The running bug bit most of the Lifers a long time ago. We all love running and we’re each at a different level. Two of our Lady Lifers, Jenny Craig and Vicki Schmidt recently competed in a half marathon, which happens to be an extremely long distance that either for anyone to traverse. We are insanely proud of them and wanted all of the readers to know about their accomplishment. So here are their accounts of their time in the Indy Half Marathon.
Let it be noted that Craig and Schmidt did not ever see each other at the race, so their experiences are similar yet quite different.
“I ran the Indy Mini with the same group that I trained with to do the 2012 Chicago Marathon.” Schmidt explained. “Last year we thought our friendships were temporary...only to last the 18 weeks of training. Well, our whole group signed up to do this year's Indy Mini. We trained together for this race too, and celebrated with breakfast out after our training runs. We looked forward to being in Indianapolis together.”
“It seems like a pretty amazing feat,” Craig began. “Less than 5% of the American population ever finish a half marathon or better.”
Such a small number, yet thousands of people showed up to take part in the Indy Half Marathon.
Schmidt and the group that she traveled with enjoyed a carbolicious dinner in downtown Indy the night before the race. Talk was of nothing but the marathon as they excitedly chatted away about what they expected for the coming morning.
So in the wee hours of Saturday morning, both Craig and Schmidt rose from their warm beds and began to prepare for a very large mile stone in their lives.
There were people of all walks of life at the race. Craig said that she saw firemen and a SWAT team walking in full gear participating. And when a runner ran out of steam, others made no bones about stopping to lend a hand. They pushed, carried, and helped others stretch and get a second wind.
“Running the race with friends; what could be better? It was cool, overcast, and there was electric excitement in the air with beach balls bouncing around in the start corrals,” Schmidt recounted. “When the race was officially underway, my friends and I stayed together matching our pace. Everyone hits their grove at different times, and when your heart tells you, "this is your run...go for it," you just have to go.”
Along the course bands played to motivate the runners. There was also the Renaissance Faire, a group of belly dancers, people from nearby neighborhoods, cheerleaders from nearby schools, and cast members from the current Wizard of Oz Live show. These people all came out to cheer and support the runners.
"The best camaraderie I have ever seen in any race I have ever done,” Craig said. “People come to support us runners, for free, on a Saturday morning. They took their time and energy to cheer us on, play with their band for motivation, and get their group or organization out and about to show support and help motivate people to keep going. These people got nothing from coming out to support. They were not paid, not soliciting, not working. The only benefit is the most motivational run I have ever been a part of. I plan to do this run again...and again. I am officially an addicted runner."
Many businesses helped hand out water, Gatorade, and lend other types of assistance to the race participants. There were many paramedics and ambulance drivers on hand for any injuries or emergencies that may come about. There were tons of "Run for Boston" signs and T shirts and yellow ribbons to show support.
Not only were the people motivating, but the course itself was an inspiration. Craig said that part of the race was a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which was surreal, and then at another part of the course runners passed beneath a gigantic American flag. There wasn’t a dry eye on the course.
When Craig and Schmidt finished the race, they were tired and elated.
“The reunion in the park post-race was filled with laughter, congratulations, pats on the back, hugs, and plans for that evening,” Schmidt said. “My whole Marathon Training group, affectionately known as the "tailgate group" spent the rest of the race day and night out enjoying all that the welcoming big city had to offer. Dinner, drinks, dancing!”
After running 13.1 miles, Schmidt goes dancing? Holy cannoli…
Craig met up with her fiancé, Kevin, who came to support her on her big day. On their way home, Craig could not remove the huge smile from her face as she remembered the memory that she just created.
Thank you for doing what makes you happy, girls. You are both a living testament to all of us that we can do anything…all we have to do is take that first step.
If you ran the Indy Half Marathon and you have any photos of yourself or your friends at the race, send them to us at {valpo}share@valpolife.com{/valpo}{portage}share@portagelife.com{/portage}{laporte}share@laportecountylife.com{/laporte}{nwindiana}share@nwindianalife.com{/nwindiana}