Meaningful Moments and Music: The Afghan Whigs at Union Transfer on September 12, 2017

So many meaningful moments and bittersweet memories over the past few days.

On Saturday, I ran the Undy Run in memory of Joe and Dave Rosser to support the Colon Cancer Alliance.

On Tuesday, thanks to my dear friend Anne, we spent the evening with The Afghan Whigs at Union Transfer.



On Friday, I registered for the 2018 Boston Marathon as a time qualifier.



Just over 5 years ago I connected with Anne through our love of The Afghan Whigs. We soon discovered that we were also mother runners.

I was so inspired when Anne reached her goal to run the 2016 Boston Marathon. Her love and support kept me going as I kept trying to reach my BQ goal.

I've been running to the music of The Afghan Whigs since the days of the cassette Walkman and finished my 1st marathon in 1995.

Twenty-one years later I qualified to run the 2018 Boston Marathon (my 12th attempt since 2013) while raising awareness & funds for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer in memory of Michael & GG.

Thanks again to Greg, John, Patrick, Jon, Rick & Dave for the music that keeps me running.

As soon as I learned I'd have a chance for a photo opp, I knew I had to put the flat twins on sticks. ;-)



Greg is holding me and John is holding Leah.

Greg's reaction when I showed him the flat twins was awesome.



I would've left happy with these priceless photos of the flat twins with the band but they insisted I get in on a group photo.

I wasn't feeling particularly photogenic but I'm grateful they persisted even if I think I look like a deer in headlights.  ;-)



Pre-concert selfie with Anne and our signed VIP posters.

Mother runners who rock the front row.



#VivaLaRosser



Thanks to Joe del Tufo for this concert review and photos:

The Afghan Whigs mesmerize at Union Transfer

http://thekey.xpn.org/2017/09/14/the-afghan-whigs-union-transfer-2/

Setlist:

Birdland
Arabian Heights
Matamoros
Debonair
Crazy
Light as a Feather
Honky’s Ladder
Oriole
Toy Automatic
Can Rova / Last Goodbye (Jeff Buckley cover)
What Jail Is Like
Algiers
Going to Town (Slight Return)
Demon In Profile
It Kills
John the Baptist
Somethin’ Hot
I Wanna Be Your Lover (Prince cover)
Amphetamines & Coffee
Into the Floor

Encore:

Parked Outside
Summer’s Kiss
Faded (with intro: How Deep Is Your Love - Bee Gees cover)

P.S. This is why I love YouTube ...

Dear Prudence at the VIP Soundcheck

Going to Town at the VIP Soundcheck

Birdland / Arabian Heights

Matamoros

Debonair

Crazy

Light as a Feather

Honky’s Ladder

Oriole

Toy Automatic

Can Rova / Last Goodbye (Jeff Buckley cover)

What Jail Is Like
Algiers
Going to Town (Slight Return)
Demon In Profile

It Kills

John the Baptist

Somethin’ Hot
I Wanna Be Your Lover (Prince cover)
Amphetamines & Coffee
Into the Floor

Encore:

Parked Outside
Summer’s Kiss

Faded (with intro: How Deep Is Your Love - Bee Gees cover)

Make It Your Moment: Malinda Ann's 1st Boston Marathon

“It’s through storytelling that I motivate myself. I try to come up with a story that will motivate me to get out there and attempt a goal" - Joan Benoit Samuelson



"So many moments make up a marathon. All uniquely personal, but when looked at together they truly embody what it means to #BeBoston." - John Hancock Extra Mile



“You're alive in the moment, and the moment is truly all anyone has.” - Greg Dulli

I've started writing this post dozens of times...

Tears come to my eyes whenever I think of all the people who helped me on my long road to Boston.

The moments that made up my marathon story were so meaningful to me that it's been difficult for me to put the experience into words.

As I begin to write my story, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all the support I received before, during and after my 1st Boston Marathon.

I will continue to add to this post as I gather my thoughts. I hope that my story will inspire others in the way that so many stories have inspired me.

In the meantime, my 4 sources for memorable moments on Marathon Monday:

1) Running with Dana-Farber

I was so grateful for the opportunity to be a charity runner.



Running for a reason greater than myself made my experience much more meaningful.



Since 2012, Leah and I have been running with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer in memory of Leah's brother-in-law, Michael and our grandmother, Aileen, known affectionately as "GG" by my daughter.



Since so many of our family and friends have been and continue to be affected by cancer, joining the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge was the perfect choice for me.



It was inspiring to see so many #RunDFMC charity runners and spectators along the course.



I'm so very grateful for the 45 friends and followers who generously donated to Dana-Farber. I matched all the donations that I received to double the impact of your generosity.





Together we we went the distance to conquer cancer. We raised $5,050 and 100% of every $1 donated will support cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.


2) Music & Musicians

Music by Plastic Ants, The Afghan Whigs & Greg Dulli kept me moving during my marathon training - especially during my long treadmill runs.

While I often listen to music while running, I chose to run without music for most of the marathon so I could fully appreciate the sounds and sights along the road from Hopkinton to Boston.



"Tough Girls (Got To Tough It Out)" was my #Train2BQ (x 12) theme song. This was also one of the songs that motivated Leah during her painful run and kept us running together to the finish line.



I've been running to music by The Afghan Whigs and Greg Dulli for over 23 years. Receiving these messages of support from The Afghan Whigs & Greg Dulli meant so much to me.









3) Spectator Support

The spectator support from Hopkinton to Boston is awesome.

Thanks to Wellesley's Munger Hall for our Scream Tunnel signs.

I made certain to show my support to all spectators cheering along the road to Boston.

I shouted "THANK YOU!" until I was hoarse and high-fived as many spectators as physically possible.



Tears welled up in my eyes many times as I remembered the spectators killed and injured on April 15, 2013. I continue to think of everyone whose lives were forever changed on that tragic day.

I've tried many times to express my thoughts about my experience in Boston on April 15 but I still can't find the words.

Thanks again to Mark Remy for writing "Standing Ovation" - I've read this dozens of times over the years and it still brings tears to my eyes.




4) Family, Friends & Followers

Many thanks to our family who helped us reach this milestone.

Many thanks to my twin, Leah, for running together with me.

Many thanks to our friends who supported us on our journeys.

Many thanks to my friend Elissa for her continuous support and inspiration. So grateful to Elissa for setting-up "Malinda runs 2017 Boston Marathon!" Facebook event and encouraging others to donate.



Many thanks to my friend Anne for her continuous support and inspiration. Anne ran her 1st Boston last year and wrote an emotional post about her experience that motivated me to keep trying to BQ.



Many thanks to our running friends from Charlottesville for making us laugh at the post-marathon dinner hosted by Heidi.



Many thanks to Mark Remy (Dumb Runner) for The World's Dumbest Coverage of the World's Best Marathon® and for writing about his experience as a blind guide.



Many thanks to our followers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for your virtual support.

To be continued ... 

#RnRDC Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, Expo, Spectator & Volunteer Recaps

Freudian slip? Somehow I put Leah's name on my bib!

Unfortunately, putting Leah's name on my bib did not help me run as fast as she did at the Chicago Marathon. I know I ran my best, but I am disappointed that I failed to qualify for the Boston Marathon (BQ) on my 10th attempt on Saturday, March 12. 

Unofficial finish time: 4:00:23

A lot can change in 1/2 mile splits

Incapacitating stomach pain and nausea overwhelmed me after mile 20 and it took every bit of strength I had remaining to keep running (or walking) towards the finish line of my 20th marathon. 

While I am disappointed that I failed to reach my goal, I know that I gave it my all. My legs felt great the day after the marathon even though the unrelenting nausea continued. I'm not sure if it's my gastroparesis, a virus or something else, but I hope to find a way to run through any nausea and stomach pain next time. 

I admit that I contemplated giving up my goal to BQ, but I just can't stop chasing that unicorn. I have one last chance to BQ at the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon on Saturday, September 10 and I will train my best so that I don't hit "the wall" again.

Won't wash this shirt touched by Greg Dulli

While I failed to reach my BQ goal, it's not too late to help me reach my fundraising goal. 

So close to reaching my fundraising goal!

Text "LEMONADE E1121983" to "85944" to donate $10 by phone.

Fighting childhood cancer one text at a time!

Or, donate $2 or more online: www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/1121983

Running in memory of GG and Michael

No donation is too small to fight childhood cancer with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation! 

Did you run, cheer or volunteer during the Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon, Half or 5K? Tell us about your experience (or share you link to your recap) in the comments. Comments will be posted after review. 

30 #RnRDC Recaps
(updated 4/1/2016)
Listed alphabetically by blog or website

ABC2 News - Recapping the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in Washington DC
abc2news.com/sports/recapping-the-rock-n-roll-marathon-in-washington-dc

Be the Dog - Rock 'n' Roll Washington, D.C.: It’s a Good Life
bethedog.ninja/blog/2016/3/14/bdkz0u2i8uifnwsus81bc4zf0ak796

Bill's Running Shoes - Mental Lapse Rock 'n' Roll Washington DC Race Report
billrunningshoes.blogspot.com/2016/03/mental-lapse-rock-n-roll-washington-dc.html

The Cadence Kitchen - RnR DC Race Report
thecadencekitchen.com/blog/2016/3/15/rnr

Famous DC - Rock 'n' Roll Souls
famousdc.com/2016/03/14/rock-n-roll-dc/ 

Fannetastic Food - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon 2016 Race Recap
fannetasticfood.com/2016/03/15/rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-2016-race-recap/

From Dancing to Running - 2016 Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon
dancingtorunning.com/2016/03/23/2016-rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-recap/

The Glass Slipper Catalyst - Rock 'n' Roll DC Expo Volunteer Experience
rundisneybelle14.wordpress.com/2016/03/17/rock-n-roll-d-c-expo-volunteer-experience/

The Glass Slipper Catalyst - Rock 'n' Roll DC 5k Recap
rundisneybelle14.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/rock-n-roll-5k-recap/

Hardcore Running Princess - Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon Recap
emilygerard.com/index.php/2016/03/12/rock-n-roll-dc-marathon-recap/

Jay Knight Life - Rock 'n' Roll DC 2016 Race Recap
jayknightlife.com/2016/03/rock-n-roll-dc-2016-race-recap.html

Kat Runs DC - Race Review Recap - 2016 Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon
katrunsdc.com/race-review-recap-2016-rock-n-roll-d-c-half-marathon/

Life Lists and Labels - Let's Rock, Let's Rock, Today
lifelistsandlabels.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/lets-rock-lets-rock-today/

Mar on the Run - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon Recap
marontherun.com/2016/03/14/race-recap-rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon/

Mat Miles Medals - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon - 5 years running
matmilesmedals.com/2016/03/rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-2016-5-years-running/

MCM Mama Runs - 47th Lifetime Half Marathon - RnR DC 2016
mcmmamaruns.com/2016/03/16/lifetime-half-marathon-47-rnr-dc-2016/

Mile Posts - Rock n Roll DC by the Garmin Numbers
mile-posts.com/running/rock-n-roll-dc-by-the-garmin-numbers.html

Move for Hunger - Doing Good at Rock ‘n’ Roll DC – Again!
moveforhunger.org/40605-2/

Out and About - 2016 Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon
emmers712.blogspot.com/2016/03/2016-rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-race.html

Photo Run - DC Rock 'n' Roll
photorun.net/index.php?content=photodisplay&id=3030&event=DC_Rock-n-Roll

Run the Bar - Tuesday Training - Rock 'n' Roll DC Recap
runthebarblog.wordpress.com/2016/03/22/tuesday-training-rock-n-roll-dc-recap/

Run Freckles Run - Race Recap: The Rock 'n' Roll DC Marathon - Peter's Perspective

runfrecklesrun.com/2016/03/race-recap-rock-n-roll-dc-marathon.html

Run with No Regrets - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon Recap
runwithnoregrets.com/2016/03/rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-recap/

Run Steff Run - Rock 'n' Roll DC Expo and We Run Social
runsteffrun.com/2016/03/rock-n-roll-dc-expo-and-we-run-social.html

Run Steff Run - Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon
runsteffrun.com/2016/03/the-2016-rock-n-roll-dc-half-

Running, And Enjoying the Journey - Rock and Roll DC Half Marathon
runningandenjoying.blogspot.com/2016/03/2016-rock-and-roll-dc-half-marathon.html

She's Going the Distance - The Almost PR Rock 'n' Roll DC Recap
shesgoingthedistance.com/2016/03/17/the-almost-pr-rock-n-roll-dc-12-recap/

Sunny Stride Up - Race Weekend Rock 'n' Roll DC Half
sunnystrideup.com/2016/03/15/race-weekend-recap-rock-n-roll-dc-half/

Women's Running - Photos of Runners at Rock 'n' Roll DC

womensrunning.competitor.com/2016/03/photos/runners-at-rock-n-roll-d-c_56050

Writing, Reading, Running - Race Recap: Rock 'n' Roll DC Half Marathon

writingreadingrunning.wordpress.com/2016/03/14/race-recap-rock-n-roll-dc-half-marathon-2016/

Photo by Josh Drobnyk
Classic #ThisTown sign at the #RnRDC marathon

My 20th Marathon and 2 Evenings with Greg Dulli

On Saturday, March 12, 2016, I finished my 20th marathon. (And later that night) I spent an evening with Greg Dulli and friends from the Congregation at the Sixth and I Synagogue in Washington, DC. 

On Sunday, March 13, 2016, I spent another evening with Greg Dulli, friends and my daughter at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia, PA. 

I've been running to Greg's music for over 20 years so I was grateful for the opportunity to personally thank him for his contribution to my running playlists. 

I wore my Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon shirt since I was hoping to get a photo with Greg. 

Now, when I look at this photo, I'm even more determined to succeed at my 11th attempt to qualify for the Boston Marathon (BQ) at the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon on Saturday, September 10, 2016.

Thanks again, Greg.

P.S. Greg was gracious to sign my copy of "I Apologize in Advance for the Awful Things I'm Going to Do" but I really should've asked Greg to sign a tardy slip for my daughter's school. 

I was so excited to take my daughter to her first concert that I forgot about Daylight Saving Time. Unfortunately, my daughter's first pre-game didn't include a nap so she fell asleep in the church pew waiting for the meet and greet. Luckily, she woke up just in time to take the above photo of me and Greg. I think she's quite the photographer since it's not easy to get a decent photo of me on the first take. She was a bit shy at first but her nervousness quickly disappeared when Greg told her he liked polka dots. She was all smiles - like mother, like daughter. 

Needless to say, we will keep her polka dot jacket and my Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon shirt forever. ;-)

An Evening with Greg Dulli 

First Unitarian Church Sanctuary in Philadelphia

March 13, 2016

Greg Dulli Raises Spirits at the First Unitarian Church Sanctuary

Greg Dulli explored his musical past at the First Unitarian Church

If I Were Going

The Body

Please Stay (Once You Go Away)

There's Been An Accident

Bonnie Brae

Papillon

Teenage Wristband

Martin Eden

Step Into the Light

Black Is The Color

My Funny Valentine

She Was Stolen

It Kills

Paper Thin Hotel

Forty Dollars

Too Tough To Die

What Jail Is Like

Can Rova

Number Nine

1st Encore:

The Spell

Candy Cane Crawl

Summer's Kiss

2nd Encore:

Modern Love

An Evening with Greg Dulli 

Sixth and I Synagogue in Washington, D.C.

March 12, 2016

Greg Dulli at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue - Clture
Photos: Greg Dulli at 6th & I - Washington City Paper

If I Were Going

The Body

Hyperballad

There's Been An Accident

Bonnie Brae

Papillon

Teenage Wristband

Martin Eden

Step Into The Light

Black Is The Color

My Funny Valentine

She Was Stolen

It Kills

Paper Thin Hotel

Too Tough To Die

What Jail Is Like

Can Rova

Front Street

Encore:

The Spell

Candy Cane Crawl

Summer's Kiss

* My 10th Attempt to Qualify for Boston Marathon since 2013

#Train2BQ with Team Lemon

#RnRDC Marathon

Sunrise on on the Capitol

1st Song on Shuffle...

Double Day by The Afghan Whigs

\

Unofficial Finish Time: 4:00:23 

Average pace: 9:11

3/21/2016 Update: 

I wanted to share this blog post by another mother who wrote so eloquently about "The Dulli Effect" that I can relate to on many levels.Thanks for sharing your story, Red Pen Mama. 

www.redpenmamapgh.com/2016/03/dulli-effect/