2013 UnitedHealthcare Marathon Athlete Guide

TO BREAK A SWEAT

TO FEEL BETTER

TO ENJOY BETTER HEALTH

TO HAVE FUN WITH FITNESS

TO SWING INTO MOTION

A body in motion tends to stay in motion … running, jumping or dancing to improved health.

At UnitedHealthcare, we encourage every body to get in motion, work up a sweat, feel the burn – and enjoy the benefi ts of good health. We’re honored to sponsor the Newport Marathon and congratulate all the participants in the 2013 UnitedHealthcare Triple Crown of Running.

©2013 United HealthCare Services, Inc. Insurance coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affi liates. Administrative services provided by United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affi liates. Health Plan coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare of New England, Inc.

UHCRI656890-000

uhctriplecrown.com

UnitedHealthcare Marathon Athlete Guide | October 2013 3

WELCOME 2013

Dear Athletes,

UnitedHealthcare is proud to be the sponsor of the 2013 Newport Marathon/Half Marathon/5K series. I feel this event is very important as it raises awareness of the health benefits of running and regular exercise, and helps people in communities across Rhode Island live active, healthier lives.

We are not only honored to sponsor the full marathon and 5K this year , but the half marathon as well, which is part of UnitedHealthcare Triple Crown of Running. This unique running series, which also includes events in Providence and Jamestown, takes runners through the most iconic and breathtaking land-scapes in Rhode Island. So whether you are a Rhode Island resident or visiting from out of town, you can appreciate all the state has to offer. We hope that you will take the opportunity to learn more about this race series at www.uhctriplecrown.com.

At UnitedHealthcare, we’re constantly developing great tools for both members and non-members alike to live healthier and happier each day. We encourage you download our OptumizeMe® mobile application, an interactive, motivational application that allows users to create health challenges or join existing ones. It

is available for free on Windows® Phone 7, iPhone® and Android® devices and allows you to network with friends and co-workers or link to existing social networks to create new fitness challenges. You can also post to Facebook® and encourage each other with direct in-app messages. We think this is a great way to get and stay motivated and hope you think so too.

Once again, we are proud to sponsor the 2013 Newport Marathon/Half Marathon/5K series and wish all the participants the best of luck.

Sincerely,

Stephen FarrellChief Executive OfficerUnitedHealthcare of New England, Inc.Employer & Individual

WELCOME2013 UnitedHealthcare Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k

4 UnitedHealthcare Marathon Athlete Guide | October 2013

FRIDAY OCTOBER 11

ON-SITE REGISTRATIONPACKET PICK UPHEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Easton’s Beach - West Lot175 Memorial DriveNewport, Rhode Island 02840

SATURDAY OCTOBER 12

UnitedHealthcare 5k

6:00 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. registration

7:30 a.m. race start

Brenton Point State ParkOcean DriveNewport, Rhode Island 02840

ON-SITE REGISTRATIONPACKET PICK UPHEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Easton’s Beach - West Lot175 Memorial DriveNewport, Rhode Island 02840

SUNDAY OCTOBER 13

PARKING & SHUTTLE SERVICE

5:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

UnitedHealthcare Marathon ParkingSecond Beach475 Sachuest Point RoadMiddletown, RI 02842

UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon ParkingAquidneck Corporate Park31 John Clarke RoadMiddletown, RI 02842

UnitedHealthcare MARATHONUnitedHealthcare HALF MARATHON

6:00 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. registration

8:00 a.m. race start

Easton’s Beach175 Memorial DriveNewport, Rhode Island 02840

POST-RACE FESTIVALBEER GARDEN

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Easton’s Beach Expo Tent

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2013

PACKET PICK UPRunners are HIGHLY ENCOUR-AGED to attend the expo to pick up race packets on FRIDAY OR SATURDAY.

Race packet, goody bag and t-shirt pick up will be available the morning of Sunday, October 13, but, because of the number of runners expected, we strongly ad-vise all participants to plan ahead and pick up their race packets on Friday or Saturday at the Easton’s Beach West Lot tent.

ARRIVE EARLYSince there is no parking at the race start, we are providing com-plimentary parking and shuttles to the start. Please allow PLENTY of time to get to the parking lot, board the shuttle, travel to the start and stop off at bag check.

EXPO PARKINGThe Health & Wellness Expo will be conducted at the Easton’s Beach West Lot at 175 Memo-rial Drive in Newport. There is plenty of parking at the Beach for FRIDAY AND SATURDAY ONLY. There is NO PARKING at the Beach on Sunday. It is recom-mended that all participants attend Friday or Saturday packet-pick up to avoid any delays on race day.


RACE DAY INFORMATION 2013

PARKINGThere is NO parking available at the start and finish area at Easton’s Beach.

There will be complimentary parking for all participants at des-ignated parking lots. In order to accommodate the number of runners, there will be separate parking lots for the marathon and half marathon participants.

Full Marathon participants MUST park at Second Beach at 475 Sachuest Point Road in Middletown, RI.

Half Marathon participants MUST park at the Aquidneck Cor-porate Park at 31 John Clarke Road in Middletown, RI.

Please see the parking maps on page 8 and 9.

SHUTTLESComplimentary shuttles will provide continuous transportation for athletes and spectators to and from their respective parking lots from 5:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on race day.

GEAR CHECKRunners can check their gear at the race start area at the Easton’s Beach Rotunda. Runners must have their bib to retrieve their gear following the race.

RACE TIMING INFORMATIONThe UnitedHealthcare Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k will use the B-Tag timing system. This is a disposable timing tag that is attached to the back of your race bib. All runners will receive their B-Tag at registration.

TIME LIMITSThe race course will be secured for six hours. The time limit to finish the UnitedHealthcare Marathon is six hours while the time limit for the UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon is three and one half hours. Walkers are welcome so long as they complete the course within the time limits.

MEDICALCoastline Ambulance and RI DMAT (Disaster Medical Assis-tance Team) will be located along the course.

AID STATIONSHalf: mile 2, 4, 6.5, 8, 9.5, 11, 13

Marathon: mile 2, 4, 6.5, 8, 9.5, 11, 13, 15.5, 17.5, 19, 20, 21.5, 22.5, 24

Gatorade located at all aid stations from mile 6.5 on.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDSFor the Half and Full Marathon participants.

• Top 3 Open Men/Women

• Top 3 Men/Women in each age group: (19 and under), (20-29), (30-39), (40-49), (50-59), (60-69) and (70+)

• Medals will be given to all finishers of the UnitedHealthcare Marathon and UnitedHealthcare Half Marathon.

SPECTATORSThe post-race recovery area will be located at the finish line area at Easton’s Beach. The post-race celebration will include music and a recovery area with food and one complimentary beer at the Narragansett Beer Garden for all participants of legal age.

Food Trucks will be onsite for spectators to enjoy!

PHOTOGRAPHSFinisherPix will be photographing the entire race. All runners will be photographed. To view your photo, enter your bib number at www.finisherpix.com, or visit amicamarathon.com following the race. Enlargements can be ordered through FinisherPix. Ad-ditional race photos will be published on the UnitedHealthcare Marathon Facebook page immediately following the race.


MARATHON PARKING 2013

FROM THE NEWPORT BRIDGE

Stay STRAIGHT at end of the bridge towards Middletown.Turn LEFT onto Admiral Kalbfus Road.Continue STRAIGHT on Miantonomi Ave.Continue STRAIGHT on Green End Ave. (through two traffic lights).Turn RIGHT onto Paradise Ave.Turn LEFT onto Hanging Rock Road.Second Beach parking lot is on the RIGHT.

FROM WEST MAIN ROAD

Head South on West Main Road towards Newport.Turn LEFT onto Miantonomi Ave.Continue STRAIGHT on Green End Ave. (through two traffic lights).Turn RIGHT onto Paradise Ave.Turn LEFT onto Hanging Rock Road.Second Beach parking lot is on the RIGHT.

FROM DOWNTOWN NEWPORT

Head South on America’s Cup Ave towards beaches.Continue on Memorial Blvd.Stay LEFT continuing on Aquidneck Ave.Turn RIGHT onto Crescent Road.Turn LEFT onto Purgatory Road.Continue on Paradise Ave.Turn RIGHT onto Hanging Rock Road.Second Beach parking lot is on the RIGHT.


FROM THE NEWPORT BRIDGE

Stay STRAIGHT at end of the bridge towards Middletown.Turn LEFT onto Admiral Kalbfus Road.Continue STRAIGHT on Miantonomi Ave.Turn RIGHT onto Valley Road.Turn LEFT onto Johnny Cake Hill.Turn RIGHT onto John Clarke Road.

FROM WEST MAIN ROAD

Head South on West Main Road towards Newport. Turn LEFT onto Miantonomi Ave.Turn RIGHT onto Valley Road.Turn LEFT onto Johnny Cake Hill.Turn RIGHT onto John Clarke Road.

FROM DOWNTOWN NEWPORT

Head South on America’s Cup Ave towards beaches.Continue on Memorial Blvd.Stay LEFT continuing on Aquidneck Ave.Turn LEFT onto Valley Road.Turn RIGHT onto Johnny Cake Hill.Turn RIGHT onto John Clarke Road.

HALF MARATHON PARKING 2013

REGISTER FOR OUR OTHER EVENTS AND

USE CODE: NPT2013ER

NEWPORT MARATHONWEEKEND SPECIAL!

REGISTER FOR OUR OTHER EVENTS AND

USE CODE: NPT2013ER

NEWPORT MARATHONWEEKEND SPECIAL!


FACES IN THE CROWD 2013

We asked our runners why they were run-ning the 2013UnitedHealthcare Mara-thon and Half Marathon

STEPHEN VASSALLOIt’s a question most runners have heard at least once or twice in their lifetime, in fact it’s a question I’ve asked myself on occasion. Until this year I’m not sure I really had an answer, but now when I put on my running shoes and hit the road there seems to be a bit more purpose.

Chase Kowalski was a runner, in fact he started at the age of 2. He was also a triathlete, and by the age of seven had already competed in several events throughout Connecticut, AND WON! On December 14 2012 in a little town called Sandy Hook I watched, as I’m sure most people did, a tragedy unfold beyond all comprehension. Twenty six people, most of them children between the ages of 6 and 7, where taken from us in a senseless act of violence.

The horror of the event gave way to pain and unbearable sadness as I learned that Chase was among them. This hit par-ticularly close to home as Chase was the only son of Steve and Becky Kowalski, friends of mine.

Steve and Becky’s lives changed forever in an instant But in spite of the unimagi-nable devastation they were now being confronted with, they set their sights on making sure Chase would be remem-bered and they found a way to honor his memory and his love for running.

They started a foundation in Chase’s name whose goal it is to help bring fami-lies and communities closer together. In that spirit Race4Chase was established. A group of runners who to this point have logged tens of thousands of miles and raised nearly $60,000 towards The Chase Kowalski Memorial Foundation. When we run we bring Chase with us, some of us wear him on our shirts, some of us carry pictures or wear wrist bands, but where we go he is there.

So that’s why I run.

Race4Chase at: www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/Ste-phenVassallo/millionmiles4chase

TEAM GUZZOTEAM GUZZO is running in honor of Rob Guzzo. Rob was a graduate of Portsmouth High School and the State University of New York (SUNY) Cort-land who after the attacks of 9-11 enlist-ed in the Navy to become a Navy SEAL. Assigned to SEAL Team Five, Rob was soon deployed to Ramadi, Iraq during the peak of combat operations and served as the primary communicator for his team. He was awarded the Navy Commenda-tion Medal with Valor for his actions in combat and returned from Iraq in April 2007. Unfortunately his personal battle had just begun. Rob was diagnosis with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

and probable Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and unable to manage his pain, ended his life on Veteran’s Day 2012. “Guzzo” as he was affectionately known was a son, brother, nephew, father, and friend deeply loved by many. Learn more at www.facebook.com/RobGuz-zoMemorial.

To honor and celebrate Rob’s life, doz-ens of family and friends from across the country will attend the United Health-care Marathon on October 12th and 13th. They will participate as “Team Guzzo” at all levels of the event’s 5K, half marathon, or marathon in an effort to raise funds for the Rob Guzzo Memo-rial marker. During the runs there will be a boot relay where member’s of TEAM GUZZO will carry Rob’s boots from Iraq for short periods throughout the courses, handing them off to the next team mem-ber.

TEAM GUZZO is running to increase awareness of PTSD and raise funds for a Rob Guzzo Memorial Marker. The mark-er will be placed at Portsmouth High School where Rob starred as a linebacker for the varsity football team and goalie for the varsity hockey team.

A LESSON IN LIFE I am a young 33 year old father of two married to one of the most independent driven woman I can ever imagine. When I first met my wife, freshman year of college, I had no idea how someone can have that much passion and love for life at such a young age. After meeting her mother I figured out why.

My wife’s mom Sherry lived by three simple words, Create. Preserve, Protect. She looked at everyone she encountered and every task she embarked on as a new adventure in life, challenging herself with each. She was a successful business woman starting, owning and operating three of the industry leading hotel hos-pitality directories in the world. Build-



ing gardens of such splendid glory it challenged and resembles in many ways the great palaces of Europe. Educating and raising three remarkable women into strong amazing people. Luckily for me my wife emulates her in every way.

Four years ago almost to the day Sher-ry was faced with the biggest challenge of her life. At the age of 53, with her youngest daughter at the age of 12, she was diagnosed with terminal brain Can-cer. At best the doctors gave her 4-6 months to say goodbye to the life and world she had created around her. That is not where the story ends, that is where it began. I was able to watch and support when needed, Sherry battle for over three years. She lived each day to the fullest making memories with her grandchil-dren, continually pushing her daughters to be great women and building and in-vesting in her legacy. After fighting to the last possible moment the Cancer took her from the world.

She created a lasting impact on those she loved through her gardens, her compa-nies and her life lessons. She preserved her legacy, her family’s legacy and left behind a world far more beautiful then when she came into it. She protected her children and grandchildren from the harsh realization of death by fighting with such determination that it inspired all around her.

So for my part how can I take the les-

sons she taught me, the gifts she gave me through my wife and children and con-tinue to show the world what it means to be a true citizen of life? I RUN! Before this year I did not run much. I spent a few season back in high school running around a track or up and down a lacrosse field but nothing of any consequence. When I run I feel I am embodying the life lessons she taught. I am improving on myself, pushing myself to the limit and striving again and again for a personnel best. I am teaching my children what it means to live a healthy life style and set high goals and expectation enjoying the successes and improving upon the short-falls. But most of all I feel I am continu-ing and honoring her memory through being a spokesperson to those who are willing to listen of the need to support the research to battle Cancer. It has touched us all. I run, my children give hugs, but unfortunately for my wife and too many like her she cries. Do what you can no matter what.

JOSEPH SULLIVANI am 31 years old, own a business called Crescendo AV, and I am from Warwick, RI. In the past few years, a great friend and customer of mine got me into dis-tance running, and I have taken it to the extreme in 2013.

Training started in the cold months of January and February for what would be my 2nd Boston Marathon. While training out on the streets, I was in physical ther-apy twice a week for tendonitis in both of my patella tendons. My therapists at Boston Sports Medicine in Allston, MA had quite the task fixing me every time I showed up broken, but with their un-derwater treadmill and laser therapy, they always had me back on my feet...literally. The day came, April 15, 2013, and I was more than ready. After a beautiful start, I was on track to beat my goal of a sub 4 hour marathon. With .2 miles remain-ing, the bombs went off, all runners were

stopped, and we were told to go home, confused, distraught, in pain, and heart-broken. It wasn’t until I got back to my apartment in Allston that I realized the severity of what had happened, and my heart ached even more for the innocent people that were hurt and killed, people who came out to cheer complete strang-ers like myself on during those last cou-ple hundred yards. I received a projected finish time from the B.A.A. of 4:13:32.

A week later I received a call from a gen-tleman at Dick’s Sporting Goods, invit-ing me to join them for their marathon in Pittsburgh, to finish what I had started in Boston. Dick’s flew me and 36 others out, drove us around town in limos, put us up in a beautiful hotel a block from the start and finish lines, and wined and dined us. We were treated like celebrities amongst the running community. With our infamous bright blue and yellow Bos-ton Marathon jackets on, we posed for countless pictures, and were interviewed for many twitter postings and radio sta-tions...it was purely amazing! May 5th, 2013, me and the Boston runners made our way to our corrals, the weather that morning was perfect. I got off to another amazing start, my mind being kept occu-pied by all the live bands that were setup all throughout the course. Having never been to Pittsburgh, it was such an amaz-ing way to see the city and its bridges! In Boston, 21 days prior, I ran for the Bos-ton Children’s Hospital, and decided to wear my team’s singlet with my Boston number on my back. During the whole run, runners from all over congratulated me for being there, which in turn pushed me to run harder and faster. One runner in particular will stick out in my mind forever. He recognized the singlet, in-troduced himself, and asked if he could run the last mile next to me. I asked him why, and he told me that his daughter, at the age of 11 was diagnosed with cancer, and she had received all her treatments at the Boston Children’s Hospital. That day, she was 15, cancer free, and he said she would be honored to see me with her



dad heading towards the finish line. And let me tell you, there wasn’t a dry eye around as we passed by for some hugs and high-fives! I finished in 4:22:28.

With all the emotions that were running through me, I decided to sign up for Unit-edHealthcare Triple Crown. So, 7 days after Pittsburgh I ran the 1/2 Marathon in Providence at a time of 1:42, and had such an amazing time before and after. After taking some time to relax and heal up, I ran the 1/2 Marathon in Jamestown in July at a time of 1:43... I blame the hills for being a minute behind my Providence pace! Today I am writing this email to you, sitting on my couch relaxing, after finishing an 18 mile run. I’m at it again! I will be running the NYC Marathon on November 3rd, 2013, for the Boston Children’s Hospital again. During my training I have the final 1/2 Marathon in Newport next weekend. This one will be a great reminder of how amazing it is to run with so many talented people, and will be such a great boost of confidence to prepare me for running NYC. All I can say is I better be seeing a finish time of 1:42 or less, but that responsibility is on my shoulders!

JAMIE HAWKINS: A LIFE BETTER THAN THISI remember it as if it were yesterday. It was a cold, rainy, bitter Thanksgiving Day in November of 1995. By this time my drinking was so out of control, the bottle had left me a homeless drunk in the streets of New York City. I also de-veloped an insatiable appetite for heroin and cocaine. This was a crazy, fucked up time for me. This particular day was sig-nificant because it was the day I realized I had a serious problem and I really needed to do something about it.

My alcoholism led me to living in the streets, eating out of garbage cans, and stealing my way through every day to get enough money to feed my addiction. Al-though I felt horribly sick, I still remem-

ber two things: I can have a life better than this. God has to have a better plan for me. For this I was certain, because I was not dead.

I was so sick that day from the cold and the heroin that I couldn’t even make it to the homeless shelter on 3rd Avenue to get a free Thanksgiving dinner. I wanted to call my mom, but I couldn’t remember her phone number. I tried information, but I came up short again. I called my sister Joan and asked her for my mother’s phone number. Reluctantly she gave it to me.

On December 2nd I woke up on Ninth Street, where I usually slept. I was re-ally tired. I don’t know what came over me that morning, but I said a prayer. I said, “God I don’t want to live like this any more, please help me” I got up and walked to St. Marks Place, one block away. I walked about half way down the block. I could see people in the basement of a building. I decided to go in.

I really thought I could steal someone’s leather coat, or a purse. There was some potential to make some money there. Little did I know, but I stumbled into a newcomer’s meeting of a twelve step program. This was to be the turning point in my life.

I once heard someone say “tell the truth even if your top lip is quivering.” Well,

I called my mom that day. I am not re-ally sure what came over me, but I de-cided to be completely honest with her. I told her that I lost everything through my abuse of drugs and alcohol, includ-ing: My wife, my house, all my belong-ings, and my will to live. Do you know what its like to want to be dead, but dis-appointed because your not? That’s how I felt.

I would drink and drug myself to obliv-ion every night, and when I woke in the morning, I was disappointed because I was still alive. I sincerely needed help and I asked her for it. My mom was a

recovering alcoholic herself; She too had once hit bottom and offered her love and support. She called the Grand Central Station in New York and made arrange-ments with the ticket agency for me to get on the train and come home to Rhode Island.

On December 4th 1995, I came back to Rhode Island. I detoxed on my mother’s couch in her one bedroom apartment. I was really sick from the lack of drugs and alcohol that my body was craving. I couldn’t eat solid food, I stunk, I was a skeleton being held up by my reek-ing skin, and moreover, I wanted to die. I knew if I had one more drink, or one more shot of heroin I would be ok. Part of me wanted to run; however part of me knew I had to stay. All I could do was to lie on the couch and drink warm tea and soup and hope that it would stay down. I had the shakes and the cold sweats. I was a real mess.

All this time I was thinking maybe I should just leave. Maybe I should steal my mom’s stereo, her TV, and her mon-ey while she sleeps. I could go back to the city where I belonged, knowing I would die a junkie in the streets. Instead I prayed with my heart of hearts that I get through this and hopefully, eventually things would get better. A few days had passed and mom told me that I was going to have to find a place to go. She gave me one week to get myself into a program, or I would have to leave.



During the day I would call half-way houses and tell them my situation, in hopes they would have a bed for me. Beds fill up quickly in the half-way houses in the winter. As soon as the cold weather starts to come around, people don’t want to be living in the streets. I did call this one place in Pawtucket and spoke to a man named Joe. He told me he was full and probably wouldn’t have a bed available till February.

I was getting discouraged; I knew my time was limited and my mom want-ed me out. I was also starting to feel a little better. By this time I really set my mind on getting clean and sober. I would sleep a little now, and I was starting to get my appetite back. My family started coming around asking questions. I was a little hesitant at first, but I told them the truth. I felt ashamed. Ashamed for what I had done to myself, ashamed of what I had done to them. I let myself and them down.

The next day, I ‘m not sure what came over me, but I picked up the phone and I called the house in Pawtucket again. I spoke to Joe. Desperately I reiterated the fact that I really needed help, and a so-ber place to stay. I know now that the grace of God entered my life, as he told me that he had a bed available for me. I could move in the next day. My prayers were being answered right in front of me.

I moved into the halfway house Decem-ber 8, 1995. I carried with me all my worldly possessions that fit into a knap-sack. I was on the road to recovery. I was told that I had to go to recovery meetings, I had to find work after one month, and I would see a counselor once a week. One of the first questions I was asked was “Are you willing to go to any lengths to stay sober?” At this point in my life I was.

Slowly, one day at a time, my life was starting to get better. I was told to take a year and really get to know Jamie, build a spiritual foundation with a higher power,

stay sober, and I would have a life be-yond my wildest dreams. I continue to pray daily and I go to meetings and my life continues to get better. They didn’t lie to me.

I started running while i was in the half-way house. At the time I could only man-age to get around the block. I was so excited when I made it around 1 block without stopping. I continued on my journey of recovery and running. Another milestone was to complete 1 mile. Then I set my goals on a 5k run. By the time I was one year sober i had completed my first 5k run. I weighed over 200 pounds. and I was making changes in my life that stayed with me for many years. I started eating right, losing weight, running, bike riding and exercising regularly. in my third year of sobriety i completed thirteen 5k runs.

I continued my running and eventually worked my way up to my first 5 miler, then the 10k. running has helped me stay sane and sober since 1995. it helps me get in tough with a spirit that is greater than me and i am one with the universe while I am running. in 2009 i started do-ing Crossfit. I set out to do a little more extreme trail runs. I completed my first tough Mudder, then I set my goals on the spartan runs. I did the Spartan sprint 5 miler, the I completed the Spartan Beast 14.5 miler.

I set my sights on completing a 1/2 marathon. In 2012 I completed my first 10 miler. i did a few 10 miler runs and wanted more. I completed my first 1/2 marathon early 2013.

I continue to run longer distances and set new goals for myself. in 2012 I com-pletely changed my eating habits to a strict vegetarian diet and was inspired by ultra marathon runner Scott Jurek to run farther and train harder. I was running farther than i had ever done. 14 miles, 15 miles, 17 miles. I completed my first 26.5 miler at the age of 52. I never thought i would complete that milestone. I am en

ex junkie, who lived in the streets and ate out of garbage cans, now I am sober seventeen years, a vegetarian, and i am down to 164 pounds. The 2013 newport marathon id going to be my first official marathon. My goal is to complete it, dont get hurt, and have fun.

FARRAH SOUSAA year ago if someone came to me and said: “Farrah..in approximately one year from today. . you will be a week out from participating in your first half mara-thon” My response would be: “Get the (bleep) outta here!!” Truth is..I was 175 pounds.. The only work outs I did was brisk walking from store to store in malls doing “power shopping”..I have never been athletic. Never participated in orga-nized sports. When my birthday passed in February of this year. .I said enough is enough..I was not liking the overweight person looking back at me. I started to eat clean, change habits, and make a commitment to the gym. In March, I registered for my first 5k in April. Ad-mittedly, I was that person that couldnt run down my block without stopping to walk, regain breathing control, and just mentally breaking down. Preparing (in a month) seemed like a daunting chal-lenge. When race day came in April, I linked up with my cousin Charlene (a experienced runner). I remember walk-ing to the race with her and she asked me “What is your goal” and my response was “To complete the race without stop-



ping!!” She then replied “Why would you stop” I began to explain to her the lack of breathing control inhibits my suc-cess at running. She then gave me the advice that literally changed/altered my running experience. She said”when you feel like you can’t control your breath-ing start singing the song your hearing.” As the race began. I used her trick. Yes-ssss..It was working!! But then the men-tal demons started to surface. I wanted to give up for no reason. .Then, a Katy Perry medley of songs came on.. and that pushed me thru. To this day., I attri-bute successfully completing that race to great advice and Katy Perry. That race launched 5k fever for my cousin and I. This summer we decided to train for this marathon. Every two weeks conquering a new mile milestone. My story simply put..is a girl that never did anything fi-nally being determined to do something. I lost 35 pounds. I am confident, proud, and have this new mental and physi-cal toughness. People say “why would you want to do all that running???” and I laugh. . and say “because I’m crazy!!”

CHRISTINA MONTII am very excited to share my running story with you! I never thought I would be completely my seventh half marathon! I was not an active child, and unfortu-nately suffered weight issues and self-esteem issues. I didn’t get into running till college after a roomate invited me to go out running with her. I never thought I

could do it, but we went to Salve Regina and went on a two mile run on the cliff walk. I never felt so good, and took on the challenge of running my first 5k!

I continued to just run 5k’s, not even at-tempting to go beyond the 3 miles, till after I had my first child I signed up for a race thinking it was a 5k, but miss read the registration and it was a 5 miler! I didn’t know if I could do it, but I crossed the finish line with my little boy smiling at me, and realized, you can do anything if you put your mind to it! That spring I ran my first half marathon in Provi-dence, and haven’t stopped! My biggest achievement was completing a half-mar-athon 3 months after having my second son!

I hope both my children see that you can do anything, and they have the same am-bition that I have!

BJ PRICEGary Kane and I have been running bud-dies for many, many years. This photo was taken at last year’s OUC Orlando Half Marathon in Orlando Florida. Gary has run the Orlando Half Marathon every year since its inception - 36 times. Last year Gary was injured so we walked it, and had a great experience if not a great time. We were given maps when we fell behind the pack and got to see how the aid stations are packed up and the volunteers climb on buses at the end of their shifts. We walked through down-town Orlando’s familiar neighborhoods on the course and race officials periodi-

cally checked in on us. And we finished before the official cut off time of 3:30! This photo is featured on the promotional materials for this year’s race.

On one of our regular weekend morn-ing runs this spring, I decided I wanted to run a marathon on my 40th birthday and Gary agreed to join me. It will be my 18th marathon but my first in over 5 years. We’ve trained all summer in hot and humid Florida. We chose the race in Newport, Rhode Island because neither of us had run a marathon in Rhode Island and because we liked the beer sponsor, Narragansett Beer. Beer is a key ingre-dient in our race preparations. We’re looking forward to running the beauti-ful course and drinking beer when we’re done. You’ll be able to find us behind the back of the pack.

BILL ODENDAHLI ran the Providence Marathon and Jamestown Half Marathon races, and my wife ran the Providence Half and James-town.

My two daughters, age 9 and 13, compet-ed in both half’s so far, and are already registered for the Triple Crown. They will finish in Newport.

Christina is now 10 years old. She ran a 2:48 Half in Jamestown (she was still 9 at the time), which is pretty good given the temperature and the hilly course.


SHADOW SOLDIERSWe have 3 Soldiers from the RI Army National Guard currently serving in Afghanistan that will be “shad-owing” our UHC Newport Marathon and Half Marathon. They will be attempting to complete the distance while serving overseas. For accomplishing this incredible goal, we provide them with the usual race swag and finisher’s medal. Good luck and thank you for your service.

COL. CHRISTOPHER M. BURNSDanbury, CT

Any previous experience running a race?

Run all the time half marathons, 10K, 5K

Any goals for your race? Either in time or personally?

I am motivated to run the Newport Mar-athon since this is the state our unit is from and it would be great to know that I ran a half marathon in AFG that is mir-ror run for Newport and then run it next year when we are home. The farthest I have run are two full marathons. My goal is to enjoy the run and think about the actuName: Christopher M. Burns


Run all the time half marathons, 10K, 5K


I am motivated to run the Newport Marathon since this is the state our unit is from and it would be great to know that I ran a half marathon in AFG that is mirror run for Newport and then run it next year when we are home. The farthest I have run are two full mara-thons. My goal is to enjoy the run and think about the actual course as I run on the treadmill. I like the idea of running it as well since it is something to look forward to.

LT. COL. JOHN BENTOWarwick, RI


Ran the Newport ½ Marathon about 5-years ago. Also ran several local 5K and 10K races.

Any goals for your race?

My goal is to walk the ½ marathon. Two knee surgeries and multiple knee inju-ries last year has made it difficult to get back into racing. I’m hoping this accom-plishment will help prepare me for ruck-marching the Boston marathon in April on behalf of a fallen Soldier.al course as I run on the treadmill. I like the idea of running it as well since it is something to look forward to.

SGT. 1ST CLASS ADAM PETRONIOSeekonk, MA


Couple of 5k’s.

Farthest run is approx. 9-10 miles. Re-cently, the farthest is about 6 miles. I don’t really keep track, until I get bored or return to starting point.


To improve pacing, fitness, and cardio in an austere environment. Looking to cover same distance only at 6,000 ft el-evation.


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SPONSORS2013 Partners & Sponsors

THE MARCH OF DIMES

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for BabiesSM, the March of Dimes seeks to improve the health of babies by working to eliminate birth de-fects and premature birth and fighting to lower infant mortality.

THE GRODEN CENTER

The Groden Center Day and Residential Programs enhance the lives of children and youth with autism, behavioral disorders, and developmental disabilities, and their families. We foster greater in-dependence and inclusion through provision of intensive learning and living environments where our students can achieve a balance across all life skills. The Center is dedicated to understanding the developmental needs of its children and youth, investigating the most effective educational and treatment strategies, and contribut-ing this information to the related fields.

CHARITIES2013 Charitable Partners


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Documents

2013 UnitedHealthcare Marathon Athlete Guide