Training Groups

Hartford Marathon Foundation Training Programs assist people in achieving their goal to complete a 5K walk or run, half marathon or marathon or a triathlon by providing information, enthusiasm, and encouragement in a positive environment.

We offer training programs for runners and triathletes. Groups are open to all ages and fitness levels from beginners to experienced racers. Our weekly group runs and rides are held in convenient locations throughout central Connecticut.  Participants can join in at any time. 

 

We encourage beginners and have several programs geared to those who want to complete their first race.  The program is organized to culminate with HMF summer races and the ING Greater Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K on Saturday October 11, 2008. Registration is open for the 2008 training sessions: April 20 - June 1   Beginner Athletes June 1 - July 20   Intermediate Athletes August 3 - September 7   Women Triathletes - All Levels March - April   Bike Clinics & Bike Fits April - June   Swim Clinics May-July & September-October   Beginner Runners May - October   Marathon Training July - October   Half Marathon Training

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2008 Training Open House on April 9 Our guest speaker was Tom Holland, a nationally-known exercise physiologist, committed to helping people better their lives through fitness and through the positive message of "Believe in Yourself." Tom has encouraged and coached thousands of people to reach their fitness goals; from losing weight to climbing mountains, running marathons and completing Ironman triathlons. Tom has been on numerous national media outlets, ranging from NBC, Good Morning America, Runner’s World, Cooking Light, Men’s Health, Self, Fitness, Men’s Journal discussing the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the proper training. Tom brings experience training beginners to Olympic level athletes and will share some of his insights with all participants at the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s Training Open House.  Read Tom Holland's biography ...
If you are unable to attend the Training Open House, you can still register for training programs - see schedule and registration forms below.

What's the training schedule?  How do I register? Information is available in PDF download format. 2008 Training Schedule (97k PDF)  (revised 04-14-08) 2008 Training Registration Form (95k PDF)    Check out the free 9-page HMF Training Guide (336k PDF).

 The 2008 HMF Training Program Guide will support the following:

• 18-week Marathon distance training
• 12-week Half Marathon and 10K training
• 4-week and 6-week 5K training for runners
• Duathlon and triathlon training
• All programs include a detailed training plan, technical training shirt or singlet, weekly workouts with leaders on measured routes, discounts at running/ bike stores.

All participants in the official HMF Training Groups receive complimentary access to Active.com Training Plans.  Spefic details on the complimentary access is provided in separate correpondence to participants.  Contact Peggy@hartfordmarathon.com for more details.  

Looking for a change of pace in your workouts?  Need a new fitness challenge?  Interested in training with a group?  Tri a Triathlon!

For Men and Women:   Pig Iron Six-Week Triathlon Training
Led by the experienced staff of Pig Iron Sports, training focuses on swimming, running, biking and transition tips. These six-week sessions coincide with our most popular events - the Niantic Bay Triathlon and the Litchfield Hills Triathlon.

This training is ideal for beginners who want to complete their first triathlon and has components for more experienced racers who want to improve their time.  Expect to do group rides, track and road running as well as swimming at Lake Terremuggus in Marlborough.   The Introduction to Triathlon runs May 6 thru June 24.  The Triathlon Training program runs July 1 thru August 19.

For Women:  TTNE  HMF Classic
Check out our comprehensive, structured 4-week training program is designed to prepare you for the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s 2nd annual Women’s Triathlon in September.  Programs include open water swim clinic and triathlon/transition clinic.  Session runs July 23 thru September 19. 

For more details on these and all other training programs, click the download button above for the 2008 Training Schedule. 

Our groups are organized by distance and experience. There is a place for every level of runner in our programs, from walkers to beginner runners to more experienced racers and those interested in running further and faster. 

Runners for Marathon & Half-Marathon:  The Hartford Marathon Foundation offers several training programs to help runners reach their personal goals and the ING Hartford Marathon finish line for both marathoners and half-marathoners.  Marathoners can choose from an 18-week program starting June 6 in Glastonbury or a 13-week program beginning July 19 in East Hartford.  Runners, who want to compete in the half marathon, are offered a 12-week program starting July 19 in Glastonbury. 

Select a group based on your own goals.
We offer training sessions in 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon distances.  There are also groups for women only and women 40+.  All running training culminates at one of our great race events.

Additional training information can be found on suggested running sites listed on the HMF Links page.

First Step Challenge

Special for Women:  Try a new adventure this year that could change your life. Take 100 days to become physically fit enough to complete a 3 mile (5K) run or walk alongside other females. No experience necessary and you can do it close to home, alone, or with a group of people aiming for the same goal.  The Hartford Marathon Foundation has partnered with TD Banknorth to create the TD Banknorth 5K Challenge for the 2008 Red Dress Run for Women. Beginning April 3rd, TD Banknorth customers, employees and residents will be encouraged to begin a 100-day training program and finish their first 5K run or walk at the Red Dress Run for Women on July 12th.  HMF offers training programs for individuals to follow as well as training groups (meeting Tuesday or Saturday each week) to help women accomplish their goals. Select TD Banknorth branches will have materials available for participants, including: walk/run routes, registration materials, and alternate ideas for inclement conditions. In addition, TD Banknorth will provide a unique gift to all TD Banknorth 5K Challenge finishers who train for the Red Dress Run through the Hartford Marathon Foundation training programs.   Read Press Release.