Marathon training by the numbers

18: miles for my last long run
4: AM start
1: "Dead Man's" curves along the route
900: Japanese tourists running alongside me for 13.1 miles
1100: Guamies running and cheering for 13.1 miles
1: Dead snakes almost stepped on
2: Times I reminded the guy at the gas station not to tow my car during the run
18: Days to go til the marathon!!

Yes, I'm still planning on running a marathon in 18 days. I've just gotten some spanking new running shoes, so I'm feeling pretty darn ready to complete 26.2 miles. 

Still, in order to successfully reach my other, way more important goal of raising $2500 for the Celiac Disease Foundation, I'm reaching out to you and anyone you know. Thanks to the generosity of folks, I'm only $931 away from this milestone! So close, yet so far...

Which means that it's time for me to get creative. I know that there are a couple (read: many) of you that don't think (read: cannot comprehend) that I could finish a marathon. For those in this category that are gambling folks, I'll make you a bet. For ever $26.20 you donate, you get a vote. If I fail to finish the marathon, you get to decide if I:

1) Drink a gluten free beer from my nasty post-marathon attempt running shoes;

2) Wear a dress in public on the day after the marathon; or

3) Get a henna tattoo on my face ala Mike Tyson.

Votes/donations are open now! Click here (http://www.active.com/donate/teamglutenfree/allisonrutter) to support me and/or me wearing a dress :) 

But hey, don't wait for me to tell you how I did, see where I am as I run the race! On November 6th, you can (supposedly) go here (http://www.nycmarathon.org/athlete_alert.htm) and find out where I am. I'll send out my bib number when I have it, and you can use that to track me.

If you can't donate, know that there are other ways to support me. I really appreciate the kind words that people have been sending my way. Here's a way to share them during the race! ASICS has some big screens along the course. You can create a message/picture/video that I'll see during the race if you click here (www.supportyourmarathoner.com). You can search for me using my registration number: 744942

Here are some pictures of training along the way. 10Ks, half marathons, and ice baths, oh my!

This is really not a joke...though this was

For Cher.

Also a good illustration on why it's so hard to find a good sports bra...

Guest Blog #1: Remember when exercise was fun?

Allison here. I know that I owe everyone a big update since I've been traveling about. Don't worry; there's running involved, lots of musings, and people galore to thank, and that's on it's way. In the meantime, I thought that it would be nice to hear some thoughts on the joys of exercise, because I'll admit that there are plenty of times when it just is. not. fun. Who better to remind us than a seven year old? PS - kids have the best running form :)


Hello, everybody!I'm Jasmine R.(And I'm 7 yrs old.) And I like to Dance,Jump,and play.I also like to do gymnastics for my exercise.It is fun for kids and adults,too.And for playing.I like to play downstairs with my Best Friends. Alison Rutter is my cousin and I also like to play with her,too.Goodbye, Readers!

6/20 run and other happenings

Howdy friends,

Well, this weekend was full of some highs and lows. Highs: supportive comments and donations and Denver PrideFest. Lows: seeing someone close say a hard goodbye, and no run.

The training:

So yes, there was a lot of walking over the weekend, mostly on concrete with flip flops, so my knees and back were a little tender. Had a decent strength training workout on Monday where I stretched and stretched to get some relief, but boy, did I not feel like running. Inspiring words and actions by one Eric Maurer (with reinforcement by one Lena Hansen) got me out the door, and moving towards a new route. The Mount Sanitas hike is pretty near where I live, and I thought that it would be a good idea to run up and down the Sanitas Valley Trail. Then when actually running up the trail, I had an epiphany; since I didn't feel into the run, why don't I walk quickly up the trail and run down? That way I'll feel like I'm a speed demon, enjoy the run, and make sure that I'm not dreading my weekly training. Woo! Best idea ever. Got three miles of movement in, enjoyed a beautiful late afternoon in Boulder, and most importantly, kept on the running regime.

The cause:

Hearty thanks to Peggy and Lena Hansen and Eric Maurer for donating to the Celiac Disease Foundation! I'm now 20% of the way there, folks. Don't let my absurdity be in vain; click here donate to a good cause in any way you can. Of course, words, running buddies, and other forms of support are always welcome; thanks to Susan and Natalie for sending good vibes my way :)

The data:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/93917994

The musings:

Finally, I read an article about athletic events for charity and it got me thinking. First, I absolutely understand that there is a rise in people participating in fundraising events, and a consequent "charity burnout" that can come from that. In fact, this is the main reason why I never saw myself doing something similar. Secondly, it's a great concern of mine that some of these events can cost a lot of money to put on, and that a large percentage of money raised may go towards the cost of the event versus the actual cause being supported. When researching specifics about the NYC Marathon, I found a couple of articles in the New York Times:

http://marathon.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/running-for-charity-fuels-a-boom-in-marathoning/

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/22/sports/22marathon.html?_r=1&ref=sports

Charity runners make up ~11% of all NYC Marathon runners, and those running for charity will raise over $26.2 million. Assuming that Team Gluten Free paid $525 - $950 for my entry, and I'm raising $2,500 for the cause, that equates to 62% - 79% of funds going to Team Gluten Free. Note: the entry fees go towards the non-profit New York Road Runners, and used to support the NYC Marathon and other races they sponsor throughout the year. I'm looking into Team Gluten Free/Celiac Disease Foundation's donation conversion, and will report on that in the future. Anyway, learning this makes me want to not only raise $2,500, but see if I can offset the entry cost to Team Gluten Free. However, let's see how I do, and then we can talk about it ;)

Conclusion:

It's early days yet! Stay tuned.

No, this is not a joke

Hello friends and family,

What you're about to witness can only be described as a miracle. I, Allison Ragan Rutter, have committed to training for and running the 2011 New York City Marathon. Unsurprisingly, I need your help. That's right; your daughter/niece/friend/classmate/former coworker/neighbor had madly decided to raise money for the Celiac Disease Foundation via Team Gluten Free by hoofing it 26.2 miles on November 6th. This is where you come in. Help me make this crazy effort worthwhile by donating here.

I could also use a whole lot of moral support. All of you know that I am not your typical runner, which means that every step will be new, frightening, difficult, and most likely accompanied by a groan. So, I'll be posting my training runs, general progress/thoughts, and running schedule. Guests blogs by my most fervent supporters on running, nutrition, marathon experiences, living with Celiac Disease (CD), and testimonials about how I'm not a runner will also be included. Finally, expect pictures galore as my running shorts get shorter and my runs get longer.

Bets will be taken. Money will be raised. Miles will be run. I hope you'll join me.


Love,
Allison