Next Up! Newport Liberty Half Marathon

By: Bambi Sharpe (BGR! North Jersey, Run Coordinator for Jersey City)

Running the Newport Liberty Half Marathon will be the second half marathon that I will run.  The first half marathon that I ran, I had no strategy what so ever, but to finish.  This half, I am aiming high...well higher.  I would like to finish in less than two hours and thirty minutes.  Between participation in BGR! and service in the military, I am a runner but rarely do I log long any miles over four to five. 

To motivate myself to get where I need to be and hold myself accountable, I set up a training schedule through an app that plans the number of miles I am to run within the time leading up to the Newport Liberty Half Marathon.  I, also, have a running partner.  It is easier to give up on yourself.  But when you have someone that has committed to the same challenges that you have, it’s hard to leave that person out there hanging.  Between the partner and the app, I am held accountable, I increase my mileage at a steady rate, and I build up my endurance.  I workout a total of six out of seven days.

During the week, I run at least five days incorporating three of those days with strength training to help build muscle and core training to help improve my running posture.  Day six is low impact cardio such as elliptical, stair master, or walking on the treadmill.  Day seven is a rest day.  You must always give your body time to repair, recover, and build muscle (muscle is built on the rest day).  Adequate sleep is

Along with the physical aspects of training, there is also diet and emotional well being.  Although I want to try to drop 10 pounds before race day, it is important that I have a well balanced meal that accommodates and supports the amount of increased exercise that I will be conducting in the days leading up until race day.  I feel that the lighter that I am the easier it will be for me to sustain on the other hand I believe that training at my current weight will only get me accustomed to running at the weight that I currently am.  My body getting the correct amount of nutrients is essential.  I don’t want to go down in the training process nor race day.  Ensuring that I am well hydrated and replacing the fluids that I sweat out is also important (I am a sweater).  I am trying to drink a gallon of water a day.  I have not been able to achieve the entire gallon within a days time but as long as I have consumed at least three fourths of the jug, I feel as though I have accomplished a lot.

The final and most important training aspect that is a must is to ensure that I am surrounding myself with people who have similar goals, positive, and encouraging.  Every dog had its day so it is very important that when I have those day when I don’t believe in myself that I can always go to my winner’s corner for some positive affirmations and encouragement.  Having someone that believes in me, other than myself, helps get through the rough times when I am doubting myself.

I see the Newport Half as a stepping stone for me.  It is the race were I increase my standards of just being the average runner.  It will be the race where I see if I can stick to my plans of preparation and to see if my hard work and dedication pays off.  I believe that it will.  I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

More information on the Newport Liberty Half Marathon:

When:              Sunday, September 20, 2015

Racers take their mark at 8:30 a.m. Registration opens at 6:45 a.m.

Where:             Newport Town Square

100 Town Square Place
Jersey City, NJ 07310

 What:               Jersey City’s popular half marathon championship marks its 21^st year! Recreational and elite runners from around the country can compete for $3,000 in prize money on a USA Track & Field-certified course that          interweaves with the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway from Newport to Liberty State Park.

The open-air race has been called the most beautiful course in the Tri-State area with spectacular views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the Verrazano Bridge.

Winnings and records will be awarded immediately after, during the Post-Race Party with refreshments, a local DJ and several prize drawings for gift cards and event tickets. All runners will receive finisher medals. 

Social Cause:  Proceeds are being donated to the Jersey City Medical Center, the area’s newest regional teaching hospital, proving the highest level of care for women, infants, and trauma and heart patients.

Registration:   $50; waived for VIP bloggers

More Info:       For registration details visit www.newporthalfmarathon.com or call 201-665-4005. For more information about Newport visit www.NewportRentalsNJ.com.

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