Marathon Training Team Participants Excited to Get Moving

“I found out that the training I received wasn’t just about running, but a whole lot more.”

This is how Rosalind Hines-High described her first experience with the Sports Backers’ Marathon Training Team in 2016 and helps explain why she’ll be back again in 2017, along with many other returning members, and a few first-time marathoners as well. “I knew when I crossed the finish line last year that I would be a ‘frequent flyer,’” Hines-High added. “The support of the coaches and other participants played a huge part in my overall experience and is the main reason I am returning. I could not do this without them.”

As the 23-week program kicks off on June 3^rd and 4^th, preparing runners for the 40^th anniversary of the Anthem Richmond Marathon on November 11 in a safe, fun, and supportive atmosphere, participants from all over RVA are gearing up for another season of marathon training. They’re looking forward to the guidance and motivation from experienced coaches and the opportunity to rekindle old friendships while building new ones.

“From a training aspect, the coaches helped to keep me accountable and were always there, because of their experience, to give me very good advice on any number of important marathon topics,” said Tom Hackenberg, a Henrico resident. “The unexpected bonus for me regarding my MTT experience was gaining a group of people I could run with on a regular basis. I got to know a lot of folks who had the same goal I did. It truly helped pass the hours away, on the long runs especially. More importantly though, we became like a family and started pulling for each other, offering opinions on anything that would come up, and in general, kept each other motivated.”

“One of my fondest memories is one day when we were running in the pouring rain, one of our high mileage days, and what struck me is the way the other participants took charge and did so with no complaints,” said Hines-High. “At one point someone was even dancing as they ran!  Instantly I felt rejuvenated and made that one of my best runs.”

For James Collier, a Mechanicsville resident and past MTT participant, the training team was a big factor in his plans to take on the 26.2 mile distance again. “I wanted to run another marathon, and I knew I wouldn’t even try training without MTT,” said Collier, who was part of the Orange Crush team in 2015. “Last year I did my first half marathon and trained with Sports Backers,” added Naomi Chobanian, who was the first person to sign up for the marathon training team when registration opened in November 2016. “I love watching everyone coming together to help support each other!”

Another former Half Marathon Training Team (HMTT) participant taking on her first marathon in 2017 is Kathleen Murphy, and it was some gentle prodding from fellow runners that helped her decide to join the Marathon Training Team. “I have done HMTT for the past two years and LOVED it. I made so many friends, my fitness improved immeasurably, and I had awesome coaches!” she said. “Running friends kept nudging me towards a marathon. I kept trying to deflect and come up with excuses but I really didn’t have any…they spoke about how much the team becomes your family and how well MTT prepares you for race day.”

Speaking of race day, Murphy thinks the special anniversary aspect of this year’s marathon makes it an even better time to take part. “I think this year, the 40th anniversary, is a great time to run my first marathon. It will be celebratory on many levels. That was also part of my decision to do it this year,” she said. “I’m most looking forward to the experience on race day. Having run the half marathon I know how awesome the race-day experience is and how supportive the crowd is for every runner. I’m also looking forward to pushing myself past what I think my limits are.”

Regardless of experience or skill level, every training team participant sets out with the same goal of crossing the finish line, and the whole Marathon Training Team program is geared towards helping runners achieve that goal. “I had such a positive experience with MTT last year, it really was a no brainer. There was no doubt in my mind that once I made the decision to run the marathon again this year that I would sign up for MTT and stick with the Blue Bandits team,” said Hackenberg. “I am not exaggerating when I say that being a part of MTT was the reason I finished in a time that I hadn’t even imagined I could achieve.“

Visit www.richmondmarathon.org for more information on the Sports Backers’ Marathon Training Team. Group training kicks off on June 3^rd and 4^th, and registration is available through June 25^th.