One of the biggest motivators to doing anything is seeing someone similar to you successfully do it. 
 
I used to think that I could never be a good enough runner to tackle the marathon.  But one year I went to cheer on my sister at the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon.  I was amazed to see so many runners who looked just like me - and even some who appeared to be bigger and slower. I was inspired and jealous.  I wanted to taste the thrill of accomplishing the feat of running 26.2 miles using only my foot power.  I wanted to be deserving of the crowds' cheers and encouragement (especially from the Parrothead Cheer Zone)!       
 
All the way home to DC, I couldn't get the image out of my head.  I finally decided that if they could do it, so could I.  Five months of training fueled by those images later, it was me out there on the marathon course.  Crossing the finish line of the Marine Corps Marathon is one of my favorite memories.  I had done it! 
 
Lucy Nolan (who you can read more about below) was the same way.  Last September she joined the Fleet Feet Volunteer Crew as we helped out at the Women's Triathlon in Farmington.  Watching all the women got her excited about trying a triathlon.  She said, "Next year, I'm going to do this!"  Lucy is well on her way to making that prediction reality.  I can't wait to give her a high-five and a cup of water when she passes my water stop this year!   
 
With this in mind, I think the ING Hartford Half and Full Marathon could see huge growth next year because of an exciting change to this year's route.  This year, seven of the 13.1 miles of the Half Marathon will be run through the neighborhoods of West Hartford!  Runners will still start and finish in Bushnell Park (and run under the Arch), but the course will now take them through Elizabeth Park and along Boulevard, Trout Brook Drive and Steele Road. 
 
Running through West Hartford is going to be an awesome experience for both the runners and the community.  To ensure that, we hope to set-up neighborhood Cheer Zones that rival the streets of Boston (maybe even challenge the famed women of Wellesley College once we get a few years of practice!).  We will celebrate the runners and walkers who are pursuing their goal, but also inspire our neighbors to dream about completing the course for themselves one day. 
 
Of course I'm going to need your help to do this.  I am looking for volunteers to be Fleet Feet Cheer Captains and help recruit neighbors and organizations like the scouts, soccer teams, bands, etc, to set-up cheer stations.  I'm even thinking we make a contest out of it with the runners voting on the best group?  Email me if you're interested!  
 
Be fit and cheer loudly!
Steph
 
P.S.  If you want to run the half marathon this year, but don't want to train by yourself, it's not too late to join our Half Marathon Training Program.  We meet on Saturday's at 7:00am.  Click here for more information or to register.

West Hartford Human & Leisure Services and Team Training New England Kids invite you to join them in the West Hartford Kids Triathlon and Camp at Eisenhower Park.
 
From August 9 -13, 2010 kids aged 6 - 12 years old can participate in a triathlon camp that will focus on the skills necessary to complete a triathlon.  Kids will learn how to train for a race as well as good eating and fitness habits. 
 
On August 14, 2010, kids will have the chance to participate in a triathlon event.  The event will feature different distances appropriate for ages 6 - 12 years old.  
 
To participate in the camp, children must be able to swim one lap of a pool (25 yards) and have a bicycle and helmet.  They will be coached by Renee Kleinman and Lynne Tapper - both USA Triathlon certified coaches (Fleet Feet Peeps!).  For more detailed information, click the logo above.  
 
Give your kids a fun challenge that will get them moving in the water, on their bikes and on the road!

 

It's a great way to meet new friends and running partners.  

 

Meet at the store.

Do you feel the need for speed?  Or maybe your workout routine needs a little spice.  Join Coach Schuyler each Thursday for a fun track workout.