Team NOVA

Summer 2006 Profile

Vera, a Russian-American, hasn't always had the healthiest of exercise and eating habits. Two years ago, though, she lost 90 pounds. Vera changed her diet and built up her ability to endure a seven-mile course on an elliptical trainer. Now, with her hectic schedule working at a hospital as well as being a student, Vera doesn't want to lose the momentum. Finishing the Boston Marathon would symbolize for her "the epitome of health and fitness."

Vera's Race Results & Update

Official Time
Roughly 7 and 1/2 hours (Official timing had stopped.)

Vera ran much of the way with glass in her foot.

Are you still running, four months later?
I am currently running on a daily basis, albeit the distance is five miles for each run. The runs are a combination of various outdoor routes as well as working out on the treadmill using the "Hills" interval function (the incline progressively steepens while the pace must be kept constant). This particular workout is helping me increase my strength and endurance. As for the future, I intend to participate in local races such as the Tufts 10K for Women in October and compare my results from last year. In regards to the possibility of running another marathon, I am not going rule out the possibility!

What else has stayed with you?
The most salient and resounding lesson is that the only limits and barriers we experience are the ones we choose to place upon ourselves. Running, not to mention running a distance greater than one mile, was something I thought I would never do, not even in my wildest fantasies—I couldn't even fathom it. Once I overcame my own neurosis and preconceptions, I understood that with the correct training, my body would acclimate. All I really needed to do was take the first step. Obviously, it may not be easy at first, but the most important thing is to take the first step (no pun intended) and have the proper goals set out.

What it all meant
For me it was a struggle of Brain vs. Body and allowing my brain to calm down and let my body do the job. During the winter months, there were several times I discovered icicles in my hair and thought to myself, "I must be out of my mind to be running in 20-degree weather!" However, the bottom line was that I was running in that weather and I survived it! This quest provided proof that, in the past, I put too many limitations on what I thought I could accomplish.

I had such a wonderful time with the NOVA team. They are all amazing and inspiring individuals!