BOILERMAKER 2008 !

CONGRATULATIONS ! To everyone who participated in the Boilermaker 2008 ! What a great weekend ! I not only had the honor of participating in the GO THE DISTANCE but I also volunteered at the EXPO this year with the Goodie Bags. It was a lot of fun and a awesome feeling to be a part of all the festivities.
I can not say thank you enough to everyone who helped in any way to make the Go the Distance program a huge success ! I personally would not have been able to complete the Boilermaker without the team support! Not a past runner , I didnt have a huge desire to walk let alone run until a few months ago ! Less than a year ago I was 50 pounds heavier and hated the thought of exercising ! All it took was to start eating healthier, and slowly incorporating walking into my new lifestyle. And now I cant get enough ! I am a running junkie now !
I can not thank Joe W. enough and all the health conscious runners that helped me during my stress fracture. I want to say that the program had nothing to do with my injury. Had I followed the program like I was suppose to, I believe that my injury would have been totally avoided. But after the weight loss and the new outlook on life, I not only gave the program 100% but I tried going above and beyond the running guidelines ! And mostly I didn't listen to my body ! I just wanted to give it 150% and didn't care that I was in pain. That caused my injury. I credit Joe W for not letting me come back as soon as I wanted. Even though it caused a few sad tears ! Joe had me do a lighter training program for a couple of weeks ! Joe, I totally credit you for the training which allowed me to complete the 2008 Boilermaker. I did in memory of my Mom but completed only with your guidance ! I will never ever be able to repay you, except with the deepest, sincere THANK YOU !
Thanks to everyone Jason Powles, WKTV, Go the Distance Team, Chris, Joanne, Heather, Bike patrol, Bonnie, all the runners that met with us and guided us on the Monday, Wednesday and Saturday runs, Erica W, Sue W, past GTD runners, ECR, my brother Art for coming home to run with me (even at my pace !), for my husband Jim for training and running with me(and I beat only under gun time! they dont need to fix the chip time, as far as I am concerned !) and last but not least Kim S for all the training, going above and beyond the call of duty, and understanding!

Thank you to all the supporters who provided the cheers, claps, water, music, it really did help me push myself ! Its so true the crowd carries you! What a great experience this all was for me. A huge highlight in my life. A truly special thank you to Joe C, Carol, and Anne for making training so much fun and entertaining! Thank you Anne so much for buddying up with me! I could not have done this without all of you, honestly. If I could have I would have done it 20 years ago ! You are all truly awesome friends !
I never thought a year ago I would be turning 46, 50 pounds lighter, have the 2008 Boilermaker under my accompishments and feel this great!
I hope I inspired at least one person to lose weight, get healthy and prevent heart disease.
This was for you Mom ! I miss and love you dearly ....

Thank you

Congratulations to everyone on the team who ran today! What an amazing experience running the Boilermaker today was!!! I am proud of each one of us and all the work we have done to get to this point and achieve our goals today. I would like to thank Jason, Joe W., Kim S., Chris and Joann as well as the bike crew who kept us safe. I would also like to thank all of the runners and supporters who cheered us on and encouraged us on our Monday, Wed. and Sat. runs and on our run today. Your support was just what we needed. This program well prepared me for today's run. Thank you again to all who have helped me achieve my goals. I am so glad and proud to be part of Go The Distance Group! Thank you!!!

July 12, 2008 pre race day !!!!

OMG !! It is here !!! I can not believe it !12 weeks have come and gone and its here ...it is finally here ! I want to wish everyone running the best of luck for a great, safe run. Picking up the packet last night was so exciting and a bit emotional. Wasn't sure if my stress fracture would have healed by this time and thankfully it has. I am sure that the running Gods and my Mom were on my side for a speedy recovery!(four weeks isn't speedy it felt like a lifetime, but it surely could have been longer).
Thanks to everyone from the GTD team, trainers, fellow runners, WKTV, ECR Intl,volunteers, friends, coworkers, my brother Art,(who encouraged me to lose all the weight I did, so this is even a possibility this year and is running too ), my Dad (who is the greatest supporter and the bestest Dad !), my husband Jim (for also adapting a healthy lifestyle with me and is running for the first time ever this Boilermaker 2008..hoping to beat him though!) and my son Travis (who has been encouraging me, inspiring me, and has been extremely patient with me during the last 12 weeks. Training was time consuming, and took time to get used to BUT IT WAS SO WORTH IT) !

My first Boilermaker is dedicated in memory of my Mom who passed away during a heart transplant. I miss and love her deeply ! I hope to do her proud, and finish on two feet !

THANK YOU EVERYONE ! BEST OF LUCK ! SEE YOU AT THE FINISH !

Nice Run

Carol, Joe, and Kim W. I enjoyed our run last night and time talking. It has been fun getting together other than on Monday nights to run and talk. I have enjoyed getting to know each one of you and having some laughs. I am proud of us all, we have worked hard and have come a long way. We are ready for Sunday and will do great. See you Friday night.

We're almost there!!

Just 5 days to go until the big day and I am psyched! We've all done so well and, like Kim, am amazed that I've made it and am ready to run. What a great training program and what a great team! There are so many to thank for getting us to this point - Jason and Joe W. : There are not enough to words to thank you for all you've done. WKTV: Thanks for the sponsorship and for Andrew whose computer expertise was so instrumental to the success of the GTD web site and blogs. To Kim, Bonnie and the rest of the runners who not only inspired us but helped with great advice and incomparable encouragement: Thanks for all your time and your caring. To Sue and Erica and all the other water station volunteers: We literally could not have done it without you. To Joe and the members of the bike patrol: Thanks for keeping us safe while running the streets amidst traffic, rain storms, etc. To ECR: Thanks for letting us use your parking lot and facilities every Monday night. Last, but certainly not least, thanks to Earle Reed for creating the Boilermaker, sponsoring our Babe's celebration, and our commemorative t-shirts. SEE YOU ALL SUNDAY!!

July 3,2008 Happy Safe Holiday

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO ALL ! Wishing everyone a safe holiday weekend !

I cant believe we are just over a week away from one of the most exciting time of my life ! This is truly a remarkable accomplishment for me. To be able to even complete the rigorous training is an achievement I never thought I was capable of. I am so proud of our team and the dedication towards running. I hope to keep up the running for as long as I possibly can, its totally infectious. Wednesday's run was great and surprisingly hard ! Kim S thank you so much for your time and your dedication to helping us be the best we can be. Carol you are doing so awesome I couldnt keep up with you ! I am so proud of you, I am in awe! With the awesome weight loss and your Mom passing away recently you truly are an inspiration to me. Joe C. you are such a great asset to the team and I love running and the conversation before and after the runs ! You make me laugh. Its great to have such fun running partners.
Anne I missed you but will see you tomorrow !

Thoughts and prayers are with the Ingalls family for the loss of Bob. I didnt know him personally but knew of him and what he accomplished for the community, he truly was a very remarkable man. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Stretch Run!

I must admit, I've been a bad bad blogger. Shame on me. Except for a select few, so have you! However I'm back, you know why? I'm am so impressed with this years crew! You all ran nine miles on Monday and did in just about two hours or less. I'm so inspired. Whether you left early or started on time you all ran wonderfully. I'm so proud how you all perserveered. You all rallied around each other to accomplish this tremendously difficult goal. This may or may not be a life-changer for you all, but it is certainly something you will never forget for the rest of your lives. I can honestly say I'm proud to be associated with this years group and hope that you all come back and help out next year.
Special thanks of course goes out to my partner-in-crime. Joe has had another tough year(isn't that every year Joe?). I know he'll make it again...31 and counting my good friend.
Thanks to all my Committee members for coming back and supporting the new group.
Thanks to Chris and Joanne for providing knowledge and leadership.
Thanks to Joe and his loyal bike patrol, without you, I couldn't sleep at night, worrying about the runners safety.
A thanks of course to Chief Hydration officer Sue and her crew (i'm thirsty thinking about it).
See you all on week 12 and please...NO MORE INJURIES!

Saturday June 28th Run

What a perfect day for a "fun" run. Thank you Wilczynski family for everything ! You totally outdid any breakfast function I have ever attended. Our team continues to amaze me with their dedication, strength and running abilities. Carol, Mary, Joe, Anne you all did awesome and I am so proud to be running with such great people. I can not believe how far we have all come from week one. There is no way I would have accomplished all I have without you. And to have family running now because of the program is just wonderful. Jim loves running and socializing with everyone getting bits and pieces of information and advice to make his running ability that much better. Both being new to the running field we just take it all in and use what we can.

George it was great to see you and to get an update on you!

Tricia, Kelly, Tammy, and Chris we so missed you on Saturday.

Joe, Sue, and Erica thank you so much ! You are the BEST !!!
See you all on Monday night

Great Run

Congrats to all of us last night!!! We did it!
Kim W. thank you for waiting for me and finishing the run with me. I appreciated it.
I won't be able to run with you guys on Wed. but have a great run and I will see you on Sat.
George we are thinking of you and wishing you well. We all missed your smiling face last night.
Keep us posted.

WEEK TEN !!!

I can not believe its week ten. We have come a long way. Carol, Anne and I were just trying to take it all in after the run on monday ...just a few weeks ago we were at week one and that 1.8 miles seemed unobtainable! Look at us all now.
I want to thank so much Kim S, Joe W, Joanne, Chris, Jason for everything from selecting me for the Go the Distance Program to the excellent advice and the awesome support. There is no way I would be where I am today with my fitness if it werent for you all. Two months ago exercise wasnt in my vocabulary, it surely is now. I am proud and honored to be a part of the team. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
George you are in our thoughts and prayers in hopes all goes well.
See you all on Saturday ! I am running Wednesday but on a track so I wont be with you all but will be thinking of you all.

Great Run

Hi Everyone,
Tuesdays run was great! Wow. 7.5 miles is such a long way but we did it!!! I felt very proud of all of us. Kim W. I am so happy for you. Hope your run this week on the track was good too. Joe W. I hope you are feeling better and will be okay. My thoughts are with you. I will see the Sat. group in the morning. If people are needed to help with water stations this week let me know I have helpers.

Week 9 !

Great run everyone ! The weather cooperated until the end, then boy did it get cold. Big difference from last weeks overwhelming heat. So glad to be back with everyone running. I am running on a track Thursday and if all feels good I will see you all on Saturday, otherwise I will see you on Monday. Joe W. I hope all is well and please keep us in the loop !

June 16, 2008 Week #9

Move over Anne...make room for your running partner ! Treadmill runs went well last week and I ran on the H.P. outdoor track on sat, and again on the treadmill tonight...ALL IS WELL ! only went 1 1/2 miles each time but all is great ! Looks like I will be running with you all tomorrow but only a partial course run to make sure I am 100% Just to be there with you all again and running is my goal for the week, regardless of the mileage ! May I say stress fractures stink ! I wouldnt wish them on my worst enemy...I was so determined to back to 100% as quickly as possible and believe I am there. I got some catching up to do to get to the point you all are at and with the luck of the "running Gods" I will be there hopefully by Boilermaker Sunday...Thank you everyone for your caring thoughts and emails from the bottom of my heart. :) Kim

Kim W.

Hi Kim W.
Hope you are having a good week and feeling good. Thanks for being there to support all of us these last few weeks. I miss you too and look forward to running together and getting our pace back. It has been hard to keep up the pace without you. So you take care of yourself and get better. I will see you Tues.

WEEK 8

Okay...first and foremost thank you everyone for not making fun of my last blog !
a week off ! Yikes I really need to get back on the pavement !
What a great run on Monday despite the heat and humidity. Extremely impressive.
It is so great to be a part of this team of dedicated runners. Its great to meet experienced runners and listen to words of advice and expertise. Thank you so much for the support.
Anne, you are doing awesome ! I am so proud of my running buddy, not sure if I am going to be able to keep up with you when I return ! Monday was clearly a difficult run but Carol, Mary, Tammy, Chris, Anne, and Joe you all did GREAT ! It was my pleasure to watch each of you finish the run and an honor to be a part of it. I bet you were glad to see the water station at the finish, I was glad to be there. Jealous and envious of you but honored !

week 7 coming up!

Wow...we are really getting a dose of Upstate NY weather ! First we couldn't get it warm and sunny now and now over 90 degrees Monday! 7 miles tomorrow, I know with the awesome job everyone is doing it will be obtained by all. See you all tomorrow keep cool and drink lots and lots of water !

Hi Everyone

Hello Everyone! I am so sorry that I have not really been in contact or come down to see you. I am sure Kim W will agree with me when I say this, to be there is like salt in the wound knowing you can run. My heart and soul was truly into this and it was going so well then what disappointment. Our team is so awesome.

The Dr. originally said that they thought that I just had arthritis and bursitis but I had to go to the Dr. again the other day because I developed a bump below my knee cap and pain behind my knee. Now they are thinking I have torn my meniscus. My family and I went for a walk the other night and we went down a hill and up a hill and I was in so much pain, so the Dr. said now I can only walk on flat ground.

I am so proud of each and everyone of you, I was there beside you and I know it isn't easy but it is an awesome accomplishment. I truly wish that I could be there with you running right next to you.

Thank you everyone for being so caring and I will keep you in the loop. I go see the Orthopedic Dr. next week and then before the insurance company will pay for an MRI I have to go through Physical Therapy.

Monday Night

Hi everyone. I can finally read and respond to the blogs! I am so proud of our 6 mile run on Monday. That was such a long run but WE DID IT!!! Kim W. you are in my thoughts and prayers. I miss my running buddy, it hasn't been the same these last two weeks. I appreciate you being there and know that we all want you to heal and get better soon. I would like to thank you, Kim S. for all of your time and support. You are GREAT!!!

Tricia, we miss you and have all had you in our thoughts. We hope to see you soon.

Half Way Home

Can you believe it???  We are half way home to the goal and only 6 more weeks to Boilermaker Sunday!!!  Somebody pinch me and wake me up.  We ran 6 miles on Monday...6 miles are you kidding me???  If you had told me that 6 weeks ago I would have been able to run 6 miles I would have called you crazy but we are here!!!  Kim and Tricia you are both in our prayers for speedy recoveries!!!

Week 6 Monday nights run

Awesome run tonight everyone ! I was so envious of each and everyone
of you ! I cant believe the run you did ! WOW ! We have come a long
ways in six weeks. What I wouldn't have done to have been able to run tonight.
I hope to be there with you all next week running instead of
cheering. Not that cheering you on isn't gratifying, but I much rather be cheered at !!!
Lots of prayers would be greatly appreciated !! Tricia we
miss you, and hope that things are going well with you. Look forward
to your return. Even if you aren't up to running, you can help me
cheer on our team ! I am down and out for a bit myself and cant run
this week.

Memorial Day!

To all those who have served and are serving our GREAT country, a Happy Memorial Day!

Kirkland Arts Center Run & Walk

Sorry I missed everyone on Monday but a great and challenging run tonight at SUNY IT.  I wanted to let everyone know of this upcoming run for the Kirkland Art Center.  If you go to www.kirklandartcenter.org, you can print the application to participate in a 10 mile, 10K, or 5K run.  The run is Satuday, May 31 and I plan on participating if anyone else is interested.

Week Five Is Underway

Great run by you all on Monday is what could easily be said were chilly conditions. You are all running at a pace to finish the Boilermaker in two hours or less. That is our goal and we are right on track. We had a great group of new runners join us this week, thank you all for coming. We encourage anyone who wants to join us to do so. Joe and I have always thought the more trainning programs the better. This is about bringing more runners to the fold, not which program is better. Congrats to all who ran in the 5K on Sunday. You completed your first race and you are well on your way to the 15K. REMINDER: Next week is a one way run. Set up a way to car pool. Find someone who is leaving their car at the tennis courts on the parkway, then give them a ride to the start or vice versa. You are all doing well and you will be ready come July 13th. A great welcome back to the bike patrol. We realize how vauable they are especially when they are not here. They were awesome on the Ride for Missing Children. Make sure next time you see them you say thanks! See you next TUESDAY AT THE START LINE!

Week 5 - WOW!

Great run last night despite the wind and cold temperatures. Wearing gloves on May 19th? Having finished the 4.7 mile run, I feel such a sense of accomplishment. It's hard to imagine doing this training without the support and encouragement of our team and helpers. Will be running Wednesday morning at 9:00 with Chris Jackson. Any and all are welcome.

Carol

Getting closer to the big day !!

I can tell we are getting closer to the big day. Feeling it more and more in my legs. But I will cross the finish line with my team mates on July 13th. Cant wait to see everyone on monday !!

Hall of Fame Run ! Great time !

What a great run. I personally got caught up in the hype and started out a bit faster than I should have...But couldn't help it ! It was so exciting being my first race ever ! What great support from the Go The Distance Team ,Joe, Kim, Heather , and everyone. Awesome that we all finished and did great ! I am having the time of my life and want to thank everyone for making this fun instead of a chore! See you all on Monday night.

Hall of Fame Run

To all those running on Sunday, good luck and safe run to all!

week 4 wednesday run

Great Wednesday run ! Thank you so much Heather and Kim S for training with us and the chat ! Great run Corona and Anne. I struggled more tonight than any other night on my breathing, but I think it was one of the most humid runs so far for me. Tricia I am so sorry to hear of your injury. We surely do miss you and wish you a speedy recovery. See you all on Friday. I am so looking forward to my first run on Sunday. I am a little bit nervous but we have some awesome Go the Distance trainers and I am confident we all will do great !!

Week Four Underway

Great job by all on Monday! How sweet was it that Anne's class came out to support her? You are all doing very well. Special thanks to Kim Stevener for lining up the Wednesday runs. I hope by now you have all found your pace. The key is to remember to stick to it. Your first race is this Sunday. Don't get caught up with the rush at the start. Remember to stick to your pace. For us, its a run, not race. Another tip, take water at the race, there is a water stop at the entrance of the canal. Pump your arms on the hills. Just ask Mary, she will tell you that it works! The bike patrol returns next week. We hope Chris returns as well. Big thanks to Sam and Margaret for leading the pack then bringing up the rear on Monday. Gosh we have an awesome Committee!
I'm proud of all of you. Good luck Sunday and see you on Monday!

Week 4

The run tonight was great! I am with Kim on being astonished that I can actually do this! The team is doing so great. It is really a pleasure to be a part of this. I have found that it takes 20 - 25 minutes to feel like I have my pace and breathing pattern..once I pass that point it is so much easier. I also found that using my arms makes a big difference, especially on the hills. I am looking forward to the 5K on Sunday.

Week 4 off to a great start

Awesome...NO RAIN tonight!! Yeehaa! 4 miles unbelievable.
I can not believe we just ran 4 miles! Thank you everyone, I know there is no way I could have done this without you all. I have never been able to run 4 miles, and was very unsure that I could. Goes to show that this program is so totally awesome and really is great for novice runners! See you all on Wednesday.

Week 3 Saturdays Run

Well it was a bit chilly, not surprised with the weather we have had during the runs ! But it actually wasn't too bad once we were under way. It was a perfect am for a run. Everyone did great with the little extra add-ons from previous weeks ! See you all on Monday night...and looks like we are getting a break after all in the weather ! Happy Mothers Day !

Thank you to Andrew for helping me figure out how to sign into the BLOG. I have been having fun following everyone's entries, and have been eager to add to it. Both runs this week were great. SUNY is a challenge...especially those hills at the end! Everyone is doing so well. I can actually say that I am beginning to enjoy running. Tricia, I agree that slow and steady is the ticket to meeting (or should I say "winning") this challenge. I love wearing a hat because on the hills I put my head down and don't look at the entire hill, just a few steps ahead.

What a hard run

I would like to thank everyone for all of your support and encouragement; I really couldn't do it without you. I have come to the conclusion that I am a slow runner but I have decided my goal is to cross the finish line not to win the boilermaker (maybe next year). Every week that goes by I am a little bit closer to the 9 but we are still a ways away.

The run at SUNY is a tough one; I just wanted to throw in the towel. It was hard because I did so well on Monday and then tonight I really struggled. Thank you Kim, Anne, and Kim for hanging back and running with me it means a lot. Even though I know that the run at SUNY is hard I do know that it is a great training run and I will be there again with all of you on Saturday morning hopefully I will do better on Saturday. Mary thank you so much for the hat it definitely came in handy tonight!!!! Everyone on our TEAM (old and new) are so great - THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.

Week 3 Is Underway!

After a cool and rainy week two, week three began with fun and sun. The group all did well. Our condolences to Carol who, despite all she's gone through, ran on Monday. God bless you Carol you are one amazing person.
Did you all realize that the entire group was in under 40 minutes. If my calculations are correct you will all run in under two hours. That is AWESOME. You have to admit, running conditions were perfect on Monday. You are all taking great advantage of the Wednesday and Saturday meetings. I think that is what is helping so much. Last years crew did that as well and they all finished well. A special thanks to Kim for helping arrange the Wednesday runs. She has been a great addition to the Go The Distance Committee. Also special thanks to our Hydration technician Sue and her assistant Erica.
A reminder now, speaking of hydration, cutting back a bit on caffiene and drinking plenty of water will be key especially as the runs get longer and the weather gets warmer. I'm not nagging...yet. Remember to ice down the sore spots and I'll see you all on Monday.

Week three ! WOW !

Awesome run .....We actually saw the sun tonight! Was a great run tonight and so glad that mother nature cooperated ! What a great team and great support we have. Everyone did great ! I am so glad to be a part of this program and thank my lucky stars with every step I take ! It was pretty great feeling running the last part of the course, I am trying to picture all of us in a couple of months doing the same part of the course ! See you all on Wednesday.

Great Run

Great run this morning!  Are we ever going to get a day where it doesn't rain on us?  Nevertheless, it was great to see everyone out there this morning.  Time to rest up this weekend and get ready for Monday.  See you Monday night!

Week 2-What Team Spirit

Well week 2 was pretty interesting with the cold and rainy weather but what great team spirit!!!  See you on Wednesday or Saturday!

Week Two Has Begun

What a difference a week makes. Just a smidge rainy on Monday huh? Well now you have the extreme. That's one of the great benefits of the ever-changing weather in our area. You will be prepared to run in any climate on Boilermaker Sunday. A wonderful job by the some 40 runners that braved the rain to join us. By the way, last week was an all time record for runners on the first day. Joe lost count after 100 (and yes he can count higher!).
Cudos though for running through tough conditions. Everyone did well. I now expect everyone that can, to blog. Lets get some talking going. We are a team people! There are Wednesday and Saturday runs. Next week we are at the finish line.
Here's a quick tip....on the up hill...pump your arms. It may sound funny, but trust me it works.

Week One Has Arrived!

Welcome one and all to the 12th year of our Go The Distance program. Hard to believe but the Boilermaker Road Race is just 12 weeks away. No worries you first timers, we will have you ready. We had our first run with the new crew on Monday and I have to say I was very pleased. Once again we have an enthusiastic team ready for the challenge. I cannot stress enough to make sure anyone who reads this and is running for the first time....make sure you are drinking plenty of water. The warm weather is very rare this time of year. Anyone sore after the first run? Hope you iced any sore knees or ankles. Cudos to many of my former Go The Distance runners for coming back to run with us. We must have had 70 runners with us on Monday. It was great to see familar faces. Don't hesitate to pass along the stories to the new runners...make them feel at home. Another special thanks of course to my partner in crime Joe Wilczynski. Without his dedication to this program, we would have collapsed long ago. Week two is coming up fast, any questions, just blog, thats what we love to do. See you next Monday at ECR International!

Welcome To GO THE DISTANCE!

Welcome to the 2008 Go The Distance Season. This blog was set up for you to track our 2008 Go The Distance participants and for you leave comments of support for them. Throughout this blog, we will be profiling each participant, their progress while adding in tips and advice if you are interested in becoming a runner also.

Along with our ground-breaking blog, "Blogging" The Boilermaker, we will have complete coverage of the 2008 Boilermaker Road Race.

Here is the 2008 team:

• Mary K. Hamlin
• Tricia Usyk
• Joseph Carona
• Anne Sheehan
• Christopher Jackson
• George Markwart
• Kimberly Wilder
• Carol Steele
• Tammy Chilluffo
• Kellie Rowlands
  

Check back throughout the next few months as these ten people make 2008 their year to GO THE DISTANCE!