The Other Marathon and Reasons to Run

Runners are by nature unique people. They are comfortable with commitment, and driven by goals that often are self-generated. Saturday, thousands of runners converged in Hartford to demonstrate one stride at a time, what they’re made of — determination, hope and athleticism.

The Hartford Marathon Foundation hosted different events taking place the same time: the marathon, half-marathon, race walk, and team relay or 5K. All events represent potential opportunities to raise funds for causes that are personal, or are simply a chance for anyone to realize their own humanity and do a charitable act for someone simply because they can.

While the greater Hartford area withstood the pounding of some 14,000 athletes, on Sunday, some 72 miles away, the Amica Marathon and half-marathon took place in Newport, Rhode Island.

Simsbury resident Curt Palmer set out to run the half-marathon. He said that wasn’t his main objective. “The emphasis is not really on me running in it ... thousands of people run half-marathons. I think the message is really about inspiration, motivation, commitment and reaching a goal,” said Palmer.

“I finished 13.1 miles in 1 hour 46 minutes, one minute over my goal. I feel a lot of satisfaction for having accomplished something I never thought I could do,” Palmer said.

The following is the runner’s story in his own words in response to the question, “Why run in the Amica half-marathon?”:

For so many reasons ... and a story. Well, before I share my little story, I'll list my reasons:

To honor special people in my life:

• My wife Ellen who both encouraged and motivated me to become healthier.
• My father Russell who, as a great example to those around him, exhibited tremendous discipline and commitment (he passed in 2007).
• My mother Elsie who is very sick with cancer, but is optimistic and good natured in spite of it all.
• My youngest sister Anne who has survived cancer and, in so doing, has shown guts and the same kind of optimism as my Mom.
• My two sons Matthew and Ryan who, hopefully, will see my running as an example of being able to do whatever you set your mind to and work hard for.
• It's Newport! Where better to run than by the ocean?
• I enjoy running more than I ever have since it used to bore me to tears!
• I'm challenged to run that long a distance ... to prove to myself I can do something I never thought I'd do.
• It's part of my overall commitment, and I do mean commitment, to a healthy lifestyle.

In July of 2010, my weight had risen to a number I never in my life thought I'd reach.  Despite the fact that my wife is a passionate wellness/nutrition and holistic health counselor, I never really got on board. So, as a 53-year-old who had always been an athlete in school, etc., I basically said about the need to lose weight and get in shape "if not now, when??!" 

So, I started with a 14 de-tox prescribed by my wife, which led to generally better nutrition, and eating habits. That led to a desire to get into shape. I began going back to the gym and, for the first time since college, running! 

I used to hate to run. It was boring. It hurt my knee(s). It didn't really seem to do much for me. But now, I began to enjoy it. I found that I could run a couple or three miles without any pain. I also found that it did more than anything to help me lose weight. Eureka!

I've been training for a while now. I've run in snow, rain, 98 degree heat, while on business trips, early in the morning, etc., etc. I've torn my soleus muscle and rehabbed it (thank you, Matt St.Thomas at The Perfect Workout in Avon, CT!). 

Palmer successfully completed his first half-marathon Sunday Oct 16.