Friday, August 25, 2017

Top 5 Ouches to Avoid

With seven weeks to race day, Eversource Hartford Marathon training calls for a 19 miler tomorrow.  Even if you're not training for the full, increasing mileage, especially while we're still enjoying great summer days, can wreak havoc on your body.  Our friends at Fleet Feet West Hartford provide 5 tips to avoid some of the common issues and annoyances that can side-track your training success.


Ah, the joys of training, especially as mileage increases and the heat is still a factor! Chafing, burns and blisters don’t have to be your bodily “badges of honor” – you just need to wear the proper gear. Here are a few tips to prevent common  ailments:

Friction & Chafing
The problem:
Seen in areas where skin rubs on skin such as the inner thigh and underarms. This can also be caused by your fanny pack, hydration belt, sports bra, or any new clothing rubbing as you run.
The solution:
Only wear technical fabric designed to manage moisture when you run. That means no cotton. Lubricate before you run with Body Glide or 2Toms BlisterShield.

Bloody Nipples
The problem:
Primarily seen in men and caused by friction of the t-shirt rubbing against the nipples, creating raw skin. Not a pretty site for those post-marathon photos!
The solution:
Since bloody nipples are really just a result of localized friction and chafing, the treatment for them is almost identical. There is a product called Nip-Guards that can help tremendously in preventing a bloody t-shirt.

Blisters
The problem:
Also caused by friction, usually from shoes, sweaty feet, or cotton socks.
The solution:
Try lubricating your toes with 2Toms Sport Shield or BodyGlide, then use socks made with technical fabric designed to reduce moisture and prevent blistering. Don’t wait until the week before your race to get new shoes – that should happen 2-4 weeks BEFORE race day so you can do a few long runs in them.
If you do get a blister close to race day, drain it by running a pin or needle through alcohol or a flame then poke the blister. Let the fluid drain. Do NOT remove the skin. Protect it (and any hot spots on your feet) with special “bubble bandages” that are sold at your run shop.

Athlete's Foot
The problem:
This is a superficial fungal infection that thrives in moist, dark environments (your sweaty feet covered by socks and shoes). Athlete’s Foot typically manifests as an itchy, irritated, flaky rash on the sides of your feet and in-between the toes.
The solution:
Wear socks made of technical fabrics suitable for managing moisture (not cotton). This will help reduce the amount of sweat on your feet, and should prevent a repeat occurrence. Over-the-counter Lamisil cream works in most cases but some need prescription treatment. If persistent, see your dermatologist.

Purple Toenail
The Problem:
Also known as a subungual hematoma, this is basically a bruise under your toenail caused by friction and trauma to your toe, a result of ill-fitting shoes.
The Solution:
Prevent by making sure your shoes fit properly—should have ½ shoe size width space from toe tip to shoe tip. You might also look for a more square toe box in the shoe so that the shoe is actually deep enough to accommodate your toes. Lubricate prior to running and wear socks made of technical fabric that manage moisture. If you do get one, you will likely lose your toenail, which will regenerate and grow back, likely over the course of several months. Best to see a podiatrist or dermatologist.
As with any medical condition, you should always consult your physician. 

Run Happy, Run Safe and WEAR THE RIGHT STUFF! 


Monday, August 14, 2017

Congrats to the 2017 Aiello Inspiration Team!

Thank you all so much for sharing “What’s Your It” submissions.  Your stories and experiences moved us and we are excited to share them with this amazing running community as we lead up to race day in Hartford on October 14.

Look for photos, quotes and stories through the coming weeks, with a “What’s Your It” feature to help us all start the week strong on Motivation Monday.

Today, we are excited to share the final selections of the 2017 Aiello Inspiration Team at the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon. This year’s team includes inspiring individuals who run for many different reasons - they run to honor loved ones who have passed away, they run for weight loss and health, they run to overcome illness or difficult times. Their intrinsic motivation will help carry them to the finish line of this year’s event in Hartford.  

2017 Aiello Inspiration Team members were chosen from countless submissions that answered the question “What’s Your It?”, showing incredible ambition, drive and commitment in their lives to the “It” that they run for.  Members represent a vast array of backgrounds, experiences, ages and running goals.

2017 Aiello Inspiration Team members:

Sonya Alexander, Fairfield, CT – Charity 5K 
Allan Darrow, New Milford, CT – Marathon
Lee Falk, Bristol, CT – Marathon
Kayla Giacin, New York, NY – Half Marathon
Danielle Marcue, Portland, CT – Half Marathon
Ed Rudman, Rocky Hill, CT – Marathon
Nan Richardson, Middlebury, CT – Half Marathon
Paul Smith, West Hartford, CT – Half Marathon 
Sammi Verbickas, Torrington, CT – Half Marathon
Bryan Williams, Leicester, MA – Half Marathon

Members of the Aiello Inspiration Team will receive special VIP treatment including custom event apparel and complimentary PRE Perks package with limited access parking adjacent to the start/finish line, Mail My Packet service to receive bib and shirt in late September, personalized bib, access to pre-race VIP area and personal baggage check. Additionally, they will be profiled within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide and highlighted within team promotions at the Total Fitness Expo. 

The Hartford Marathon Foundation is joined by Aiello Home Services, sponsor of the team, in the effort to recognize individuals whose determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration and motivation for others.

More information on the Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon can be found at www.HartfordMarathon.com, on Facebook.com/HMFevents and on Twitter @runHMF.