Grit, Growth, and 13.1 Miles: HWS 222 Takes on Their Half Marathon

Results of HWS 222 Marathon Training

HWS 222 Marathon Training: One of Binghamton’s Coolest Classes Just Went 13.1

Today, students in HWS 222: Marathon Training didn’t just talk about endurance — they lived it. After a full semester of training, learning, and logging miles, more than 30 Binghamton University students lined up to run a 13.1-mile half marathon as the capstone to their course.

It’s fitting that this class was recently highlighted by Binghamton University as one of the “25 of the Coolest Classes You Can Take at Binghamton” — because today, it absolutely lived up to that title. Binghamton University

Some students cruised confidently, some battled through tough patches, and some crossed the line surprised by just how far they’ve come since week one. All of them finished the semester more experienced, more confident, and with a story they’ll be telling long after grades are posted.

A “Coolest Class” That Actually Makes You Move

In the Binghamton University blog feature on cool classes, HWS 222 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with scuba, fly fishing, Taylor Swift, robotics and more. Marathon Training gets special love for the way it meets students where they are, with training plans tailored to individual goals and a strong emphasis on: Binghamton University

• Running technique and form

• Nutrition for training and racing

• Time management and balancing life with long runs

If you’ve ever thought, “I could never run a half marathon,” this class is designed to gently prove you wrong — in the best way.

You can read the full write-up here:
👉 Binghamton blog – 25 of the Coolest Classes You Can Take at Binghamton
https://www.binghamton.edu/news/blog/story/5137/25-of-the-coolest-classes-you-can-take-at-binghamton Binghamton University

What HWS 222 Is Really About

According to the official catalog description, HWS 222 is for students who want to participate in a marathon or half marathon and are ready to commit to a real training process and “create a plan for success.” The course blends lecture and practice so students aren’t just racking up miles — they’re learning why those miles matter.

Over the semester, students dive into topics like:

• How to build a structured training plan with progressive long runs

• The role of aerobic conditioning, strength, and flexibility

• How to fuel before, during, and after long efforts

• Mental strategies for pacing, confidence, and race-day nerves

• Balancing training with academics, work, and life

There’s even a short video about the course and its philosophy here:
🎥 HWS 222 / Marathon Training video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNwOVq34-AU

And for the official course listing, you can check the catalog entry:
📄 HWS 222 – Marathon Training (course description)
https://catalog.binghamton.edu/preview_course_nopop.php?catoid=2&coid=19433

Race Day: Fall 2025 Half Marathon

All of that planning, reading, logging, and reflecting came together today on the course.

Students arrived with nervous energy, pinning on bibs, stretching, checking their watches, and trading last-minute strategy: “Start conservative.” “Take water early.” “Don’t race the first 5K.”

Once the race started, the theory from class quickly turned into practice:

• Those who respected their early pace had fuel left for a strong finish.

• Smart nutrition and hydration strategies showed up in steady, even efforts.

• Mental skills and self-talk from class helped carry people through the toughest late miles.

And of course, the course was lined with volunteers, classmates, and supporters, plus big encouragement from teaching assistants Ella and Kellie, who helped lead workouts and keep everything on track all semester.

By the Numbers: Unofficial Course Results

Here’s a quick snapshot of how today’s half marathon shook out based on the draft results:

• Total students registered: 33

• Official finishers with recorded times: 22

• Fastest finisher: ~1:34:33

• Average finishing time: ~2:11

• Median finishing time: ~2:10

• Students under 2 hours: 6

• Students under 2 hours 30 minutes: 19

• Students under 3 hours: 21, with one determined finisher coming in just over the 3-hour mark

The numbers only tell part of the story, though. What they don’t show are the high-fives at the line, the “I didn’t think I could do that” smiles, and that quiet moment of I earned this when a medal goes around a very tired neck.

Why This Class Sticks With People

If you browse student discussions about HWS 222, you’ll see a common theme: it’s demanding, but it’s also one of the most memorable experiences students have at Binghamton.

The class gives you:

• A concrete, long-term goal (13.1 or 26.2 miles)

• A structured plan to get there

• Accountability through a community of classmates

• Tools you can reuse for future races or general fitness

• A new sense of what you’re capable of when you commit to something big

For many students, this is the first time they’ve followed a full training cycle from start to finish. The finish line becomes more than just a grade — it’s proof that they can set a big, scary goal and see it through.

Gratitude All Around

To the students who ran today:
You showed grit, patience, and perseverance all semester. Whether today was your first half marathon or one stepping stone on a longer journey, you’re now officially more experienced runners than you were in August — and that will always belong to you.

To Ella and Kellie:
Your leadership, consistency, and support made an enormous difference this semester — for both the class and the instructor.

To the volunteers and supporters on course:
Races don’t happen without you. Your presence, cheering, and steady watch helped keep everyone safe and motivated.

Thinking About Taking HWS 222?

If you’re a Binghamton student wondering whether you should sign up:

• You don’t have to be a fast runner.

• You do need to be ready to train consistently.

• You’ll learn a ton about your body, your mind, and your limits.

• You’ll finish the semester with a story few people can tell: “I trained for and completed a half marathon — for class.”

Check out the Binghamton “coolest classes” feature, the course catalog, and the video linked above if you want a sense of what you’re signing up for — and then, if it speaks to you, take the leap.

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