Achilles CT Chapter News Archives - Page 3 of 5

AmazonSmile to Support Achilles International!

November 16, 2014

November 16, 2014

Do you shop on Amazon.com? Do you want to support Achilles International? If so, check out the AmazonSmile program!

It’s free! And every dollar you spend on Amazon.com will support the incredible athletes of Achilles International!

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from nearly one million organizations to support.

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?

Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.

Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?

Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.

How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?

On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make to smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details.

How can I learn more about AmazonSmile?

Please see complete AmazonSmile program details.

The Magic of Achilles CT at the 2014 TCS NYC MARATHON

November 13, 2014

November 13, 2014 | By Erin Spaulding

I had the honor to witness the magic of Achilles International from the front lines of the

2014 TCS NYC Marathon. To be behind-the-scenes of the world’s largest marathon, with 50,000 runners and 244 Achilles athletes from around the world, was indescribable! I hope to capture some of the inspiration that occurred through 5 boroughs on a cold, relentlessly windy Sunday in New York City.

I first got the word back in the spring from Achilles International that the Achilles CT Chapter would receive four sponsored registrations for our athletes. More than four athletes wanted to take on New York, so fundraising efforts went into high gear! Thanks to successful events with Fleet Feet Sports Stamford, and proceeds raised and donated from the Half Full Brewery’s Hop, Skip & A Run 5K in June, the remaining funds were available for us to send three additional CT athletes! Tony Allegretti, Joe Dowling, Krys Zybowski, Tom Stearley, Tom Branchaud, Rob DeLuca, and David Alejandro were the “CT 7” who began to train for 26.2, along with guides Jon Romeo, Michelle Currier, Dave Hayes, Alex Silverman, and Sue Grigely! John Plata, who resides in the Springfield MA, area, and has raced with the CT Chapter, also raced. John completed an impressive 26 NYC Marathons and even more inspiring, 47 lifetime marathons, which earned him free entry into the marathon!

Following behind John was Joe, the kind-hearted hand cyclist from Greenwich who would have raced his 16th NYC marathon were it not for the bitter cold and unforgiving winds. Tony, the mentor of the team, was in for his 4th, and David, the team cheerleader, was ready for his 3rd! Rob, who last ran NYC in 1986, was running as an Achilles athlete 25 years later! Krys, Tom S., and Tom B. were the first-timers, the ‘newbie’s’, and their enthusiasm was contagious!

Race day began in the dark, early hours on Staten Island; hand cycles and push rims were carefully loaded and waiting for the athletes at the starting line. Unfortunately, due to the high winds, the wheelchair start was moved from the upper deck of the Verrazano Bridge to the streets of Brooklyn. From there, Tony, Tom S., Tom B. and Krys fiercely fought the winds for the following 23.2 miles. Krys finished his first NYC Marathon in an impressive 2:11:53 and was reunited with his wife and son in the Achilles reunion area at the finish line! Tom S. was blown sideways on the Queensboro Bridge and twice-considered stopping, but he conquered the wind and finished his first NYC in 2:28:19, cheered on by his friends! Tony (who I later learned did the marathon with a broken rib!) finished in 4:31:01 and was reunited with his daughter and granddaughter (and a cup of hot soup) after the finish! Tony is like the “Mayor” of Achilles…he knows everyone and could be seen working the crowd and congratulating the athletes and thanking the staff and volunteers!

Tom B., our only push rim racer, finished his first NYC Marathon in 4:40:01 and was guided from mile 13 to the end by Sue Grigely. Meghann Hurley, his sister and nieces comprised his cheer squad! Tom, only in NYC for his 2nd time in his life, also enjoyed sightseeing while pushing in the marathon!

David Alejandro, Rob DeLuca and John Plata were CT’s ambulatory athletes who raced. David, who is visually impaired, was guided by veteran guides Michelle Currier and Jon Romeo (who also work together at an elementary school in Middletown). David finished in 4:33:03 and ran into the arms of his wife Tracey in the reunion area! Rob, guided by CT guide Dave Hayes and a guide from the NYC Chapter, crossed the finish line in 5:17:49! Rob’s wife Anja was there by his side and beamed with pride! John, along with guide Alex Silverman, stayed strong on the course and finished his 27th NYC Marathon in 9:58:23! Congratulations John on this amazing accomplishment!

In between cheering for our CT athletes as they finished, I was humbled watching some of the Achilles legends finishing their race. I got to congratulate Dick Traum, the CEO and Founder of Achilles (and trade a few jokes). I gave Sarah Heller a warm cup of soup. I helped get “Backwards Bill” Reilly’s wheelchair out of the van. Did you check him out in the latest edition of Runner’s World and see his interview on the news? The Achilles staff and countless volunteers worked tirelessly and like a well-oiled machine. The AWD Family Reunion area was busy, crowded, emotional, cold, and inspiring. And I was honored to be part of the magic!

We Love NY!

October 30, 2014

October 30, 2014

Ready or not… here we come! Achilles CT athletes and guides are heading to the New York City Marathon!

Best of luck to Krys Zybowksi, Joe Dowling, Tom Stearley, Michelle Currier, David Alejandro, Tom Branchaud, Tony Allegretti, Rob Deluca, Dave Hayes, and Jon Romeo.

Several of the Achilles CT athletes are making their NYC Marathon debut including Tom Branchaud, Tom Stearley, and Kryz Zybowksi.

Rob Deluca is making a return for his second NYC Marathon with his first being back in the 80s! Michelle Currier is returning for her second NYC Marathon as a guide. Tony Allegretti (5 NYC finishes) and David Alejandro (3 NYC finishes) will also be representing Achilles CT as NYC Marathon veterans.

Jon Romeo, ten NYC Marathon finishes, will be running NYC for the fifth time as an Achilles Guide. Joe Dowling has more than a dozen NYC Marathons under his belt, while John Plata, a NYC Marathon legend, will be participating in his 27th NYC Marathon.

As always, thanks to our leader, Erin Spaulding for her amazing coordination to make this race a wonderful experience for our athletes and guides. Erin will be volunteering at the race expo on Saturday and then working the finish line (and cheering on our athletes) on Sunday.

HJ Hoffman Sponsors Achilles CT

October 13, 2014

October 13, 2014

Do you LOVE our neon Achilles CT shirts?

If so, thank our sponsor HJ Hoffman for making us shine!

H J Hoffman provides apparel and accessory printing and support services for corporations, non-profits and events. What services? Whatever helps you get your project completed successfully. Design. Artwork cleanup. Fabric, brand, style and printing selection guidance. Merchandising. Private labeling. Fulfillment.

Thank a Volunteer!

October 9, 2014

October 9, 2014

For every hour of running that takes place during the upcoming Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K Run, there are countless volunteer hours put in by an incredible group of people.

Please take some time out of your race weekend to thank one of the many men and women who make it possible for an event like this to take place!

Paralympic Sports Day

October 7, 2014

October 7, 2014

Join old friends and make new ones at the upcoming Paralympic Sports Day co-hosted by Wheeler Regional Family YMCA and Gaylord Sports Association!

The event is being held on Sunday, October 19th at the Wheeler YMCA located at 149 Farmington Avenue in Plainville from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Call or email to register: April Rodrigues at 860-793-9631 or at april.rodrigues@ghymca.org

How to Prepare the Week before a Marathon

October 5, 2014

October 5, 2014

Check out the following tips from Nathan Freeburg at www.minneapolisrunning.com

The final week before a marathon can be exciting! Months of training have prepared you for your marathon (or half marathon). You’ve done the long runs, completed the workouts and are almost through the taper.

If this is your first marathon, you’re probably feelingexcited, nervous, and a little apprehensive. If you’ve done these before, you’re probably feeling excited, nervous, and a little apprehensive. The marathon does that to you – beginners and seasoned pros alike.

In my final week of preparation for my fourth marathon, I surveyed my running buddies to gain valuable insights from dozens of collective marathons. Here are some tips for your final race week preparations.

Relax

One of the best things you can do now is chill. Assuming you’ve worked hard and followed a good plan, this week is about rest and short easy runs to stay loose.

Get Extra Sleep

Obviously runners attempting a marathon need more sleep. I have found (anecdotally) two – three nights before might be the most important. Stockpile sleep! If you can’t sleep the night before because of nerves, don’t worry.

Eat Smart

You’re probably used to eating whatever you want. Lay off that second dinner or late night snack this week. No need to gorge yourself. Also, avoid high fiber foods or anything fried. Only predictable foods!

Carry a Water Bottle

Sip on water during the day, and monitor your pee to stay hydrated. Seriously. Urine too yellow? Drink more. Crystal clear? Back off. You’re looking for a lemonade shade.

Get off your Feet

Now isn’t the time to tackle that home project. Go about your normal routine, but get off your feet whenever possible. Run as per your taper, stay still and relax.

Study the Course

If you live locally, you’ve hopefully been able to run at least part of the race course. If not, try to study the map provided by the race organization. Better yet, run it, bike it or drive portions of it. This is helpful so you’ll know where the hills are, where the aide stations are, and porta potties.

Finalize your Race Strategy

Do you plan to hold one pace or run the second half faster? Negative splits? Planning to get paced by a Pacer? Regardless, rehearse it in your mind, monitor how you’re feeling on race day and adjust accordingly.

Have a Race Logistics Plan

Plan the following now.

*Pre and post race transportation. It’s hectic at the start. How will you get to and from?

*Sweats check and post race bag. Consider what you’ll want immediately before and after your race?

*Help friends and family pick spots to cheer. Let them know where you’ll likely need a friendly face and help them navigate the course.

Try Nothing New

Race week isn’t the time to try new shoes, new hydration strategy or new racing shirt you purchased at the expo. If it hasn’t been tested through the rigors of your training (from gear to food), don’t change.

Reflect on Your Hard Work

A successful training cycle might be more difficult than the actual race. It goes quick (as grueling as it is). Different moments from your training will become part of your total marathon memory.

Whatever your goals, whatever the outcome, you’ve worked hard to get here. Do your best, don’t quit and take pride knowing you’ve done something difficult.

A Blogpost from Natalie

October 3, 2014

October 3, 2014

This blog entry was written by Natalie Kronick in her blog entitled “Try 2 Serve.” Natalie is an Achilles Guide and accomplished triathlete!

Labor-day weekend I had the amazing honor to guide my first athlete through her longest

run of the season at the New Haven Road Race 20k (More like a ½ Marathon Run). This fabulous lady has had a seriously long battle dealing with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and has undergone 58 (yes, 5-8) major surgeries over the last 20 years to get to where she is today. She was completely paralyzed from the head to toe on her right side and had to re-learn how to walk, talk, her coordination and how to write. She is every bit of an all-encompassing warrior-ess who not only is lucky to be alive today, but is out to show the world that if you keep trying and keep training, you can overcome the worst!

Monday morning was by far, the most humid / hot day of my running career. By 7 am, it was already 72 degrees (F) and humidity was around 90%. Now, I know, all of you folks who live in the South are probably laughing at me. But seriously, September in Connecticut is so bizarre. I mean, we have our share of hot and humid over July and August, but this is getting ridiculous. Anyways, pressing onwards. I got my Achilles ‘Guide’ shirt out and was so excited to wear it! It only got used once on a training run a couple of months prior. Got my racing glasses and my cap (didn’t want the sun in my face all day) and a THROW AWAY WATER BOTTLE. (Yes, I’m still venting about my water belt… haha!)

Jen (my awesome athlete) was ready to go at 7am and we were off. Got into New Haven around 8am to get sufficient parking and to take our time getting around, bathroom breaks (there would be a few) and do a little dynamic stretching. Now, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I literally had to pee like 3 times before this run. I wasn’t even RACING! My bladder just knows when there is a race going on or something. Probably the fact that the heat was up to almost 80 deg by race start and I kept drinking water. Oh well. Jen would laugh because I wasn’t alone in this situation. 😉

Now, Jen had run the Hartford Half Marathon in 2013, so I had every confidence in her this fine morning that she was going to do great. She would tell you otherwise, and I had to lull her back into the startup field (J/K) but we had a good plan to start out REALLY EASY and build up. Of course, you get going and you realize, “wait, I have to slow down. Not gonna maintain this pace!”. She went right into an 11-min pace (after telling me she was a 13-min) Way to fake me out, Jen! 😉 You know you’re faster…. I think she was trying to get rid of me from the beginning. (We had a lot of running jokes to dull out the pain on this course. It was SO HOT!!!)

Well, as it was, we eventually settled nicely into her long-distance pace and she was a hustler. Really kept it going. We hit a few hills in the first 3 miles and she just pushed through. For someone who tells me her coordination is not so great, she ran in miraculous straight lines. Not ONCE did she have to lean on me! That’s a praise-report right there.

Flashback to April when I started training with her at our Wed Night group: she had a hard time running without holding onto shoulders for a bit and could barely stand on 1 leg for balance for more than 3 sec. This is just epic progress!!

Now, regardless of going fast or slow on any long run, 12 miles is still 12 miles. It hurts

around mile 9.5 and those last 3-ish miles are always a big mental barrier. It’s not far, but your brain wants to shut down and make you stop. You have to use your body brain to tell your mental brain to just shut up and go! The body is VERY capable of taking on a lot of pain, but it’s not comfortable. So, naturally you want to stop! Thus, I had to pull out all stops to keep Jen in the ‘comfort’ zone (as if ‘comfortable’ was even an appropriate word at this point). We agreed on a plan of run / walk for 1 min on, 1 min off until the end. The last bit of course was primarily flat, so we just kept pushing on. Later, she would tell me that I actually helped her get out of her head and focus on the time. We dreamt of frosty cold beverages and ice baths. We briefly spoke of the fact that we were kicking butt before most people were getting out of bed for the day. And then, the last 1/2 mile came upon on and the finish line was there and we hustled! Then, just like that, we were DONE!

If there is one thing I learned on this endeavor, it’s that Jen is no longer a ‘survivor’; she is a ‘living warrior’! She is taking on the task of running the Hartford Half this October and I have every hope in the world that she will continue to amaze and inspire!

No matter where you are in life, you can reach your goals if you set your heart and mind in the right place. It takes time, but eventually, you get there. Slow and steady, folks…. slow and steady.

Team Achilles Connecticut Pre-Race Party

October 2, 2014

October 2, 2014

The Achilles Connecticut family of athletes guides, and friends came together for a pre-race celebration to prepare for the upcoming NU Hartford Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K.

Go Achilles!