The Significance Of The Marathon 

by Boston Marathon Coach

“As an athlete, when you least expect it, you may find yourself standing on the threshold of an accomplishment so monumental that it strikes fear into your soul.  You must stand ready, at any moment, to face the unknown.  You must be ready to walk boldly through the wall of uncertainty.”  John “The Penguin” Bingham, The Courage To Start Running a marathon is a life-altering experience.  When you cross the finish line of a marathon you may never in your life have a closer glimpse into who you truly are and what you’re capable of achieving.  Facing your fears and doubts prepares you to experience breakthrough accomplishments beyond your imagination. Overcoming doubt and the inevitable pain of the closing miles of a marathon prepares you for far greater challenges that await beyond the finish line of the marathon.  Becoming a marathoner is one of the most empowering experiences in life.  Once you prove that you can prepare for and complete the 26.2 mille distance, there’s little doubt you can accomplish practically anything. So many of the runners that I’ve coached have expressed an incredible void in their lives after completing Boston.  Those seismic gaps need to be filled with even more significant challenges.  It might be running another marathon, attempting at a Boston Qualifier or it might be something far removed from the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston.  It might be an effort to be a better person, a parent that instills confidence in a child, a spouse that is truly committed to a lifelong partnership.  Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Learn like you will live forever.  Live like you will die tomorrow!”  My appetite for learning increases as I age and the challenges of life are equal to or greater than running a marathon.  Appreciating the simple things in life, living in the moment as well as in the spirit of continuous improvement are traits that have resulted from being a runner for the past 35 years. I hope that you dream of taking on huge challenges and have the discipline and determination to see them through.  More importantly, I hope the inspiration and confidence garnered from these journeys of achievement will fuel a commitment to greater service to others within you!

For Christina

I have always tried to live a compassionate, adventurous life…and I have done a good job of it: traveling and building a well in Haiti, riding my bike 100 miles in Oregon for cancer research, running the Boston Marathon for AIDS, skiing in Austria and Switzerland...but Christina Genco's passing while riding for a cause (bike and build) has hit me harder than I ever imagined. She left this earth doing what she loved most…while helping to make the world a better place. And that has forever impacted me…I will certainly live a different...better…more fulfilled life having seen Christina live her life with such spirit, compassion, and adventure.

“It is only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it were the only one we had.”
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Christina…we will miss you…but rest in peace knowing I will keep riding for you with the same spirit for compassion and adventure....making a difference in the lives of those around me....

Training Schedule...FYI

Curious what my training plan looks like???

I have kept a solid base following my half marathon in October...and running a consistent 6-8 mile long run on Sundays...so I decided to forgo the novice training schedule and jump up to intermediate..It looks challenging, but on par with what I have been preparing for...

I am excited to start up next week with this 18 week program leading right up to Marathon Monday!!!

Week 13 and 15 look to be the biggest challenge when I total 43 miles...That's just about when the snow really starts to accumulate and I will need all of your SUPPORT!!!!

In other news:
-Thanks to all those who have donated thus far, I am up to almost $800!!!...keep spreading the word about the BLC and providing me with the support I need to keep at it!
-World Aids Day is December 1st...donate to support those living with the disease all over the world...and help the Boston Living Center provide the support system for those here in Boston trying to cope with the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS....
-We have a date set for our Boston Fundraising Party: January 9th... Save the date!!
-We have a venue set up for our HUGE FUNDRAISING PARTY!!! It will be at the Luxury Box in Seekonk with live music, free appetizers, a raffle and silent auction...get excited because it is going to be a AWESOME!!! Stay tuned for the date........

That's all the news I have for now...keep following and keep going strong out there in whatever you are reaching for!

~Keli