February 15, 2002

Would-be runners who have their sights set on the upcoming Boston Marathon learned some valuable lessons at "Running With a Purpose," a marathon clinic held at the MGH Feb. 9. The clinic began with a presentation by Howard J. Weinstein, MD, chief of Hematology/Oncology at MassGeneral Hospital for Children and captain of the Mass General Marathon Team "Fighting Kids' Cancer ... One Step at a Time." Weinstein offered a look at the rewards of running on behalf of children with cancer.

Clinic participants also were instructed about injury prevention, training, stretching, pacing, nutrition, hydration and the importance of wearing the right running shoe. Other featured speakers included Dinesh Patel, MD, of MGH Sports Medicine, who specializes in arthroscopic surgery; Deb Watts, MPT, MPH, of MGH Physical Therapy; Valerie Homjak, MS, RD, of MGH Nutrition and Food Services; and Rob Kirsch, both from Marathon Sports. Left, a runner from last year's marathon team.

The conference concluded with a motivational message from speaker Karen Smyers, a professional triathlete who left the clinic attendees inspired and energized about their upcoming run.A runner from last year's MGH marathon team.