The Ins and Outs of Course Changes

We take great pride in creating courses for our runners that capture the best of the local scenery and provide a great race experience. This does not come without some serious and labor-intensive behind-the-scenes logistics though, course measurement is precise down to inches – yes, every single inch counts.  Moving a curb in the road 10 inches can (and actually did) affect the course.

So, when the City closed the access road to Elizabeth Park that was part of the 2013 half course, the tedious process ensued to change the course, and then re-measure and certify it.   The NU Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K courses are all USA Track & Field Certified courses.  Courses are not measured by GPS, tape measure, surveying equipment, car, or by walking with a measuring wheel. All certified road race courses are measured by a standard bicycle fitted with a calibrated mechanical counter on the front wheel.  We hire a certified certifier (they really exist, we can’t make this stuff up!) who follows a 100-page manual of rules.  Because the start and finish are in the same spot, and there’s no turn-around to adjust for slight change, everything had to be precisely changed within the route.

What does all this mean to the NU Hartford Half course?  Great things, actually!

The NU Hartford Half Marathon still starts with the marathon in front of the CT State Capitol and turns south, away from the marathon, about a mile in.  Before the split, you’ll hit a modified turn onto Farmington Ave, making for a smoother and more fluid turn.  The majority of changes were made around Elizabeth Park, highlights include the elimination of four turns mid-course, the enter and exit to the Park will now be off Asylum Ave and you’ll run past the Connecticut Historical Society and UConn School of Law, a beautiful area.

The 5K course will not be changing at all this year.  With the exception of slightly adjusting the turn-around for Farmington Ave turn in the first mile of the marathon course, things remain the same there as well.

We often get asked by from participants why their GPS readings are not the same as course length.  Typically, the "short course prevention factor" is what throws off the measurement.  All USATF certified courses are required to include a 1/10th of 1 percent (one-thousandth percent) extra cushion to make sure no one runs less than the stated distance.  For a full marathon, that means 42.1925 extra meters or a little more than 135 feet. This is standard to every single certified course, so give yourself a little extra credit!  More details on this are available here.

Link to NU Hartford Marathon course (with relay exchanges)

Link to NU Hartford Marathon Half course 

Link to NU Hartford Marathon 5K course

Charity Challenge with "Marathon Junkie" Chuck Engle

While the Hartford Marathon Foundation itself is a 501c3 non-profit, the events we produce facilitate millions of dollars in charity donations through the efforts of our rock-star participants. At the NU Hartford Marathon & Half Marathon this year, we are proudly partnering with 25 Official Charities.  Each of these partners is valuable to our communities and we encourage you to support their efforts by running on their teams, donating or supporting the causes.  

And, this year's Chuck Engle Charity Challenge gives everyone another way to support Level One charities!

This friendly competition provides opportunity to have “Marathon Junkie” Chuck Engle fundraise for a charity team on race day.  Famed (and super fast!) marathon runner Chuck Engle will be placed at the very back of the pack on race day.  For every marathon runner he passes on the course, $1 will be donated to the Charity Challenge winner.  With 3,000 marathon participants and Chuck's sub-3:00 finishing time, he'll be pulling in a pretty penny for charity on October 11!

Each weekday from September 10-26, one charity will have their chance to collect entries via their own Charity Challenge Day.  We will announce the charity of the day in the morning and share a link to their Charity Challenge Day page, but it will only be active for that one day until 11:59 pm.  Supporters simply have to enter the Charity Challenge contest via Facebook and/or Twitter, one entry per platform, per person, per day.  You don’t have to be affiliated with the charity to enter and are welcome to support more than one charity in the Challenge.  Each charity's entries will be tallied and Chuck will run for the charity with the most entries!

The fine print details:

Entries will be submitted through the Rafflecopter app. Participants in the contest must like HMF Events on Facebook or follow @runHMF on Twitter to enter, no other entry requirements.  Submission data will only be used for the purpose of tallying votes.  Official rules will be posted on the app page.

Long runs - Avoid injury and stay healthy to race day

We’re just about 5 weeks away from the NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon, which means long training runs are in full force.  We are seeing more conversations in the HMF Events Runners Group page, Tweets from your mile trackers and questions on planning before and after long runs. So, we are calling in the experts to help you along.  Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers (PTSMC) physical therapist and seasoned triathlete and marathoner Kathryn Flodquist, PT, DPT, cert. MDT, CSCS is sharing below her top tips for making it through long runs and to race day healthy and prepared.

Kathryn is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with PTSMC and also a USA Triathlon Level 1 coach, you can learn about her through her Web site.   Feel free to share questions in comments below and we will work with PTSMC to get you answers.

Kathrine:

Since you’re well in to your training programs at this point, make sure you stick with it, but remember that training isn’t just about the miles you’re logging:

• Rest. Most good plans have you build your training for 2-3 weeks followed by a “rest” or easier week.  Don’t skip it.  That’s actually when you get stronger and it will help to prevent injury
• Recover. Take care to recover, especially after longer runs, with light stretching, a good meal and some rest.  Consider a nap after your longest runs - sleep is the best recovery tool available.
• Prepare race day nutrition. Practice your race nutrition during training. Whether a sports drink, gel or something else, don’t surprise your body with it on race day*.  Find something you like and use it during your long runs so that you will know how it feels in your stomach and how you like the taste after several hours. 

*Click here for details on NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon course support.

Avoiding injury and pain:

• While there is no real substitute for running when marathon training you can bike, swim, hike and do other lower impact activities to give your joints a break while still building fitness.
• Running causes us to use the same muscle groups in the same way over and over, which can leave muscles tight and sore.  Self massage techniques like foam rolling can help to keep the blood flowing and loosen any tight spots.
• If you have always run on pavement, don’t suddenly decide to do a run on a rocky trail.  Our bodies become good at what we do all the time, if your feet and ankles are not prepared to handle the uneven surface and side-to-side movement on trails you’re at a greater injury risk.
• If you do feel a twinge or strain during a run don’t ignore it.  If it gets stronger during the run, stop.  Sometimes it may even come on after you’ve finished.  Either way, it’s better to address it immediately, rather than push through it.
• Rest the area or switch to cross training for a day or so. Use ice and elevation if you have swelling.  Don’t return to running until the swelling and pain subside.  If this doesn’t happen after a few days, get it checked out.
• Also, if you seem to get injured frequently, or if you have “problem” areas, you may benefit from having your running gait assessed.  Often we can see what’s causing your problem, and help you correct it.

For detailed assessments of injuries broken down through the body, visit PTSMC’s injury page.

While we shouldn’t need to remind runners of this, please don’t run in old or worn out shoes and do not make big changes to your running style, shoe type or activity level as you build up to the race.  These kinds of changes take time to adapt to and frequently worsen your running ability in the short term as your body adjusts to them.

Girls Night with Kathrine Switzer & Molly Barker (Oct 9)

It's been an honor for me to meet some true visionaries of women's running, inspirations that have empowered generations of women.  We welcome you to listen, learn and talk with two of the greats - Kathrine Switzer and Molly Barker. On October 9th at 7:00 pm join us for Girls Night: Powerful Stories from Fearless Women, before the NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon

In an informal gathering for women at Hartford Hilton Downtown, we will hear their powerful stories first-hand and enjoy a meet and greet, light supper provided.  There is limited seating for the event, tickets are $20 and available for purchase at http://shophartfordmarathon.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=379

We recently talked about Kathryn Switzer on the blog (see "How Far We've Come: http://hartfordmarathon.blogspot.com/2014/07/how-far-weve-come.html).  Best known for pioneering the official entrance of women into the marathon in the late 1960’s, Kathryn's iconic 1967 run in the then all-male Boston Marathon set historic change in motion.  Since then, she has continued to inspire women athletes as a sports and social advocate, author and Emmy award-winning television commentator.

Kathrine Switzer at the 1967 Boston Marathon,Photo credit AP Images/Harry Trask

Molly Barker started the
Girls on the Run program in 1996

Molly Barker founded Girls on the Run in 1996 with a vision to provide pre-adolescent girls with the necessary tools to embrace their individual strengths, teaching life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. What started with 13 girls in North Carolina has now been spread to nearly 800,000 in 47 states and in Canada.   Girls on the Run uses running to inspire and motivate, encourage lifelong health and fitness and build girls' confidence through accomplishment.

We look forward to seeing you there and welcome you to share your stories and questions for Kathrine and Molly.

2014 Aiello Inspiration Team

One of my favorite aspects of being a race director is meeting runners and hearing about the wide spectrum of experiences and circumstances that bring them to run with us.  Real people doing great things to benefit others or overcome adversity. These inspirational individuals motivate others to be better runners, and better people.

We have teamed up with Aiello Home Services again this year to honor some extraordinary runners as part of the Aiello Inspiration Team. This year's selection committee was tasked with the difficult decision of selecting just 10 nominees out a large pool of amazing stories.

Please meet the members of the 2014 Aiello Inspiration Team participating in the NUHartford Marathon and Half Marathon. These individuals truly do embody this years theme of “Charity, Children, Community & Health.” 

Linda Ambard 
A military wife and mother of five with a lifelong dream of running a marathon in all 50 states, Linda vowed to her husband before he was deployed to Afghanistan to finish her quest. Tragically, he did not return home from duty. Linda ran through the heart-shattering loss and continues to run today to honor her husband and all those that cannot.  She wrote a book and mentors military families going through loss, and will keep her promise to her husband on October 11, running her 50^th state.

Michelle Currier
A special education teacher at Macdonough School in Middletown, CT, Michelle has helped motivate colleagues to run and facilitated dozens of students to participate in Jeff’s Running Partners at the NU Hartford Marathon.   She also founded and coaches the school’s Unified Sports Team, which allows children with cognitive and physical disabilities to enjoy sports with grade level peers. Michelle serves as a volunteer guide with Achilles International, an organization that partners able-bodied runners with disable athletes.



Erin Henderson
A 37-year-old mother of 12, Erin started running five years ago as a way to get in shape. She barely made it two miles around the block on her first run. Today, she runs 80-100 miles a week, mostly in the early morning hours, with a goal of qualifying for Olympic Marathon Trials.  Running helped her lose 80lbs and find a new part of herself - athletic, strong, tough, brave, determined and confident. She credits the sport with helping her reduce stress and increase patience and draws inspiration from all 12 of her children, from her youngest 5-year-old adopted son with special needs to her eldest 19-year-old daughter in college.




Lillie Johnson
Considering herself an unlikely candidate to be running marathons, Lillie has always felt actions speak louder than words.  Training and completing marathons at 42 has been a motivator for others that provides her great personal reward while raising four healthy, athletic children, coaching volleyball and tennis and teaching. Lillie was named Teach of the Year at Wilcox Technical High School this year and wants to continue to inspire with her actions as she trains for her third NU Hartford Marathon.



Mike McCabe
Committed and dedicated to the needs of his community, Mike helped raise more than $100,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield asspecial events chair this year.  In addition to his role as captain of the police department, he’s a volunteer high school coach and started a running club where he mentors runners training for the local race in Westfield that he also helps coordinate.  He runs on a 12-person team that fundraises for the Dana Farber Children's Cancer Institute by running 200 miles continuously over two days. He always shows up with a smile and a song or motivating words and provides support with genuine kindness to everyone around him.



Kelly Pabilonia
When she started as a social worker in Hartford Hospital’s Emergency Department trauma area, Kelly put on 40lbs using comfort food to cope with the grief and emotion of the job.  In December 2011, Kelly tried to run 2 miles on a treadmill as an alternative coping mechanism and was instantly hooked. A member of the Hartford Hospital Running Team, she encourages co-workers to run through some of their stress too and has taken her healthy lifestyle home - biking, hiking and running with her two sons.   After multiple half marathon finishes and placing at the Shamrock Duathlon last year, she is ready to run her first marathon this October. 




Joseph Pietrzak
Diagnosed with stage 2 prostate cancer last August just 6 months after his sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, Joe is no stranger to the disease. His mother lived for 15 years after her colon cancer diagnosis - he credits faith and perseverance learned from her when faced with the mental and physical struggles of his treatments.  An advocate for children’s interests in his town, a youth sports coach and chairman of a memorial scholarship fund in his nephew’s honor, Joe cares greatly for his community.  After completing a 10K goal race last month, he will run his first half marathon in Hartford to inspire his sister and others to keep fighting.




Carlos Quiles
Described as “a motivator, a celebrator and an inspiration” through his work and personal accomplishments, Carlos is a Paralympic athlete who placed top six at the 2014 US Paralympics Track and Field Championship 100 meter dash.  Carlos serves as the Mentorship Program Coordinator and Program Specialist for Hospital for Special Care’s Adaptive Sports Program, which gives people living with disabilities the opportunity to achieve their goals and lead independent lives. He gives greatly of himself, serving as Head Coach and team member of the CT Spokebenders Wheelchair Basketball Team, a member of the Board of Directors of the Tri-State Wheelchair Athletic Association and a member of the Advisory Board for the Disability Specialist Program at Manchester Community College.



Molly Sweeney
A 19-year-old junior at Assumption College, Molly has overcome significant set-backs but keeps coming back stronger as a person and a runner.  In 2009, she was involved in a serious car accident requiring two major surgeries and extensive Physical Therapy.  Recouping from this to eventually become the captain of her cross-country team senior year, she was sidelined again with season-ending illness.  She bounced-back more determined and a stronger runner until a second car accident prior to her freshman year at college.  Molly continued to persevere, moving on to become a collegiate athlete and using the setbacks as motivation to become the best she could to inspire others.  She’s running the NU Hartford Half Marathon as a celebration of life, good health and overcoming obstacles.



David Zagaja
Last summer, David’s close friend and brother-in-law Roy was diagnosed with hypertensive nephrosclerosis and placed on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.  Seeing Roy on dialysis treatments and knowing that the average wait for kidney transplant is approximately 6 years, David made the decision to be Roy’s living donor and was a perfect match.  Undergoing transplant surgery last November, David had saved a life and a family.  Less than a year later, he will be running the NU Hartford Half Marathon.

One Mile Friday and pre-race festivities

Come enjoy pre-race celebrations in Hartford on Friday, 10/10 - get the lay of the land, loosen up your legs and relax in preparation for Saturday’s NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon.

Whether you’re running and need a shake-out or just want to experience the NU Hartford buzz in happy-hour fashion, join us for One Mile Friday on October 10 at 6:00 pm.  After a casual mile run through Hartford, relax in the Harpoon Beer Garden, which will be open from 6-8pm.  Participants 21+ will receive a cold beer and everyone gets a free fluorescent Hoo-Rag for joining One Mile Friday.  

(What's a Hoo-Rag, you ask? A convertible bandana for your head, neck, hair that looks really cool and will match your NU Hartford race gear)

Register Here - only $10 until Friday, August 8

$15 entry August 9^th-October 9^th, $20 on race day

Make it an afternoon and evening of pre-race pomp and circumstance:

The Health & Fitness Expo - Friday, October 10:  11:00 am - 9:00 pm at the XL Center.  Get your bib and your packet, plus cool swag and giveaways

Pasta Supper - 6:30 pm at the Hartford Club, 46 Prospect Street

Menu will include several pasta dishes, including a gluten-free and veggie option, fresh salad, artisan breads, delectable dessert and beverages (alcoholic beverages available for purchase).  Ticket Price: $22 per adult; $10 per child under 10; children 5 and under are free

Team HMF members in Runner's World Cover Contest

We’re not surprised one bit to be seeing our amazing Team HMF runners Kimberly Markey and Katie Edwards among the leaders of the Runner’s World Cover Contest.   They each embody the best of what rock star runners can be – inspiring others by running with passion, living to the fullest and encouraging those around them. Learn a little more about them below and support them in this journey by casting a vote daily.  The contest ends 8/26/14.

Kimberly Markey – vote HERE

Describe Yourself in One Word: STRONG

Why Is Running Important To You?
Running has become my release and therapy. I pass on my love of running by volunteering for the Hartford Marathon Foundation coaching run/walk/run first-time marathoners. I now know running is NOT only about the bling it’s much, much more. Running has taken a 36-year old woman who was trying to survive not having a nervous breakdown to a 42-year-old SURVIVOR. Running got me through business lawsuits, personal bankruptcy and most recently breast cancer. I now know I can survive anything and I can do whatever the heck I want to do because I run. It’s that simple.

 

Katie Edwards - vote HERE
Describe Yourself in One Word: PERSEVERANCE

Why Is Running Important To You?
I was 25, 8 months pregnant, a 13 month old at home and a melanoma diagnoses. After an induced premature delivery and surgery one week later, I learned life waits for no one. Now I have big goals and am determined to make them happen. I know that the seemingly impossible IS possible. My life flows when I am running and working hard. Running gives back what I put in - strength, determination, belief in myself - and allows me to share that with those around me. I LOVE seeing people discover themselves in running.