39 women from our half-marathon and marathon training groups gathered in Westfield, MA for the race on April 1st.
The Boys and Girls Club was a wonderful spot to get our gear together, stretch, and prepare for the race. Seasoned racers shared advice, everyone double-checked to make sure they had their number pinned on the front of their shirt, and lots of laughter helped calm pre-race jitters.
At 10am, the walkers started their race to enthusiastic cheering.
Then one hour later, the runners started as part of the largest field ever at this race - almost 900 of us!
We had perfect race day conditions: temperatures right around 50, overcast skies, and little to no wind. The course was beautiful, and the three hills in the first four miles were easy compared to our hilly roads in southwestern Vermont. Everyone finished feeling strong, some with smiles and cheers, others with emotions overflowing.
Every year I'm amazed at what these women have accomplished. They not only trained - outside - in freezing temperatures, snowstorms, sleet, rain, and the hottest March temperatures on record - but they also juggled family committments and work to make time for themselves. They made new friends, cemented old friendships, told stories of blisters and Gu, and through everything helped each other reach their goals.
As they cross through the finish line to the cheers of their family, friends and the group, they realize what they've just done. They not only walked or ran 13.1 miles today, but they accumulated over 100 miles of walking and running in their training this winter.
Finishing a half-marathon is a really big deal. Finishing it with your training group is amazing.
I'm not a hugger, but after a race I give out - and receive - hugs from everyone. Big hugs with lots of tears due to the range of emotions everyone is feeling: relief, pride, joy, amazement.
13.1 miles. Been there, done that.
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