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If you’re looking for x-ray technologist Diane Taylor-Vetree at lunch time, she is most likely outside, trying to squeeze in a short run as part of her training for the Boston Marathon.
For Kate Raunig, a medical assistant in Neurosurgery, preparing for the marathon has meant waking up an hour early to run before commuting to work.
The sheer physical challenge of training for a marathon is daunting, not to mention the logistics of setting aside time for that training. And, as members of Team Brigham, Raunig, Taylor-Vetree and the 55 other runners have also committed to raising $5,000 each in support of BWH’s community programs—no small feat.
“I’ve been a Brigham employee since 1985 and supporting a hospital goal while also accomplishing a personal goal is extremely satisfying,” said Taylor-Vetree.
Runners endure an arduous training regimen that requires them to build their stamina and mileage so they are ready to tackle 26.2 miles on Monday, April 16. For many, this has meant running short distances—less than 10 miles—two or three times during the week, and long runs—more than 10 miles—on Saturdays.
“Training has definitely had its ups and downs,” said Raunig, who will be running her first marathon. “But a few days ago I completed a half marathon in New Bedford, and I feel great.” Pharmacist Jorge Delgado-Flores, PharmD, is returning to Team Brigham after running the 2010 marathon in 3 hours and 18 minutes. This year, he is striving to beat his previous time, which requires more training. “You have to make it fit into your work schedule,” said Flores, who plans his runs around rotating shifts.
Although challenging, the training can be fun, says Rong Liu, MD, PhD, a researcher in the Department of Surgery.
The same is true for fund-raising—everyone can do it, said Raunig.
“At the beginning, the amount was overwhelming, just like running. But when you realize how much good the programs do, it provides extra motivation,” she said.
The money raised by Team Brigham supports programs such as the Student Success Jobs Program, Passageway (BWH’s domestic violence intervention program) and Connecting Hope, Assistance, and Treatment (CHAT), which funds programs for low-income women with breast cancer.
Liu said he has been amazed by people’s generosity towards sponsoring team members.
“Their warmhearted support has made my mind stronger, and I will do my best to finish my marathon, hopefully within 4 hours,” he said.
To support Team Brigham, visit www.crowdrise.com/teambrigham