Wow……that’s not quite how I envisioned the marathon experience to be! The heat was blistering and the conditions were pretty tough. There were a couple of times that I wasn’t sure if I could continue or take another step. However, it somehow all worked out, the feeling when I crossed the finish line was pretty damn awesome and the overall experience was extremely rewarding!

I always thought people that ran the Boston Marathon were out of their minds. A number of factors contributed to my change of heart. I’m not getting any younger, felt like I was in pretty good shape and my wife Colleen + I have been trying to encourage our kids (Samantha and Zach) to set goals, stay active and be philanthropic. What better way to back up our words than to try and accomplish all of those initiatives at once.

I had done a bunch of 5k races through the years and this summer had fun with a 5 miler, but prior to this adventure my longest run ever was around 8 miles. That's all changed.  I successfully completed the Hyannis Half Marathon on February 26th and have a 21-miler, an 18-miler and a whole bunch of other double digit training runs in the books. With less than a week to go, the "finish line" is within reach!  I have experienced some aches and pains in my legs that were previously foreign to me, but nothing to complain about. The exciting (though disappointing) end to the football season chewed into some of my spare time and it can be awfully cold at 5:30 in the morning when it’s 22 degrees out, but I have been fortunate. My family has been very patient with some of the extended absences and overall the training has actually been somewhat enjoyable. I am excited to take it easy during the taper period and am very anxious for the race to get here and also to be over.

I have been overwhelmed and humbled with the money that friends and family have donated to the Patriots Charitable Foundation on my behalf. The funds raised from this year’s marathon will primarily be directed to winners of the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards which recognize deserving volunteers. There are some pretty cool people and programs that will benefit and I am psyched to play a small part in helping to do some good. Many thanks to all those who have contributed thus far. There is still time for the number to increase!

Donating is simple, fast and totally secure. JUST CLICK ON THE BIG DONATE BUTTON below this text and enter your info.

If you would prefer to write a check, please make it out to NEPCF and mail it to: Jeff Connors, Gillette Stadium, One Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035.

Many thanks for your support -- and please forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
 

See you at the finish line!