What a day! The weather was definitely on our side – cold in the morning when we were all dropped off in Staten Island. It was a glorious day to run 26.2 miles – clear and mid 40s with the sun shining. The excitement of the day was just so thrilling. I loved meeting TEAM GO BETH O! What a wonderful group of people who share a passion for animals. Thank you, TEAM GO BETH O, for EVERYTHING!!! YOU WERE AWESOME!!!
It was also wonderful to see my high school TEAM GO BETH O members who were running for the Animal League in memory of our friend, Bob Maloney (he was a HUGE animal lover). Bob was definitely on my mind throughout my run. But, what kept me going at miles 19-23 (the HARDEST miles to get through, in my opinion), was thinking about the dogs and cats at the Animal League. I am so happy that we raised so much money to help save so many lives!
Crossing that finish line and running into Howard’s arms was something I will never, ever forget. The experience was truly amazing. The hard training for the last six months paid off. The fundraising paid off. The blisters, soreness, fatigue, nervousness – none of it seemed to matter as soon as the finish line was crossed. This was truly a magical moment in my lifetime, and I THANK EACH AND EVERY TEAM GO BETH O MEMBER for their hard work and dedication and support and fundraising success. I could not have done it without you! I THANK YOU ALL FROM THE VERY BOTTOM OF MY HEART!
I would also like to thank all of the people in my world who gave their support and sponsorship. Thank you to RACHAEL RAY’s NUTRISH for the $50,000 sponsorship, thank you to Howard, Robin Quivers, David Spade, Stewart Ruher, Katie Lee Joel, Carlos, my generous friends, my family, and Howard’s incredible fans who offered their support. Thank you to Jorin, Tina and Ingrid and Devera, Dianne and Joanne and all the WONDERFUL people at North Shore Animal League America. Thank you to the media outlets that helped me spread awareness of our goal. I am just overwhelmed with joy and am so full of gratitude. My heart is so full and happy!
WE DID IT!!!
xoxo,
Beth Stern
Filed under: Events, Training Posted on November 7th, 2008 at 11:52 am
On your mark, get set, Go Beth O! I’m getting revved up to lead Team Go Beth O! for the ING NYC marathon in November. My team will consist of a group of dedicated supporters and runners who have pledged contributions that will be donated directly to my favorite charity organization, North Shore Animal League America. Together, we hope to raise $262,000 through sponsorships. All proceeds will benefit the Animal League’s life-saving mission to find “forever” homes for more than 20,000 orphaned animals each year.
I can’t think of a better reason to run. So help us help the animals and support team Go Beth O. Thanks for visiting my blog.
Can you believe that it’s only six days until the marathon? Where did the time go?
For the last two weeks, it’s been TAPER TIME! That means I’ve been decreasing my mileage. I’ve been running five and six milers and the week of the marathon I’ll be running three and four milers. I don’t want to overextend myself, wear myself out or get an injury now. And I am still eating a tremendous amount of food – fueling up for the big day.
I want to really drive the point home that this entire marathon endeavor is to raise awareness to the plight of homeless shelter animals. Adopting a pet from a shelter like North Shore Animal League America is so important. On a recent visit to the Animal League, I met the most beautiful cat duo – a sister and brother named Blanquita and Billy. Their owner died and left them to the Animal League through the Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care program. Please watch the video and consider giving these two wonderful cats the loving home they deserve.
I also want to mention that the support and encouragement I’ve been getting from everyone has been overwhelming and just incredible. I feel so lucky and want to make everyone proud (including the animals). I’m keeping my expectations realistic, and my goal is to just finish the race (hopefully not in last place). That would make me a very happy first-time marathoner!!!
Lastly, I have to give kudos to my GO BETH O! TEAM. They have been PHENOMENAL!!! I want to express my gratitude to each and every person on my team. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart. The hard work, fundraising and training is about to pay off.
Wow – what a crazy time the past few weeks have been. Between planning for my wedding and preparing for the marathon, I’ve been busier than ever. On Friday, October 3, 2008, Howard and I tied the knot, and it was truly wonderful – and a lot of fun, too! I’m happier than ever, and as the saying goes, “Life is but a dream.”
But it’s time to wake up and trade those wedding shoes for running shoes. I have to really turn my focus to the ING New York City Marathon taking place on November 2 – less than 20 days away! I thought getting through the wedding arrangements was a huge hurdle; this is going to make all of that seem like a piece of wedding cake!
So, the heat is on, and I’m really serious about it. I want to thank everyone again for their continued support – support for the Animal League, support for my marathon endeavor, and your genuine support for me. Your words of encouragement have really served as inspiration for me. It feels so good to know that so many people care. Everyone is in my thoughts, and I hope that all of us – the runners and all the animals at North Shore Animal League America who are waiting for loving homes are in your thoughts. After all, that’s what this is all about.
Working out in the park is so much fun. I notice that I actually work harder on my form when I think people may be observing me – especially Clayton. He doesn’t let me get away with anything… all business with Clayton.
At first, I was a little resistant to increase my water intake – even running in the hot sun, I would forget to bring one with me. Now, it’s ingrained in my head. Clayton made sure of that, and he’s right. Water is a huge part of staying healthy, fit and getting the most out of your workout. It flushes out the body and helps you to lose weight too.
Clayton also makes sure my core never gets neglected. Strengthening my trunk keeps my entire body in better alignment and actually improves my posture. A lot of trainers will tell you that if you want to look like you lost 10 pounds in one second, just stand up straight. When your core is strong and fit, you almost naturally have good posture. No more hunched shoulders at my computer and no more lower back pain from a weak mid-section.
So drink up and work that core!
xoxo Beth O
CLAYTON SAYS…
“Beth didn’t like to drink water while training until she began her marathon running. She now drinks water regularly during her workouts. This is a big improvement in the quality of her training.”
Wow, have I been busy! Simultaneous marathon training and wedding planning is really challenging. I hope I don’t mix things up and wear sneakers to the wedding or go for a run in my wedding dress!
Seriously though, all this running is making me ravenous. It’s amazing. My body is really telling me that it needs fuel to run optimally. I’m eating more than ever, and I really feel energized during my runs. I see improvement every day, and I’m feeling pretty confident about the marathon.
The other day I did an 18-mile run, and today, I just finished up a 15-mile run. My latest source of inspiration to get me up those steep hills and push through aching muscles has been a beautiful, senior German Shepherd mix named Spencer. North Shore Animal League America rescued him from a kill-shelter.
This poor guy was given up because he is older. Isn’t that just heartbreaking? I can’t even bear the thought of it – so terribly sad. He’s such a sweet boy, too. When you look at him, he gives you his paw without your even asking. It’s like he wants to hold hands or make you proud of him. I know thoughts of Spencer are going to fuel my next 20-mile run. He’s my newest muse.
Spencer really needs a home where he can live out his senior years surrounded by love and respect. If you are interested in adopting Spencer, contact info@AnimalLeague.org
Lastly, I just want to thank everyone for all your support. You all play a huge role in my inspiration and stamina, and I want you to know I appreciate every e-mail, every blog post and every single vote of confidence. It means the world to me.
Wow – what an emotional rollercoaster this marathon training is turning out to be. I’ve been going through a spectrum of feelings from nervousness to exhilaration.
Some days, I have anxiety about the entire endeavor. It’s a huge responsibility – so many people are counting on me for motivation and so many animals are depending on me to raise money to send them to permanent, loving homes.
The other day, I went over to North Shore Animal League America to remind me of what this is all about. I went to one of my favorite places – the Foster Care Ward and had the privilege of bottle-feeding some orphaned newborn kittens. These little babies were staring right into my eyes as they squeaked out the tiniest meows in between slurps of formula. They were so helpless – so fragile – and so utterly precious. Giving life-saving hydration to a tiny kitten slightly bigger than the size of my hand really puts things in perspective. Check out our adorable video.
After I was finished cooing at all the kitties, I headed over to play with some puppies. Of course I fell in love with them all, but there was one little girl in particular that just swept me off my feet. She was so sweet – so trusting, she really inspired me to just put all my fears and anxiety aside and concentrate on what’s important – the animals. I decided to name her Mary, for “mary-thon” - see Mary for yourself!
Mary, the newborns, and all of the other dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are going to fuel me for this race. They are what it’s all about, this is why I’m running, and that is why your continued support is so important.
Please help us meet our $262,000 marathon goal so that we can help rescue, nurture and find loving homes for as many pets as possible!
Ugh – core work! My abs are sore all the time, but I have to tell you – my back feels great. I seriously recommend doing core strengthening to ease general lower back pain.
Clayton has me doing core work that strengthens not just my abdominal muscles, but my entire core, which consists of abdominals and back, and muscles in the pelvic floor and hips. That’s the entire length of your body from neck to lower back!
Core work can increase your overall strength in the trunk and torso of your body and even help with balance and posture. Having a strong core affects your entire body – and sends out strength to your arms and legs too. Now I know what Clayton means about my core being my “powerhouse.” Both strength and weight training is so important.
Bianca seems to be loving when I exercise at home. She positions herself right in my space and watches me as I start to sweat. (Then she falls blissfully asleep… It’s very motivating to exercise as a bulldog is snoring away – NOT!!)
xoxo
Beth O
CLAYTON SAYS…
“Beth had never lifted a weight until two years ago when she started training with me. Now she loves the activity and it is an integral part of her life.”
Filed under: Uncategorized Posted on September 4th, 2008 at 9:46 am
What an amazing experience this marathon preparation is turning out to be. Not only am I feeling in the best shape of my life, I’m also meeting the most wonderful people. My Team Go Beth O! has 20 runners in it from all over the country and even overseas. They are all dedicated and passionate people – passionate about running and passionate about animals.
I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to meet them. In fact, one of the runners came all the way from Italy! Just recently, Italian runner Valter Maddalon was in the states on business. While he was here, he stopped by North Shore Animal League America and was very excited to see the facility and the pets behind his marathon mission. It was the sweetest thing – he was whispering to the dogs and cats in Italian – and they were just melting in his arms. He certainly has a way with animals – and whether it’s Italian or English, it’s easy to see that love is a universal language.
I think Valter’s visit to the Animal League really strengthened his resolve. I know it always strengthens mine. If you live locally, I really encourage you to stop by the Animal League – even if you’re not looking to adopt. And if you’re far away, visit their website and check out all the good work they do. It may inspire you in ways you’ve never imagined.
xoxo
Beth O
Filed under: Events, Training Posted on August 26th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
I would have never guessed how important it is to have the proper running attire. I used to use one of Howard’s big t-shirts and an old pair of sweat pants, but after training with Clayton and shopping for actual running clothes, I know how vital it is to wear the right gear and why there’s such a huge market for it. They’re not your mother’s running clothes. They’ve actually come a long way.
Uppers: Good ol’ cotton. You can’t go wrong; it breathes well and absorbs sweat. But it’s probably best to stay away from big logos and designs on your shirt. They actually prevent the shirt from absorbing your sweat – and then it stays on you and makes you feel even hotter (and cranky, too)! You may also want to ditch the oversized shirts. They rub and twist and prevent a good range of motion.
Bottoms: I like bottoms that have small or no seams and tags. It’s just more comfortable without that irritating tag rubbing against your skin. A closer fit (unlike my big sweats) prevents chaffing and twisting too. And just like the uppers, a close fit allows a better range of motion and less annoyances of constantly untwisting your shirt!
Footwear: Wow – where do I begin? But a good running shoe is VITAL. In fact, for marathon training, several pairs are necessary. Clayton has me rotate my shoes every day – never wearing the same pair twice in a row. The best bet is to go to a knowledgeable fitness store and let them check out your feet. The best running shoe will vary from person to person – depending on the shape of your foot, your weight and the terrain you’ll be running on. If possible, don’t skimp on the shoes – it’s your most important workout garment.
You know, I have to admit; sometimes a cute little running outfit really motivates me to get dressed and head out. I don’t have to feel self-conscious about looking like I’m running in my pajamas and make excuses to not go for a run. It really helps!
Now get dressed and go!
CLAYTON SAYS…
“Proper running shoes are vital. Check with knowledgeable running shoe experts to find the properly fitted shoe. Marathon runners have a minimum of two to three sets of running shoes (two for practice and one ready to go on race day).” (Clayton’s Training Tip #7)
What a day! The weather was definitely on our side – cold in the morning when we were all dropped off in Staten Island. It was a glorious day to run 26.2 miles – clear and mid 40s with the sun shining. The excitement of the day was just so thrilling. I loved meeting TEAM GO BETH O! What a wonderful group of people who share a passion for animals. Thank you, TEAM GO BETH O, for EVERYTHING!!! YOU WERE AWESOME!!!
Hi everyone,
The other day I did an 18-mile run, and today, I just finished up a 15-mile run. My latest source of inspiration to get me up those steep hills and push through aching muscles has been a beautiful, senior German Shepherd mix named Spencer. North Shore Animal League America rescued him from a kill-shelter.
Posted on November 7th, 2008 at 11:52 am