Peak week is finally here!

After several months of incrementally longer runs each week, this Saturday my long run training will (finally) peak at 21 miles.

I am both excited and nervous for this huge milestone. The weather people are predicting around 4-6 inches of snow tomorrow (Wednesday), but it is then supposed to warm up so hopefully it will have mostly all melted prior to my run on Saturday. I will be running on the course, starting in Hopkinton and finishing at the top of Heartbreak Hill. There will be hundreds of other runners out on the course as well on Saturday, as most of the charities will also be doing their peak long run this weekend. Everything starts to feel really “real” after this week!

I would like to share with you an update on Jane Richard (Martin’s sister) from the Richard family. Recently, Jane has been fitted with a new prosthetic leg that will allow her to renew her active lifestyle (she loves Irish Step Dancing!). “Never self-conscious and always smiling, Jane has worn it to school several times which speaks to the can-do spirit she has displayed over the last 11 months.” Please read the complete update from the family here. I promise you, it will change your outlook on life. This family continues to amaze and inspire me. Despite all that they have been through over the last year, they are able to smile and celebrate each small step in their journey towards peace and healing.

As the marathon approaches, my fundraising total continues to climb. I am so grateful to all of you for your support and your generosity. My total amount raised so far is $6,445, and collectively the Team MR8 Boston Marathon Team (100 runners) has raised over $635K. Our team goal is $1M by Marathon Monday and I would love to see our team achieve this goal for this family! Please consider donating if you haven’t already! This is such a special, meaningful and worthy cause.

Thank you again so much for reading, and for your constant support. I appreciate it more than you know!