It’s the eve of the big day in Columbus, Ohio. The Capital City Half Marathon, The Patrón Quarter Marathon and the Commit to Be Fit 5k are Officially SOLD OUT at a Cap of 13,000 athletes. There is the familiar buzz of anticipation, excitement and anxiety in the air around town and in the voices of the runners I have known for months now. It’s been building all week
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| MIT 13-Min. Pace Group Winter/Spring Session 2012 |
During a race week, no matter where you are, it is very common to feel anxious and wound up in anticipation of race day. It is important to relax, though. Worry and tension create fatigue and sometimes illness. So, I have been reminding the runners in our group to take some time this week to do whatever most relaxes them. I remember being completely terrified for my first half marathon, nearly unable to function (I’m really not kidding), but looking back there was no need to stress myself out so much. I followed the same training plan as them, and I made it through – it was the single greatest accomplishment of my life thus far. I have no doubts that the 13’s will also look back on their race with fond and proud memories. Believe in yourselves, ladies and gentleman – because I surely believe in you!
- HAVE FUN – I’ve had a blast with you on Saturdays so don’t stop enjoying yourselves now!
- RUN YOUR OWN RACE – We’re not in it to win it. Our victories come from achieving what others may have said we couldn’t, conquering our inner fears or accomplishing something amazing.
- HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR TRAINING AND IN YOURSELF – You can do this. Myself and the other coaches have every confidence in you. You are prepared. You are ready. You will succeed!
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| Cool shirt commemorating the Bicentennial! |
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| LOVE THIS! Front. |
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| Back. |
And hang out with the best running friends ever?
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| Nita, Judi & Me |
And I must day, Cap City does it right. The Diamond Cellar, yellow tail bubbles Sparkling Wine and New Balance provided a unique opportunity to upgrade your Capital City Half Marathon registration and get the total VIP experience! We were both grateful and ecstatic for the opportunity. I for one was not disappointed. It was so much fun.
The Total VIP Experience:
| Doesn’t Michael take lovely pictures of my back side? |
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| Love the race shirt! It’s the city’s bicentennial. |
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| “Yes, Sara, Champagne does count as carb-loading!” – Judi |
Now that the day is almost here, I am sad I’m sad I have decided not to run tomorrow. With my knee injury, being sick for two weeks and just resuming physical therapy and training this week, I decided it would not be smart for me to run. I haven’t had a solid long run this season, no more than eight miles, and I just feel like I am extremely under-prepared for this race. NO MATTER HOW MUCH I WANT TO RUN, I SHOULD NOT. Please tell me I am doing the right thing. I’m pretty bummed, not running is always hard to handle. Especially for me.
I will be on the course – start, middle and finish – tomorrow to cheer everyone on! I can’t wait. It’s the next best thing to running. 😉 Still, I will miss being out there with all of you who are running.
Until the next mile marker,
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Love all the pictures and the recap. Looks like you had a wonderful time and so well-deserved.
Sara, you are such a good coach and cheerleader. I felt like you were writing this post for me when I read it! I hope you have a fun time on the course, cheering on your Lucky 13s and I know you will be filled with joy for all of them.
You are right not to run, and I know it is hurting you… but think of the future and what fun lies ahead of you.
And congrats to your giveaway winner too!
I’m sorry it turned out this way, but I think you are making a really smart choice. Hopefully the extra time to heal will get you back on the road soon.
Sara,
I know this is hard for you, but you made the smart choice. You will be back stronger than ever soon!!!
Love you!!
Kim
You made the right choice and I love your positive attitude to be out there and support the others. There will be another race to race, with no injuries!
Trust me…you made the right decision to not run this one. You ARE covering the fall half marathon while I cheer, right???
I’m sorry I didn’t see this before the race. You definitely made the right decision! You will be able to come back stronger as a result! Plus, your cheering was exactly what I needed at the end!
I just love that singlet! It was great cheering with you!