Totally Motivated

Last night, I met a bunch of teammates at Crossroads for a run. It was probably the coldest night we've had in Boston this winter and I am crazy enough to run in it! The forecast: mostly clear, breezy and frigid evening. Single digits to lower teens with wind chill values below zero throughout the night. AWESOME. Thank god for the cute sales guy at Dick's Sporting Goods who convinced me it was a good idea to get the Under Armor Extreme ColdGear Gloves. They worked like a charm, and I was not as freezing as I could have been since I ran in all my cold gear apparel. After the run is a different story though. We got back to Crossroads for a few beers and pizza, and I couldn't seem to warm up. I even had my winter coat on! Luckily I made it an early night, and was able to get the chill off with a hot shower before bed.

I've been meeting so many new people while running, which is always fun. Last night, I officially met some teammates who I consider blog friends. It's funny how I only know these people by their blog handle. But I got to run with them last night, and learn about their lives and reasons why they chose to spend freezing cold evenings running for Dana-Farber. Each person has a different motivating factor, and it has been amazing to hear everyone's story. And I've just hit the top of the iceberg in meeting our teammates - there are over 500 people! It's amazing how many people came together to raise $4.4 million dollars for the Claudia Adams Barr Program and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

In my fundraising news, I'm 35% towards my goal of $6,000!! Thank you so much to all of my donors who have already donated. Every dollar counts and I couldn't do this without your generous support.

SPECIAL THANKS TO MY DONORS: Dave & Mary Claire, Bruce & Cheryl, Uncle Mel & Aunt Diane, Liz, Jenn, Jennifer & Jack, Jessi, Liesl & Ruben, Maggie, Uncle Matt & Aunt Janet, Nikki, Uncle Mike & Aunt Pat, Rob & Kristen, Shawn, and Uncle Mike & Aunt Sue

Don't forget to keep checking our blog as our training continues to see how many miles we've have hit and if you can, and are in the holiday spirit, please support our fundraising goals by clicking on the links SUPPORT AMANDA and SUPPORT COURTNEY. Or, you can make checks payable to "Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge" and mail them to us. Drop us an email for the best mailing address: Amanda and Courtney.  Also, check to see if your company matches charitable donations– every dollar counts! Just think, if 78 people gave $50, it will get me to my goal. However, any size gift can definitely make a difference.

So not only am I totally motivated by my teammates and their stories, but I am motivated by the love and support of my family and friends. I am flying back to Colorado on Wednesday to spend the holiday with my family.  I am very much looking forward to some r&r and high altitude training. haha!  I hope that you, too, have many friends and family around you this holiday season. Happy holidays!