The main reason is because we are able to use MTSU’s facilities for our Start and Finish areas. And although we don’t use the football field, we DO use the same parking lot where the Blue Raider fans park and tailgate. In order to provide ample parking for our athletes, we don’t schedule The Middle Half on the same day as an MTSU football game. The official football schedule isn’t announced until early Spring. And of course, there’s the track and soccer schedules to work around too!

Because of traffic issues, we also try to hold the race during MTSU’s Fall Break to eliminate students’ excuses for not being able to get to class. Usually there is no home football game during Fall Break, but not always (see last year).

This year we marked off the weekend of October 2 early when we learned that Middle Tennessee Medical Center was officially opening their new location. Why would that make a difference? As our presenting sponsor, they provide all of the medical care and equipment on race day, not to mention our Wellness Tent with post-race massages. Not only will every available ambulance be used to transport patients that weekend, but also our course runs right past the old hospital building … not the best day to do that!

Other considerations: Murfreesboro Parks & Rec events, other local race dates, other events in Murfreesboro, and the weather. OK, that last one is something we can’t plan on, but we DO aim for some time in October; the temperature is starting to get a little cooler, and October is the driest month of the year in Murfreesboro…. hope I didn’t just jinx it!

So we’re not procrastinators, we just want to make sure we’re picking the absolute best day for your race!

Janet Cherobon of Rome, GA, a past 8-time NCAA Div. II All-American and 3-time National Champion, set The Middle Half female course record with a time of 1:18:18. She has also run the fastest half-marathon (female) ever in Tennessee, with a time of 1:14:30 at the 2009 Germantown Half Marathon. She has a personal best in the half marathon (1:12:22) from the 2009 Indy 500 Mini-Marathon. She also won the 2007, 2008, and 2009 ING Georgia Half Marathons, and the 2009 Green Bay Marathon (in 2:37).

Jacob Korir of Richmond, KY, is now a two-time champion of The Middle Half – winning both the 2008 and 2009 races! He set the male course record in 2009 with a time of 1:07:26. Korir was the 2008 Mayor’s Cup Champion, a multiple-time NCAA All American who placed 3rd in the 5000m at 2008 NCAA Indoor Championships, 4th in 10,000m at 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships, and earned the 2nd Fastest NCAA Division I times in 5,000 and 10,000m in 2008. He was also twice named to the NCAA All Academic Team.

The Murfreesboro Half Marathon is extremely proud of these elite athletes!

Poster dimensions are 11 in x 17 in., free with a donation of $10.00 or more, (limit 2 posters per person).

Be sure to get your packet early, as only 110 of these exclusive posters were made!

Don’t forget about your arms! Using your arms to help you push through, especially on hills, is the best way to maximize your effort. Pumping your arms and increasing your arm-swing will help your arms and legs work together…getting you farther!

Don’t stop running while you are going up a hill: It actually takes more effort to walk up a hill than to run at a slow pace.

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Of course you know to drink lots of fluids the day of the race. But you need plenty of fluids everyday leading up to the race. Avoid alcoholic beverages!

In the last four days leading up to the race…make sure you save two of those for resting!

Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) is a proud sponsor of the Middle Half Marathon! Take a second to read about a great opportunity to help further the education of the devoted nurses at MTMC who take care of you and your loved ones.
The Friends of Nursing Fund at MTMC supports nursing excellence by sponsoring first-class education programs and conferences by nationally recognized speakers to help nurses learn about the best practices in patient care.
This fund is so important because retention of nurses is a huge challenge. By investing the careers of these nurses, we help make MTMC a better place for everyone.
But the current financing through the healthcare system just isn’t enough. We need your help to be able to bring these educational forums to the nurses serving our community.
Help honor a nurse you know by donating today. Log on to their website and under “Ways to Give,” select “Make Donation.” When filling out the donation form, be sure to specify the Friends of Nursing Fund under the “Specific Fund” category.

State Farm’s 50 Million Pound Challenge is a FREE national health care initiative. In just under two years, The 50 Million Pound Challenge has helped more than one million Americans log more than 3.8 million pounds lost. The Challenge is not just about shedding those extra pounds, it is about uniting as a community and pooling strength and resources to overcome health problems that afflict us.

Online tools include a weight tracker, 30-Day customizable meal plan, online journal, activity tracker and Challenge teams to make fitness easier, more fun and free, thanks to sponsor State Farm.

Thanks, State Farm, for your sponsorship and for helping your neighbors get healthy!

Remember, once you get started, the temperature feels about 15-20 degrees hotter than it is. So if it’s 65 degrees when you finish, it will feel like 85. Think twice before you put on that long-sleeve tech shirt. It may feel good at 5 a.m., but it won’t be long before you heat up.

Getting tired of training everyday? Change your routes every couple of days to prevent your body from becoming acclimated and your mind from becoming bored.

Want to beat the heat during your last-minute training? Soak a bandana in ice water and then tie it around your neck while you run.

It’s good to get warmed up before a run by power-walking, but save the stretching for after.

Get off to a slow start: Saving your energy early on can lead to a strong finish!

Chow down on some complex carbohydrates the night before the big day. The nutrients in these foods will last you through your race in the morning!

Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) is a proud sponsor of the Middle Half Marathon! Take a second to read about a great opportunity to help further the education of the devoted nurses at MTMC who take care of you and your loved ones.
The Friends of Nursing Fund at MTMC supports nursing excellence by sponsoring first-class education programs and conferences by nationally recognized speakers to help nurses learn about the best practices in patient care.
This fund is so important because retention of nurses is a huge challenge. By investing the careers of these nurses, we help make MTMC a better place for everyone.
But the current financing through the healthcare system just isn’t enough. We need your help to be able to bring these educational forums to the nurses serving our community.
Help honor a nurse you know by donating today. Log on to their website and under “Ways to Give,” select “Make Donation.” When filling out the donation form, be sure to specify the Friends of Nursing Fund under the “Specific Fund” category.

When buying, look for maximum support. Your sports bra should keep motion to a minimum. A typical bra is neither sensible nor comfortable for long runs. Also, search for the right fabrics. Look for sports bras with moisture-wicking fabrics to cool your body and that stretches for comfort and proper fit.

To determine which type of bra will work best for you as you gear up for The Middle Half, come see me (Krista) at Fleet Feet Sports in Murfreesboro.

Krista Dugosh, owner of Fleet Feet Sports in Murfreesboro, is a Board Certified Pedorthist, which is a footwear specialist who solves problems in or related to the foot and lower limb. She is an expert in fitting the correct shoe to your foot, and can recommend the correct insert if one is required.