Meet the 2019 Aiello Inspiration Team!

Thanks to everyone who submitted incredible stories about their capability and drive to make it to the finish line at the 2019 Eversource Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon on October 12. Just a small sampling of the amazing individuals in our running community, the Aiello Inspiration Team represents the spirit of race day in Hartford.

This year’s team highlights inspiring individuals who have shared what they are capable of, what they've overcome to get there and why they are motivated to cross the finish line in Hartford.

Participants shared heartwarming stories on the reasons they run – to overcome illness or difficult times, for weight loss and health, to honor loved ones who have passed away. Their intrinsic motivation, strength and determination will inspire others on their journey to race day.

2019 Aiello Inspiration Team:

• David Alejandro, Naugatuck, CT – Half Marathon
• Marisa Boasa, Ellington, CT – Half Marathon
• Kaitlyn Desrochers, Putnam, CT – Half Marathon
• Amanda Evans, East Haven, CT – Half Marathon
• Smith Kidkarndee, Hebron, CT – Marathon
• Kim Lowman, East Granby, CT – Half Marathon
• Ashley Russell, Avon, CT – Charity 5K
• Jesse Sythe, Wethersfield, CT – Half Marathon
• Mary Tesch, Middlebury, CT – Marathon
• Megan Weeks, Princeton, Massachusetts – Marathon

Look for their stories within the Eversource Hartford Marathon Insider’s Guide in your race packets and at the HMF Fitness Expo on October 10 and 11. The Hartford Marathon Foundation is joined by Aiello Home Services, sponsor of the team, to recognize these awesome individuals.

Fuel for Endurance Training

Preparing to push your body further, faster in endurance events takes consideration and attention to nutrition in training, not just on race day.   As the inaugural RiMaConn Relay approaches and you start logging more miles to prepare, we’ve asked experts in the HMF League of Injured Runners community for insights. 

Dan Torres, Nutrition Consultant at Saint Francis Hospital, addresses 5 key areas of focus for runners and endurance athletes to stay healthy and the role nutrition can play to support training.

In addition, take your nutrition, injury prevention or related questions direct to the community for insights and share your experiences.  Join the conversation on the League of Injured Runners Facebook group.

Dan Torres, Nutrition Consultant at Saint Francis Hospital

Manage your energy intake

Consuming the proper amount of macronutrients each day helps to give you energy, prevent muscle soreness and allow your body to properly absorb vitamins. The following outlines the recommended daily intake of three essential nutrients:

• Carbohydrates: 5-12 g per kilogram of body weight
• Protein: 1.2-1.8g per kilogram of body weight
• Fats: 0.8-2.0g per kilogram of body weight

TIP – To convert your body weight in pounds to kilograms, just divide pounds by 2.205.  Then, calculate carbohydrates, protein or fats based on the recommended ranges listed above.

Fluid & sodium intake

Keep fluids balanced to prevent dehydration and low blood sodium. Add salt or electrolytes to your water to help your body retain fluid.

TIP - Learn ideal hydration amounts and timing in advance of and through race day in this 2-minute hydration video with Dr. Jeff Brown of the Connecticut Sports Medicine Institute at Saint Francis Hospital.

Variety and Food intolerance

Don’t get into a rut- try a variety of foods that you like while training

But - There are certain foods that might not agree with you during a race. Test out different types of foods during your training cycle in case you are intolerant.

Weight management

Adjust your food intake depending training duration and intensity