Capital City Half Marathon, Columbus, Ohio
Saturday, April 3, 2004
Race report from Shelton...
Date: Wed Apr 4, 2004
Subject: Columbus half
Hi Glenn. Here's my report. That last mile was a killer! I DID IT! :<) I finished my first half marathon... AND survived. It was, of course, a pr but we actually shaved 16 minutes off our planned time of 4:30. It was a learning experience to say the least and I was only partially present at the end of the course. In the "fog of war" I do recall a lot of hugs, congrats and a tv interview and I know a great deal of appreciation is due many, including all the email encouragement.
A special acknowledgement is due to John "The Penguin" Bingham for his generosity, support, and encouragement to make this one of those most memorable "once in a lifetime" events for me. Deepest appreciation is also extended to my two guides, Danielle Vargo and Robin Harrison, both very experienced marathoners and my sister, Harriet, who made the trip from NYC just to be by my side. The last mile required the understanding finesse of all three to keep me propelled toward the mats. It made all the difference in the world.
Some positive signs are as of this morning, there is only a little stiffness, no soreness, and nothing hurts. I suspect by tomorrow only memories will remain. The sights are still set on the NYC marathon in November. At this point I know that I can do AT LEAST one half of it. I will be working on the other half between now and then.
Shelton
Race report from Harriet...
Date: Sun Apr 4, 2004
Subject: Capital City Half MarathonShelton and I had a wonderful time at the Capital City Classic half marathon in Columbus yesterday, and I'm pleased to report that he survived. You never know how things will go at an inaugaural race, but except for a dearth of spectators, everything went almost perfectly. The long-sleeved shirts have a plump Penguin running from a starting line, and the backs have the backside of said Penguin running through the finish line.
Shelton and I got VIP treatment from the time we showed up, greeted by one of the race committee and ushered through the registration process. I had written ahead to John about Shelton's special needs. Early registrants had their names on the race bibs. The young man helping to hand out goodie bags looked vaguely familiar and definitely Kenyan, so I asked him if he was going to win. He smiled, looked a bit flustered, and humbly said "I don't know". We also got our instructions for our special 2 hour early start. Then it was off to have dinner at a nice Italian restaurant with the Penguins, including Mary D, Cher, Lisa and Scott Whipps, Teresa VanDyne and hubby, and Lauren.
On Saturday morning, we arrived a bit before 8 AM and were greeted by John Bingham himself, who introduced us to the two women who had volunteered to walk the race with us. Both were experienced marathoners, the younger (Danielle) with 20 'thons. I also met and flipper-hugged Maureen, who had driven down from Detroit that morning and who had to leave right after the race. Then we lined up at the start, and as the first starters had pictures taken by the official photographer.
Our course had one detour because a road under construction did not have a sidewalk, but after a mile or so we were on the regular (but still unmarked and unconed) course. My nephew Speedy Tommie met us several times to provide fluids (the aid stations were not yet set up), and at the first meet, Tommie and Danielle recognized each other - they had been on
their high school's track team together! This course, like the Columbus Marathon, is almost flat, and the weather conditions were perfect - mostly overcast with temps in the 40's to 50's. We walked through various neighborhoods such as German Village, the Italian section, and the Brewery District, then through downtown Columbus. I had not realized that there were so many parks tucked away on the sidestreets of Columbus.We were passed by the leader at around 8.5 miles, and it was indeed the young man at the expo, Daniel Cheruiyot, who recognized us and smiled and waved as he went by. He went on to win in 1:08, two minutes ahead of the second finisher, on what was a practice run for him (he's training for a 10K in Chicago).
Shelton needed some slower paced breaks at around 10 miles, and our other volunteer, Robin, needed a potty break, so she and I stopped off at a White Castle on the route. I didn't need the break but I was getting hungry, so I ordered a White Castle cheeseburger (a.k.a. a "slider"). Mmm-mmm good! We were cheered by Teresa and Scott as they went by, but we missed Cher. We had expected more Penguins to pass us, but Shelton was well ahead of our predicted pace.
The mid-pack were now passing us as we headed back towards the Start/Finish area. Being a local, Shelton knew how far we were from the finish, but he had forgotten about a side loop around a park, and this really took the stuffing out of him, especially since one side of the park was uphill.
Our volunteers did a great job of chatting to him and encouraging him. Quite a few of the runners were also walking at this point. We finally made the last turn and could see the finish line. As we approached the chute, Shelton mustered up the last of his energy to jog to and across the finish mats, high-fiving the crowd along the side. He was ecstatic!
A cameraman came over to interview him and asked how he felt - Shelton's response was "Alive!" A small crowd of Penguins was also there to congratulate him, and Lisa came in just after us. We garnered our medals (which have a high-relief Penguin design) and parted from our volunteers (I gave each a small Penguin pin). I then guided Shelton, who was pouring sweat and walking a little wobbly, to the VIP lounge where he could sit and rehydrate.
It took about an hour for Shelton to recover from his effort. He was nodding off in the VIP lounge, and then had to lie down on the bench at the restaurant because he was feeling dizzy. He was probably a bit dehydrated, and some of his medications may have also had an effect. We'll make some adjustments in his blood pressure meds next time. But we're both very pleased and he has learned a lot from the experience. He still plans to apply for the NYCM. After the race, we had lunch with the Penguins at a restaurant near the Arena area, where it seemed that everyone had done well. I think that we were all pleased with the race organization. I flew home today.
Harriet
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