Category: Uncategorized

A Breathe-Through-Your-Neck-Warmer Kind of Run

On By eatplayrunkirbyIn UncategorizedLeave a comment
So Friday morning, I woke up feeling a bit “off.”  Things only went downhill as I made my way into work. I’ll spare you the details, but not too long after I arrived I took a cab home and got there just in time. That was a huge unexpected, and unenjoyable, bummer, leaving me down for the count for a little over 24 hours. Stupid stomach bugs! Fortunately by mid day Saturday I was able to keep down some food and fluids and started rehydrating. 
You know how sometimes you’re coming off being sick and you just feel like you need to move to fully get past the illness? That’s how I felt this morning. Not gonna lie, I was a bit nervous about heading out (mainly in the event that my symptoms came raging back) but I’m really happy I made myself get out there. It certainly wasn’t any record breaking time, but it felt really good to get some fresh air. Let me clarify, fresh freezing air 🙂 I made it my full 9 miles for the long run this week. 
Not too bad if you’re bundled up! I actually wasn’t all that cold while running, but when I got home and into the shower parts of my body were still so cold that I really had to be careful I wasn’t turning the hot water up to scalding!
The beach in the winter. 
The sidewalk was a bit rough near the beach as the sand and snow/ice combined to some crazy mounds and formations. This wasn’t even the worst part. There were areas with narrow winding footpaths, almost like navigating a mini maze. Of course I had no issues there; I did my Kirby-style run-trip only a block away from my condo at the start of this run haha I think odds I trip and/or fall during the marathon are quite high. The joys of being a klutz!
So that was basically it in regards to my run today, but on to some other news…
Fundraiser Update:
Save the Date, March 12th 6-9p at The Fours on Canal Street in Boston, MA!
That’s right! This week I finalized a where and when for a fundraiser that I’m hoping will be a lot of fun. If you’re in the area and can make it out, that would be amazing! There will at minimum be light appetizers at the beginning of the evening and the full restaurant and bar will be open for private purchases. I’m working on getting a variety of raffle prizes.  The plan is that upon making a donation at the door you’ll be entered into a general raffle (a few smaller prizes) and then additional raffle tickets can be bought to enter to win some other specific items and/or experiences. 
I already have a few things secured, but if you, or anyone you know, might be interested in donating a prize please let me know!  My mom and aunt are coming up this weekend to help me pound the pavement to solicit some other things. When more details are finalized, I’ll make a more official announcement, flyer and event page. The more the merrier so please feel free to invite any other family and friends!
This type of fundraising effort is a new experience for me, but it’s actually kind of fun (and a little stressful).  I’m optimistic, however, that it will be a success. At minimum, who doesn’t love a happy hour mid week with awesome people 🙂 More to come!

Lots of Fun, But Time for a Run

On By eatplayrunkirbyIn UncategorizedLeave a comment
Oh what an amazing week! This was my 9th year with the New England Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans and, like always, we had an incredible time with friends old and new. It’s so inspiring to meet all of these veterans, hear their stories and then become a part of their victories on the mountain. This post definitely fits into the theme of “fun” for this blog 🙂

I learned at my first clinic that the experience, laughter, friendships and triumphs cannot be captured through pictures, rather it’s an experience you need to live. That said, here are a few pictures from the week that may offer some perspective. 
A group ski in remembrance of our lost clinic participants. 
My team, team Eggbeaters. Such a spirited group!
My counterpart team leader, Robin. Representing our Eggs, rain or shine!
Skiing with one of our new Eggs, who also won Rookie of the Year!
Another new Egg and recipient of the “Give Me a Chance and I’ll Make You Proud” award. Words cannot explain the honor it was to meet this gentleman and see him achieve his goals on the hill!
Day 1: he was going to ski standing up, and he did!
Maybe our most spirited Egg ever. Year 2, but just as loud and cheerful as ever!

Day 2: time to try some outriggers. Awesome seeing her do so well and achieve a goal!

Surprisingly, on Wednesday night I won the NEHSA sponsored 50/50 raffle at the wheelchair basketball game. I was completely shocked! I have since donated the $350 winnings to my fundraising campaign for Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and I hope everyone from NEHSA, NEWSC and the local community who donated to the raffle are happy with this half of the winnings being put to this cause. Next time you check out my fundraising page you’ll see the donation in the name of “NEHSA & NEWSC” with the donation being made in honor of “rehabilitation through sport,” a mutual mantra also shared by SRH.

It’s always sad for me to leave this week and return to the real world. I’m already anxiously awaiting next year’s clinic! In the meantime, I’m looking forward to starting my weekly ski instructing with NEHSA next Saturday.
Unfortunately my plan to do my short midweek runs on the hotel treadmills last week was foiled due to broken equipment. I didn’t have a fallback plan since my outdoor gear was left at my parents’ home (lesson learned!) That said, when I took on this challenge of tackling a marathon I knew that flexibility would be just as important as consistency. I mentally moved on and missed my shorter midweek runs, but boy was I itching to get out today! I did a fun 7 miles in the snow at my parents’ home. I still plan to keep my long run for the week (12 miles) but am thinking I’ll bump it to Monday since I have the day off for the holiday. I feel good about this adjustment.  This last week is the only one through the duration of my training that I anticipate to throw a slight wrench into my training schedule. However, if anything else comes up unexpectedly the plan will be to roll with the punches. Other fun is just as important as the run and learning to have it all in my life ultimately gets me closer to being the person I’m working to be 🙂

Country Road Cruisin’

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I have to say I really love the change of scenery when I have the opportunity to do runs in my hometown of Suffield, CT.

I had a really nice 11 mile run in pretty mild weather. I got in a number of hills, so I know that’ll ultimately pay off big time. I know that when I’m in Boston/Quincy I get to enjoy the city and ocean scenery, but it’s especially peaceful running on quiet country roads. 

I don’t have much else to say at the moment, though while on my run I thought about how interesting it would be to have a way to dictate my run thoughts to this blog. It would certainly be the most random conglomeration with awkward or no transitions between topics. From what I can remember, today my train of thought went something like this : “hm, I think my new running tights are see through. I can’t wait for the ski clinic this week! I wonder if the cats are doing ok. I really feel like these running tights are see through. Are drivers mocking me as they go by because they can see through my pants? It’s nice that you can’t smell the cow manure this time of year. I wonder if I could somehow dictate my thoughts? Has anyone I know passed me? I hope there’s a cow out waiting to do a selfie with me. I wonder what drivers are thinking when they drive by me. I know I’m 30, but maybe I could amuse myself mid run and do a ding-dong-ditch at the next house. I hope I’m still going strong in 30 years like that older gentleman who just passed me across the street! I’m hungry, I’m now running with the goal of getting home to eat. I don’t know, when I look down these tights really seem kinda see through. I have to pee. Well hello sir in the shorts, winter jacket, and ski goggles who is smoking a cigarette while walking down my street. Home! FOOD!!” 



http://www.crowdrise.com/spaulding2014bostonmarathon/fundraiser/kirbymatthess