The Final Countdown

We are THREE days away from Marathon Monday! While we recommend taking your headphones out and listening to the crowds during most of the race, here are three songs that many runners find inspiring and energizing when you need that extra PUSH!

1. “Free” by Florence and the Machine – Ally H.
2. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond – Caroline R.
3. “Lil Boo Thang” by Paul Russell – Ali L.

Special message from Dr. Ali Salim, Co-Medical Director of the Stepping Strong Center

Dr. Salim is excited to share a few inspiring words with the team today!

2024 Boston Marathon Expo

Don’t forget that the expo opens TODAY and is mandatory for ALL runners to obtain your bib for race day. You must go and cannot send a friend or family member in your place.

• What: Pick up your bib, race packet, and t-shirt. Don’t forget to bring your photo ID!
• Where: Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston St.)
• When:
  • Friday, April 12: 11am – 6pm
  • Saturday, April 13: 9am – 6pm
  • Sunday, April 14: 9am – 6pm

Marathon Team Pep Rally – TOMORROW!

We hope everyone is excited for the team pep rally tomorrow!

• Where: Revere Hotel (200 Stuart Street, Grand Ballroom)
• When: 1:30pm- 3:30pm
  • 2:45pm: Speaking program/team photo
• Who: Stepping Strong teammates & up to three (3) family members/friends are welcome to attend
• What: Food, mingling, sign & gear decorating, photo booth, short speaking segment, and team photo!

Don’t forget to bring your singlet/t-shirt to decorate AND your B.A.A. gear check bag if you plan to leave it with our team. If you are not able to make the Pep Rally but want to leave a bag with us for post-race, please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu for next steps!

We CANNOT wait to see you all CRUSH it on Marathon Monday and are here to support you every step of the way. Please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or call/text 857 523 8052 and/or 857 505 1225 if you need us at all!

Reminder to review the logistics on the last meeting’s PowerPoint HERE.  

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline

It’s the final countdown for our incredible teammates!! In the days leading up to a marathon, try to focus on several key aspects to ensure you are properly prepared both physically and mentally for the race. See below for FOUR tips!

1. Focus on staying well-hydrated and eating nutritious meals that are high in carbohydrates to fuel your muscles. Avoid trying new foods or supplements right before the race to prevent stomach issues!
2. Prioritize getting plenty of sleep in the days leading up to the marathon to ensure your body is well-rested. Allow time for relaxation and light stretching to keep muscles loose.
3. Mental preparation is crucial for a marathon. Spend time visualizing yourself running strong and crossing the finish line. Positive visualization can help reduce pre-race anxiety and build confidence.
4. Try to minimize stress and anxiety by staying relaxed and maintaining a positive mindset. Engage in activities that help you relax, such as listening to music, spending time with loved ones, or practicing yoga or meditation.

Special message from Cheryl Lang, Director of the Stepping Strong Center

Cheryl is excited to share a few inspiring words with the team today!

2024 Boston Marathon Expo

Don’t forget that the expo opens TOMORROW and is mandatory for ALL runners to obtain your bib for race day. You must go and cannot send a friend or family member in your place.

• What: Pick up your bib, race packet, and t-shirt. Don’t forget to bring your photo ID!
• Where: Hynes Convention Center (900 Boylston St.)
• When:
  • Friday, April 12: 11am – 6pm
  • Saturday, April 13: 9am – 6pm
  • Sunday, April 14: 9am – 6pm

Pep Rally & BWH Gear Check at the Revere Hotel: April 13

We can’t wait to see you at the Pep Rally from 1:30pm – 3:30pm THIS Saturday! Reminder that you can drop off your B.A.A. gear check bag with BWH to pick up at the Revere following the completion of the Marathon. Please note that The Revere Hotel offers convenient parking on-site and parking fees will be the responsibility of the individual.

Stepping Strong Team Cheering Location – Tell your family and friends to come cheer with us on Marathon Monday! We will have directions at the Pep Rally for your supporters!

We CANNOT wait to see you all CRUSH it on Marathon Monday and are here to support you every step of the way. Please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or call/text 857 523 8052 and/or 857 505 1225 if you need us at all!

Reminder to review the logistics on the last meeting’s PowerPoint HERE.  

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline

We are ONE WEEK away from the 128^th Boston Marathon! Together, our team has raised over $1,402,000 million to-date and we are so proud! From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for your remarkable fundraising efforts and commitment to The Stepping Strong Center for Trauma Innovation!

Please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or call/text 857 523 8052 and/or 857 505 1225 if you need us at all over the next week!

The Final Countdown

It’s the final countdown to the 128^th Boston Marathon! From April 11-14, make sure to check your email and the runner portal every day for fun and inspiring messages that will be sure to help you cross the finish line on April 15!!

REMINDER to review the 7 Top takeaways from our last meeting! You can also review the meeting’s PowerPoint HERE.

1. Take the following action:
   1. Save the B.A.A. Participant Guide to your phone by clicking here.
   1. Download the B.A.A. Racing App to your phone by clicking here.
2. Expo: April 12-14; Mandatory for all runners to pick up your race day bib. You must bring your government issued photo ID.
3. Pep Rally: Saturday, April 13 at the Revere Hotel from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Up to three (3) family members/friends are welcome to attend!
4. BWH Bag Check: Drop off your B.A.A. gear check bag during the team pep rally at the Revere Hotel & we will have it for you when you finish your run!
5. Transportation to Start: Take the B.A.A. buses; board bus between the Public Gardens and Boston Commons.
6. Post-Race Meeting Spot: Head over to the Revere Hotel to meet your family, grab your gear bag, change, and snap a photo!
7. We Did It Wednesday! Wednesday, April 17 via zoom from 5:30pm-6pm

Final Fundraising Deadline: Saturday, June 1

As a reminder, if you have not reached your fundraising commitment by 11:59PM on June 1, your credit card will be charged for the incremental amount to reach your commitment. These charges will be applied to your total fundraising commitment and will not be refunded. If you have incoming donations, or incoming matching gifts, please alert us ASAP so we can make sure we update your total, even if the gifts haven’t arrived to us yet / aren’t on your page. If you plan on meeting your commitment by making an outright donation, please do so directly onto your TeamRaiser by clicking here prior to 6/1 to avoid us having to charge your card.

LAST CHANCE!! Don’t forget to send us your photos!

We have something special planned for you all at the Pep Rally! Stretching/preparing to run, training/running outside & inside, in your Stepping Strong gear, and selfies & “point-of-view” shots are encouraged! Email to marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or text to 857 523 8052!

If you have any questions, please contact us at marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu.

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline

Marathon Madness – March Winners

Congratulations to our March Marathon Madness winners! Kristen S. raised the most money and Addie M. received the most donations. You have some Stepping Strong swag heading your way!

Marathon Madness – CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

And BRAVO to our Marathon Madness CHAMPIONS! Neila C. raised the most money and Michael B. received the most donations during the three-month challenge!

The Final Countdown

It’s almost the final countdown to the 128^th Boston Marathon! From April 11-14, make sure to check your email and the runner portal every day for fun and inspiring messages that will be sure to help you cross the finish line on April 15!!

REMINDER to review the 7 Top Takeaways from last week’s meeting! You can also review the meeting’s PowerPoint HERE

1. Take the following action:
   1. Complete the Mandatory BWH Runner RSVP Form by clicking here. 
   1. Save the B.A.A. Participant Guide to your phone by clicking here.
   1. Download the B.A.A. Racing App to your phone by clicking here.
2. Expo: April 12-14; Mandatory for all runners to pick up your race day bib. You must bring your government issued photo ID.
3. BWH Bag Check: Drop off your B.A.A. gear check bag during the team pep rally at the Revere Hotel & we will have it for you when you finish your run!
4. Pep Rally: Saturday, April 13 at the Revere Hotel from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Up to three (3) family members/friends are welcome to attend!
5. Transportation to Start: Take the B.A.A. buses; board bus between the Public Gardens and Boston Commons.
6. Post-Race Meeting Spot: Head over to the Revere Hotel to meet your family, grab your gear bag, change, and snap a photo!
7. We Did It Wednesday! Wednesday, April 17 via zoom from 5:30pm-6pm

Last Chance for a Fundraising Check-In Call

This Friday, April 5 is the LAST day for fundraising check-in calls. If you need to speak with us about fundraising or race weekend, please sign up for a call by clicking here.

Last Fundraising Milestones – you know you want them!!

Social Media

Don’t forget to post photos on social media and tag the following accounts:

• Stepping Strong
• Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Team B.A.A.
• Boston Marathon

And use the following hashtags:

• #SteppingStrong
• #Boston128
• #oneBOSTON
• #BostonMarathon

Don’t forget to send us your photos!

We have something special planned for you all at the Pep Rally! Stretching/preparing to run, training/running outside & inside, in your Stepping Strong gear, and selfies & “point-of-view” shots are encouraged! Email to marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or text to 857 523 8052!

Please email marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu or call/text 857 523 8052 and/or 857 505 1225 if you need us at all over the next week!

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline

Don’t forget! All runners who raise $9,000 by March 31 will receive a B.A.A. Celebration Finishers Jacket or any previous incentive for our second fundraising milestone!! Make sure to check out these great swag pieces that ALL teammates are eligible to receive if they reach the fundraising benchmarks listed under the swag! If you have incoming donations, or incoming matching gifts, please alert us ASAP so we can make sure we update your total, even if the gifts haven’t arrived to us yet / aren’t on your page.

Second Fundraising Deadline

A friendly reminder that the second team fundraising deadline of $5,000 dollars/per runner raised is due by 11:59PM on March 31. As a reminder, if you have not reached the $5,000 minimum by 11:59PM on the 31, your credit card will be charged for the incremental amount to reach the deadline. These charges will be applied to your total fundraising commitment and will not be refunded. Again, if you have incoming donations, or incoming matching gifts, please alert us ASAP so we can make sure we update your total, even if the gifts haven’t arrived to us yet / aren’t on your page. If you plan on meeting the commitment by making an outright donation, you can do so directly onto your TeamRaiser without us having to charge your card.

Marathon Madness Challenge

There are two more chances to win some SS swag if you receive the most donations or raise the most in the month of March! And don’t forget that on 4/1 (the championship!) the individual who raised the most money and the individual who received the most donations over the course of the three-month challenge will each receive a custom Stepping Strong YETI! Please note that if you are fundraising with other runners on a ‘team,’ the totals will be divided among the number of people you are fundraising with.

If you have any questions, please contact marathonteam@bwh.harvard.edu.

From start to finish,

Ali, Ally, and Caroline