Sponsor a Mile by honoring a loved one!

A sample design of the t-shirt I plan to wear race-day. Sponsor a mile by honoring someone who has been affected by Alzheimer's disease through a $50 (or more) donation. Gardnerjess@gmail.com for more info!


Hi Everyone! Happy NYE! I can not believe 2009 is just a day away. This year really flew by fast - and in terms of running, it was defintely my best ever! Some highlights included the Harpoon 5-miler, the 10-mile Yankee Race in Newburyport, and the BAA 1/2 marathon. Less than 4 months until the full marathon!

As promised, I've included a sample design of the t-shirt I plan to wear on race day. The front and back highlight the names of 26 honorees - these include caregivers, family members, friends, and loved ones who have been affected by Alzheimer's Disease. As I reach each mile, this honoree will certainly be on my mind, helping me to get through to the next, reminding me each step of the way why I've embarked on this journey! (And trust me, I'm going to need every reminder possible!!!)

Training under way...

Just got back from the gym a few hours ago. There are 16 weeks left until April 20th. This week my goal is to run a total of 33 miles -I'm on the basic runner training program put together by the Alzheimer's Association's coach - Rich Schilder. 5 miles today, 5 tomorrow, NYE off/yoga class, 9 miles to ring in 2009, 4 on Friday, and 11 miles on Saturday. I'm hoping for nice weather on Saturday. Ideally, I'll be able to join the team for a run starting at Boston College and back...but I'm still feeling a little slow and may take a course around the Charles or at home in NH. Sunday is a day off - maybe another yoga class.

In addition to fundraising and simply finishing my first marathon...I'm hoping to improve my mile time. To be honest, I'm consistent, but pretty slow. I can't seem to get away from a 13 minute mile, so I've taken the last few days to running on the treadmill at a 12 minute mile pace. I'm hoping my body will get used to the slight increase and it will become more natural!

I've already started getting some pledges and donations made! Thanks everyone!!! You have no idea how much your support helps me get on the road and to the gym everyday. Be looking for some fun fundraisers that I'm hoping to plan over the next few months - including a karaoke party and pledge-a-mile gym 24 hour marathon. Check out my t-shirt fundraiser above! More details to follow! :)

The STARTing Line

Hello Everyone! Welcome to my training & fundraising blog!

My name is Jess, and I am running the 113th Boston Marathon! This is my first marathon, and I am positive that it will prove to be one of the most challenging events of my life, yet I foresee it as being one of the most rewarding and meaningful experiences.

I am running 26.2 miles in honor (and memory) of those who are fighting (and have fought) a difficult battle against Alzheimer's disease as well as in honor of the caregivers of those who have been affected. I am a member of the Alzheimer's Association 2009 Run for the Memory Team!

The Alzheimer's Association is truly an amazing organization. It is their mission to "eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health." It is my goal to raise more than $3500 as a member of the Run for the Memory team in support of the organization's mission. [Check out my fundraising site!]

Why the Alzheimer's Association? Unfortunately, Alzheimer's disease hits close to home in my family and among several friends' families. I want to run the Boston Marathon for all those who have been affected and who haven't had the opportunity to speak out against the disease. I run this race with special dedication to my grandfather, Ed Dorsey. To this day, Ed continues to be a symbol of love and strength throughout my family. I fondly remember him for his love for Boston sports, his kind smile and laugh, and his favorite grandfatherly saying, "Don't take any wooden nickels!" His battle with Alzheimer's disease was difficult and seemed long and hopeless. It is my goal that this race will allow me to bestow hope, encouragement, and support to countless others who have been affected by the disease.

Please follow me on my journey to the finish line! The countdown begins: 118 days until April 20, 2009. I'll be blogging about my training progress, fundraising efforts, and some articles about new research and treatments for Alzheimer's disease.

Happy Holidays! Thank you for your support!!! See you at the FINISH Line!