Now to get this thing started...I'm running the Boston Marathon and could use your help.

Okay, I've had a number of people ask me why don't I, of all people, not have a blog. The truthful answer is that I have run a number of blogs/websites in the past and know how labor intensive they can be. Also, to be honest, I was concerned that if I started posting my workouts I would be ridiculed by everyone for not training correctly or enough or too much. But...to hell with that I say, my training life is an open book for all to poke fun and comment upon.

I am hoping that this blog will be a place where I can talk about my training, training in general, products and my successes and or failures in an effort to share what I'm doing and to keep me motivated throughout the 2011 season. Throw in my candor, twisted sense of humor and the fact that I seem to only have 2 speeds, 0 or 100mph and I think this blog will be entertaining at the very least.

Speaking of staying motivated...I'm planning on keeping the year jam packed with events. I'm up to about 20 races ranging from: 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, marathons, duathlons to sprint/Olympic distance triathlons. And how will I kick off my season? Why with the 115th Boston Marathon of course!

The Boston marathon has always been on my "bucket list" of races and I was lucky enough to get a number  through the Hopkinton Athletic Association. The HAA is a non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is to promote the health and fitness through innovative, multi-generational programs.  A few examples of the programs the HAA has granted funds to are: the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the East Coast Jumbos (a hockey program for youths with special needs), The Angel Fund (for ALS research), the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the "Marathon Fitness Challenge," (an innovative fitness program for 2^nd and 3^rd grade students). 

So...that means I need to raise $2,750 for the HAA in order to participate in this year's marathon. I've never raised money nor solicited for a charity but I'm asking now. Any amount is greatly appreciated and will get me that much closer to reaching my goal. In order to make donating as easy as possible, I've included a PayPal "donate" button on the top right hand side of my blog. Thanks for taking the time to read the first of what will be MANY entries in my new blog. Now I need to get back to training :)