Yup, I’m running two half marathons this fall. Within two weeks of each other.
<Breathe, breathe>
But I couldn’t say no to the folks with the Hartford Marathon Foundation, especially not with all the wonderful things I’ve heard about the NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon event (beautiful course, relatively flat, eco-friendly, etc.). Plus Hartford is just over an hour away.
I admit, I’m a little intimidated by the idea of running 26.2 miles in 14 days, but I know I can do it. I will do it.
My game plan is to run ZOOMA Cape Cod on September 27 as a training run and really try and go for that sub-2:00 at Hartford on October 11. My friend L is joining me for Hartford and has the same goal, so hopefully we will motivate each other.
We’re planning to arrive in Hartford on Friday night to take advantage of their 1 mile shake-out, chill-out run.
Oh, and it includes access to the Harpoon Beer Garden. Okay, that may have contributed to our interest 🙂
The NU Hartford Half Marathon course itself starts with the marathon by the Connecticut State Capitol then splits from the marathon at mile 1.
The half marathon runners then head towards West Hartford and eventually the gorgeous Elizabeth Park before heading toward the (downhill!) finish at the iconic Arch in Bushnell Park.
The NU Hartford Marathon and Half Marathon weekend also includes a 5K race and the HMF FitKids Run! I kind of wish my family were coming with me because Buddy (fresh off his success at the PawSox 5K Kids Run) would love this. All FitKids races are $10 and offer several distances, including 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile and a full mile, based on your child’s age.
The FitKids events — which start on the east side of Bushnell Park by the Pump House — begins at 9:30am with the Mascot Invitational, where you’ll get to see the UConn Husky Dog square off against the Guida’s Cow and Ronald McDonald. So think lots of photo opps and hugs (unless you have a child like Mimi who is terrified of characters). Sounds like a lot of fun! Click here for more info.
I love races that are a full weekend of activities and are more than just the actual running, so I think we’ll be plenty busy during our time in Hartford. Plus there’s something about fall races that get my blood pumping. Maybe it’s the cool, crisp air. Maybe it’s being surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage. Whatever it is, all I know is that October is my favorite month to run in. Which makes me even more excited for the Hartford Half Marathon.
And guess what? If you want to join me on October 11 and you register between now and Sunday, Sept. 7 (by 11:59pm ET), you can save $5 off your registration! Just use the code: JGRIMESBLOG14 (Note: This code is only good for the half and full marathon races). Click here to register!!
Questions for you:
Have you ever run the Hartford course?
Have you ever run two long distance races so close together? Any advice?
Disclaimer: While I was provided a free race entry in exchange for my promotion/review, all opinions are — as always — my own.