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From left: Volunteers cheer on runners during a recent long training run; Tony Lee and Elizabeth (Lisa) Henske, MD, during a running practice.
In January, a knee injury threatened to slow down Team Brigham member Kristen Matchett, but thanks to team spirit in the truest form, Matchett’s training is back on track. Trainer John Furey of FitCorp helped get her there by revising her workout routine and preventing further injury. And, during the team’s long training runs every Saturday, a group of Team Brigham volunteers show up, rain or shine, to cheer on the runners as they build their mileage.
“Everyone I’ve met has been fantastic and more than willing to offer assistance or encouragement,” said Matchett, a medical assistant in Plastic Surgery, who will be among 105 Team Brigham members running the 115th Boston Marathon next month.
During their six months of grueling training, Team Brigham members need commitment, focus, a strict exercise routine and an even stricter diet. Through it all, the physical, mental and emotional support runners receive from the team organizers and the BWH community is what keeps them motivated.
“It’s a huge challenge, and they are there every step and every mile of the way,” said Social Worker Tony Lee, LICSW, who will be running his first marathon.
Runners like Lee benefit from an array of services offered to Team Brigham members, which is led by volunteers from FitCorp.
“We’re very fortunate to have this partnership with FitCorp that provides the attention and training our runners need,” said Suzanne Leidel, director of Special Events for Development and the Team Brigham den mother. “FitCorp has volunteered their services to our team for more than a decade, and we’re very grateful for it.”
The help FitCorp provides goes beyond physical training, Leidel notes. Physical Trainer John Furey is available to all of the members at any time via email to answer training questions. FitCorp also provides space for the group to meet during training, as well as a location for runners’ family members to gather after the marathon.
Team members also hear from speakers who talk about their running experiences and offer tips, and they receive a weekly email that keeps them informed of all the happenings within the team and fundraising tips and support.
Runners also credit Leidel for helping to keep them motivated.
“It’s a great feeling when Suzanne recognizes your face out of a group of many people. She puts in so much effort to coordinate logistics and is always smiling and offering encouragement,” said Matchett.
Elizabeth (Lisa) Henske, MD, director of the Center for LAM Research and Clinical Care in the BWH Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, will be running her fourth marathon.
“The team atmosphere is what keeps you going on days that you might otherwise skip your workout,” Henske said.
But the biggest support might come from the BWH community as they contribute to each runner’s fundraising goal, said Lee.
“It’s very touching to have co-workers donate to the Team Brigham cause,” said Lee, who proudly wears his Team Brigham button throughout the day.