TRAIN.
RACE.
EXPLORE.
December 5, 2023
Pre-Season Newsletter #1
WELCOME TO MIT WINTER/SPRING 2024!
Hey, Winter Warriors! I'm Hannah, Head Coach of MIT. I'm so glad you're here and that you took the leap with us.
Most of you have signed up for a Half or Full Marathon in the Spring, and you've committed to Winter training. You might not know what's in store this season, or you may have done this with us for years.
Regardless, you've chosen YOU this year. And I am SO dang proud of you.
MIT is so much more than our expert-developed training plans, fully-supported long runs, and best-in-class running and walking education:
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It's the high fives at the end of a new distance PR.
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The friend checking in on you after a tough workout.
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The text from your pace coach cheering you on at your race.
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The post long-run brunch (my personal fave).
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The tears of joy as you cross the finish line this Spring1
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The strength and confidence you build during endurance running and walking training.
It's a game-changer.
This season you will get to see what you're made of. You will find a sense of gratitude for your body and everything it can accomplish and overcome. You're going to tap into a confidence you never knew you had. You will dig deep and break down the walls of your comfort zone, and re-emerge a new, stronger you.
I'm excited for you to become the version of yourself that can do anything you set your mind to! The version that squashes doubt, embraces hardship, and conquers fear. The one that chases joy.
Are you ready to meet you? I am!
Read on for a note from the former MIT Director and now Owner of Fleet Feet Columbus, Jeff Henderson, and a host of information on what to expect in the coming weeks prior to our kick off run on January 6th.
Happy Running, Walking, Moving & Shaking,
Coach Hannah
NOTE FROM JEFF HENDERSON
Owner of Fleet Feet Columbus, Former Head Coach of MIT
Sixteen or so years ago I was asked to coach Marathoners in Training. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but the prospect of having a career that revolved around running was impossible to resist. I jumped head first, leaving behind a teaching career and eventually the high school coaching job I loved.
It was exciting, and yet equally, if not more so terrifying. "You're going to leave a stable teaching job to coach a bunch of marathoners?" I was asked frequently that first summer. I may not have fully appreciated it then, but I knew that by following my heart I was making the right decision.
Every time you lace up your shoes you are making a similar decision. It won't feel like it today, or tomorrow, but as you look back on what you are setting out to accomplish you'll see it. You have eighteen weeks of training ahead of you. You will have days when you question your motivation. You will have days you want to quit. Then there are other days that you will feel like there is nothing in this world that can stop you!
Never in my wildest dreams would I have guessed this journey would have brought me to where I am today. Little did I know it would change my whole life. Through this journey my parents and brother have joined MIT, and Andy now works alongside me. I met my amazing wife. We have two beautiful daughters. I have the most talented, caring staff I could ask for. I thought I was just going to make some folks faster, and look at us. now!
It will get harder before it gets easier. Keep lacing those shoes up. I've stood by and watched as thousands before you have made the same journey. The reward is worth it, and maybe it will exceed your wildest dreams too.
Change your life. One mile at a time.
THE MIT NEWSLETTER
A Hub for all MIT Communication.
The weekly newsletter will be a hub for all things MIT. It drops every Tuesday, and will be sent via email to the address you signed up under on RunSignup.com.
REGULAR NEWSLETTER INSTALLMENTS INCLUDE:
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MEMBER RESOURCE ACCESS: At the top of every newsletter you will find blue buttons that link to your training plan, Saturday workout calendar, Pace Group Facebook pages, race discount codes, and injury resources.
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NOTE FROM COACH HANNAH: I highly recommend downloading your training schedule and beginning your training NOW! Building base mileage in December will help you prepare for our kick-off run on January 6th. :) Please email me with any base mileage questions at hannah@fleetfeetcolumbus.com.
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WEEKLY WORKOUT HUB: Dates, Locations, Times and Mileage for our Wednesday and Saturday runs.
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FIT FOR LIFE EDUCATION: Curated & relevant educational articles by Sean Huffman and his staff at Fit For Life Physical Therapy covering topics from injury prevention to hydration & nutrition to mental health.
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TRAIN YOUR BRAIN: Bi-weekly mental health articles.
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MIT UP NEXT: Upcoming events, opportunities, promotions, and updates.
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MIT PHOTOS: Pics taken by Ryan Garcia and other MIT photo helpers will be linked week-to-week on our Flickr page.
FIT FOR LIFE PHYSICAL THERAPY EDUCATION CORNER
Meet Your MIT Medical Team!
Have you ever wondered about the elite level of medical care that collegiate and
professional athletes receive? The medical experts for these teams provide concierge
care for their athletes with immediate triage injury screenings, rapid access to physician
diagnosis, and prompt initiation of a return to sport rehabilitation program.
Have you ever wondered about the level of medical care that is available to each walker
and runner at Marathoner In Training? Well…it is the same elite care as those
collegiate and professional athletes, with immediate triage injury screenings, rapid
access to physician diagnosis, and prompt initiation of a return to sport rehabilitation
program.
Let’s meet the team!
This group, and many others, will provide weekly entries to the MIT Newsletter. These will keep you up to date on the latest in walking and running medicine.
There are several ways for you to contact us if you have questions about your health:
1. First, call or text Sean at 614-432–6401. He will help steer you in the right direction based on your concerns.
2. Second, simply click the Blue Button labeled “Injured?” at the top of the page and complete the Google form regarding your ache or pain. It will be routed to the appropriate person who will contact you.
3. Third, contact Fit For Life Physical Therapy for a Free Runner or Walker Injury Screen at our Lane Avenue, Polaris, or Hamilton Quarter locations. They will provide a quick 10-minute injury screening for MIT participants. The Fit For Life clinicians will review your symptoms, answer your questions, and assist you with advice for your next steps on the road to recovery. To schedule, please stop by or contact FFL at 614–981–1979.
Of course, we hope that you do not need any medical attention during the coming
months, but please rest assured that, if you do, you will be well cared for.
Thanks again for joining MIT!
Fit For Life Physical Therapy is proud to be the Official MIT and Fleet Feet + FrontRunner Sports Medicine Partner. We care for people of all activity levels — to help prevent, recover from, or rehabilitate athletic injuries.
Michael Sean Huffman MS, ATC, PT
Fit For Life Physical Therapy
MIT Operations & Medical Resources Coach
MIT Pacesetter
Sean.Huffman@FitForLifePhysicalTherapy.com
UGLY SWEATER RUN & SCAVENGER HUNT:
Saturday, December 16th at 9:00am
Location:
Fleet Feet OFFICE
867 North High Street, Suite A
Worthington, OH
PLEASE PARK ACROSS THE STREET AT THE REMAX BUILDING OR FIND FREE PARKING IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN WORTHINGTON.
Run Details:
WEAR YOUR UGLIEST CHRISTMAS SWEATERS! We will have a suggested 3 and 5 mile loops, but feel free to break the script and get creative with your scavenger hunt run. Coffee, Hot Cocoa, & pastries provided!
We hope to see you there!
MIT 2024 WINTER/SPRING KICKOFF RUN!
Saturday, January 6th at 8:30AM
Start the New Year & your training cycle off on the RIGHT FOOT! This is the first official workout of the season, and we HIGHLY encourage attendance so you can meet your pace coaches, learn trail etiquette, and win COOL THINGS!
Join us on Saturday, January 6th for the Kickoff of MIT's Winter/Spring Season!
Location:
Fleet Feet Lewis Center
1270 E. Powell Road
Lewis Center, OH
Run Schedule:
Half Marathon - 4 miles
Full Marathon - 8 miles
ATP (Advanced Training Program) - 10 to 12 Miles
Details:
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to find parking and use the restrooms. Pace Coaches will be in place carrying large blue pace signs. Find your desired pace and join the group!
Pop over to the New Balance table prior to the run to get a raffle ticket! Say hey to our friends at Salt Stick, Amphipod & CEP!
Stick around afterwards and celebrate our first day of training with bagels, snacks, coffee, beer (and N/A beer!), and to shop our EXCLUSIVE MIT Kickoff Sale!
NEW MIT MEMBERS:
Visit the NEW MEMBER Table (follow the signs) to say hello to our Member Experience Team! We can help guide you to the right pace group and answer any questions you have prior to the workout!
OHIO HEALTH STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES
SIGN UP TODAY!
Research tells us that having a regular strength training routine can help prevent injury and have a positive impact on your running and walking performance! Sign up for group strength training classes with Ohio Health! Open to all experience levels, these classes help runners and walkers of all ages, speeds, and backgrounds build strength and confidence. Up your run game by increasing your strength!