem to mash together which is helpful. I like to listen to books on tape they keep me the most interested and preoccupied. There is this great blog that lists the 75 thoughts every runner has while out for a run, it is ridiculously accurate. Here are a few examples:
10. Oh, shoot! A fellow jogger!
11. Should I wave?
12. I’m totally going to wave.
13. OOOK, they didn’t wave back. Never doing that again.
14. Just keep running, no one saw. Except that old guy who may or may not be averting his eyes.
Training has definitely been…an interesting experience. It’s finding the little accomplishments that make it worth it; beating a personal record or running a little bit farther than you were scheduled. However, training in the winter with all this wonderful snow has definitely been a challenge. The treadmill at Planet Fitness and I have become great friends!
About three weeks ago, I decided to partake in a few cross training classes. I loved them so much that I went a little overboard. For a little over a week, I was down for the count with a hip injury. Stairs became my worst enemy and butt slides became the best way to get down them!
My goal is to raise $10,000 for the Double H Ranch before I run the marathon in April. Fundraising has been amazing. It’s hard for me to put into words the gratitude I have for everyone who has donated or sent words of encouragement. Together we have raised over $3,000 for the Double H Ranch thus far. That is amazing! I could not be doing this without everyone’s support. If you are interested, check out my fundraising page here: https://www.crowdrise.com/TeamHITW2015Boston/fundraiser/erinpeeney.
On February 28th I will be hosting a fundraising event at Brown’s Brewery in Hoosick Falls, NY. Everyone is welcome to attend! There will be door prizes, silent auction items, raffles, cash bar, food from Jimmy Makes Pizza, and maybe even a little karaoke! It should be a wonderful get together to celebrate camp and help raise money to send well deserving kids to camp.
I could not be more excited to be doing this for the Double H Ranch. The campers have been my inspiration throughout. Our kids come to camp with 110% determination, ready to partake in all the activities camp has to offer. In comparison to what our campers face on a daily basis, running a marathon seems insignificant.
Camp has taught me to enjoy the little moments, embrace every day, the importance of acceptance and the power of determination. It is said that there is a “magic to camp” and everyone who is a part of camp is forever changed. I could not agree more, camp has truly impacted my life and I am beyond grateful for becoming a part of this inspiring organization.
26.2 miles here I come!
Health & Happiness,
Erin
Erin Peeney, our Volunteer Coordinator, will be running for the Double H Ranch at the 119th Boston Marathon on April 20, 2015. Erin will be running as a member of “Team Hole in the Wall” and will raise funds to provide the joy and magic of camp to children and families living with a serious illness. Stay tuned as we continue to follow Erin over the next couple of months on her journey to the finish line!
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