Finished!!

I did it! 

I am a BOSTON MARATHONER!

Yesterday, I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon after 5 hours, 2 minutes, and 43 seconds of running!! It was the most exciting, exhilarating, and inspiring run of my entire life.

But more important than the run, I have raised $6,682 for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie. I want to thank everyone who has supported me and this amazing foundation. I could feel Abbie pushing me along my run and I know she was smiling down. It has been an amazing experience to run in honor of such an amazing girl. I miss Abbie every day and I wish that she was here to cheer me on, but I know she was cheering and smiling down for me, louder than anyone else.

The run on Monday wasn't perfect weather and required some quick outfit changes in an attempt to stay warm and dry- a hat, long sleeve, and gloves. But it didn't really work! By the end of the race I was absolutely soaked and freezing cold! I was very appreciative of the heat shield blankets at the finish line and a warm car ride home!

I wasn't the only one drenched from the run, though. My closest family followed me the entire race and were just as soaked as I was by Boston! Team Keep Smilin' was at the start, mile 16, mile 20, and the finish! Thank you to my parents, sisters, the Benfords, Alex, and the Cohens for chasing me the whole way and giving me the greatest hugs at the finish line. You were the best support team, before, during, and after the race.

Check out this AWESOME video of me just before crossing the finish line!

Watch Here!

Along the run, I ran in to lots of supportive friends. It was so exciting to search out for them on the sidelines and flash them huge smiles as I passed. The rain scared away a lot of spectators, so it wasn't as loud as a sunny marathon day, but I took full advantage of the celebrity status. When the crowds weren't cheering for me, I cheered at them! And when they didn't have their hand out for a high five, I reached out mine! I fed off the crowds energy during the hardest parts of the run. (And shout out to the students at BC- you were totally the most energetic supporters along the course!) Thank you to everyone who braved the rain to support me and all the other runners on the course!

I can't stop raving about my marathon experience. I am so thankful to everyone who has supported me in my training, fundraising, and final marathon run. Without everyone's help, I never would have been able to finish. It wasn't just my Boston Marathon, it was our Boston Marathon.

Team Keep Smilin' on Marathon Monday

Supporting Keep Smilin 4 Abbie has been a life changing experience. I am so proud to have run for Abbie and spread her smile. If you would still like to donate, please visit my fundraising link here. And please continue to follow keepsmilin4abbie.org  to learn about all the amazing, life changing things they are doing in honor of Abbie.

As always,

Keep Smilin

Race Day is Tomorrow!

It's almost here!

Race day is so close and I am SO excited! And even better, in the past week, I have increased my fundraising goal to $6,277- more than THREE TIMES my original goal of two thousand! The outpouring of support for my run has been unbelievable. I want to thank each one of my donors for helping me blow my original fundraising goal out of the water. Your support through prayer, messages, and donations has made my journey to Boston and amazing experience. 

If you would still like to donate, my event page is still available- help me raise as much as possible before I start on Monday!

Donate!

With race day so close, this weekend is full of final race preparation- lots of rest, water, Gatorade, and pasta! 

Today, David and I visited Boston for the Marathon Expo where I picked up my official number- 27999! Before today, I had never been to the finish in Boston. The atmosphere in the city was amazing, with so many international runners roaming the streets. 

At the expo, we explored the vendors and speakers, stocking up on some totally necessary BAA gear from the HUGE adidas store. We even left a mark from Keep Smilin' on a board where runners from around the world sign their names and messages of encouragement.

We also spent some time downtown Hopkinton to check out the set up on the common. I felt like a total tourist, but I wanted a picture on the start line!

Will you be along the marathon route on Monday morning? If you are, keep an eye out for me! I will be wearing a WHITE Keep Smilin' shirt. Here is my race info: 

11:15 am start

Wave 4

Corral 4 

I try my best to look through the crowds and see as many as my supporters as I can! Make sure to remember to wear your own Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie shirts to the race, too!

If you won't be at the race on Monday, but would like to receive updates to your phone about my progress, there are a few tracking option! 

1. You can track my progress on the BAA website: Track Me!

2. Text my bib number, 27999, to 234567 to get texts throughout the race

3. Download the BAA app for updates during the race!

I am proud to be wearing a Keep Smilin' shirt on Monday morning. I am proud to be running for Abbie. When the race gets tough, I know that Abbie will be behind me, pushing me up the hills and helping me finish the race of a lifetime.

Keep Smilin'

Reached my Goal!

Drum-roll Please!

I have reached my $5,000 fundraising goal for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie!

Thanks to my amazing family, friends, and community, I have officially reached my $5,000 fundraising goal. My current total is $5,262!! I cannot put into words how excited I am to have reached my fundraising goal for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie. This picture of Meb winning the Boston Marathon last year pretty much sums up all my emotions!

Now that race day is just within reach, the nerves are setting in- but more than anything, I am just so excited to line up Monday morning and begin the run I have been training for since January. My training has been a long journey. I have learned about how far I can push my body. Each week in my training, I reached a new running milestone. Week after week, these mini celebrations kept my spirits and excitement high for race day.

More than anything, though, my training and fundraising has opened my eyes to the amazing support system that I have behind me. My closest friends and family continue to check in with me every week to hear about my training. Some of my friends have even made two donations to Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie, showing their amazing support through my entire training program.

My boyfriend, David, has been supportive through all of my training. I cannot thank him enough for being strong for me on days where I can't seem to find that strength on my own. This past weekend, David joined me on my training around town. I felt just like Meb again, being paced by a biker! 

(if you ask my sister Veronica, she thinks I have a shot at beating Meb- her prediction is just a little bit out there, but I do feel like him on these bike/run training days!)

Running around Hopkinton so close to race day is exciting. The town is in full swing cleaning up and setting up for the thousands of runners and spectators who will arrive on April 20th. I ran by lots of these signs around town!

Thank you all for reading my blog and supporting my run for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie. Make sure to check in next weekenf for my final blog post before race day! 

Even though I have reached my fundraising goal, it is not too late to make a donation! With a little over a week until the race, I want to challenge myself to raise as much money OVER my goal as I possible can. Please share with your friends and family and donate to Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie!

Donate Here!

Keep Smilin'

It's Almost Race Day!

Only 18 days until the 
start of the Boston Marathon!

BIG fundraising update- I am less that $500 dollars away from my $5,000 goal- I cannot believe it! Thank you to everyone who has reached out and made donations in the past week. Since my last blog post, I have raised almost $800 dollars, bringing my current fundraising total to $4,491. I am so close- if you have not yet donated, please help me reach my goal of $5,000 for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie today!

Donate Here!

This has been a very busy week of training- and the last week of increasing mileage before the race! Over the next two and a half weeks, my program begins to taper off, prepping my body for the final race and keeping me healthy!

Today, I ran my longest run to date- 20 miles! On the marathon course, this run would get me right to Heartbreak Hill! Spending a few hours outside on such a beautiful day gave me some time to think about all my training and fundraising efforts for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie. The runs have been difficult, but I have seen and felt some amazing physical changes. I feel confident, strong, and prepared for Boston! 

My long run today also gave me some time to think about why this race is hold such great importance. It truly is an honor to run for Abbie. I think about Abbie every day and what joy she has brought to this world. I am constantly amazed at the people she has touched and the success of the foundation. When I feel a burst of strength or confidence on my runs, I send Abbie a little 'thank you' for helping me push through my training.

This past Sunday, I had a moment where I felt this little helping hand from Abbie as I crossed the finish line of my second Half Marathon. I participated in the Westfield Half Marathon with my friend Katie to practice setting my marathon pace. My goal was to finish the race having maintained my pace and feel as if I could keep running. 2 hours and 13 minutes later, I crossed the finish line and reached both my goals. I knew Abbie was there with me during that run and helped make it such a success.

Here are some pictures of Katie and I, 

pre and post 13.1 miles!

The race is creeping closer and my excitment level is quickly growing- keep checking in with my blog as April 20th approaches and please consider supporting Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie!

Keep Smilin'

18 Miles!

18 miles!

This week I ran my longest run to date- 18 miles! It was a very long run- and I took a VERY long nap soon after! Today, a day after my long run, I feel strong and ready for the marathon in just 24 days! 

Race day is creeping up quickly! I have been enjoying the warm weather and the chance to run outside without multiple layers! I am praying that come race day, all the snow in Hopkinton will be gone! 

With just a few weeks left in my training program, I am trying my best to stay healthy. Next week will be my last long run before cutting down my mileage to prepare for the race. It will be my longest run out of the entire program- 20 miles! Please think of me next Wednesday while I am out running this final long run!

My fundraising for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie is going great! Right now, I am at a total of $3,699- I am so close to my $5,000 goal! With 25 short days before the race, I need to do as much fundraising as possible to reach this goal. Please take a moment to make a donation and support my marathon run and Keep Smilin 4 Abbie.

Doante!

Keep Smilin'

One Month!

OMG only one month until the marathon! Time is going by so quickly! So far, I have raised $3,623 towards my $5,000 goal. Thank you to everyone who has donated to this awesome foundation. 

With thirty days left and $1,377 to raise, I need everyone's help. If you know of friends or family that would support my run for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie, please pass along my fundraising and blog link! Or, make a donation in your name today! 

Donate Today!

I got some very exciting news from the BAA in the past week- my wave position and bib number! For anyone planning on coming out to watch the marathon on Patriots Day, look for me in Wave 4, Corral 4! My number is 27999. On marathon day, if you text my bib number to 234567, you will receive alerts each time I hit a major point on the race course!

Each week of training brings a very long run- this week was 15 miles! I took advantage of the spring-like weather and explored some new streets around Westfield. Who knew there was a river right down the road!

Back in Hopkinton, Mr. Benford recently had an interview on HCAM for Keep Smilin' to tell about their goals for 2015 and long term goals! You can watch his interview here!

Thank you to everyone who is supporting me on my run for Abbie. I can't wait to hit the $5,000 mark!

Keep Smilin'

6 Weeks!

WHAT?! 
Only 42 more days? 

Time is moving so quickly! Before I know it, I will be lining up on the start line in Hopkinton and beginning my journey to Boston. (I hope the snow is gone by then, but at this point I'm not so sure!) My training has me feeling strong and I can't wait to put it all to the test on race day.

I have raised $2,976 towards my $5,000 goal- amazing! I am so thankful for everyone who has donated. If you have been meaning to make a donation, consider donating today and help me get even closer to my goal!

Donate Today!

Over the past few weeks, some friends from home have reached out to me and given the extra support and strength I need to keep working through these tough training runs. 

One of my best friends, Karissa Collins, sent her love and support all the way from Clemson in South Carolina with an amazing Facebook post. Her post describes Abbie perfectly, as "the happiest, bubbliest girl you could ever meet and always wore a the biggest smile on her face" Thank you Karissa for helping spread the word for Keep Smilin' and helping me through my training! Want to read what else Karissa wrote? Check out the right side of my blog with the heading "Words of Encouragement from a Friend".

My other amazing best friend friend Jackie Chirco challenged her Facebook friends in a push-up/donation challenge. For every 'like' she received on her push-up challenge post, not only would she do one push-up, but she would donate one dollar to Keep Smilin'. 83 'likes' meant 83 push-ups and a donation to Keep Smilin'! Jackie completed all her push-ups while on a trip to Disney World with her lacrosse team! My favorite were her 10 push-ups in "Italy"-

My friends are so supportive of my run for Abbie. I want to thank them for always checking in and seeing how my runs are progressing. I love you all!

Keep Smilin'

52 days and a 15 mile run!

Only 52 Days until the Start!

Time is moving SO fast; the Boston Marathon is only 50 days away! Thanks to all my sponsors, I have raised an INCREDIBLE amount this week. Since my last blog post, one week ago, I have raised $650, bringing me to a total of $2,474- just $26 away from half my fundraising goal!

HMMM... 26 miles to run in the marathon and 26 dollars from half my goal?? Today, if one person will sponsor me for one dollar per mile, I would reach the $2,500 mark and be half way there!

Donate Here!

It means so much to me that I am able to help Keep Smilin' and raising money to help with their research and awareness efforts. When people ask me how my training is going, and how hard it is getting, I think about the real reason I am running this marathon. I think about Abbie. Every step I take on every training run is for her.

This week, my long run was 15 miles. Up until this week in my training, I had not yet been on my longest run ever. This 15 miler broke that streak! Each long run from this week on will me a new milestone as my 'longest run ever'. After completing my run, I felt strong and accomplished, and ready for Boston!

Keep Smilin'

Fatherly Advice

Two More Months!

April 20th is getting close- just two months from today! So far, I have raised $1,824 for Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie. Thank you, thank you, thank you to each and every person who has made a donation over the past few weeks! I am still $3,176 away from my goal of $5,000. If you would like to make a donation and help me reach this goal, please visit my fundraising page!

Donate Here!

Ever since I started running in high school, my Dad has been my biggest fan. He was always on the side lines of races, yelling out times and keeping me focused. Other girls on the Hopkinton cross country team even got used to him keeping track of their times and their place!

My Dad also started running track in high school and has stuck with the sport all his life. As my interest grew, running became a fun sport to enjoy together. And trust me, when we go for a run together, he NEVER lets me forget that he can finish first. Last year, my Dad and I ran in two 5k races together- one race we even ran with our Keep Smilin' gear!

When I'm at school, there are not too many opportunities to run with my Dad. So, after a hard workout, I call him at work and keep him up to date on my training. I assume these daily calls can get quite annoying, but I like to think I am giving him a little break from work! He always has the best advice. While other people will tell me to take a rest day or try and easy run, my Dad will tell me I'm being a wimp and to run faster. And when he catches me complaining, he just doesn't listen. He gives me the reality check I need and the motivation to prove him wrong on and run stronger on my next run.

I know that in April, my Dad will be chasing the marathon, stopping and seeing me run by wherever possible, just like he has at every other one of my races. Thanks,Dad, for being the best running buddy.

Keep Smilin'

Runnin' (and Avoidin') the New England Snow

Another foot of snow?

How am I supposed to run around these snow banks!

Spending the weekend at home in Hopkinton has proved very hard to run outside; especially with last night's snow! So, I resorted to getting the best workout my living room could provide. I ran in place with ankle weights and went up and down the stairs. It wasn't as good as a real run, but better than nothing! And MUCH safer than braving the aftermath of the snowstorm!

Despite missing the outside run, my living room/gym was full of cheering supporters. Check them out!

Even Annie was cheering!

It's great knowing that the people (and dogs) I love the most are helping me through my training. 

If you want to support my training by donating to Keep Smilin', consider donating tonight! I ran a HALF marathon this week, and want to raise HALF my goal as fast as I can! My current fundraising total is $1,824! Follow this link to make a donation to an amazing cause and show your support!

http://www.keepsmilin4abbie.myevent.com/participant/164211

Keep Smilin'

Half Marathon finished, can I reach HALF my goal?

Half Way There!

My long run this week was a half marathon-13.1 miles, and exactly half the distance I will run in the Boston Marathon, just 66 days from today! Having only run a half marathon once in my life, I was anxious for such a long run this week, but was pleasantly surprised upon finishing and still feeling full of energy! Thanks to my friend Jackie and her workout-fueling expertise, I have been keeping track of what I eat and making sure to prepare for these long runs. I also have to send out a well deserved congrats to my friend Katie who ran with me on Wednesday, completing her first ever half marathon!

After running a HALF marathon this week, I have a challenge for my sponsors; Can I reach HALF my goal by this weekend? Right now, I have raised a grand total of $1,661! That means I'm only $839 away from reaching this half way mark! If you have thought about donating to Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie, now is a great time! 

Donate Here! 

Keep Smilin'

keepsmilin4abbie.org

Stretching my legs AND my goal!

73 Days!

I've been a runner since the beginning of high school and I have learned (the hard way) the importance of stretching my legs after every run. So what about stretching a fundraising goal? It must be just as important to stretch my legs as it is to stretch my goal, right? 

I'm going to test this stretching theory and raise my fundraising goal- 

to $5,000!

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far; I am up to $1,481 after just two weeks of fundraising. With 10 weeks until the race, and your continued donation support, I can reach my new $5,000 goal with ease.

Running in Westfield is getting tougher as the temperatures drop and the snow totals climb. Most of my runs have consisted of multiple times around a 3 mile loop around camps (any runners reading this can sympathize how boring my 12 mile run was on this loop!) My friends at school continue to be a great support network, checking in after my runs and asking about my training plans each week.

As I continue to get donations, I encourage all my sponsors to check out keepsmilin4abbie.org and everything they are doing to spread Abbie's spirit and spread awareness of the severity of anaphylaxis.

I am training, preparing, and running for Abbie. During the hardest moments of my runs and workouts, I remember that she is always, always smilin' down.  

Runnin' with Friends

77 Days!

I am quickly approaching my third week of training and I'm feeling great. This week was a recovery week and a nice break for my tired legs. Good thing Western Mass didn't get as much snow as home because I can't imagine running around 2 foot snow banks!

Just like my running, my fundraising is still going strong. In case you missed my last post, I have passed the $1,000 mark! I am at a current fundraising total of $1,143. I know with your help I can raise even more.

My last blog post got 40 views so far (thank you all for reading!). If each of those 40 people donated $25 dollars today, I would raise $1,000 and pass my $2,000 goal! If you are considering donating to Keep Smilin' 4 Abbie, today is a GREAT day to do it! Follow this link to my fundraising page: 

 Donate Here!

My friends from home and from school have all been so supportive through my training; you all are awesome. I have some special thank yous for friends who have kept me in mind the past few weeks and helped with my training.

I want to say thank you to Katie, my running friend at school, for navigating the horribly paved roads of Westfield with me. Jackie, for sending me info articles about how to survive my first marathon. Brittany, for telling me to eat more when I complain about being tired after a long run. And Chelsey, for being my own personal running photographer! Here are a picture from our running photo shoot today!

Thank you to everyone who has donated. Please continue to share with your friends and family; and keep reading!

Keep Smilin'

Fundraising Update: Passed the half-way mark!

I have passed the half way mark with my goal: $1,037 dollars! I cannot thank you all enough for donating. I never imagined I would be able to raise this much money in just one week. With you continued help and support I can keep up this fundraising for the next 12 weeks (83 days!) leading up to the race! 

One of my favorite parts about getting a new donation are the little messages of encouragement that pop up on my fundraising page. Reading through these messages keeps me excited and motivated for the race. Thank you for the good luck messages and reminders to stay safe. I can't put into words how much this all means to me. Here are the ones that have been posted so far: keep them coming!

Here's a little story to fill some time during the state-wide snow day (PS, stay safe everyone!)  

Starting my training for the marathon has been a giant leap in my running schedule and skill. This weekend, I finished my second full week of official training and my body is definitely feeling the extra miles. One of my memories about Abbie, however, keeps reminding me to approach the training with open arms and take each run how it comes.

Last year on Thanksgiving, I was walking up to the Benford's house, chocolate pie in one hand and Oreo turkeys for Abbie in the other. When I got to the door, Abbie was there to greet me with a HUGE hug, ignoring the two full plates in both of my hands. I tried my best to hug back, but mostly just laughed as I tried not to drop anything! Abbie was so full of joy and welcomed me to the family, literally, with open arms. I think of this memory often as a reminder to stay positive and approach the hardest days, moments, and even runs, with open arms.

Keep Smilin'

Long Run Day: 10 Miles!

After one day of fundraising I have reached $425; almost 25% of my $2,000 goal! Thank to everyone who has supported my run by donating to Keep Smilin' and everyone who has shared my blog link and fundraiser link to their family and friends. With your help, I will reach my goal!

If you haven't gotten a chance to view my fundraising page, follow this link!

http://www.keepsmilin4abbie.myevent.com/participant/164211

Today on my long run I completed 10 miles. An FYI for my Westfield State friends; the sidewalks are VERY icy! These conditions slowed my pace, but the run was great!

Running for Abbie is an honor. As family and friends reach out and ask me about the race, I have the opportunity to share Abbie's story and the success of the foundation. Spreading the word to family and friends is exciting. 

Yesterday, when I got to class, I looked across the table and saw a girl I did not know wearing a http://www.keepsmilin4abbie.org/  bracelet. We talked and shared stories about how we knew Abbie. Signs of Keep Smilin' spreading makes me even more excited to run for Abbie in April.

Keep Smilin'