My weekend began on Friday night after work at the Spirit Award Reception that I was fortunate to attend with nine other well-deserving individuals. I also picked up my race packet, which unfortunately did not include much more than the race shirt, but I was too excited about the reception to care!
![]() |
||
Dave, Me, Michael and my Dad |
![]() |
Me and my Dad with my award. |
![]() |
My award and purple flowers from the office! |
Saturday I spent the day relaxing, getting my gear ready and clothing ready and continuing the battle against the cold that started on Tuesday. I spent the evening napping and was up almost all night Saturday and into Sunday morning with horrible stomach issues. Not how I planned to start my race morning! I knew when alarm went off at 4:45 a.m. after about 1 hour and 45 minutes of sleep that I was in trouble – and my stomach was still cramping.
They were all sporting anxious and excited smiles by the time I got there:
The Lucky 13’s Ready to Race! |
![]() |
Duane, Judi (it was her birthday!) and Me |
![]() |
Me and the Birthday Gal |
![]() |
Me and my sister Mollie. |
After a whirlwind of pictures and final preparations, we were off with the rest of MIT to the start line. Believe me; you don’t miss over 700 runners and walkers parading to the staring corrals together – just one of the things I love about training with MIT! The race-day logistics are all pre-planned and all you have to do is show up on time at the meeting spot and follow the crowd! I don’t think I would know how to get to the start of a race on my own! 😉
![]() |
Ready to run?! |
Pretty hot close-up, right? I’m thinking, “Who is that close to me snapping a picture?!” Imagine my complete and utter surprise when this is what I saw:
![]() |
Sasquatch?! |
Yes, folks, that would be our fearless leader running right along side of us, bringing smiles (and maybe tears?!) to young and old alike! It sure put a big smile on my face and reminded me above all else – HAVE FUN!
![]() |
Me and Keri coming into Mile 8. |
![]() |
Smiling for Dad! |
The finish line shoot and Celebration Village was packed. We got out of the way and made it to the MIT tent where my dad, husband, Mollie, Duane and the rest of the Lucky 13’s were waiting. It was a victorious celebration – swapping race stories, taking pictures, and taking advantage of post-race ice baths and massages (Thank you MIT!). So many of the 13’s PR’d – I have never been more proud of a specific group of runners. Congratulations to each and every one of you!
![]() |
Me and my sister Mollie at the MIT tent. |
Kelley, Me, Duane and Nita |
Per my Daily Mile recap, which I wrote soon after the event:
This wasn’t the best race for me running-wise, but I had so much fun! Half Marathon #7 done! A little slow and painful due to stomach issues, but I wouldn’t have finished without my Lucky 13’s and the fabulous and funny Keri, who met up with me at about Mile 7 and we finished together!! Thank you to my Dad who was a Mile 8 to cheer us on with water and Gatorade. It was also great to see my husband at the Finish Line – thank you for being there, honey! 🙂
CONGRATULATIONS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO RAN COLUMBUS TODAY! I am so happy and proud of you all and so thankful to have you all in my life. Thank you to everyone who cheered me on, called me name and told me not to give up today. It was a tough race, but I did it and I am happy about that! Another great season of MIT – thank you for all you do to keep us happy, healthy and prepared to run! I’m already looking forward to next season!!
Congrats Sara! Sounds like a wonderful day. That pic of the home stretch brings back memories. I was so thankful for the downhill but afraid I’d fall at the same time!
Thank you for sharing your race recap with us Sara! You are so positive and strong. You pushed through a lot during the race and had fun along the way! I loved reading this! Congrats to everyone that you raced with…it sounds like it was a great day for many! and congrats again on the well-deserved award!!
Wait, that was Jeff in the monkey suit? Amazing!
Congrats on your award, Sara!
Ah, that sent before I was done typing.
Congrats on your award, Sara! You look lovely in your skirt. 🙂 You are rocking the 13.1 distance. Your next race is the Goofy?
http://justrunninginohio.blogspot.com/
Great Job!! You are such an inspiration! 7 Half Marathons is incredible!! I love reading your blog, it keeps me going, and makes me want to join MIT and be able to run with such an amazing group of people.
Congratulations! You deserve it!
Congrats on your award! And great job on the half!! Ha! Sasquatch! That is funnny.
Somehow I never saw Jeff in that costume but the pictures have been cracking me up! Congratulations on the award! Totally worth it! The friend I always walk with stayed home because she felt like you did. I hope you are recovering well!
Nice work!! You are so inspirational, great job!
Fantastic recap, Sara! I am sorry that you weren’t feeling well! I have run a race like that (Cleveland marathon) and it sucked. 🙁 Congrats again on the award. You are an amazing woman & I am so glad that I have gotten to know you through MIT, daily mile & facebook.
((HUGS)) & love!
Kim
Great recap! Congratulations again on the spirit award! You look very happy in the post race photos, never would have guessed you had a tough race! Congrats on another one in the books!
Congratulations on a great race and an amazing award!