I can’t believe how pumped I am for the NU Hartford Half Marathon a week from tomorrow.
When I originally signed up for two half marathons in 14 days, I think a part of me thought I was nuts I’d be burnt out for the second race, that I wouldn’t be as motivated, that my body would betray me.
But instead, the opposite has happened. Maybe it was my subpar performance at the ZOOMA race. Maybe it that’s my feet are slowly recovering from ZOOMA. Maybe I just feel ready to go and get this sub-2:00.
Time to start thinking about race gear and stalking the weather forecast! Fingers crossed for clear skies and temps in the low-mid 50s at our 8:00 am start time! (Yes, I’ve already checked the 10-day forecast — are you surprised?? — and right now it’s looking partly cloudy with highs of 69).
I’m also going to give some thought this week to race fuel. Last weekend, at ZOOMA, I used sports beans instead of a Clif Shot Gel, and while they were fine on my tummy, I just have a hard time chewing and swallowing. But lately the though of Gu-like substances makes me want to gag.
I was talking to Amy from Running Escapades about this last week, and she said she’s started using liquid fuel (electrolyte drinks, etc.) instead of chewable/Gu fuel. And actually, Shalane Flanagan said the same thing when I met her back over the summer at the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill event. I really like Nuun drinks, so maybe I’ll go that route? Any advice, runner friends?
Anyway, I am so excited to conquer the Hartford course and be part of all the festivities of the NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon weekend (by the way, they are still accepting registrations!!)
One thing I love about this race is how they are introducing running to kids and to those who may just be getting into the sport. There’s the HMF FitKids races and there’s also the opportunity to run the marathon in a relay — 2-5 person teams split up 5 legs of the marathon (3.2 to 6.3 miles legs) and are supported by shuttles to exchange points. It sounds like a fun way to get together with a group if you’re not quite ready to run the whole thing.
There’s also the Health & Wellness Expo next Friday, where I’ll be picking up my bib (no registration or packet pick-up on race day!). There’s quite the impressive line-up of exhibitors (not to mention a series of free talks and seminars from health and wellness experts) and a Great Swag Giveaway, where runners can win prizes ranging from a Timex watch to various gift cards every hour during the Expo (which runs on Thursday as well, although I’ll be there on Friday).
Although I admit the one activity I’m looking forward to is One Mile Friday, a shake-out run on Friday night, which is followed — naturally — by a cold brew from the Harpoon Beer Garden. Mmmmmmm.
Here are some of the other events the Hartford Marathon Foundation has scheduled for race week:
- HMF FitKids in School – Rentschler Field – October 7, 9:30 am: Throughout the program this fall, 3,000+ local students in grades 4-8 have been logging their runs in P.E. and at home. They will come together to complete the last 1.1 miles to reach their full or half marathon distance goal at the Final Mile Event.
- Girls Night – Hilton Hartford – October 9, 7:00 pm: Powerful Stories from Fearless Women. including Kathrine Switzer (the first woman to run the Boston Marathon)and Molly Barker (founder of a fabulous organization — which many of you may be familiar with — called Girls on the Run). It’s basically an evening with women who have empowered generations of women to become runners.
- Yoga in the Park for Runners – Bushnell Park – October 9 and 10, 12:00 pm: Drop in yoga class in the park with Downtown Yoga ($10 for registered racers).
- Pasta Supper – The Hartford Club, October 10, starting at 6:30: I’m not sure yet if we’ll do this for dinner, or eat out on our own, but an organized pasta dinner is always a nice option, especially for runners — like me — who are coming from out of town.
I have a feeling next week will fly by and race day will be here before I know it! 8 more days …
Will I see any of you in Hartford?
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary bib and registration in exchange for promoting the race, but all thoughts and opinions are, as always, my own.
AmyC says
So funny when I was reading your post, I thought, “that’s the way I feel about fuel” and then I saw the next paragraph 🙂 I hope you find something that works for you and that you get your sub-2!! Hartford Half is on my bucket list.
Jessica says
I thought of you mid-course as I was struggling to swallow my sports beans 🙂 I think I’m going with Nuun. Fingers crossed!
Abby says
I just found your blog; I am running the Hartford Half next weekend too! Sounds like I will be much slower than you… Hoping for 2:15. Yay for running Mamas! Good luck!
I don’t have any advice for fuel… I usually eat raisins 🙂
Jessica says
Excellent!!! Maybe we’ll somehow meet up?? Are you doing the One Mile Fun Run on Friday night?