RUNNING FOR A CAUSE

Fitness Factory's Manager Danielle will be running the Pittsburgh Marathon this weekend (May 7th) to raise money for Haiti H2O.

Participants in the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon have the option to pay for their race registration, or those more philanthropic participants may choose to raise money for a specific charity. The Marathon's website says, "The Run For A Reason Charity Program presented by Bank of America is for passionate runners who want to make a difference and change lives." So, our very own manager Danielle scoured the options on the Pittsburgh Marathon website, and chose to run for Haiti H2O. She thinks that there are "many causes outside of our country that need our help, too." And according to her Crowdrise Campaign, she will be helping "communities of people in rural Haiti with the basic elements of life. Funds raised through the run make a real difference in the lives of real people as they help start small businesses, clean water projects, and educational opportunities." To date over $13,000 have been raised for Haiti H2O by Pittsburgh Marathon Charity Runners. There is still time to support Danielle and give her a little extra push across the finish line on Sunday... just go to her Crowdrise Website.

Since we're chatting about Danielle running the marathon, I also thought you might like a glimpse into her training program! She said she, "just looked up a running schedule on Google!"

They have different levels. This will be my 5th marathon, so I followed an intermediate schedule. There are days you do speed workouts, days you do shorter runs, and long runs on the weekend that build up to either 20 or 22 miles. I tried to follow it as close as possible but life can throw you off a bit. I really focus on those long runs and focus on finishing the distance goal. I work on my pace during the shorter runs.

Thoughts on Training: Danielle uses running as a sort of meditation. She tends to zone out, which makes it difficult to run with others. However, she does like a run with friends sometimes as its great for motivation and helps keep you running at a certain pace.

Secret Weapons: She has a few secret weapons. One is to make sure to have support along the route. "I have many friends posted up at different sections of the race to give me motivation. Seeing them kicks me into a whole new gear. Also, I pull a lot of strength from tapping into my past. I have had some struggles that I have made it through and it has given me a great deal of gratitude. So to be out there, healthy and participating is a blessing in itself. That usually shifts the gears, too."

Although Danielle has run the Pittsburgh marathon five times, it is the only one she has participated in, but she thinks that might change in the future! She's completed a number of shorter races, including the EQT 10 Miler in November where she had a sub 8 minute mile pace. She says that was a huge accomplishment and has helped to motivate her towards her marathon goals. Speaking of... she has a few of them. She would like to complete the marathon without stopping to walk. BUT she also hopes to qualify for the Boston Marathon!! Qualifying time for her age-group is 3:35 and she finished in 3:44 minutes last year. She knows that it is totally doable... But if she doesn't make it to the 3:35 mark, she will be happy with a PR!

So come on out to the corner of Walnut and S. Highland at 8:30 am on Sunday, May 7th, to cheer on Danielle as she speeds by!!