In a new series called “Mission:Marathon”, we’re going to share some of the behind the scenes stories of the teams under our coaching umbrella and select a team member at random to whom you can donate.
Last week, Coach Dan Fitzgerald was asked to raise the spirits of the team in this tough training season. Here’s what he said:
Team Red Cross 2014 on the day of the longest long run before the Boston Marathon ready for take off at Heartbreak Hill Running Company.
Hello Team Red Cross!
This winter training season has been hard. I wish I could sugarcoat it but I can’t. We’re frozen; we’re ice & snow coated. Our public transportation can’t really transport us any more, business has slowed for many of us, and a simple walk down the block or to the car is both dangerous and frustrating. Never mind the driving…
And, still, we run. We have a race in April, so we run. Many runners are a little behind but everyone is doing what they can.
Whether you hope to break 5 hours or will break 3 hours, your commitment to this sport and to this race puts you in a different category than couch dwellers. You are an athlete. You expect more of yourself. As athletes, we must adapt to challenges and persevere in the face of whatever comes our way. No one is 100% on track with their training right now but we’re stronger than in week 1 and there is still a lot of training and preparation to go.
Remember, we are not just running for ourselves. We are running for the Red Cross. In the most challenging situations, the Red Cross is there. In this string of blizzards, the Red Cross has responded to roof collapses, served meals to the workers clearing the MBTA, provided a mobile kitchen to the National Guard, opened shelters, and responded to the 150 home fires in the state since December. This is the mission that you support. You make this mission possible. You are the Red Cross.
No one expects to lean on the Red Cross but they are there. When you need them, they are there. Because of your support and commitment, they are there.
You are training for the most prestigious marathon in North America and running on behalf of the Red Cross. Remember why you are running.
Tomorrow, we have a team run. I highly recommend joining. If you are not prepared to do the whole run do not be embarrassed. You’ll likely find that you have some teammates in the same boat. Show up and do something; that’s what an athlete does.
Be the Red Cross. Lean on each other. Have fun!
Donate to the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Marathon Team