Post-Marathon Musings

After the Marathon, you are supposed to refrain from running for 2 weeks. Well, they didn't need to ask me twice. Especially since my knees are killing me, and it is all I can do to walk without wincing.

After the Marathon, several strangers stopped and congratulated me, having seen Libby and me in the little Globe article. Many other people at work called or stopped by to say congratulations, and one kindly, but anonymously, left a rose on my desk! I wish that person would come forth, so I could thank them . . . I appreciated all the positive feedback so much!

After the Marathon, it feels nice on a Saturday morning to NOT rush out to a training run. This morning Libby and I went to the last Dumplings get-together for the year, (Dumplings being the fabulous play group for adopted Chinese children run by the Harvard ChinaCare organization). We missed many of these gatherings due to Marathon training. I'm glad we made it to this one, where we got to make delicious dumplings, and to visit with our dear friends Anne, Lou, Maeve, and Gioia.

After the Marathon, my Aunt Elizabeth died, and her funeral is Monday. She was a lovely lady, who lived to be over 100.

After the Marathon, I have to stop and think: what about the blog? Should I continue it? I want to, because it is very therapeutic for me, sort of an online journal. It is also a good way to keep people informed about what' s going on with me. Like a perpetual holiday letter. So, I guess I will keep it going, at least through the process of our adoption of Xi Le. Henceforth, to be referred to (the adoption, not Xi Le) as Marathon #2.

so, good night, and watch this space for further developments!

http://hcs.harvard.edu/~care/

I did it!!!! Thank you from the ALF and me!

Yesterday was the Big Race . . . I finished in, well, let's just say I finished. Actually, my time was shameful (over 5 hours) but I DID make a few stops along the way. I chatted with my cousin Gera (Gera, that was like half an hour right there, right?) and dropped my jacket off with Liz from work, then just before the finish I spent a few more minutes trying to persuade Libby to run across the finish line with me! Eventually, knowing she would someday be glad, I picked her up and ran off with her. She ended up running with me and with Kit, and it was totally great!

After so many years of being a spectator at the Marathon, I was finally running down that familiar stretch of Boylston Street . . . it was exhilarating and uplifing . . . and I temporarily forgot my exhaustion, and discomfort.

Once I stopped, of course, I felt exhausted, and uncomfortable. I got my Mylar blanket, a bottle of water, a nice young man took the chip off my shoe, since I was unable to bend over to take it off myself, and I got my medal. I wore it the rest of the day and night, because it is probably the only time I'll be able to do it, and not feel like a jerk. Well, perhaps I will wear it every Marathon Day.

Sass had come down from New Hampshire to see me finish, and she and Sarah joined Pierre, Kit, Libby and me at the Copley Westin, where the Liver team was gathering. Then we drove to Bertucci's in West Rox, and were joined by Anne, Lou, Maeve, and Gioia, and Kevin, and his parents, Gerry and Joan. I believe we had a lovely celebration, though I mostly remember having the overwhelming desire to sleep.

Anyway, thank you one and all for supporting me, and more importantly, the American Liver Foundation! I am truly blessed to have such wonderful, and generous friends, colleagues, neighbors, and family. So here's what I did with all those miles dedicated to you guys: during your mile, I thought about you, felt grateful, wished all the best for you . . . ok, guys, I prayed for you! Those who know me well know my prayers are powerful, and never more so than when running (and walking) 26.2 miles! So . . . hopefully, all the good things I hope for you will come to pass.

Today was the travel meeting for our trip to China to pick up Xi Le. So, another marathon effort is nearing completion. Like the Big Race, this one started with a dream and a wish, developed into an intention, and then progressed baby step by baby step towards that goal. I learned I couldn't do it alone, and I've called on many of you for help and counsel along the way. Now the end is in sight. Just as I do now, I'm sure I'll feel relief when the adoption is complete . . . but I know it will be the beginning of a whole new adventure, with its own sets of challenges and rewards.

Good night . . . I wish you many marathon adventures of your own in years to come!

Marathon Eve

I am hydrated, carbo-loaded, got my outfit picked out, got my bus bag packed, got my after-race bag ALMOST packed . . . but must finish my most important task:
Concluding my Liver Lover List of Honor:

Mile 16 is dedicated to my dear friend Jane. We've been friends since seventh grade, when I was "Skyppi" and she was "Janie K"! We daringly skipped school and took the bus to Boston, and were spotted by a teacher (the incomparable Kirk O'Donnell, who taught our class for the year before he joined Kevin White's staff, to begin his career in political life--he never turned us in, by the way.) Later, we shared apartments and wild social lives in Somerville and on Beacon Hill, highlighted by Jeffrey's gifts of cannolis from Romano's, visits from our crazy upstairs neighbors, vernal equinox parties . . . Still later, Jane became official godmother to Julian, and unofficial godmother to Kit . . . sharing Celtics games with the former, and ballet performances with the latter. And . . . she was my maid of honor when Pierre and I married! We all love and appreciate her . . . she is part of our family, forever. Jane, thank you for sponsoring me, and for hanging in there as my friend through all the years!

As I toddle on to Mile 17, my thoughts will turn to new friends, Lee and Alexis Hammond. I have talked to many of you Liver Lovers about Lee's wonderful photography. He took beautiful photos of Kit for her auditions, and I am planning to redecorate the house entirely with these photographs, they are that gorgeous. Now I know the subject is lovely beyond compare, but Lee took the time and trouble to put Kit at ease, catch her at her prettiest, and present her at her absolute best.
For a visual treat, check out his website at www.leehammondphotography.com
Alexis and Lee, I truly appreciate your support!

Mile 18, the beginning of the hills--Ed and Lisa, this mile is for you! As neighbors, fellow dog-walkers, concert companions, wine tasting buddies, etc, you can't be beat. Thank you for lending me your coffee-table, and for sponsoring me!
Liver Lovers who also love movies should look at Ed's blog at www.bostonherald.com
just click on Bloggers, and select Ed Symkus, for interesting, off-beat movie musings.

Mile 19, if I am actually running at that point, will be filled with thoughts of Anne, Lou, and their lovely daughters, Maeve and Gioia. What a lucky day it was for Libby and me, when we met at the millennium Park swing set! Since then, we've shared many more outings-- picnics, dragon dances, a memorable evening at the Summer Revels, and an afternoon at last year's Marathon, right about at this point on the course. I am so thankful for your friendship, and for your support for my Marathon run.

Mile 20 . . . Ricky, this is your mile. I so much admire the commitment and passion you demonstrate in your work as an educator and environmentalist. Talking with you is such a treat--your energy and wit revitalize me, and I always learn something new from you. Thank you for sponsoring me, and for all your positive energy--hope you're aiming it at me tomorrow!

Mile 21 is dedicated to Maura, mainly because at the end, it passes Boston College, Maura's alma mater. Also, it is the hardest hill, and keeping Maura in mind will help me focus on making my best effort. Maura is smart, focused, funny, and in all senses, a high achiever! She's the mom to two of my favorite young ladies, Christine and Lee--I was honored to be one of their Girl Scout leaders. No surprise, they take after their mom, and are high achievers, too--as are their younger sister, Caroline, and dad, Joe. You guys are awesome, and I am honored that you sponsored me.

Mile 22: This one is for the Spy family! Once again, I have to ask: how did I get so lucky to end up with the best family-in-law possible? One of the first things that I loved about Pierre was that he had so many siblings! The first day we really talked in depth, he told me he was from a family of five, and I was enchanted. I loved all their names: Mimi, Marc, Alan, and Leslie. And when I actually met them, I found out they were just as attractive and interesting as their names--good-looking, talented, and open-hearted. I've already thanked Mimi for her support, but I want to thank here Mimi's son and daughter-in-law, Peter and Gwen, parents to the lovely new kid in the family, Elise; Alan, whose video editing on projects like, ummm, the OLYMPIC GAMES makes us so proud; and Leslie, who is my role model, and though she's younger than me, the person I want to be like when I grow up! She's beautiful, kind, fun, and a mother to five kids--I really don't know how she does it. Thank you all, not just for your sponsorship and donations to the ALF, but for being such a wonderful family.

Gee, I have to run a Marathon tomorrow. Think I should go to sleep?
Good night, and Go Liver!

Number pick-up and team dinner

Went to the Runner's Expo and picked up my number:
Here it is: 18407

Then I met Pierre, Kit, and Libby at the Copley Westin for the team dinner. Excellent dinner, many speeches, much applause for ourselves!

Continuing with the Liver Rollcall of Honor:
News flash! Quick mile exchange! Gigi, I'm moving your mile to Mile 13. As Wellesley College is your alma mater, this is the most logical mile for you. Gina, I'm moving your mile to Mile 6--I think you will understand the reason for the switch, and besides, you are now linked with the fashion-conscious Kathy Switzer.

Mile 14, the halfway point of the race, is dedicated to my friends and sponsors from Emerson: since Liz lives in the area, and will be watching the race from this part of the course . . . thank you to Liz, and also to Donna in H.R., Kate and Kerry in the Library, and Tony in . . . Tony, where the heck DO you work? TRF? Anyway, I appreciate all of you, and am truly thankful for your support.

Mile 15, the last "good" mile before the dreaded hills, I dedicate to my dear friends who traveled with me to meet our daughters in China in 2001. It means so much to me, and to Libby, that we have been able to celebrate our special relationship alive. We share a bond that is unique. We went through a life-changing experience together. But even more, I remember how supportive you were when I was learning about Libby's condition in China. When I probably wasn't much fun, you guys looked out for me. There were Dove bars when I was not handling Libby's constant crying well, a seat saved at the table for dinner, pictures taken of Libby and me--since I was traveling alone, that was the only way I got any photos! I look forward to watching your
girls grow up, along with my darling Libby. I love you all, and send special thanks to my sponsors in the group, Eileen, Moira, and Karen. You and your families will be in my thoughts and prayers as I run Mile 15.

Good night, and Happy Easter!

I'm a great aunt! Welcome Mason Brendan Medeiros!

Big family news: My niece Jessica, (brother Jerry's daughter) had a baby boy on Monday! Congratulations!

More big news--I found out late this afternoon that we are scheduled to travel to China May 11!

But first . . . I have to run the Marathon. So my litany of thanks continues . . .

Mile 12 is dedicated to my dear friend, Margarita. She and I share the honor of having been the leaders of Girl Scout troop 9869 for many years! We had lots of fun, as well as many adventures. I'll never forget our "camping trips"--actually non-stop pajama parties, at which Margarita and I tried with varying degress of success to coax the girls into wholesome, outdoor activity . . . and of course, the ultimate camping trip to Savannah, GA, where the girls officially became Cadettes, and promptly lost interest in Girl Scouting soon after . . . alas. It was great while it lasted, though, and thankfully my friendship with Margarita has endured! I appreciate her understanding, her compassion, and her uncommon common sense, and of course, her support for me in this project! Thank you, Margarita, Jim, Susie, Crissie, and Michael!

Mile 13 is dedicated to my pal Gina. Gina and I worked together at Emerson many years ago--and we've been friends ever since. We have definitely matured since the long evenings we spent drinking in crummy bars, waiting for Pierre to finish playing. (Gina, what WAS the name of that bar in Mission Hill?) Now we get our kicks strawberry picking, strolling through sculpture exhibits at Forest Hills Cemetary, eating pizza at Bertucci's--and of course, observing our traditional Boxing Day celebration! Though you have finally doubted my sanity, Gina, I appreciate your having stood by me nonetheless--thank you for sponsoring me, and for years of wonderful fun! John and Sam--you guys too!

www.girlscouts.org
www.landssake.org
www.foresthillstrust.org
www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing-day

Good night!

Easter eggs and all that jazz

Yesterday Libby and I hosted an Easter Egg Party at her school. We dyed eggs, and had an egg hunt (Libby got to hide the eggs! She loved it!) and of course, read my friend Mary's book, The Strange Egg. It was a perfect read aloud book for them.

Last night Pierre and I met my cuz Lou at The Fireplace for dinner, which was fabulous, and we had the added pleasure of hearing friend and s.w.p. Dorothy sing with a jazz band. The music was great, and Dorothy's gorgeous singing was the highlight!

Which reminds me that I spent the evening with two people who must be entered into the Liver Lover Rollcall of Honor. Lou, my beautiful and talented cousin: I admire you so much for the way you have endured sorrows uncrushed, with your style, your wit, and your love of life none the worse for wear. Those kids in your music classes are SO lucky to have you! Me too, to have your support in my Big Race. Mile 10 is dedicated to you, and my other cool Crimmins cousins!

Dorothy, thank you for keeping me posted on your musical outings, and for collaborating with me in an emergency situation! I'm dedicating Mile 11 to you, and to your sister, Regina, my partner in crime at Emerson! Regina, you have supported me in so many difficult situations--thanks for that, and thanks to both of you for your sponsorship.

Last night at dinner Lou asked me why hepatitis B is so prevalent in the Asian and Asian American populations. This is an important question, requiring a complex answer--one that I don't think I articulated very well after a few glasses of Westport Vineyard Chardonnay. For a better answer, please go to www.hepb.org, and go to "Hepatitis B and the Asian Community".

Good night!
www.marynewelldepalma.com
www.fireplacerest.com
www.dorothyclark.com

3 miles last night . . . and Red Sox rule!

Uneventful evening run. Of much more interest, it was Opening Day at Fenway! And the Red Sox won! All's well. Opening Day is truly a holiday, and should be declared such by . . . well, some authority. I remember being at a few Opening Days, always a real treat--once with my dad, another time with Pierre, Julian, and his friend Vincent, when Mo Vaughn slammed a ball into the right field seats, in a 9th inning comeback by the Sox. This year, through the miracle of modern technology, I was able to listen to the game in pristine streaming cyber-sound.

Naturally, the Red Sox bring to mind the next two guys on my Love Your Liver Litany of Honor:
my bro, Jerry, and my sort of honorary bro, Dave.

Jerry and I learned baseball from our dad. Jerry probably remembers, as I do, the actual day Dad took us out in the back yard on Gardner Ave, moved our feet into batter's position, and told us how to hold the bat. While I never progressed much in skill beyond that, Jerry went on to become a good ball player. These days, he's more of a sailor, and a motorcycle rider. Also a great dad, a godfather (to Kit) who knows how to give the best graduation presents, a friend to cats, and the kind of guy who doesn't mind if a little kid pees in his boat! For these qualities, and for supporting me and ALF, I love and appreciate him!

Dave and I have had one of the longest personal and professional associations in my life--we worked together for decades, probably, and I suffered a mini-depression when he left Emerson for other opportunities more befitting his tremendous brain, people skills, and store of practical info. From home repair to gift ideas, there is no one else whose opinion I trust more! Plus, Dave and I actually played baseball--well, softball--together in the annual Media Center vs. Broadcast Journalism games back in the day. I remember well how Dave got a bloody nose while pitching our team to victory. (We did win, I hope?) Dave, Gill, and Cate--thank you for sponsoring me, and for being wonderful friends!

So guys: Mile 9 is dedicated to Jerry (Linda and Jessica too) , and Mile 10 to Dave, and his lovely wife Gill, and awesome daughter Cate!

Evening reformer session

Pilates tonight. I told my instructor I will NOT be at class next week! Yup, the Big Race is just one week away.

My special thanks tonight go to my buddy Sass. To continue my leitmotif, "How was I so lucky to get the best two college roommates in the whole of Boston University?" Sass was my other roommate, and I admired her from the minute I saw her. Not only was she gorgeous, she was smart--so smart she was a classics major! she could read Greek!--and could and did recite lines from my favorite movies, like Women in Love, with an excellent British accent. She was vastly entertaining, singing Gilbert and Sullivan, making up "Match the Twins" games, and devising Chinese checker tournaments. She and Sarah were huge hockey fans; they had one of those table-top games in the dorm, and composed a sonnet in honor of hockey violence. I think it may have been called "Blood." Lovely.

We are still having fun together, playing mah jongg very poorly, campaigning for Kerry and some guy from N.H. whose name I never was sure of, duck touring, wine drinking, etc. Sass, thank you for sponsoring me, and for being my friend through the years. Mile 8 is dedicated to you!
http://math.boisestate.edu/GaS
http://multiples.about.com/library/game/bltwingame.htm
www.Newyorkrangers.com

Good night!

4 miles tonight

Dim sum this morning, at Heila Moon, of course. Nearly every Sunday morning finds Libby and me there, impatiently waiting to be seated, then stuffing ourselves with sticky rice, shrimp dumplings, and black bean donuts. Today Kit and Pierre came along, too.

Kit had her end of year ballet performance today. She danced like a dream, and looked beautiful. I love watching her dance!

In between, I blew out a dozen eggs, in preparation for an egg decorating party Libby and I are having at her school on Wednesday.

Finally, I got in a night run. Just 4 miles.

We're up to mile 7. This one is dedicated to my sister-in-law, Mimi. She's an artist, a tremendous mom to Paul, Peter, Priscilla, and Jesse, and an outstanding example of faith in action. Since mile 7 is where I may start doubting myself big time, I'll be channeling Mimi's positive outlook throughout.

Good night!

I excel at tapering!

I have decided the taper period is the part of Marathon training I do best. I have no problem with cutting way back on running (i.e. not doing any), hydrating, and loading up on carbs and salt. I think I may be overdoing it a bit, though.

Pierre had to work today, Kit had performances this afternoon and evening, and Libby can't stay home alone yet, so I had to skip my last long run today. I'll do it solo tomorrow instead.

Continuing my Liver Lover Hall of Fame . . . One of the things I'm happiest about in my life is the fact that my very first friend is still my friend! I met Gigi in first grade. She was adorable, (and she still is!), with glossy brown hair. We became best friends, played elaborate dramas with our "fairy dolls" after reading Gigi's copy of Rumer Godden's wonderful book, acted out Little Women, and later, spent hours lip-synching to The Beatles. We also had our own band, in which Gigi, who could actually play, was lead guitar. We probably had the greatest childhoods imaginable. This is probably why I refuse to grow up.

Anyway, thank you Gigi, Ben, Elizabeth, and Maria for your support to me and the ALF . I'll be thinking of you all as I run Mile 6. This is also a significant mile in women's sports history; in 1978, the first year women were allowed to run the Marathon officially, Katherine Switzer, wanting to look chic, started the race in a white tennis dress with black leggings . . . however, at mile 6 she had to use a gas station restroom to make alterations to her outfit (losing the tights.)

www.rumergodden.com
www.louisamayalcott.org
www.beatles.com

Good night!

Always look on the bright side of life!

Sarah (excellent godmother to Libby) and I celebrated her birthday by seeing Spamalot. Happy birthday, Sarah!

Sarah, you've been my friend since we met at 79 Bay State Rd, when we were freshmen at BU. I knew we'd get along on our first exploratory trip to Kenmore Square, when you took a drag on your cigarette, and said, "Well, this is really Suck City, isn't it?" I was struck dumb with admiration for your sophistication and turn of a phrase, and I have stumbled along behind you ever since!

Through the years you've introduced me to countless new experiences, ranging from dinner in the form of a whole fish to Sleepy LaBeef to whirling dervishes . . . thank you for all the fun, and thank you for supporting me in all my schemes, including this one! Mile 5 , famous in Marathon lore as the place where Jock Semple tried to rip the number off Katherine Switzer's jersey, is dedicated to you!
www.whirlingdervishes.org
www.sleepylabeef.com
www.katherineswitzer.com



Good night!

Marathon hair-cut

11 days: It's getting close. Time to get the Marathon hair-cut. Though I will be wearing my orange Liver team cap, I want my hair to look good peeking out from underneath. Even though it will be dripping with sweat.

So, as always over the past two decades, I head to Fresh Hair in Jamaica Plain. Joy has been cutting my hair since I was pregnant with Julian. It's not an easy task, styling the most hair-impaired woman in Boston. Over the years Joy has made tactful suggestions, patiently demonstrated blow-drying for dummies, introduced many useful hair products . . . and provided hours of free counseling! Besides all that, her salon is good for my soul, as well as my hair, skin, etc. There is always interesting art on the walls, wonderful earrings in the shop, (everyone knows my standard response to "I like your earrings" is "I got them at my hair-dresser's), and a comfortable, community-oriented ambiance. Can you tell I love it there? Plus you can get henna tattoos! Look: www.freshhair.com

Speaking of love, I have to begin my Liver Hall of Fame with a shout-out to my Spencer relatives. Their contributions got my fund-raising off to an excellent start: thank you Marge, Debbie and Danny, Linda, and Jeff! When I was a little girl, the "Spencer cousins" seemed like a family from one of my favorite nineteenth century novels--they had a big family, lived in the country with ANIMALS (sheep, the horse Mr. Chips, geese), and they had a skating pond in their front yard! It was a paradise for kids, and I loved my visits there. Through the years they have been there for all the happy events, and all the sad ones too. I'm so lucky to have them! Miles 1,2,3, and 4 will be dedicated to them!

Liver fact of the day: Liver disease is one of the top 10 causes of death in the U.S.
Good night!

Lunchtime treadmill

I haven't been able to fit in any night runs this week. The treadmill was my only hope for a workout today, so I ran about 30 minutes at lunchtime.

It's getting close, so I comfort myself with the thought that at this point, it is better to undertrain, rather than overtrain. I'm not going to significantly affect my fitness level or strength in the next eleven days. Now it's more a matter of mental preparation, everything from planning my goals for the various parts of the race course (folks, this has nothing to do with time, but everything to do with finishing in one piece), to figuring out how I'm going to get to Hopkinton (going on the bus with the Parkway Running Club), to deciding how I'm going to spend the hours hanging around the Athlete's Village waiting for the race to start (besides waiting in line for the portapotties). And, of supreme importance, figuring out what I'm going to wear! I'm thinking a black running skirt; should look nice with my orange liver team singlet.
What do you think? www.skirtsports.com

As the Big Race draws nearer, I find myself thinking with gratitude of all my sponsors, who have lifted my spirits with kind words, and, even more importantly, proven themselves my allies in the war against liver disease. This is one disease where awareness and education are the keys to
creating a world where liver disease, including hepatitis, is rare, easily cured, and where no one needs a liver transplant.

At a reunion of the families who went to China to adopt our daughters, I said to my friend Eileen, mom to the adorable Nora and Helen, "How did we get so lucky to become mothers to the most beautiful girls in all of China?" And now I ask myself, "How did I get so lucky to have such amazing family and friends?" In my entries leading up to the Marathon, I want to thank you all personally, so watch this space!
good night, and be kind to your liver tomorrow!

Pilates tonight

invigorating session on the reformer this evening . . .

Horrible accident at Emerson this afternoon, so I can't summon up lightheartedness. Makes me realize how random life can be. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

Liver tip of the day: Since about 1 in 300 hepatitis B patients will ultimately need a liver transplant, be proactive, and be a donor. Next time you renew your license, be sure to indicate your wish to be an organ donor. Remember to tell your family/friends about your decision to donate organs; then they can support your decision--they will have to sign a consent form.

Good night!

Rest day

I woke up late, and about an hour later discovered I had forgotten to set my clocks ahead. So . . . I was off to an even later start!

But it was Sunday, so I didn't care. I took Libby to her ballet class, then she and I journeyed to Somerset, my old home town, to visit Audrey, my aged aunt. She lives in a nursing home, and has dementia, so it's never an easy visit. However, Libby enjoyed pushing Audrey's wheelchair up and down the hall, while Audrey and I conversed about imaginary things, things which nevertheless cause her some anxiety, which I tried to calm.

After the visit, we didn't do our usual things like calling my brother, driving around to view scenes from my childhood, etc. Instead we headed for Ikea, one of my favorite destinations! Usually I just walk around looking at things, but today we had a goal: buying beds for Libby and her meimei! We did, and they will be delivered Saturday! Then the fun and cursing of assembly will begin.

Liver gem of the day: a good website for parents of hep B kids is www.hbvadvocate.org
--especially their Easy B's: short, easy to understand cheat sheets with basic facts about hep B.

For non-liver related fun, go to www.ikea.com
Libby and meimei are getting Kura beds.
Good night!

8 miles today

Felt like 80. Why doesn't it get easier?????

Nice running along the Charles, though.

Pierre and I went out to dinner to celebrate our getting the good news about our new daughter. We went to Birch Street Bistro in Roslindale Square, which we love. I had what is to me the perfect meal, shrimp risotto. Of course we drank way too much wine--yummy MacWilliams' shiraz, from Australia. Check it out at www.mcwilliamswines.com

Good night, and be good to your liver tomorrow.