When it came down to it, weather predictions weren’t at all favorable for the Capital City Half Marathon on Saturday. In fact, there was a heat warning issued on Thursday by the race’s medical director. I had decided not to run the race due to my knee injury and missing too many long runs (insert: everything seems to happen for a reason here) and was pretty bummed about it. I watched as the time goals of the runners I knew shifted from going all out for a PR to running based on feel, heat, humidity and hydration. I can’t say I was relieved I wasn’t running, but I did feel like if I had to sit out a race, this particular day was definitely a good one.
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| MIT Volunteer Crew, Cap City 2012 S Source |
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| Source |
We camped out literally right before the finish line – between mile 12 and mile 12.5. We were on an overpass where spectator support was lacking, but a steady incline definitely was not. The Cap City course changed this year to include a new finish line, and I would say it was definitely difficult. We were armed with cow bells, signs and lots of screaming to give runners that last push to finish the race. I was screaming out names on bibs as people flew by – “You can do it, Rachel,” “You’re really almost there, Tom,” “You’re looking great, Angie!” And on it went, for nearly four hours. Several of them looked startled when I called them by name, and some even looked appreciative.
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| Me & Jessica with our cow bells. |
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| Cheering! Source |
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| More MIT cheering! Source |
Who wouldn’t pick up the pace to run away from the two of us?!
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| “Come run with us, we promise you’ll have a blast!” (Thanks to the source) |
I was hoarse, tired and my knee was throbbing by the time it was all over. Still, it was nothing compared to what I saw on the course, people were passing out, stumbling around and throwing up behind bushes. Medical attention was readily available (especially so close to the finish line), though, so I know the people who were suffering got attention as soon as humanly possible. I think I counted four or five people go down just within my sight. There were some moments that were a little scary, but I’ll give it to the Cap City medical team and emergency personnel for working really hard to ensure no one was seriously injured or ill that I saw.
I am incredibly proud of the 13’s and my other running friends who ran it, especially the first-timers! NOT AN EASY RACE AT ALL!
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| Me, Amy & Duane. Amy earned a PR! |
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| Me, Nita & Duane. |
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| Sandy and Stacy during their FIRST Half Marathon! Source |
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| Wade and Shirley after their FIRST Half Marathon! Source |
Another huge Congratulations to these Lucky ladies. Julie and Sue ran their first full marathon on Sunday at the Flying Pig in Cincinnati. Love these girls – I am so proud of you both!
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| Julie & Sue – MARATHONERS! |
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I can’t tell you how fabulous, wonderful, delightful, splendid and perfect it was to see you and the MIT cheering section on that overpass near the end of the race when I was really exhausted. Such a great surprise. Thanks for all you do, coach!!!
Great spectator report! As a runner in that race, I can say, your location was perfect…exactly what was needed for me at that point in the race! Thank you!
This looks like a great race! Congratulations to Amy on her PR!
You know what that race needed? More cowbell!
Seeing your smiling faces at the overpass got me to the end. It was brutal but I just kept thinking of you telling me I would do it. Thanks for always being there when we need you!