So I figured that since Up & Running Again is now training for the Long Beach Half Marathon (October 2014), it was about time to post a race report about the Orange County Half Marathon (May 2014)…
 |
| Nova kids ready to go to the race expo! |
 |
| Saturday night banquet group shot |
Race day morning was EARLY, but they didn't come this far just to sleep in...they all made it!
 |
| Ladies from OCRM ready to go to the start line! |
 |
| All of the runners! |
We hopped on a shuttle, found our way to the start line, and then we were ready to go. Slightly nervous, but ready...
 |
| Sandra, Ashley, and Kelsey |
I ran with Sandra, as we had been training together and she asked me to stay with her during the race. She is a natural runner, able to push herself when needed. She started off a bit faster than I would have recommended, but it was downhill and cooler in the morning, so I let her run about a 10min mile for the first 5 miles.
 |
| Ocean view! |
We slowed down on purpose beginning at mile 6.
 |
| About 8 miles in, time for a selfie! |
The first part of the race (as I'm sure my fellow runners will understand) was pretty easy for Sandra.
 |
| Past the 8mi marker, feeling good! |
 |
We've run in this neighborhood before!
(10 and 11mi training runs around Back Bay) |
About 8.5 miles in, the race really started for her. The beginning of the run endorphins faded, and it began to get difficult.
 |
| Almost at mile 9. Determined. |
Despite having a side ache, she still kept a smile and a good attitude.
 |
| Working through the pain! |
Throughout her training, Sandra's race mantra was "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). I continually encouraged her that when she was having any difficulty running, to remember that she presses on in His strength, not her own. This got her through many tough training runs. There's a team called "413" and we passed a guy wearing the shirt. This gave Sandra an extra boost!
In training, Sandra missed the 8, 9, and 11 mile training runs. She ran the 7mi training run at a 10:48 pace, and the 10mi training run (which was more hilly) at a 10:25 pace, so I wasn't concerned about her finishing 3.1 extra miles. She's a fighter, and she even pushes up the hills!
 |
10 mile marker!
(Sandra's elbow on the left) |
As we came up Dover, she definitely felt the hill, but was smiling for most of it.
 |
| mile 12 |
Despite the hill, miles 11 and 12 were under a 12min mile pace - not bad!
 |
| Yes, it's hard. But it will be worth it! |
She pressed on, and made it up the hill pretty well!
 |
Yeah, we're gonna to the left,
thank you very much. ;) |
As she approached the finish, she kicked it in.
I'm so proud of this girl for her hard work, perseverance, and running her first race ever!
 |
| Done! |
Her family came to greet her at the finish (mom, brother, and kids).
 |
| Family support! |
She was so happy to see her kids!
 |
| 3 sons and 1 daughter |
We headed back towards the finish line to cheer on the rest of the runners (stopping for a photo opp on the way).
 |
| Amber & Sandra. Nice job, ladies! |
This was supposed to be a video… Basically she said that she can't believe she did it, and was so proud of herself. I knew she could, and she did a great job!
 |
| Explaining the race... |
She managed a 10:48 overall pace (10:38 by my watch). Amazing. According to the official results, she ran the same pace as her 7 mile run! This girl is awesome! See data from our race here on Garmin Connect.
 |
| Official Results |
I'm so proud of Sandra for how she's grown, not only as a runner, but as a person. God has really changed her life for the better. And although she appreciated having me there as a coach, I received just as much of a blessing by getting to coach her through her first race.
Now, on to the next race!
