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In 2013, the race moved into Chicago along the lakefront path. I was one of the race's ambassadors initially, but later took over as the program manager of the Chicago Half Marathon Challenge. I ran this race for free, but I wasn't there to race anyways.
I was there to help dreams come true.
I've paced Jenny last fall when we ran our second marathon together and it was a fantastic experience. Yesterday was the first time I helped runners achieve their first half marathon and it was a life-changing experience. The weekend started Friday with the expo. I picked up my swag-a-licious athlete's bag. Registration for this race is steep, but included a water bottle, shirt, yoga mat and bag.
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We started far back and took our time. I eventually paired up with Tracey and kept trucking through the miles. She had some challenges along the way, but we persevered throughout and kept moving forward. We did have to walk, but walking is still moving forward. It counts. A finish is a finish.
And each and every one of the ladies finished.
It was amazing to see all their hard work come to fruition and for them to find out how strong they really are. Afterwards, all the ladies got a PR medals, we had our boxed lunches, celebratory wine and photos. I also visited a physical therapist to get stretched out some of the ladies visited the medical tent.
I am so proud of Tracey for pushing through the pain to finish this race, her first half marathon. I hope that it's the first of many for her! I can't tell you how amazing it feels to know I helped these ladies in some small way enjoy the sport that's given me so much. Tracey made adorable Zooma cookies for the event as well as gave me this way too generous gift basket. I also got a sweet note and headband/flower combo from Samira, which touched me.
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9 comments:
how awesome!
So good to finally meet you! Great race!
Awesome! I ran with one of my good friends for her first half marathon finish last year at the Chi-Town Half. It was awesome to be there with her the entire way.
Your challengers definitely loved you! It was a well put on race, and great for beginners! I hope to be honored one day by pacing someone!
Aww this is great! Mike and I paced our friend during her first marathon, we each did half of it with her, and it was a great experience! I've definitely appreciated when people have paced me.
Sounds like an awesome experience!!! Glad you enjoyed it!
This was hands down one the best, most amazing experiences of my life. You played such a huge & important part in my journey. Your word in this blog put sooo many things in perspective for me. It was SO much more than the time that flashed on the finish line clock Saturday. After I got over my frustrations & disappointment and thought about all the things we talked about those last tough miles, it all clicked for me. My challenges surprised me, my ankle injury frustrated me but there you were reminding me I could & would finish. That I'm finally in the 1%...lol. I'm a half marathoner!!! You're amazing & incredible. You were my blessing. :)
This was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. Being chosen as the Zooma Muscle Milk Athlete and meeting all of you has changed me and my life. Saturday was SO much more than the time that flashed as I crossed the finish line. After all my challenges, my ankle injury, and then reflecting on all the things you and I talked about during those miles I struggled...it all clicked for me. You reminded me that I could and would finish. That despite things not going the way I envisioned that all that matter was that I finished. Things didn't line up for me and that's okay. You reminded me that I am in the 1%...LOL! And, I woke up a half marathoner. You were my shining star and blessing when I thought I was done. And, there are not enough words to thank you! My life is forever changed from this experience and the amazing people I met along the way.
I've never paced someone but it looks like a lot of fun!
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