I have been running (off and on) for a little more than 20 years now. It started in high school and has been somewhat of a hobby since then. Last winter I committed myself to getting back in shape and running a half marathon. I am happy to say that I completed Boston's Half Marathon a couple of weeks ago. My goal was to run in it 2.5 hours. I completed it in 2:18.21. I was fine through 8 miles and running about a 9:30 minute pace which was faster than I was planning but I felt good. Around 8 miles though I got a cramp - for lack of better words - in my right foot. It never went away. I also got a cramp in my left foot around mile 10 and I am sure it was due to changing my form to compensate for my right foot. I could barely walk for 2 days afterwards. I was not a pretty sight. Still it was a great event. I am now contemplating running the full Boston Marathon this spring. I am heading back out to the roads this week so I will make a decision soon...I hope.

^ That's terrific!

I've only ever done a 6.5k marathon and a 5k. Both at WDW. For the 5k run, my shins started aching halfway in.

But best of luck with your running! And whatever happnes with the Boston Marathon, I think it's great you're even contemplating doing it. Especially since 5k's are all I can manage.

Whether it is a mile walk, a 5k, 10k, half marathon, full marathon, or iron man triathlon they are all accomplishments to be proud of.

And thanks for the best wishes. I have always wanted to run Boston since it is my hometown but never thought I would actually be this close to actually do it.

wow...congratulations on your great achievement! that takes a kind of commitment that not everyone has.

i am with Tina in wishing you good luck on your next endeavor, we will be cheering you on!

^ Thank you!

I finally made it out on the road last week, albeit a week later than I wanted. It was a chilly night here in the UK but I pounded out 3 miles on a hilly course. I must have been wanting to warm up quickly because I ran it in a little over 26 minutes, averaging an 8:40 minute mile. I felt great, but that is a very fast pace for me. I need to slow it down a little as I look to slowly up my mileage.

After you complete Boston, you'll have to sign up for Disney's Marathon and Half Marathon. A good reason to come back to WDW

I really need to get walking/running again. Maybe in the new year.

Oh, and if you have'nt already, rent and watch Run, Fatboy run. A very funny movie about an average Joe (don't know British equiv) who decided to run a marathon to win back his girlfriend. Takes place in London. Stars Simon Peg.

About three times a week, I like to do mock-running for a little lass than 30 minutes. By mock-running I mean that I'm doing the "running" motions without moving from the spot. So instead of pushing myself forward, I push myself upwards, and just do the leg and arm motions. It is certainly not the same thing as running outside (no wind resistance, and no uneven path with many obstacles), but it certainly helps work up quite a sweat and gets my heart-rate going. In the springtime, I'd like to go running at the high school track-field, but I have to find someone to do it with, since running outside alone is so boring. At home, my music keeps me company. Sure, I can do that outside, too, but I'd much rather have a friend come along. In fact, I'd like to enter the Chicago marathon next year. I do plenty of walking (I walk to school almost daily, and that's a total of 6.4 miles of walking right there, five times a week), so I've built some pretty good endurance.

Plus, I'm a fan of "The Biggest Loser," keeping that in mind sure helps for some reason. Maybe I'll buy myself one of the "TBL" T-shirts and use it for further inspiration.

Well...the running is still going and I am feel good. And yes, I have decided to run the Boston Marathon.

I did not though want to run as a “bandit” – i.e. an unofficial runner. And while I have visions of Olympic glory when I run I know all too well that I would be hard pressed to qualify for this race. I have instead opted to run for a charity. There are almost two dozen official charities associated with the Boston Marathon. After careful consideration I opted to run for The Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center (www.hopkintonrespite.com/index.htm). I should articulate the many fine features of this center but would not be able to do it the necessary justice that the website offers with its stories and pictures. I would therefore urge everyone to take a look. I can tell you that I have personally toured this amazing facility and have met many of its dedicated employees and residents.

But I need your help. As part of my pledge to the Center I am required to raise $3,250. With your help I know that I can easily raise this money – and more – to help this worthwhile association. As an example, a donation of $75 would provide one child with overnight respite care. There are two ways in which you can donate:

1. FirstGiving Personal Fundraising Page: I have created a personal website (www.firstgiving.com/markvalutkevich) that will allow for secure online payments. I plan to update this page over the coming months with anecdotes about my training.

2. www.hopkintonrespite.com: This is The Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center’s home page. Click on “Donations “ at the top of the page and then select the “Make a Donation” button. This allows sponsors to donate using a credit card through PayPal, a secure online payment system. At the top of the billing information donation page, there will be a blue box that asks for “Purpose” and “Donation Amount.” Under “Purpose” be sure to enter “Marathon, Mark Valutkevich” so that the Center to track the donations.

The Respite Center is a non-profit 501(c) organization. Its tax ID number is 04-323-7284. All donations are tax deductible.

Please note that all donations must be received no later than May 31, 2010.

If you opt to make a donation through either of the websites, please send me an email as well indicating your pledge so that I might track all of the donations.

Thank you in advance for your support of my run and for that of The Michael Carter Lisnow Respite Center.

And if you cannot donate, and with the tough economic times it is certainly understood, then please share any words of encouragement here.

Thank you all in advance.

WOW!! i am so proud to know someone with such a strong moral conviction and a kind heart.

congratulations on your efforts and im sure you will be successful. i hope to be able to donate to this worthwhile cause

Awwww! What a great place. Centers like that are so needed.

I wish you much success in your endeavor. I know you can do it!

The training is going well, although I have recently been experiencing some sharp pains in my right hip during my long runs. These usually take place on Sat. Last Sat I ran 14 miles and this weekend I hope to do 16. Each week I try to increase it by 2 miles. During the week I run at least 3 days and keep it to 5 miles on Mon and Tues and 3 miles on Thur with Wed, Fri, and Sun being rest days or at least days that I do not run.

It is cold though. I am up at 5:30am to run in the mornings when I am home so that I can complete the run before getting the kids up, seeing my wife, and getting to work. It is dark and very cold. I would rather run in the evenings but then I wouldn't be able to share in our families dinner. When I am travelling I usually run at night.

oh man, sounds like you are really on a mission, tho sad to hear of your pain. i know that to keep on may makes it worse (in the long run) but if you stop your momentum it would be so difficult to get going again do you see a doctor for any chronic conditions, or is it just from running?

could it be the cold weather that is giving the pain in your hip? i know what its like to have pain like that; when my back is acting up, its all i can do to walk some days.

good to hear as well that you are taking the time to be with your family between the training and working...i dont know how you do it!

thanks for keeping us up to date....

Best of luck with your luck training. It sounds like you're really dedicated. You can do it!

Best of luck! I hope the pain in your hip gets better.

Thanks everyone for the well wishes! The pain is still there but a sports massage therapist has helped some and new stretches are helping to ease the pain during and after a run. Today I did 18 miles, although I had to walk about 1 mile in total. The cold weather is not fun either. I am really looking forward to the spring.

I really admire your dedication, running in the cold. I know you well do well in the marathon!

The warmer weather and the earlier sunrises have helped my training, especially when I am usually out running at 5:45am. I am tapering back now though with the marathon only 1.5 weeks away. I have been battling a nagging hip pain and have had a very sore Achilles for a couple of weeks now. While they have not helped my training I am still confident that I will complete the 26.2 miles. My fundraising has gone very well and my training runs usually take me past the respite center so that helps me focus on the running as well. Still I will be happy when it is over. It has been a long road.

It's great hearing from you again!

And good work on your progress! I know you can do it! I'll be rooting for you.

^ THANK YOU! I will take all the fans I can.

I ran an 8-mile loop on Sat which included Heartbreak Hill. This section of the marathon is around mile 20 and encompasses three gradual hills. I only started at mile 19 this weekend just to experience the hills. It was pretty tough and I had not run the previous 19 miles. Here is a great map of the course that also shows the elevation.

Best of luck! Especially with those hills. You can do it!

One of my brothers and his family will be somewhere around the 6 mile mark. My nephew and niece plan to have oranges and water for me. They are VERY excited about "helping me run" the marathon. My older brother and his family will be somewhere around the 15 mile mark. And my wife and parents will be at the finish line. I think if I can concentrate on those three milestones (bad pun, sorry) then I hope to make it.

Awww, that's so sweet your family will be there to cheer you on. Especially your niece and nephew with the water and oranges. That's great they'll get to help out. I know the marathon will be a challenge but you'll be forever glad you did it.

Congrats to you, Animator13! What an accomplishment...I ran my first 26.2 in Chicago last fall for my 30th birthday and am training for 2010 already. It's something you'll never forget. Don't go out too fast, enjoy the atmosphere, and have fun! I'll be watching the start corrals for you...Monday is coming up fast!

PS Hi to all the old DC gang that may still be around. Was just checking in for some old info. Long time no see, right?

Thanks to everyone for your words of encouragement. I am nervous and am also very excited. It has been a long road training for it but Monday is right around the corner. I will post an update sometime after the race.