Cap City Half Marathon Recap

What a day! I was asked 2 days before the Cap City Half Marathon here in town to pace the 16:02 pace (3 hour 30 minutes finish) time! What an honor! I was flattered to have been thought of by one of my fellow MIT peeps as someone who could pace. I was planning to do the Quarter Marathon anyway and a promise of a refunded race fee motivated me. My new this season walking partner, Dina, agreed to join me!

A 16:02 pace is about 3 minutes longer than I normally am so I was excited to be somewhat "leisurely" for my 5th half marathon. My time didn't get recorded but I got so many things! Here is me ready to go pace:



I was amazed while we were waiting to start how many thought I had become an "expert" in this race and pacing. People were telling me stories and hoping I'd keep them on track the whole race. Someone even asked for me to pose for a picture with them. One woman confessed that she had been diagnosed with tendonitis in her foot this week and thought she'd need to turn at the quarter. Did I think that'd be okay? I said of course it would but try to keep in for the half. I became a part of her race story as she stayed with us as much as she could. Towards the end, she almost didn't get there, but she dug deep and ran ahead of us and finished. The highlight of my day? Hugging her at the end and congratulating her on hitting her goal. It was the most amazing part of my day. I don't think I'll ever get an experience like that again.

I pace coached the walking group for MIT this season. The woman I walked the most with on Saturdays (Jean) kicked butt in the half! She is almost 63 and finished in 3 hours & 4 minutes! I so knew she could do it!!! I am just so proud!

Since this was a leisurely race for me, I snapped a few pictures:



Lane Ave. bridge near OSU campus.



These soldiers were carrying 55 lb ruck sacks to raise money for injured soldiers. They walked or ran the entire 13.1 half! It was great!

One of my favorite things was found at the expo Thursday night:


And a photo of my MIT walkers:


I am in the front of the group. Jean is behind me to the right and Dina is straight behind me. Awesome people and such a great day!! Each one of them had a great time and hit many goals! I was so glad to get to know them all and I look forward to training with them again. Emily, our youngest, is headed off to prom tonight after walking 13.1!

Dina & I are off to Cleveland next week for our half marathon! I am so excited and can't wait to file that report!