The Spirit of Columbus Virtual Half Marathon

The actual Spirit of Columbus Half Marathon course begins at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Dublin, Ohio. The journey is down Riverside Drive along the Scioto River. Participants passed by Upper Arlington, Grandview and Perry Township arriving in Columbus to a view of the Columbus skyline. Athletes will enjoy a gradual downhill course certified with the United States Track and Field Association. This event took place on August 30, 2009.

As for my virtual event, it took place on August 29, 2009, in celebration of my son’s 24th Birthday. My custom made bib sported the # 82985 which is my son’s birth date. The location was in Griffith Park, located in Los Angeles CA. The course had a variation of fat, downhill, some small hills and (1) big hill, which I dubbed “the beastly one”.

Anyone familiar with the news in Cali will remember that due to various fires, the air quality was not cooperating with any runner that weekend. So, I can say that for the first (8) miles the air quality was tolerable. The remaining 5.1 miles were quite a challenge to complete. But, being a woman of my word and a stubborn one at that, I completed the distance.

This is my second Virtual event. I have to say that the savings is great. There is no Airfare, nor Lodging expenses involved in the investment. Best of all, you are very relaxed and well rested for the event.

The Enlightened Warrior’s 1st Race

It finally happened on July 26, 2009, San Francisco Marathon event. The journey took almost one entire year of training and endurance, but my daughter finished her first event. She even has the medal to prove it although she (almost forget to get it) after crossing the finish line.

Her Pre-Race preparation was as organized as her training. First she was not able to pick up her packet and goodie bag, due to a few unexpected auditions which came up. No matter, I figured out of way to pick it up for her, she was not dodging this one.

In checking her athletic attire, and equipment, I noticed many things missing. Her answer to all the questions about where they were was “I’m going to use yours”. It’s a good thing I brought an extra water bottle. Imagine that!

Despite all the dodging training and previous events, she did well. She only missed her target finish time by 2 minutes. But, you have to see her face in the picture of her crossing the finish line! Something is missing a “smile” maybe. After all, it was the finish the line.

I’m very proud of you “Enlightened Warrior”! You ran the San Francisco Marathon’s First Half-Marathon, the tougher of the two. And you can now say that you ran the Golden Gate Bridge. An additional token to compliment a very memorable event.

Next?

Electrolytes

Make sure you have enough to get you to the finish line. Carry extra rather than run out before you get to the finish line. I miscalculated and lost (22) minutes from my anticipated finish time. I just needed at least one to get me through the race. When mile 21 came upon me, I really needed electrolytes and had none. Needless to say the journey from mile 23 to the finish line was grueling.

If you do not want to worry or deal with carrying the electrolytes, there is another option.
Find out what they will be offering on the course, and train using the exact product. You will not have to worry, because you’ll be able to replenish at the water stops.

It’s not worth it and it is very painful, as well as disappointing when you miss your target finish time. After training six months, you want to perform your best, and finish strong. You don’t want to find yourself looking at yourself in a photograph crossing the finish line and swear, “That’s not me”. Trust me; I did not buy any of those photos.