VIPing It with Cap City

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


Race Day is finally here! In less than 24 hours, the Lucky 13’s will have crossed the finish line of another half marathon as another session of MIT comes to a close. For many, it is their first half marathon and I couldn’t be more excited about being on the course to cheer for them. They’ve worked hard for this day since December. They’ve trained for months in wind, rain, cold, a little snow and even some warmer temperatures. I couldn’t be more proud of you and the accomplishments they have made. I have watched them conquer what once may have seemed like an impossible task – they’ve run the miles, shown up before the sunrise on Saturdays and kept up training during the week, even when they were feeling discouraged, down, ill or injured.

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!


Remember these three things, if nothing else:
  1. HAVE FUN – I’ve had a blast with you on Saturdays so don’t stop enjoying yourselves now!
  2. 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.
  3. 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!
All this being said – let the party begin! 😉

My co-coach and friend Judi and I hit the expo last night:


After all, who can refuse a great opportunity to SHOP for running gear?

Cool shirt commemorating the Bicentennial!
LOVE THIS! Front. 
Back.



And hang out with the best running friends ever?

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:

The New Balance VIP Official Cap City Jacket. Very nice – black with a sleek logo on the back.

Doesn’t Michael take lovely pictures of my back side?


Love the race shirt! It’s the city’s bicentennial. 


At the Cap City Celebration Lounge you receive the official Yellow Tail Sparkling Wine Flute with race logo that you may fill up as many times as you like during the Cap City Health & Fitness Expo. 


“Yes, Sara, Champagne does count as carb-loading!” – Judi
  
An invitation to the Champion Panel and VIP Reception from 6–8pm on Thursday, May 3 for the Official toast to kick off the 2012 Capital City Half Marathon.


Free race day parking.

Access to the VIP Tent with catered breakfast and lunch and private bathrooms.


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.  
Best of luck tomorrow, friends. Have fun, believe in yourself (I do!) and run your own race! I can’t wait to hear all about it. Run well, run strong, run safe and stay hydrated. Rest up. Tomorrow is going to be a great day! 🙂


Until the next mile marker,
  

Comments

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

  3. Kimberly Turner Bouldin says

    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

  4. 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!

  5. Trust me…you made the right decision to not run this one. You ARE covering the fall half marathon while I cheer, right???

  6. RunningMandy says

    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!

  7. Jessica Alaimo says

    I just love that singlet! It was great cheering with you!

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